Saving Mr. Banks

When Walt Disney set his sights on obtaining the rights to the classic children's book "Mary Poppins", he reaches out to the book's author, P. L. Travers, only to find that she proves a tough nut to crack.  Just a great movie with some fascinating background on Mr. Banks who is the author's father.  The movie hinges around why Ms. Travers is so stubborn about agreeing to let Disney make the movie "Mary Poppins".  I give it an eight.  Stars Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson, Colin Farrell, Paul Giamatti.

American Hustle

A fictionalization of the "Abscam" scandal of the early 1980's, the movie follows con man Irving Rosenfeld and his lover, Sydney Prosser, as they help an eccentric FBI agent expose corruption among several members of Congress in New Jersey and Pennsylavania.  The start of the movie is confusing with many intertwined plots.  But, it does keep your attention.  Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence are outstanding in their performances.  I give it an 8.  Stars Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Lawrence.

Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug

This is the second installment of Bilbo Baggins dramatic experiences in Middle Earth.  Accompanied by Gandalf and 13 dwarfs, Bilbo journeys toward a confrontation with dragon Smaug.   Plenty of action and breath holding moments in this tale (think an add on to Lord of the Rings).  But, it moves at a fast clip.  Be prepared for the End which should read "to be continued".  Yes, there is a third movie (and last) in the works.  If you are into to this sort of fantasy  (and I am), you will enjoy it.  The theater was fairly full at a Wednesday 1100 performance.  I give it an 8.  Stars Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage and Cate Blanchett.

Out of the Furnace

Working-class siblings Russell and Rodney Baze are desperate to flee the Rust Belt and find better lives.  But when a twist of fate lands Russell in jail,  Rodney gets mixed up with a crime syndicate and their brotherly bond is soon put to the test.  Very disjointed movie and scenes don't always fall in sequence.  The opening scene makes no sense and at times none of the others do either.  Also, a very violent film.  I give it a 7.  Stars Christian Bale, Woody Harrelson, Casey Affleck and Forest Whitaker.

Philomena

Floundering BBC journalist Martin Sixsmith and aging Irishwoman Philomena Lee form an unlikely bond when they pair up to find the son Philomena was forced to give up for adoption 50 years ago. 
Judi Dench was her same wonderful and entertaining self.  Great story and based on reality which is generally appalling that the Catholic Church would condone this.  I give it an 8.  Stars Judi Dench, Steve Coogan, Sophie Kennedy Clark.

Thor: The Dark World

The God of Thunder strikes again as he fights to save the Nine Realms from mysterious villain Malekith, who plans to make the entire universe go dark.  Meanwhile, Thor must find Jane Foster, who's been targeted by the evil denizens of Svartalfheim.  Lots of action but often disjointed as it goes from one Realm to another.  I give it a 6.  Stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins.