LEAN ON PETE

This is a deeply moving story about love, loneliness, family and friendship.  In an incredible  breakout performance, Charlie Plummer stars as fifteen-year-old Charley, who arrives in Portland, Oregon with his single father, Ray, both eager for a fresh start.  When Ray descends into personal turmoil, Charley finds camaraderie at the local racetrack caring for an agin Quarter Horse, Lean On Pete, but when he discovers that Pete is bound for slaughter, Charley takes Pete and embarks on an odyssey across the new American frontier in search of a loving aunt Charley hasn't seen in years.  Through adventure and heartbreak, they never lose their irrepressible hope as they pursue their dream of finding a place they can call home.  A real heartbreaking story but the acting is phenomenal.  I give it an eight.  Stars Charlie Plummer and Travis Fimmel.

THE DEATH OF STALIN

Before his sudden death in 1953, Joseph Stalin held the Soviet Union in his iron grip for more than 30 years.  This dark satire depicts the subsequent turmoil as his scheming minions begin jockeying for power.  Very funny in a sad way.  I give it a 5.  Stars Steve Buscemi, Simon Russell Beale, Paddy Consddine

ISLE OF DOGS

Isle of Dogs follows aa 12-year-old ward to corrupt Mayor Kabayachi.  When, by Executive Decree, all the city's canine pets are exiled to a vast garbage-dump called Trash Island.  Atari sets off alone in search of his body-guard-dog, Spots. There, with the assistance of a pack of newly-found mongrel friends, he begins an epic journey that will decide the fate and future of the entire Prefecture.  Definitely an adult side to this animated film.  I give it a five.  Stars:  Scarlett Johansson, Greta Gerwig and Bryan Cranston.