FENCES

Denzel Washington directs and stars as former professional baseball player Troy who has a negative view of life.  His wife Rose is the optimist with a calming attitude.  Tensions stirred within the family when Troy denies his teenage son's dream of playing college football,  but comes home with a baby he  had through an affair.  Great acting but a dark story that probably happens more often then we want to believe.  I give it an 8.  Stars Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, and Jovan Adepo.

LA LA LAND

While pursuing showbiz fame, jazz pianist Sebastian falls for aspiring actress Mia, and the two embark on an intense love affair.  But as their  separate paths of ambition force them to make tough choices, their relationship starts to fray.  Great to see a musical with colorful clothing.  However, often the dancing and singing overshadowed the story line.  I give it an 8.  Stars Josh Gosling and Emma Stone.

JACKIE

Seen through the eyes of iconic First Lady, then Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, Jackie is a searing and intimate portrait of one of the most important and tragic moments in American history--placing audiences in her world during the days immediately following her husband's assassination.  Known for her extraordinary dignity and poise, here we see a psychological portrait of the First Lady as she struggles to maintain her husband's legacy and the world of "Camelot" that they created and loved so well.  Sad time for America and the First Lady but played like a Academy performance.  Be prepared that there are few if any light moments.  I give it an 8.  Stars Natalie Portman.

Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them

The year is 1926, and Newt Scamander has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures.  Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident, were it not  for a No-Maj (or, Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt's fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.  A very fun movie with great special effects.  The story is by J. K.  Rowling and is awesome in the Harry Potter style.    I give it an 8.  Stars Eddie Redmayne, Dan Fogler.

Manchester By The Sea

While working as a handyman in Boston, taciturn loner Lee Chandler gets word his brother Joe has died of a coronary.  After returning to the siblings hometown, Lee receives another shock:  He is named legal guardian of Joe's 16 year old son.  Not a simple story.  Flash back piece together Lee's life and why he is a taciturn loner.  Great acting and very, very real.  It will be up for the Academy.  I give it a 9.  Stars:  Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler.