Corporate downsizing is something that we have lately become much too familiar with. Many people are out of work; this includes people who have been at a corporation for years. For them, it is especially difficult as age becomes a prohibitive factor in the job search. John Wells (E.R.) tackles this painful and frustrating subject with honesty and heart in his feature directorial debut, The Company Men.

Ben Affleck is worming his chiseled self back into our hearts, isn't he? Five years ago, who would have guessed it?

The actor is actually well into his career rehabilitation, thanks in large part to his successful directorial effort Gone, Baby, Gone and his second feature, The Town, looking like a quality dramatic thriller. He's not done. He's also got The Company Men, which is his first real leading-man role in years; the film just got a trailer guaranteed to tickle those who love a feel-bad-then-feel-good inspirational drama. Throw in the Oscar-winner-friendly cast and fact that it's completely of the times (think of it as the flipside to Jason Reitman's Up in the Air) and you've got yourself a pretty sure-fire end of the year hit. And possible awards darling, to boot.

Synopsis: Bobby Walker is living the American dream: great job, beautiful family, shiny Porsche in the garage. When corporate downsizing leaves him and co-workers Phil Woodward and Gene McClary jobless, the three men are forced to re-define their lives as men, husbands, and fathers. Bobby soon finds himself enduring enthusiastic life coaching, a job building houses for his brother-in-law which does not play to his executive skill set, and perhaps the realization that there is more to life than chasing the bigger, better deal.