The Imitation Game

Chronicling mathematical wizard Alan Turing's key role in Britain's successful effort to crack Germany's Enigma Code during World War II.  The historical biopic also recounts how his ground breaking work helped launch the computer age.  Fantastic movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat.  I give it a 9.  Stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Kiera Knightley.

Wild

A chronicle of one woman's 1100 mile solo hike taken to recover from a recent catastrophe and a life on the skids.  Cheryl Strayed is a self-destructive divorcee who is seeking to conquer her demons.  She was raised with an abusive father who her mother leaves and takes  Cheryl and her brother.   At 22, Cheryl is in college and her mother decides to join her to better her life.  But, her mother is suddenly diagnosed with cancer and dies.  Cheryl who is married goes into a downward spiral and becomes a heroine addict.  Her marriage ends and when she hits bottom she starts the hike.   Dark so very dark and sad.  I give it an 8.  Stars Reese Witherspoon, Gaby Hoffman, Michael Huisman and Marc Vallee.

The Homesman

A claim jumper (Tommy Lee Jones) and a pioneer woman (Hilary Swank) team up to escort three insane women from Nebraska to Iowa.  Dark so very dark drama with not one light moment.  Great names and a good performances but the story is totally disjointed and leaves one wondering what just happened.  Save it for DVD.  I give it a 5.  Stars Tommy Lee Jones, Hilary Swank, Meryl Streep, John Lithgow.

Rosewater

A drama based on a memoir by the Iranian journalist Maziar Bahari.  Bahari returns to his home country in order to report on the 2009 presidential elections there.  When the results lead to public protests, Bahari videotapes the civil unrest.  This brings him to the attention of the authorities who apprehend him and keep him in solitary confinement in hopes of getting him to confess his crimes.  Very intense movie with acts of violence.  Definitely not a travel log for Iran.  It will keep you on the edge of your seat.  I give it an 8.  Bahari is played by Gael Garcia Bernal.

The Theory of Everything

With his body progressively ravaged by ALS, world famous physicist Stephen Hawking must rely on his wife, Jane, to continue his life's work as he faces various challenges.  This biographical drama centers on the couple's fertile partnership.  Well acted even if as he ages, he becomes an ungrateful husband.  I won't ruin the movie.  I give it a 7.  Stars Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Emily Watson, David Thewlis.

Force Majeure

At a ski resort in the Alps, the sudden and terrifying approach of an avalanche opens a deep fissure in the lives of a vacationing Swedish family when the patriarch flees to save himself instead of protecting his wife and children.  The avalanche is "snow control" by the resort.  The wife is astounded by the husband's reaction.  The movie explores human behavior when facing a crisis.  I give it an 8.  Stars Johannes Bah Kuhn, Lisa Loven Kongsli, Clara Wettengren.

Nightcrawler

Eager for any work that will make ends meet, Lou Bloom joins the flock of camera crews prowling the nighttime streets of LA in search of scandal and crime.  But before long, Lou finds himself caught in the tabloid limelight. This is somewhere between a drama and dark comedy.  Sheds a whole new light on news teams and their motives.  Jake Gyllenhaal does an outstanding job as Lou Bloom.  You will hate him by the end.  I give it a seven.  Stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Bill Paxton.

The Blue Room

This French thriller will throw you for a loop.  In the intimate confines of a hotel room, married Julien Gahyde and his paramour, Esther Despiere, meet  regularly for erotic encounters--until he is arrested for an unstipulated crime connected to their intense affair.  The movie will keep your attention, however it is French, need I say more?  I give it a 6.  Stars Lea Drucker, Mathieu Amaltric, Stephanie Cleau.

Birdman

Michael Keaton delivers a great performance in this dark comedy about a cinematic superhero trying to forge a come back with a Broadway play with none of the super-powers of his former character.  Former Birdman struggles to rebuild his career and life with some light moments but many dark ones.  I give it a 7.  Stars Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts, Edward Norton.

St. Vincent

With his parents preoccupied with their divorce, lonely 12-year-old Oliver strikes up a friendship with his war-veteran neighbor Vincent.  Vincent is a hard-drinking gambler with a fondness for hookers.  Vincent finds his life changed by the boy's presence.  A touching story with enough comedy to keep one interested.  The Tuesday hooker is pregnant which is a comedy in itself.  I give it a 7+.  Stars Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, Naomi Watts.

Pride

An unlikely alliance, striking British mine workers draw support from a coalition of gay and lesbian activists who solicit donations to help tide over the miners' families during the 1984 stand off with Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's government.  The movie is not only a true story but just plain fun and well done.  I smiled for the rest of the day.  I give it an 8 so don't miss it.  Stars Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Dominic West.

Gone Girl

Based on Gillian Flynn's novel of the same name, this unsettling thriller follows the mercurial Nick Dunne, who finds himself dogged by police and caught in media maelstrom after he becomes the prime suspect in his wife's disappearance.  I can't say much more or I would give it away.  I am not a big thriller fan but I have to respect how good this one is.  I am still having nightmares.  I give it an 8.  Stars Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike.

This Is Where I Leave You

In accordance with the Jewish custom, four siblings gather to sit Shiva after their father's death but are soon bickering and renewing old grudges.  Brought together for the first time in years, the quarrelsome brood is in for a week long emotional duel.  Somewhere between a comedy and drama, it is very entertaining.  Don't believe the critics.  I give it a 6.  Stars Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Jane Fonda.

Tracks

Mia Wasikowska portrays the adventurer Robyn Davidson, who crossed the Australian dessert alone- on foot- in 1977  with three camels.  Drawn from Davidson's memoir, this drama depicts her arduous journey and explores her reasons for undertaking it.  Unbelievable film  that I highly recommend   I give it a 7+.  Stars Mia Wasikowska and Adam Driver.

The Drop

A real sleeper which stars James Gandolfini in his last role.  Bob Saginowski is a bartender at a neighborhood bar in Brooklyn.  Run by his cousin Marv, the bar operates as a "drop" bar where criminals launder money.  Star of the movie has to be the Puppy Rocco who is ditched in a garbage can but rescued by Bob.  Plus there is the sleazy girl who has changed her ways and is interested in Bob and Rocco.  Rotten Tomatoes canned the movie but that was unjust.  I give it a 7.  Stars Tome Hardy, Noomi Rapace, James Gandolfini.

My Old Lady

New Yorker Mathias Gold is delighted to learn that he's inherited a Paris apartment from his deceased father.  But delight turns to dismay when Mathias travels to France to sell the property and finds his dad's former lover occupying the place and by French property rule will stay until she dies.  Oh by the way she has a lovely daughter just Mathias's age.  Not a flat out comedy but with many light and not so light scenes.  Maggie Smith once again does not disappoint.  I give it an 8.  Stars Kevin Kline, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Maggie Smith.

The Trip to Italy

Following in the footsteps of the great romantic poets, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon traverse the Italian countryside musing about life and love, work enters the conversation as well in this largely improvised sequel to the road trip comedy "The Trip".  The jury is out on this one.  The scenery is great and the food will drive you crazy  but it is slow with a lot of philosophizing.  In all fairness, there are a few humorous moments.  I give it a 5.  Obviously, stars Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon.

The One I Love

Confronted with the potential end of their marriage, Ethan and Sophie take off for a weekend together, hoping to negotiate their future.  When they reach their idyllic destination, however, the couple strolls into a bizarre new brand of trouble.  Prepare yourself for a "social" thriller.  No blood or gore but a mystery to solve.  It is a mind bender.  I give it a 7.  Stars Mark Duplass, Elizabeth Moss, and Ted Danson.

Love Is Strange

After 28 years together, Ben and George finally get hitched.  But when the marriage raises controversy at the school where George works, he is fired.  Unable to afford their New York City apartment, the couple is forced to live apart.  A movie for my generation and confronting a society that is not moving forward.  The movie breaks your heart for the shabby way an older couple is forced to live.  Great performances by the actors.  I give it 7.  It stars John Lithgow, Alfred Molina, Marisa Tomei.

Guardians Of The Galaxy

On the run from intergalactic warlord Ronan, hotshot space pilot Peter Quill unites a ragtag band of oddballs to form a team of unlikely heroes.  Soon, the Guardians discover that they alone stand between Ronan and the galaxy's destruction.  This movie is just plain fun and totally unrealistic.  Sit back, enjoy the humor and have a good time.  I give it a six.    Stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saladana, Dave Bautista , Glen Close.

The Hundred Foot Journey

Relocating from India to a quiet village in the south of France, chef Hassan Kadam and his family opened a restaurant called Maison Mumbai.  But when their business starts to thrive, a competing restaurateur launches a war between the eateries.  A very touching story with humor and romance.  Hassan achieves success and moves to Paris  and a bigger eatery giving up the love of his life Marguerite.  But the story only gets better.  A solid 7 or even an 8.  Do not go hungry to this movie.  The movie stars Helen Mirren, Om Puri, Manish Dugat and Charlotte Le Bon.

Magic In The Moonlight

Exposing a phony soothsayer proves harder than expected when the debunker (an Englishman) becomes smitten with the purported fraud (an American beauty).  This deft romantic comedy unwinds amid the gilt and glamour of the French Riviera in the 1920's.  Entertaining but not Academy Award material.  However, it has great scenic views and good music.   I give it a high five or low six.  Don't feel bad about saving it for a DVD.  Stars Colin Firth, Eileen Atkins, Emma Stone.

Boyhood

After divorcing, a mother and father  continue to share the task of guiding their young son through youth and adolescence, and finally to adulthood.  As the years roll by, the relationships among the three characters continue to evolve as well.  Little known fact is that as the years roll by, the movie is shot over those years so the actors stay the same.  You will laugh, cry and cheer them on.  One of the finest movies that I have ever seen.  I give it a nine.  Stars Ellar Coltrane, Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette, Lorelei Linklater.

Wish I Was Here

With his acting career in the dumps, Aiden Bloom steers a new tack in life, taking over his kids education when private school becomes too costly.  Finding much to learn as well as teach, Aiden develops his own unique curriculum for the kids.  Not Academy Award material but entertaining.  The kids are a hoot.  I give it a six and say save it for DVD.  Stars Zack Braff, Donald Falson, Josh Gad.

Snowpiercer

The Earth's remaining inhabitants are confined to a single train circling the globe as revolution brews among the class-divided cars.  Based on a French graphic novel and set in a new ice age, this futuristic thriller stars a top-notch cast.  It will take a lot to  convince me that drugs are not involved.  There is some deep and I mean deep  philosophical point here but I was too astounded to analyze.  It helps to have a glass of wine before going to this movie.  I give it a 5 and suggest  saving it for DVD.  Stars Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, Jamie Bell, John Hurt, Ed Harris.

Begin Again

Moving to New York City proves disastrous for a young singer after her boyfriend yields to the temptations of another woman.  But opportunity comes knocking when she meets a recently axed music producer looking to launch her career and save his own.  An entertaining movie with great music.  I give it a 7.  Stars Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo.

Violette

Impoverished Violette Leduc finds a mentor in best-selling author Simone de Beauvoir, who champions her work and encourages her art.  But while the two become life long friends, Violette yearns for something more.  The movie takes place after WWII until the  late 1950's.  Very dark movie  about a real French author.  Lots of perspective on the rights of women.  It is definitely for the intellectual type who likes touchy feely.  I give is a 6+.  Stars Emmanuelle Devos, Sardrine Kiberlain, Catherine Hiegel, Oliver Py.

Chinese Puzzle

This trilogy by Cedric Klapisch gets a 9+ from me.  In order to get the most out of it, follow the following steps:

Step One: Rent L'Auberge Espagnole the 2002 film about Xavier Rousseau, the 20 something Parisian who goes to Spain to  learn Spanish which will further his financial career.  For one year while he studies Spanish he lives in an apartment with a colorful international group of  20 something male and females.  He leaves the love of his life, Martine, back in Paris who he eventually breaks up with.

Step Two:  Rent Russian Dolls the 2005 film that continues the exploits of Xavier and the now almost 30 group from L'Auberge Espagnole.  Xavier is smitten with Wendy from that group and is wooing her even though he continues his friendship with now divorced Martine.

Step Three:  Chinese Puzzle (now in theaters) is a must see especially if you have seen the previous two.  Xavier is now almost40 and newly divorced from Wendy and is pursuing a writing career.  He follows his wife and two kids to the Big Apple to start over.  Yes the characters from the previous two movies show up here too.   All three movies are among my favorites.  Chinese Puzzle is the best of the lot and you should not miss it.  Stars:  Romain Duris, Audrey Tautou, Cecile DeFranco , Kelly Reily.

Jersey Boys

This movie is a nostalgic look at the Four Seasons and their bumpy offstage lives that stretches across four decades.  Each of the musical act's four original members present a different set of memories.  The music brings back lots of memories.  No new artist has done their songs like the original Four Season.  Fergie, you aren't even close with your version of Big Girls Don't Cry.  I give it a 7.  Stars John Lloyd Young, Vincent Piazza, Erich Bergen, Johnny Cammizzaro, Christopher Walken.

The Grand Seduction

The cash-strapped harbor of Tickle Cove must persuade a doctor to move to town if they want a plastics manufacturer to build a new factory in the little harbor.  But selling the advantages of the tiny Newfoundland village to a young professional won't be easy.  The villagers band together and use many innovative techniques to lure the doctor to stay and the manufacturer to build.  A truly pleasant surprise of a movie.  I highly recommend this comedy.  You might even want to see it twice to see what you missed while you were laughing.  Stars Brendan Gleeson, Taylor Kitsan, Anna Hopkins, Liane Bulban.

Obvious Child

After being fired from her job and dumped by her cheating boyfriend, a comedian bottoms out and has a drunken one night stand with a nice guy who's not her type.  Weeks later she finds out that she is pregnant.  Definitely a 20 or 30 something movie with all the ups and downs.  The younger generation will love it so I am giving it a 7.  Stars Jenny Slate, Jake Lacy, Gaby Hoffman.

The Other Woman

When she finds out that her boyfriend is married and that she is his mistress, a woman, teams up with the jerk's wife to get revenge.  Then they find out there is another mistress.  Game on to bring jerk down by his mistresses and wife who can be very creative.  Definitely a chick flick so leave the other sex home.  Light and amusing so I give it a 5.  Stars Cameron Diaz, Niki Minaj, Leslie Mann, Kate Upton.

Words and Pictures

 


A picture is worth a thousand words--or is it?  That's the question prep school students must answer as their teachers egg them on in this diverting romantic comedy.  Clive Owen plays the alcoholic honors English teacher and Juliette Binoche plays the disabled honors art teacher.  Entertaining movie that poses some real questions on what is art.  I give it an 8.

Ida

Raised in a Catholic orphanage during the Nazi occupation of Poland, Anna is poised to join the order when she learns she has a surviving aunt.  But, visiting the woman before taking her vows uncovers some inconvenient truths about her heritage.   These truths are shocking.   The movie is more than another Nazi hate movie with some outstanding acting. Filmed in black and white it matches the somber subject.  I give it a 7+.  Stars Agat Kulesza; Agata Trzeduckowkski.

Chef

A feel good movie that is a feast for the eyes, food wise.  Jon Favreau plays a divorced chef with a 10 year old son that he spends little time with, until he loses his job.  An obnoxious food critic pans his meal on Twitter and the owner of his restaurant doesn't allow him to cook a more creative menu.  Chef Carl Casper goes to Miami and obtains and fixes up a food truck and regains his zest for cooking.  The film becomes a road movie as he and his associate and son begin a new career.  Eat a hearty snack before this movie because you will be starving by the end.  The music is also great and will have you tapping your toes.  I give it a solid 8.  Stars Jon Favreau, Sofia Vergara, Scarlett Johansson. 

Belle

A period drama based on fact traces the life of Dido Elizabeth Belle, a biracial girl born in 1761 to a British admiral father and an African mother.  Raised by her great uncle, Dido finds her place in society despite her mixed ethnicity.  The movie tastefully portrays society of that day.  The movie  is well done and fascinating.  I give it an 8.  Stars Gugu Mbath- Raw, Penelope Wilton, Miranda Richardson and Tom Wilkinson.

Fading Gigolo

Middle-aged Fioraventa and Murray are an unlikely gigolo and pimp in this farce about two cash-strapped friends who turn to the sex trade to make ends meet.  Their new enterprise is fruitful, but things get complicated when romance enters the picture.  John Tururro wrote and directed this film which was a pleasant surprise.  Despite the tittle, it was tastefully done and humorous.  I give it a seven.  It stars John Tururro, Woody Allen and Vanessa Paradis.

Joe

When ex-con Joe hires 15-year-old Gary to help clear trees for a lumber company, he doesn't expect to become a father figure for the abused boy.  When Gary runs away from home, Joe becomes his protector, a role overshadowed by his own troubled past.  I swear that my next post is going to be a comedy.  This is a dark movie with an alcoholic and abusive father who is the devil's spawn.  But of course this is the deep back country South.   The movie gets your anger up, but I saw some realities in it.  The only smart and good characters are the black ones.  An unusual but good role for Nicholas Cage who lives up to it.  Save  the movie for DVD--too emotional.  I give it a 6.  Stars Nicholas Cage and Tye Sheridan.

Railway Man

Decades after his brutal captivity under the Japanese during World War II, Eric Lomax still has nightmares about the ordeal.  But when he unexpectedly meets and falls for Patti,  a bizarre coincidence brings his past back into focus.  Fascinating and well-acted by all.  But would you expected any less from Colin Firth?  Brutal but a part of our past that can't be ignored.  I give it an 8.  Stars Colin Firth, Nicole Kidman, Jeremy Irvine and Stellan Skarsgard.

Dom Hemingway

After finishing a 12-year prison sentence, safe cracker Dom Hemingway sets out to collect the money he is owed by his former partners in crime.  When that mission tanks, Dom returns to London to try and gain forgiveness from his estranged daughter.    The story itself is not Academy Award material and the language is totally Potty Mouth.   However, Dom (played by Jude Law) gives an Academy Award performance.  His performance reminded me of Kate Blanchard's in Blue Jasmine.  He carries the movie and his talking role is over 80% of the film.  I give the movie a 6 but he gets an 8.  Stars Jude Law and Richard E. Grant.

Noah

Hollywood 's version of the Bible makes you wonder who could think this was entertaining.  The adaptation of the story of Noah depicts visions that let him to voice dire prophesies of apocalypse and build an ark to survive.  As he labors to save his family, Noah asks for help from a band of angels called the watchers (animated rocks that will scare small children).  This is one of the dumbest films that I have seen.  Noah wants to save the family but kill them off later.  You will be running to your Bible to see what actually happened.  I give it a generous 2.  Stars Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, a weepy Emma Watson who you will want to smack and Anthony Hopkins.

Le Week-End

Returning to Paris 20+ years after their honeymoon, a British couple hopes to rediscover the magical feelings after their early years.  Of course the wife is not as enthusiastic and is considering a separation.  They meet an old friend who's perspectives on love and marriage helps them recover what was lost.  If you are under 45, not the movie for you.  For a 50/60 audience it hits home.  There are lots of funny moments.  I give it a seven.  Stars Jim Broadbent, Lindsay Duncan, Jeff Goldblum.

Divergent

Born into a civilization in the distant future, Beatrice is a teenager who learns that her unique cognitive skills make her a Divergent.  Over time she discovers that Divergents are slated for elimination by the government.  The race is on to escape from those wishing to kill her.  Of course, there is a super stud of a guy who gets on her side.  The new crop of under forty movies such as this one and the Hunger Games are the new Westerns.  No more cowboys and Indians fighting to take the fort,  the new fort is the future.  The scenario is much the same--bad guys vs good guys and the fight to take over.   Like the Hunger Games Trilogy this too has two more sequels slated.  It is well done and I found myself rooting for the good guys.  I give it an 8.   You will learn to hate Kate Winslet in her bad guy role.   Stars Shailene Woodley, Kate Winslet, Theo James and Ashley Judd.

Bad Words

Blessed with a photographic memory but no high school education, Guy Trilby discovers that he is eligible to enter spelling bees intended for children.  As Guy steamrolls his pre-teen competition, a journalist tries to find out what motivates him.  Not a people person, he tends to insult everyone including a small boy of Indian decent that gets to him and makes the movie.  Very entertaining and fast moving, try to get to the theater but as least see the DVD.  I give it a 7.  Stars Jason Bateman, Rohan Chand, Kathryn Hahn, Anjul Nigam.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Between the World Wars, Gustave H, the concierge at a prestigious European hotel, takes a bellboy named zero as a trusted protégé .   Meanwhile, the upscale guests are involved in an art theft and dispute over a vast family fortune.  Very funny and entertaining with an array of know actors and actresses who excel in their parts.  It lives up to the press given to it.  I give it an 8.  Stars Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton.

Bethlehem

An informant for Israel's Shin Bet intelligence service, Palestinian Sanfur is torn when his brother becomes an agency target.  His tragic choice is complicated by his relationship with Razi, the boss, mentor and father figure who hired him as a teen.  Very though provoking, however very tense as the continuing struggle between Jews and Arabs continues.  There are more that two sides--on the Palestinian side are several different factions fighting other Arab factions.  Take a tranquilizer before going because nothing in this part of the world ends well.  I give it a seven. 
Stars Tsahi Halevi, Sahdi Marei, Hitham Omari, Michal Shtamla.

The Lunchbox

When Mumbai's eerily reliable lunchbox delivery service erroneously sends a meal prepared by a young housewife to a lonely widower on the brink of retirement, the mistake ignites an exchange of notes and mutual fantasy between them.  First, I want you to know that it is French produced and we know what that means--good luck with the ending.  Very entertaining and well acted, this is a movie to see.  Although, you will want to smack the cheating husband.  But, you will love Auntie who is upstairs.  You will also have sympathy with the struggle of women.  I give it an 8.  Stars Irrfan Khan, Mimrat Kaur, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Denzil Smith.

In Secret

Trapped in a loveless marriage to her insufferable cousin, Theres Raquin seeks solace in the arms of the attentive Laurent Le Claire.  But her quest for happiness may lead to tragedy.  Adopted from Emile Zola's classic novel.  Very French so I will not reveal any more of the story.  It definitely keeps your attention, so do not believe the reviews.  I give it a 7+.  Stars Elizabeth Olsen, Oscar Issac, Jessica Lange, Tom Felton.

Omar

With his girl friend, Nadia, living on the other side of an Israeli-built boundary wall, Young Palestinian Omar regularly scales it to visit her.  But he faces even greater obstacles after a lethal confrontation with an Israeli soldier.  Tense and unbelievable hostilities between the two sides.  Great acting and lots of drama.  I give it an 8.  Stars Adam Bakri and lyad Harani.

Omar

With his girl friend, Nadia, living on the other side of an Israeli-built boundary wall, young Palestinian Omar regularly scales it to visit her.  But he faces even greater obstacles after a lethal confrontation with an Israeli soldier.  Very tense and dramatic movie with hostilities between the Palestinians and the Israelis.  Be prepared for a "shock" ending.  I give it an 8.  Stars Adam Bakri; lyard Hurani; Samer Bitrarat.

Winter's Tale

Colin Farrell is a thief who breaks into an ill girl's home and then falls for her.  As the action shifts between past and present, the burglar also acquires a flying-horse guardian angel.  This is an adult fairy tale.  One just has to go with the flow and let your imagination run wild.  My friend and I found ourselves rooting for the flying horse.  This is one for your inner child.  Females will love it and guys will hate it, but who cares.  I give it a five +.  Stars Colin Farrell, Russel Crowe, Will Smith, Jennifer Connelly, Eva Marie Saint.

The Monuments Men

In a race against time, a crew of art historians and museum curators unite to recover renown works of art stolen by Nazis before Hitler destroys them.  Who knew?  For travelers to Europe, one will be amazed at the works of art stolen and set for demolition.  I remember the Madonna and Child in Bruges and am grateful that it was saved.  Don't believe the reviews, it was a good movie with an exciting end.  It is also an all star cast including George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman and Cate Blanchett.  I give it seven.

The Invisible Woman

Set in the 1800's, the movie is about the affair Charles Dickens began with a teenage actress while at the height of his career.  Felicity Jones plays the young thespian who catches Dickens's eye, and Kristin Scott Thomas plays her mom.  I do not recommend taking your significant other (male) to this if you want to remain on speaking terms.  Very slow and 88% relationship drama. No real action not even a good verbal abuse fight.  So very British and proper even if mom is pimping the daughters.  I guess that was done back then.  I give it a very generous 6.  Stars Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Fairley, Felicity Jones, Kristin Scott Thomas.

Gloria

A middle-aged divorcee looking to fill the void in her life sees an opportunity for a permanent relationship when she meets a charming former naval officer.  But baggage from the past may derail their romance.  Don't even think this is a comedy because the previews are wrong.  It is a sad drama with some light moments.  A fifty something divorced woman who makes all the wrong choices.  On the positive side, the star Paulina Garcia gives a great performance.  I give it a five or maybe a six if I am being generous.  Save for a DVD.  Stars Paulina Garcia; Sergio Hernandez; Diego Fontecilla.

The Past

When Iranian Ahmad returns to France after a four-year separation from his French wife, Marie, he discovers that she now has a boyfriend and that behind her difficult relationship with their daughter lies a secret from the past.  This is a typical "French" movie so expect an ending that leaves you hanging.  The movie itself moves right along with many twists and turns.  The acting is superb especially the kids.  Boyfriend's young son is a star.  I give it an 8.  Stars Berenice Bejo, Tahar Rahim, Ali Mosaffa, Pauline Burlet.

August: Osage County

When their father disappears, three strong-willed women return to their childhood home and to their equally strong-willed mother. As they search for their patriarch, the dysfunctional family members wind up facing difficult truths about themselves.  This movie will make you appreciate your family because no family can be this dysfunctional.  Meryl Streep gives an exceptional performance as the mother.  The entire cast gives an 8 performance.  Stars Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Chris Cooper, Ewan McGregor.

Labor Day

What begins as a short ride turns into a life-changing event for a divorced single mother, Adele Wheeler and her 13 year old son, Henry, when they give a lift to a bloodied man on a fateful Labor Day Weekend.  Of course, the man is an escaped convict with many talents.  The prisoner and Adele soon find themselves falling in love.  Sounds corny but is very well done and believable.  You will be rooting for the prisoner.  I give it a 7.  Stars Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin and Tobey Maguire.

Wolf of Wall Street

This is a high-rolling drama based on the memoirs of stockbroker Jordon Belfort, whose giddy career--involving audacious scams and  confrontations with the FBI and other agencies--ended in Federal Prison.  Very rough and raw film with guys that dress nice but do some dirty things literally.  The nudity hedges on porno and everyone earns an award for potty mouth.  If you can get over all this, the three hours of the movie fly by.  DiCaprio does an outstanding job of being an immoral ass.  I give it an 8.  Stars Martin Scoresse, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey.

Inside Llewyn Davis

This is a chronicle of struggling musician Llewyn Davis, set during the height of the folk era in the early 1960's.  The drama follows Davis through a week of creative highs and lows amid a bleak New York winter.  First of all, this is a fictional character with no music career.  Odd movie with odd folk songs.  I was a child of that era and would recognize the music.  A real downer movie so I give it a 6.  Although Justin Timberlake's song is good and I remember it.  Stars Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman, Garrett Hedlund, Justine Timberlake.

Her

In this sci-fi romantic comedy starring Joaquin Phoenix, love comes to a lonely young writer in the sleekest of packages when he finds himself falling for the advanced operating system he purchased to run his life.  I will never be able to  look at people walking around with an ear bud and conversing to air in a normal light.  The concept can be creepy that one prefers an inanimate object over a human--CREEPY.  But, on the other hand, maybe this is the future.  I give it a creepy 8.  Stars Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara.