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.