Carol

Living in a 1950s society that considers lesbian romance taboo, two women from disparate backgrounds- young store clerk Therese Belinet and wealthy socialite Carol Aird-- develop an attachment to each other that ultimately turns passionate.  The acting is outstanding and I can see why it has Academy buzz.  However, the final scene is very French.  I felt a little unfulfilled.  I give it an 8.  Stars Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara.

Joy

Joy is a down trodden housewife that never seems to come out on top.  She is the strength in her dysfunctional family.  Then, she invents the Miracle Mop.  Trying to mass-market the revolutionary floor mop, Joy strikes gold with a personal pitch on QVC that turns her Miracle Mop into an overnight marketing miracle.  Funny at times but sometimes drags, the movie is not like her Hunger Games performances.  I give it a 6.  Stars Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro and  Bradley Cooper.

Youth

On vacation in the Alps, two friends on the verge of turning 80 look to each other for support.  One is a retired orchestra conductor on holiday with his daughter and the other is a film director.  The conductor receives an invitation from Queen Elizabeth to perform and refuses but reconsiders.    The film director is making a movie and things don't always go as planned.  Both begin realizing that time is no longer on their side.  This film is the last of a trilogy by Paolo Sorrentino on life.  Not a film for youth but the older generation could appreciate it.  I give it a 7.  Stars Michael Caine, Rachel Weiss and Mick Boyle.

Spotlight

Revealing a string of cover-ups stretching back decades, a team of "Boston Globe" reporters exposes the Catholic Archdiocese's history of keeping reports about child molestation and other priest-initiates abuse under wraps.  This is a very intense movie with superb acting.  I give it a 9.  Stars Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams.

Bridge of Spies

In this historical drama set during the Cold War, a Brooklyn attorney, James Donovan, is tasked with negotiating a prisoner exchange between an American pilot who was shot down over the USSR and a Soviet spy serving a 45-year sentence for espionage.  The trial of the Soviet spy should not be overlooked.  The case put forward by attorney Donovan was outstanding.  Overall the movie is outstanding and will be in the line-up for the Academy Award.  Tom Hanks performance as James Donovan is also outstanding.  I give it a 9. 

Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 2

As the tale reaches its powerful conclusion, Katnis Everdeen-- flanked by her allies from District 12- embarks on a quest to liberate the oppressed citizens of Panem by assassinating ruthless President Snow.  The movie follows the book and does a superb job of bringing closure to this series.  I give it an eight.  Stars Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson.

Brooklyn

The story of Ellis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan), a young Irish immigrant navigating her way through 1950s Brooklyn.  Lured by the promise of America, Ellis departs Ireland and the comfort of her mother's home for the shores of New York City.  The initial shackles of homesickness quickly diminish as a fresh romance sweeps Ellis into the intoxicating charm of love.  But soon, her new vivacity is disrupted by her past, and Ellis must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within.  A good romantic drama.  I give it an eight.

Burnt

A funny and emotional story that sings with culinary passion.  BURNT starts Bradley Cooper as a renowned chef striving for perfection.  A two-Michelin starred chef with bad habits to match, the former enfant terrible had it all-and lost it all.  To stage a comeback and land that elusive third Michelin star, he needs an ally on his side.  Sienna Miller and Omar Sy star alongside Cooper in this highly anticipated foodie drama.  Interesting story that moves right along.  I don't believe chefs are made that good looking.  Unlike other foodie movies, I thought I would be starving by the end.  I guess presentation was great and portions minute but left me with thoughts of a Big Mac.  I give it a 7.

Suffragette

Inspired by true events,  Suffragette explores the passion and heartbreak of those who risked all they had for women's right to vote.  They risked their jobs, their homes, their children, and even their lives.  Carey Mulligan gives a moving performance as Maud, a working wife and mother who becomes an activist for the Suffragette cause alongside women from all walks of life.  Helena Bonham Carter gives an equally great performance.  Meryl  Streep has a short five minute speech but what a great five minutes.  I give it an 8.

Room

The Academy goes to Jack!!!  This is the most amazing performance by a 5 year-old.  Room is a unique and unexpectedly tender exploration of the boundless love between a mother and her child under the most harrowing of circumstances.  This suspenseful and deeply emotional film tells the extraordinary story of Jack, a spirited 5 year-old who knows nothing of the world beyond the shed to which he and his Ma have been confined since she was kidnapped and imprisoned years ago. The rescue does not end the movie.  Living back in the World has its own set of problems. Brie Larson also gives an academy award performance.  I give it a 9. 

He Named Me Malala

The movie is an intimate portrait of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai , who was severely wounded by a gunshot when returning home on her school bus in Pakistan's Swat Valley.  The 15-year-old was targeted by the Taliban for advocating for girls' education and the attack on her sparked an outcry from supporters around the world.  This is an inside glimpse into this extraordinary young girl's life, from her close relationship with her father who inspired her love for education to her impassioned speeches at the UN.  This will make you an advocate for girls and women's education.  I give it a seven.  It is a documentary.

The Martian

The Martian is an exhilarating realistic and an original sci-fi blockbuster.  During a mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is left behind after a fierce storm.  With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.  Don't miss this one.  You will be on the edge of your seat the whole time.  The cast is fantastic and very realistic.  I give it a seven.  Stars Matt Damon,  Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Date Mara, Donald Glover.

The Intern

Ben Wittaker, a 70-year-old widower, is discovering that retirement isn't all it's cracked up to be.  Seizing an opportunity to get back in the game, he becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site run by a young, career driven woman.  Despite the generation gap, they both have something to learn from one another.  Very entertaining film that puts a good spin on my generation.  Yes, young people out there--You can learn something from us.  I give it a 7.  Stars Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro.

Black Mass

The film takes a hard look at the conditions which allowed Whitey Bulger to evade law enforcement, consolidate power, and become one of the most ruthless and powerful gangsters in Boston history.  This was accomplished through an unholy alliance in the 1970s between the FBI and the Irish mob which aimed to eliminate the Italian mafia.  Johnny Depp gives a show - stopping performance as Whitey Bulger.  There is Oscar buzz on this movie.  It should be on your do not miss list.  There is also a star studded cast to back up Johnny Depp.  I give it a nine.

The Beauty Inside

Woo-jin wakes up in a different body everyday, regardless of age, gender and nationality.  Some times he's man, a woman, old, young, or even a foreigner.  He's the same person on the inside, but on the outside he's always someone new.  Looking at a different face in the mirror every morning is hard for him to get used to.  The he meets the girl of his dreams, Yi-soo.  She is confused and knows there is more to Woo-jin.  He reveals his secret and she has to decide to cope or let him go.  This movie was a surprise in a good way.  I give it an eight.  It stars no one you have heard of or can spell.  Still go see it of find it on DVD.

Learning To Drive

This is a feel-good, coming of middle age comedy about a mismatched pair who help each other over come life's road blocks.  Wendy is a fiery Manhattan author  whose husband has just left her for a younger woman; Darwan is a soft-spoken taxi driver form India on the verge of an arranged marriage.  As Wendy sets out to reclaim her independence, she runs into a barrier common to many lifelong New Yorkers; she's never learned to drive.   Very entertaining movie that hits home for middle agers.  I give it a 6.  Stars Patricia Clarkson and Ben Kingslsey.

No Escape

An international thriller, the movie centers on  an American businessman as he and his family settle into their new home in Southeast Asia.  Suddenly finding themselves in the middle of a violent political uprising, they must frantically look for a safe escape as rebels mercilessly attack the city.  You will sit on the edge of your seat the whole time.  The movie is entertaining and worth watching.  I give it a 6.  Stars Owen Wilson, Pierce Brosnan and Lake Bell.

Grandma

Urgently in need of $600 to pay for an abortion, 18-year-old Sage seeks help from her acerbic grandmother, Elle Reid--who has no extra money.  Setting off to raise the cash from Elle's erstwhile friends and exes, the two instead dredge up the past.  Lily Tomlin does not disappoint.  She may be older but her humor has not dimmed.  Very entertaining with a great cast.  I give it a 7.  Stars Lily Tomlin, Julia Garner, Marcia Gay.

The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Set against the backdrop of the early 1960's television series, at the height of the Cold War, the movie centers on CIA agent Solo and KGB agent Kuryakin.  Forced to put aside long standing hostilities, the two team up on a joint mission to stop a mysterious international criminal organization.  The movie was just plain fun and entertaining with many action packed scenes.  I give it a 6.  Stars Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer.

The Diary Of A Teenage Girl

Blending live action with animation, the movie is a nuanced tale of burgeoning sexuality and boundary testing.  Like most teenage girls, Minnie is longing for love, acceptance, and a sense of purpose in the world.  She begins a complex love affair with her mother's boyfriend.  The movie is like watching a crime scene in action.  It might be the sixties but it is still statutory rape.  I found nothing amusing about the film.  I did notice that only the men in the audience were laughing.  I give it a zero.  Stars Kristen Wiig, Alexander Skarsgard and Bel Powley.

Mission Impossible-Rogue Nation

With the IMF now disbanded and Ethan Hunt out in the cold, a new threat--called the Syndicate--soon emerges.  The Syndicate is a network of highly skilled operatives who are dedicated to establishing a new world order via an escalating series of terrorist attacks.  Faced with what may be the most impossible mission yet, Ethan gathers his team and joins forces with Ilsa Faust, a disavowed British agent who may or may not be a member of this deadly rogue nation.   Lots of action and humor.  It was much better than I expected so I give it an 8.  Stars Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson.

Ricki and The Flash

Meryl Streep stars as a guitar heroine who made a world of mistakes as she followed  her dreams of rock-and-roll stardom.  Returning home, Ricki gets a shot at redemption and a chance to make things right as she faces the music with her family.  A mother-daughter story but who knew that Meryl Streep could sing like that.  Streep stars opposite her real-life daughter Mamie Gummer.  I give it an 8.  Stars Meryl Streep, Mamie Gummer, Rick Springfield and Kevin Kline.

Trainwreck

Single and successful, Amy has no intention of settling down-or ever going on a second date- until she meets the subject of her next magazine piece, a handsome doctor.  Confronted with a real life good guy, she begins to reconsider bachelorhood.
This is the funniest movie of the year.  One has just get over a few sex scenes.  Amy is a master at delivering a funny line.  I give it a nine.  Do Not Miss This One.  Stars Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, LeBron James and Tilda Swinton. 

Samba

A richly entertaining chronicle of an undocumented kitchen worker battling deportation from his adopted home in Paris.  When Samba is suddenly ordered to leave France, he enlists the help of Alice and emotionally vulnerable immigration advocate with little experience but plenty of heart.  Part comedy and part just touching with the desperation of undocumented migrants.  I give it an eight.  Stars  Omar Sy and Charlotte Gainsbourg.

Mr. Holmes

Long retired to a country farmhouse, 93-year-old Sherlock Holmes tends to his bees and reflects on his remarkable career.  But the legendary sleuth, whose mental powers are fading, remains haunted by the unsolved case that caused him to call it quits.  The movie is enchanting, especially the young son of the housekeeper.  Little Roger carries the movie.  The movie is well done with humor and mystery.  I give it an eight.  Stars Ian McKellen, Laura Linney, Miko Parker.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

  


Cruising through his senior year, high school student  Greg Gaines spends his free time making parody versions of famous films with his pal Earl.  But when Greg's mother asks him to befriend Rachel, a leukemia patient, his blithe outlook begins to change. This movie tugs at your heart strings.  It is funny, compassionate and so true.  All actors put on outstanding performances.  I give it a 9.  Stars Thomas Mann, R J Cyler, Molly Shannon.

Infinitely Polar Bear

When his wife head to New York City for 18 months to get her MBA, bi-polar Harvard dropout Cameron is left to care for their two daughters.  Struggling with his illness, Cameron brings his innate creativity and love to his children and meets the challenges head-on.  The acting is superb both dad and the kids.  I give it an 8.  Stars Mark Ruffalo and Zoe Saldana.

Spy

Unassuming CIA analyst Susan Cooper is far from being a James Bond type, but when she's thrust into the field to investigate the death of her partner and the whereabouts of a nuclear bomb, she turns into an improbable super spy.  The movie wins as the best comedy and action flick of the year so far.  I might have to watch it again to get all the lines I missed while laughing.  Don't get me wrong, it was not slap stick but very well done.  Susan Cooper's friend and fellow CIA analyst is no other but Chumly from Get the Mid Wives fame.  With a brand new "do" and make over, she is also a great comedian.  Put this on your list.  I give it a 9.  Stars:  Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Rose Byrne, Jude Law.

Love & Mercy

This candid biopic traces the winding path of Brian Wilson, creator of the Beach Boys' unique sound.  Battling mental illness, Wilson traded stardom for an isolated existence in the 1960's but returned to the stage in the '80s after taming his demons.  Just to hear the Beach Boys' perform their music is worth seeing the movie.  The evil psychiatrist that did mind control and excessive drugs to control his mind is an amazing story that will leave you angry.  Not for long, when he meets his future wife and she goes to bat to get him away from the evil shrink.  That is the heart of the story.  I give it an eight.  Stars John Cusack, Elizabeth Banks, Paul Giamatti.

I'll See You In My Dreams

With her well-ordered life  thrown out of balance by the death of her beloved canine companion, aging widow Carol Peterson-who hasn't dated in 20 years-unexpectedly finds herself involved with two very different men.  Not a thriller by any means just kind of like the Mississippi River, it just meanders around.  Save it for DVD.  I give it a 5.  Stars Blythe Danner, Martin Starr, Sam Elliott.

The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window and Disappeared

  

Allan Karlsson caps off his long and colorful life by escaping from his nursing home on his 100th Birthday.  In short order, he comes into possession of a suitcase stuffed with cash.  With his new friend Julius, Allen decides to take it on the lam.   It is Swedish and hilarious.  The movie is one step-up from vaudeville.  Try to work this one into your busy schedules.  I give it a 7.   Stars Robert Gustafsson; Iwar Wiklander; Mia Skarinser.

Felix and Meira

After their lives intersect at a Montreal pizzeria, a stifled young Hasidic wife and an atheist grappling with his father's demise embark on a tentative romance that must bridge their two disparate worlds.  Culture does get in the way because the Hasidic husband loves his wife but can't express it.  I am not sure that the atheist lover really loves her.  The movie is not only very good but will tear at your heart strings.  Did I mention that the Hasidic wife has an adorable baby.  I give it a 6.  Stars Martin Dubreuil; Hadas Yaron; Luzen Twersky.

Pitch Perfect 2

I liked the first one and thought it was cute but this one blew my socks away.  Hoping to be the first American group ever to win a prestigious international a Capella competition, The Barden Bellas return in this song-filled sequel and come up against a rival group of European singers who are determined to win.  For once the critics were correct in rating this B+ entertainment.  Fat Amy has become my favorite.  Thoroughly entertaining and worth of a trip to the theater.  I give it an 8.  Stars Anna Kendrick; Rebel Wilson; Brittany Snow.

5 Flights Up

Married for four decades, New Yorkers Ruth and Alex have had a wonderful life together--most of it spent in their cherished Brooklyn walk-up.  But now that it's time to sell, the universe seems determined to thwart them.  Very entertaining movie and the 50 plus generation will love it because it hits a sensitive subject.  I give it a 7.  Stars Morgan Freeman and Diane Keaton.

 

Far From The Madding Crowd

This is a period drama based on Thomas Hardy's  classic novel.  Winsome Bathsheba Everdene wins the hearts of three disparate men:  sheep farmer Gabriel Oak, dashing soldier Frank Troy and William Boldwood, a moneyed older man.  Definitely a period piece that can drag at times.  Don't expect racy bedroom scenes, cursing  or violence because there is none of that.  I give it a six.  Stars:  Juno Temple, Michael Sheen, Cary Mulligan.

Clouds of Sils Maria

Twenty years after her break through role as a young woman who beguiles and ultimately destroys her mentor, Maria Enders is invited - in an ironic twist to play the  part of the older woman in a stage production of the same drama.  As the older woman she faces a new young actress that plays her old role.  Lots of twists and turns but worth it.  I give it an eight.  Stars Juliette Binoche, Kristen Stewart, Chloe Grace Moretz.

Black Souls

While his two younger siblings have chosen to be part of the Carbone crime family, eldest brother Luciano has opted to herd goats but when his son foolishly shoots up a tavern protected by a rival clan, Luciano is drawn into a blood feud.  Often hard to follow who is who and what side they are on but the story does keep your attention.  Thank God it has subtitles.  I give it a 6.  Stars Marco Leonardi; Peppina Mazzotta, Fabrizio Ferracane.

Desert Dancer

In this uplifting drama based on real events, Afshin Ghaffarian defies the government's prohibition against dancing in modern Iran and founds an underground dance company, with help from some courageous friends.  You will cheer Afshin on and be appalled at the laws and politics of Iran.  I give it a seven.   It stars Frieda Pinto, Reece Ritchie, Tom Cullen.

Woman In Gold

Six decades after World War II, Jewish octogenarian Maria Altman begins a quest to reclaim the art works confiscated from her family by the Nazis--including a famed Gustav Klint masterpiece.  Can't say a bad thing about this movie.  Put it on your list to see.  I give it an eight.  Stars:  Helen Mirran; Ryan Reynolds; Daniel Bruhl

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

In a sequel to the Golden Globe nominated film, hotel owner Sonny is overwhelmed with the task of finding a second property to accommodate the influx of new residents, while his up coming wedding plans maybe too much for the hotel's staff to handle.  Great to see all these fine actors back at the Marigold.  However, the sequel starts to drag after the first hour.  I give it a seven.  Stars:  Judi Dench; Maggie Smith; Bill Nighy; Dev Patel.

Cinderella

In this live-action retelling of Disney's animated classic, young Ella escapes from a life of drudgery by way of a fair godmother whose magic brings Ella face-to-face with the prince of her dreams.  Magical and truly a feel-good movie.  No dark parts in the movie, so do bring the kids.  I give is a seven.  Stars:  Lily James; Cate Blanchette; Holiday Granger.

Winter Sleep

With winter closing in, an Anatolia hotel owner prepares for the coming cold, but the severe weather transforms his cozy inn from a shelter into an emotional prison for the aging former actor, his resentful wife, and his recently divorced sister.  Anatolia is in Asia Minor and the western protrusion of Turkey.  Think "no man's land and barren". The movie is an emotional roller coaster with more philosophy than Aristotle could ever imagine.  The story can be confusing but you will get the drift.  The young wife hates the husband who is a conceited bully.  As for the sister, I would have divorced her too.  I give it a strong 4.  Stars Haluk Bilginer, Melisa Sozen, Demet Akbug.

Two Days, One Night

On the verge of losing her job, Sandra and her husband come up with a last-ditch strategy:  get her workmates to give up their bonuses so she can stay on.  With a single weekend to make it work, Sandra and her husband take her crusade for sympathy all over town.  A real twist for a French movie which usually leaves you up in the air on what really happened. Unusual subject, supportive husband, a real situation and a cut and dried ending.  You will be exhausted by the end as you follow Sandra around town.  I see why it won a Cannes Film Festival award.  I give it an 8.  Stars Marion Cotillard, Fabrizio Rongione, Oliver Gourmet.

Still Alice

When 50 year-old linguistics professor Alice Howland begins having trouble remembering words, her symptoms ultimately lead to a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's--which forces Alice and her family to make radical changes in their lives.
This movie will haunt you if you are in this age group.  With that said, the acting is superb and worth the Academy nominations.  I give it a 9.  Stars Julianne Moore, Kristen Stewart, Alec Baldwin.
 

American Sniper

Based on his memoir of the same name, this military biopic centers on legendary sniper Chris Kyle, who amassed a record number of kills on the battlefield during his 10 year career as a Navy SEAL.  Not for the faint-hearted this is war and often not pretty.  If you can step back from the violence, you will start to understand the mental trauma that are military face in a war zone.  I have to give it an 8.  Stars Bradley Cooper, Sienne Miller, Luke Grimes.

 

Inherent Vice

This is a counterculture world of the 1970's Los Angeles where gumshoe Doc Sportello finds himself pulled into bizarre circumstances by his ex-girlfriend.  She suspects that her new lover's wife is intent on having him committed to a mental asylum.  Lots of pot smoking and slang that is not of my generation.  The younger generations will probably love it.  Doc is a lovable charter when he is not high.  The story keeps your attention.  I give it a 6+.  Stars Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin, Owen Wilson, Reese Witherspoon.

Mr. Turner

This is an incandescent biographical portrait of the famed 19th-century painter J. M. W. Turner.  The movie spotlights his artistic genus, along with the eccentric and frequently insensitive behavior that he exhibited in his private life.  Mr. Turner should get the Academy Award for grunting.  Not much dialogue from him.  Slow, oh so very slow moving.  I give it a 5.  Stars Timothy Spall, Paul Jesson, Dorthy Atkinson

Selma

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1965 civil rights march from Selma, Ala to Montgomery, this stirring historical drama highlights the courage of the marchers as they withstand racist and violent attacks by the police.   The leadership of Martin Luther King  and his followers is so awe-inspiring that it is hard to put into words.  Let's just say that I give it a 10 and a must see if you are an American.  Stars David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Carmen Ejogo, Oprah Winfrey and there are even more stars in this movie.

Into The Woods

Woven from a collection of revered fairy tales and characters, this enchanting and funny musical mash-up focuses on a childless couple who ventures into the woods hoping to end a curse put on them by a vindictive witch.  This is a comedy with a bitchy Little Red Riding Hood and skeptic Cinderella.  This is a test of your humor in finding the light side of skepticism.  I give it a 6.  Stars Anna Kendrick, Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt.

Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

The movie won't be meaningful without first seeing:  Hobbit:  An Unexpected Journey (2012) and Hobbit:  The Desolation of Smaug (2013).   Conjuring up another epic tale, this is the final chapter of the Hobbit saga.  With things coming to a head, Bilbo Baggins, Gandaolf and the Dwarfs reach Smaug's lair along with four other armies intent on stealing the fortune.  Action packed with the most amazing special effects, it wraps up the trilogy.  If you loved Lord of the Rings,  you will love these movies.  I give it a 7.  Stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Cate Blanchett, Martin Freeman.
 

Big Eyes

This biopic tells the complex story of Margaret Keene, the American painter who came to prominence in the 1950's and was known for her pop art paintings that often featured children with large eyes.  This is a story of spouse abuse and bullying of her second husband who took credit for her work.  I give it a 6.  Stars Amy Adams, Christopher Waltz, Danny Huston.