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.