Divergent

Born into a civilization in the distant future, Beatrice is a teenager who learns that her unique cognitive skills make her a Divergent.  Over time she discovers that Divergents are slated for elimination by the government.  The race is on to escape from those wishing to kill her.  Of course, there is a super stud of a guy who gets on her side.  The new crop of under forty movies such as this one and the Hunger Games are the new Westerns.  No more cowboys and Indians fighting to take the fort,  the new fort is the future.  The scenario is much the same--bad guys vs good guys and the fight to take over.   Like the Hunger Games Trilogy this too has two more sequels slated.  It is well done and I found myself rooting for the good guys.  I give it an 8.   You will learn to hate Kate Winslet in her bad guy role.   Stars Shailene Woodley, Kate Winslet, Theo James and Ashley Judd.

Bad Words

Blessed with a photographic memory but no high school education, Guy Trilby discovers that he is eligible to enter spelling bees intended for children.  As Guy steamrolls his pre-teen competition, a journalist tries to find out what motivates him.  Not a people person, he tends to insult everyone including a small boy of Indian decent that gets to him and makes the movie.  Very entertaining and fast moving, try to get to the theater but as least see the DVD.  I give it a 7.  Stars Jason Bateman, Rohan Chand, Kathryn Hahn, Anjul Nigam.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Between the World Wars, Gustave H, the concierge at a prestigious European hotel, takes a bellboy named zero as a trusted protégé .   Meanwhile, the upscale guests are involved in an art theft and dispute over a vast family fortune.  Very funny and entertaining with an array of know actors and actresses who excel in their parts.  It lives up to the press given to it.  I give it an 8.  Stars Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton.

Bethlehem

An informant for Israel's Shin Bet intelligence service, Palestinian Sanfur is torn when his brother becomes an agency target.  His tragic choice is complicated by his relationship with Razi, the boss, mentor and father figure who hired him as a teen.  Very though provoking, however very tense as the continuing struggle between Jews and Arabs continues.  There are more that two sides--on the Palestinian side are several different factions fighting other Arab factions.  Take a tranquilizer before going because nothing in this part of the world ends well.  I give it a seven. 
Stars Tsahi Halevi, Sahdi Marei, Hitham Omari, Michal Shtamla.

The Lunchbox

When Mumbai's eerily reliable lunchbox delivery service erroneously sends a meal prepared by a young housewife to a lonely widower on the brink of retirement, the mistake ignites an exchange of notes and mutual fantasy between them.  First, I want you to know that it is French produced and we know what that means--good luck with the ending.  Very entertaining and well acted, this is a movie to see.  Although, you will want to smack the cheating husband.  But, you will love Auntie who is upstairs.  You will also have sympathy with the struggle of women.  I give it an 8.  Stars Irrfan Khan, Mimrat Kaur, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Denzil Smith.

In Secret

Trapped in a loveless marriage to her insufferable cousin, Theres Raquin seeks solace in the arms of the attentive Laurent Le Claire.  But her quest for happiness may lead to tragedy.  Adopted from Emile Zola's classic novel.  Very French so I will not reveal any more of the story.  It definitely keeps your attention, so do not believe the reviews.  I give it a 7+.  Stars Elizabeth Olsen, Oscar Issac, Jessica Lange, Tom Felton.

Omar

With his girl friend, Nadia, living on the other side of an Israeli-built boundary wall, Young Palestinian Omar regularly scales it to visit her.  But he faces even greater obstacles after a lethal confrontation with an Israeli soldier.  Tense and unbelievable hostilities between the two sides.  Great acting and lots of drama.  I give it an 8.  Stars Adam Bakri and lyad Harani.

Omar

With his girl friend, Nadia, living on the other side of an Israeli-built boundary wall, young Palestinian Omar regularly scales it to visit her.  But he faces even greater obstacles after a lethal confrontation with an Israeli soldier.  Very tense and dramatic movie with hostilities between the Palestinians and the Israelis.  Be prepared for a "shock" ending.  I give it an 8.  Stars Adam Bakri; lyard Hurani; Samer Bitrarat.