The Namesake - over-rated, predictable, though has moments.
The Lives of Others - solid from top to bottom.
On CSS' ItW post, I don't see Van Sant (or Wenders) working this material anywhere near as well as Penn does, VS is more interested in CINECAST!ed up kids than hopeful ones. This is also why Affleck wouldn't work in the role, he is too blah/dour, not enough spirit. I thought Hirsch pulled off the tension between being disappointed with people/society with loving people/life perfectly. On Penn, I don't get the alienating bit, either. I can't imagine another director giving the story the care needed to pull it off. I just see the TV bit as essential social context, nicely echoed with the messed up parental values.