Hunger Games: Catching Fire

After her triumph in the Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen begins a new life and confronts more danger in this sequel to the post apocalyptic fable. As Katniss travels through the districts on a "Victor's Tour, a rebellion gathers steam around her. No more or I'll spoil the movie but it does follow the book.  Two and a half hours flew by due to the great acting and action.  I give it an 8.  Don't miss it on the big screen.  Stars Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson and Phillip Seymour Hoffman.

Nebraska

When a cantankerous old boozer thinks he's won a magazine sweepstakes prize, his son reluctantly takes a road trip with him to claim the fortune.  As they drive from Montana to Nebraska, they visit friends and relatives to whom dad owes money.  Do not miss this movie.  Being from the rural prairie land of Colorado, it was easy to relate to these characters.  In fact I might be related to a couple.  Words can't do justice to the acting and facial expressions of the characters.  Some of the best comic moments I've seen in any movie this year.  I give it a 9.  Stars Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb, Stacey Keach.

The Dallas Buyers Club

Loosely based on true events, this drama follows Ron Woodroof, who refuses to accept he'll die in 30 days when he is diagnosed with AIDS in 1986.  He extends his life and eventually helps many other AIDS patients by smuggling medications from abroad.  This is a very moving story with the FDA as the bad guy.  Having lived overseas, I found that many very useful medications are not found in the USA because the FDA doesn't approve them.  Matthew McConaughey gives a great performance.  I give it an eight.  Stars Matthew McConaughey, Jenifer Garner, Jared Leto, Steve Zahn.

The Book Thief

Young Liesel steals books to teach herself to read which gives her refuge from the horrors of Nazi Germany and the mother that abandoned her.  Her foster father shows her affection and helps to teach her to read but the foster mother pretends to be cold.  Her foster parents are hiding a Jewish man in their home.  The refugee's father saved the life of the foster father in WWI.  Liesel forms a strong bond with the man and ups her book taking to entertain him.  This is an excellent movie with many memorable scenes.  I give it an eight.  Stars Sophie Nelisse, Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Ben Schnetzer.

All Is Lost

In this harrowing drama--which has no dialogue--a man stranded alone at sea courageously battles
a ferocious storm as he struggles to survive.  Another movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end.  It is exhausting but well done.  Robert Redford give the performance of a lifetime.  I give it a 9.  Only one star--Robert Redford.