The Dressmaker

A great movie about revenge.  Beautiful and talented Tilly Dunnage, after years working exclusively in Parisian fashion houses, returns home to the Australian outback to reconcile with her eccentric mother, Molly.  Once there, armed with her sewing machine and haute couture style, Tilly transforms the women of the town, exacting sweet revenge on those who did her wrong.  Don't miss this movie.  Tilly and Molly are fantastic and stud muffin, Teddy is the best looking man that I have seen in ages.  You will laugh a lot, cry a little and get angry.  I give it a solid 9.  Stars Kate Winslet, Judy Davis and Liam Hemsworth. 

Bridget Jones's Baby

Breaking up with Mark Darcy leaves Bridget Jones over 40 and single again.  Feeling that she has everything under control, Jones decides to focus on her career as a top news producer.  Suddenly, her love life comes back from the dead when she meets a dashing and handsome American named Jack.  Things couldn't be better, until Bridget discovers that she is 43 and pregnant.  Now, the befuddled mom-to-be must figure out if the proud papa is Mark or Jack.  Just as good and just as hilarious as Bridget Jones's Diary.  You won't even miss Hugh Grant.  This is one of the years' "Must See".  I give it a high 8--almost a nine.  Stars Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth and Patrick Dempsey.

Sully

On January 15, 2009, the world witnessed the "Miracle on the Hudson" when Captain "Sully" Sullenberger glided his disabled plane onto the frigid waters of the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 aboard.  However, even as Sully was being heralded by the public and the media for his unprecedented feat of aviation skill, an investigation was unfolding that threatened to destroy his reputation and career.  A movie to be seen on the big screen where the landing is up-front and in your face.  A real feel good movie that will keep you cheering.  I give it an eight.  Stars:  Tom Hanks who is the movie.

The Light Between Oceans

World War I veteran Tom accepts a job as a lighthouse keeper in a remote  site in Australia.  He woes and marries Isobel to live with him at this remote site.  Unfortunately, she has a series of miscarriages and is distraught with not being able to have a child.  They find a child floating in the ocean on a lifeboat, who they take to raise as their own and Tom gives in to Isobel's pleading to keep the child.  Tom discovers that the child's mother is searching for the child and her missing husband.  I did not read the lengthy book so there are missing pieces.  If  Isobel cried one more time, I was going to smack her.  She comes off as a spoiled brat.  I suggest one reads the book and then see the movie.  I give it a 6.  Stars Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Rachel Weisz.

White Girl

Equipped with platinum blonde hair and a winning smile, NYC college girl Leah seeks out pleasure in any form.  Between getting high with her roommate and snoring lines with her boss, Leah falls for Blue, a young man dealing drugs on her corner.  Within days, the two are selling dime bags to her boss and his downtown friends, collecting fast cash, and living the high life.  But summer love crashes to a halt when Blue is arrested and Leah is left with a ton of  his coke.  Enlisting the aid of an overpriced lawyer, Leah finds herself deep in debt and over her head as she pushes all limits to get Blue back.  Leah is the ultimate dumb blond--no even dumber than you can imagine with the morales of an alley cat.  Mostly, I just wanted to smack her.  The movie was a wake-up call for my generation.  The movie is not for the faint hearted.  For parents, you will realize why young college students should be in a supervised dorm.  I give it a 4.  Stars Morgan Saylor, Brian Marc, Justin Bartha, and Chris North.

Hell or High Water

Faced with losing the family farm to foreclosure, brothers Toby and Tanner decide that their best move is to rob some banks.  Not surprisingly, their plans quickly go awry, and a grizzled but relentless lawman picks up their trail.  Not your standard shoot 'em up story.  Some great lines and great acting.  You are actually rooting for the brothers.  I give it a nine.  Stars Jeff Bridges, Chris Pine and Ben Foster.