THE SHAPE OF WATER

THE SHAPE OF WATER is an other-worldly fairytale set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1963.  In the hidden high-security government laboratory where she works, lonely Elisa is trapped in a life of silence and isolation, but her life is changed forever when  she and co-worker Zelda discover a secret classified experiment.  That is all I am saying.  Saying more would spoil the movie.  I do love a fairytale.  I give it a 9.  Stars Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Stuhlbarg and Doug Jones.

LADY BIRD

Christine is a rebellious student at a conservative Catholic high school in 2002 in Sacramento.  Amidst a rapidly shifting American economic landscape, LADY BIRD is an affecting look at the relationships that shape us, the beliefs that define us, and the unmatched beauty of a place called home.  A terrific movie that will hit home with you.  I give it a nine.  Stars Saoirse Ronan.

THOR: RAGORAK

Imprisoned on the other side of the universe, the mighty Thor finds himself in a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against the Hulk, his former ally and fellow Avenger.  Thor's quest for survival leads him in a race against time to prevent the all-powerful Hela from destroying his home world and the Asgardian civilization.  A fun, fun movie with great special effects.  One can lose themselves in the action.  I give it a six.  Stars Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Cate Blachett.

WONDERSTRUCK

Ben and Rose are children from  two different eras who secretly wish their lives were different.  Ben longs for the father he has never known, while Rose dreams of a mysterious actress whose life she chronicles in a scrapbook.  When Ben discovers a puzzling clue in his home and Rise reads  an enticing headline in the newspaper, both children set out on quests to find what they are missing that unfold with mesmerizing symmetry.  The movie would be better on DVD since Ben and Rose are deaf and write many notes.  DVD allows one to pause to read the notes.  Okay movie and at times confusing with flipping between decades.  I give it a 6.  Stars Oakes Fegley, JulianneMoore and Michelle Williams.

LOVING VINCENT

I can not rate this movie because it excels on so many techniques--from art to video to acting.  It is an animate biopic that recounts the life and last days of tormented Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh,  Each frame of the film, consists of an oil painting executed in the master's style and a plot based on letters he penned.  The great art will mesmerize you and it is hard to concentrate on the story which is fascinating.  There has never been a film like this.  You walk out of the theater in awe.  Stars Douglas Booth, Jerome Flyn, Robert Gulaczyk.

THE FLORIDA PROJECT

THE FLORIDA PROJECT tells the story of precocious six year-old Moonee who lives with her unemployed single mother Halley in an extended stay motel on the outskirts of Disney World.  The film delves into impoverished America through the eyes of Moonee and her friends,  whose summer break is filled with childhood wonder and possibility, while the adults around them struggle to make ends meet.  The movie is a real eye opener and not just in Florida.  The movie finds reality in a real social situation.  Many kids do not have homes and a stable life  with socially functioning adults in charge.  I give it an 8.  Stars Brooklyn Prince and Bria Vinaite.

LUCKY

This wry character study follows Lucky, a lonely 90-year-old living in a dusty desert town, as he meditates on his inevitable death.  Despite his strong belief  that God does not exist, Lucky isn't ready to make the jump into nothingness.  Lucky played by Harry Dean Stanton is the movie.  He died the month before this movie was released.  Kudos for his performance.  My age group will love it.  I give it a 7.  Also stars David Lynch.

VICTORIA AND ABDUL

Kind of a true story about Queen Victoria and her unexpected friendship in the later years of her rule with a young clerk named Abdul who travels from India to participate in the Queen's Golden Jubilee.  He is surprised to find favor with the Queen herself.  As she questions the constrictions of her long-held position, the two forge a devoted alliance with a loyalty to one another that her household and inner circle all attempt to destroy.  As the friendship deepens, The Queen begins to see a changing world through new eyes.  Just a delightful movie and true Judi Dench performance.  I give it a 7.  Stars Judi Dench and Ali Fazal.

BATTLE OF THE SEXES

The electrifying 1973 tennis match between World number one Billie Jean King and ex-champ Bobby Riggs was billed as THE BATTLE OF THE SEXES and became one of the most watched televised sporting events of all time, and sparked a global conversation on gender equality.  King and Riggs were on opposite sides of a binary argument, but off-court each was fighting more personal battles.  The fiercely private King was struggling to come to terms with her sexuality, while Riggs gambled his legacy in a bid to relive the glories of his past.  Together, they served up a cultural spectacle that resonated far beyond the tennis courts and animate the discussions between men and women in bedrooms and boardrooms around the world.  The movie is delightfully entertaining and give a big boost to the women's movement.  I give it a six.  Stars Emma Stone and Steve Carell.

VICEROYS HOUSE

An epic chapter in the history of the British Empire is recounted in this period drama that follows the last Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten, as he oversees the nation's seismic transition to independence in 1947.  Based on history and well done, I give it a 6.  Stars Hugh Bonneville and Gillian Anderson.

HOME AGAIN

Alice Kinney, who is separated from her husband, decides to start over by moving back to her hometown of Los Angeles with her two young daughters.  During a night out on her 40th birthday, Alice meets three aspiring filmmakers who happen to be in need of a place to live.  Alice agrees to let the guys stay in her guest house temporarily, but the arrangement ends up unfolding in unexpected ways.  Alice's unlikely new family and new romance comes to a crashing halt when her ex-husband shows up, suitcase in hand.  HOME AGAIN  is a story of love, friendship, and the families we create.  And one very big life lesson is:  Starting over is not for beginners.  I give it a six.  Stars Reese Witherspoon, Michael Sheen, and Candice Bergman.

TULIP FEVER

Set in 17th century Amsterdam, TULIP FEVER follows a married woman who begins a passionate affair with an artist hired to paint her portrait.  The lovers gamble on the booming  market for tulip bulbs as a way to raise money to run away together.  Can be slow  at times and hard to follow characters.  I give it a five.  Stars Alicia Vikander, Dane DeHaan, and Judi Dench.

INGRID GOES WEST

Ingrid Thorburn, an unstable young woman with a checkered past, secretly moves to Los Angeles to  befriend Taylor Sloane--an Instagram "influencer" with a fabulous artist boyfriend, a camera-ready terrier, and an array of new products and brands to promote to her followers.  After Ingrid adopts a Taylor-made identity for herself, her attempts to prove she's  BFF material are underway- that is, until she meets Taylor'
s obnoxious brother Nicky, who threatens to tear down her façade.  The movie brilliantly satirizes the world of social media and proves that being seemingly-perfect isn't all it's cracked up to be.  The movie can be disturbing for my generation but does focus on the dark side of social media.  I give it a 5.  Stars Aubrey Plaza and Elizabeth Olsen.

THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD

Fate comes full circle when a top bodyguard takes on the job of protecting the world's best hit man, who's bound for International Criminal Court in the Netherlands to testify against an Eastern European country's ruthless ex-ruler.  The movie is entertaining with plenty of action and chase scenes.  What you don't expect is a lot of humor.  I give it a 7.  Stars Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson and Salma Hayek.

LOGAN LUCKY

This movie was a pleasant surprise.  Entertainment Magazine gave it a B+.  The movie follows brothers Jimmy and Clyde Logan, who set out to execute an elaborate  robbery during the legendary Coca-Cola 00 race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, to reverse a family curse.  The production was shot at the Charlotte Motor Speedway during the actual NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 and the Bank of America 500, as well as at Atlanta Motor Speedway.  In a fun twist, six NASCAR stars pop  in non-driver cameo roles in the film.  I will tell you no more than this is the on of the most cleaver heists that I have seen.  I give it an 8.  Stars Channing Tatum and Adam Driver.

 

WIND RIVER

Wind River is a chilling thriller that follows a rookie FBI agent who teams up with a local game tracker with deep community ties and a haunted past to investigate the murder of a local girl on a remote Native American Reservation in the hopes of solving her mysterious death.  Not for the faint hearted, it leaves you on the edge of your seat.  I give it a 7.  Stars Elizabeth Olsen, Jeremy Renner, and Gil Birmingham.

LOST IN PARIS

When her elderly Aunt Martha in Paris asks for help, Canadian librarian Fiona sets off for France, but by the time she arrives, Martha has vanished.   While searching for her, Fiona crosses paths with a pesky vagabond and can't shake  him.  This is definitely a comedy and you will laugh out loud.  I give it an 8.  Stars Fiona Gordon, Dominique Abel, and Emmanuelle Riva.

DUNKIRK

This is a WWII thriller which follows the evacuation of Allied troops from the French city of Dunkirk before Nazi forces could take hold, all amid a fierce battle.  Words can not express this movie because it is so well done.   The story is overwhelming and the filming fantastic.  A tribute to some real heroes.  I give it a nine and don't miss it on the big screen.  Stars Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Kenneth Branagh, Mark Rylance and Harry Styles.

SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING

A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero in SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING.  Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his aunt under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark.  Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine-distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly  neighborhood Spider-Man - but  when the Vulture emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened.  Lots of action and very humorous  at times.  I loved it.  Marvel Studios are doing an excellent job.  Not as good as Wonder Woman but worth a theater visit.  The action is better on the big screen.  I give it an eight.  Stars:  Tom Holland, Robert Downing, Jr., Marisa Tomei, and Michael Keaton.

BABY DRIVER

A talented, young getaway driver relies on the beat of his personal soundtrack to be the best in the game.  When he meets the girl of his dreams, Baby sees a chance to ditch his criminal life and make a clean getaway.  After being coerced into working for a criminal, he must face the music when a doomed heist threatens his life, love and freedom.  The movie does not lack action and the story is good.  Definitely a guy movie but I enjoyed it too.  I give it a strong 8.  Stars Ansel Elgort, Lily James, and Kevin Spacey.

THE BIG SICK

The Big Sick follows Pakistan-born aspiring comedian Kumail who connects with grad student Emily after one of his standup sets.  What they thought would  be just a one-night stand, however, blossoms into the real thing, which complicates the life that is expected of Kumail by his traditional Muslim parents.  When Emily is beset with a mystery illness, Kumail is forced to navigate the medical crisis with Emily's parents, while dealing with the emotional tug-of-war between his family and his heart.  Part drama and part comedy, this is a very touching film with the perspective of the struggle of those from another culture.  I give it a strong 8.  Stars Kumail Nanjani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter and Ray Romano.

i, DANIEL BLAKE

A carpenter for most of his life, Daniel Blake is forced to seek state welfare after suffering a heart attack at 59.  While trudging through an endless maze of red tape, he befriends a young single mother of two stuck in similar circumstances.  A Canne Film Festival winner, the reality of the circumstances  is overwhelming and hits home for many with a health crisis.  Not an action film but one with great acting.  I give it an eight.  Stars Dave Johns, Hayley Squires, and Briana Shann.

DEAN

Still grappling with his mother's death, New York City illustrator Dean impulsively takes a road trip to Los Angeles but stays on after meeting cute Nicky at a party.  Meanwhile, much to Dean's dismay, his dad is trying to move on by selling the family house.  Not a high action film more of a touchy feely one.  I give it a 5.  Stars Demetri Martin, Kevin Kline, and Mary Steenburgen.

WONDER WOMAN

WOW!!! One of the best movies of the year.  Be prepared to cheer.  Brenda Starr move over--I have a new heroine.  Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, Princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior.  Raised on a sheltered island paradise when an American pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world.  Diana  leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat.  Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers and her true destiny.  So WWWI history is either rewritten or beefed up a little.  You have love a good imagination.  I give it a solid 9.  Stars Gal Gadot, Chris Pine and Robin Wright.

GIFTED

Frank Adler is a single man raising a child prodigy--his spirited young niece Mary in a coastal town in Florida.  Frank's plans for a normal school life for Mary are foiled when the seven-year-old's mathematical abilities come to the attention of Frank's formidable mother Evelyn whose plans for her granddaughter threaten to separate Frank and Mary.  Mary will steal your heart and add in good looking uncle Frank and you have a winner.  I give it an eight.  Stars Chris Evans, McKenna Grace, Lindsay Duncan and Octavia Spencer.

THE ZOOKEEPER'S WIFE

Based on a true story, in1939 Poland, Antonina Zabinska and her husband have the Warsaw Zoo flourishing  under his stewardship and her care.  When their  country is invades by the Nazis--they are forced to report to the Reich's  newly appointed chief zoologist, Lutz Heck.  Despite grave  risk, the couple covertly begins working with the Resistance, putting into action plans to save lives out of what has become the Warsaw Ghetto.  Guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat rooting for the good guys.  I give it a seven.  Stars Jessica Chastain, Johan Heldenbergh, and Daniel Bruhl.

LOGAN

In the year 2024, a weary Wolverine, Logan, cares for Professor X in a hideout on the Mexican border.  But Logan's attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are up-ended when a young mutant arrives, being pursued by dark forces.  One needs to previously see The Wolverine and X-Men:  Days of Future Past, to understand this movie.   Part Sci-Fi and part thriller, there is never a dull moment.  One has to love gore and a man with pitchfork hands.  Not a normal type movie for me but I liked the change.  I give it a 6.  Stars Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Do Not Miss This Movie--It Is Magical.  A perfect combination of animation and live action.  Belle (Emma Watson), a bright, beautiful and independent young woman, is taken prisoner by a beast (Dan Stevens) in his castle.  Despite her fears, she befriends the castle's enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast's hideous exterior to realize the kind heart of the true Prince within.  The audience clapped at the end.  I give it a 10--my highest mark ever.  Also stars Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci and Kevin Kline.

A UNITED KINGDOM

A United Kingdom is the true story of the forbidden love of King Seretse Khama of Botswana and Ruth Williams, a white woman from London, which caused an international uproar when they decided to marry just as apartheid was being introduced into South Africa in the late 1940's, a decision that altered the course of African history.  The movie is okay, not overwhelming but a good history film.  I give it a seven.  Stars David Oyelowa and Rosamund Pike. 
 

THE SALESMAN

Based on Arthur Miller's classic play Death of a Salesman, the movie follows a young couple living in Tehran, who are forced to move into a new apartment after their old flat becomes damaged.  Unknowing that the previous tenant was a "lady of the night".  A former client of  "the lady" attacks the new tenant's wife.  Well done especially the  subtitle which are very readable.  I give it a 7. 

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Before the events of the original "Star Wars" Trilogy, the Rebel Alliance enlists a team of rogue fighters to steal plans for the Galactic Empire's new space station--a powerful super weapon called The Death Star.  I waited weeks to see this and I am sorry that I did.  There is no other word than WOW and double WOW for the movie.  It is the perfect antidote to the negative feelings surrounding us today. It is magic and takes you to another world with real heroes.  I give it a 9+ and see why it is up for an academy.  Stars Felicity Jones and Ben Mendelsohn and Diego Luna.

GOLD

In this epic crime caper based on real-live events, an out-of-luck gold prospector and a willing geologist pull off a brazen scam.  Falsely claiming to have located a major gold deposit in Indonesia, the duo proceeds to hood wink the experts.  I truly believed that Matthew McConaughey's character did not think it was a scam.  Guess he is just a good actor.  I give it a six.  Stars Matthew McConaughey and Edgar Ramirez.

Paterson

Unspooling over the course of a week, this nuanced indie drama chronicles the ebb and flow in the unassuming lives of Paterson, a New Jersey bus driver and part-time poet, and his flighty but supportive wife, Laura.  Slow at times but with some humor.  This is really a snapshot of many of our lives.  I give it a seven. Stars Adam Driver and Golshifteh Farahani.

20th Century Women

Set in 1979 Santa Barbara, it follows a teenage boy who's worldview is shaken when his mother takes in a boarder, and he is taught by three women all about men, women, love and freedom.   Nostalgia will kick in because of the era.  Good performance by all the actors which is why the film is winning many awards.  I give it an eight.  Stars Annette Bening, Greta Gerwig, Elle Fanning and Jade Zumann.

Hidden Figures

In the race to space between United States and the Soviet Union during the cold war, three black female mathematicians played a key role in launching astronaut John Glenn into outer space, making him the first American to orbit the Earth.  A real feel good movie based on history.  I give it an 8.  Stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae.

LION

LION is based on the heart wrenching true story of a five year old Indian boy who, after a wrong train takes him thousands of miles away from home and family, survives many challenges before being adopted by an Australian couple.  Twenty-five years later, armed with only the scantest of clues, he  learns of  a new technology called Google Earth, and sets out to find his lost family.  This is an amazing story with incredible acting by the little five year old.  I give it an eight.  Stars:  Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara and Sunny Pawar.