Selma

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1965 civil rights march from Selma, Ala to Montgomery, this stirring historical drama highlights the courage of the marchers as they withstand racist and violent attacks by the police.   The leadership of Martin Luther King  and his followers is so awe-inspiring that it is hard to put into words.  Let's just say that I give it a 10 and a must see if you are an American.  Stars David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Carmen Ejogo, Oprah Winfrey and there are even more stars in this movie.

Into The Woods

Woven from a collection of revered fairy tales and characters, this enchanting and funny musical mash-up focuses on a childless couple who ventures into the woods hoping to end a curse put on them by a vindictive witch.  This is a comedy with a bitchy Little Red Riding Hood and skeptic Cinderella.  This is a test of your humor in finding the light side of skepticism.  I give it a 6.  Stars Anna Kendrick, Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt.

Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

The movie won't be meaningful without first seeing:  Hobbit:  An Unexpected Journey (2012) and Hobbit:  The Desolation of Smaug (2013).   Conjuring up another epic tale, this is the final chapter of the Hobbit saga.  With things coming to a head, Bilbo Baggins, Gandaolf and the Dwarfs reach Smaug's lair along with four other armies intent on stealing the fortune.  Action packed with the most amazing special effects, it wraps up the trilogy.  If you loved Lord of the Rings,  you will love these movies.  I give it a 7.  Stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Cate Blanchett, Martin Freeman.
 

Big Eyes

This biopic tells the complex story of Margaret Keene, the American painter who came to prominence in the 1950's and was known for her pop art paintings that often featured children with large eyes.  This is a story of spouse abuse and bullying of her second husband who took credit for her work.  I give it a 6.  Stars Amy Adams, Christopher Waltz, Danny Huston.

The Imitation Game

Chronicling mathematical wizard Alan Turing's key role in Britain's successful effort to crack Germany's Enigma Code during World War II.  The historical biopic also recounts how his ground breaking work helped launch the computer age.  Fantastic movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat.  I give it a 9.  Stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Kiera Knightley.

Wild

A chronicle of one woman's 1100 mile solo hike taken to recover from a recent catastrophe and a life on the skids.  Cheryl Strayed is a self-destructive divorcee who is seeking to conquer her demons.  She was raised with an abusive father who her mother leaves and takes  Cheryl and her brother.   At 22, Cheryl is in college and her mother decides to join her to better her life.  But, her mother is suddenly diagnosed with cancer and dies.  Cheryl who is married goes into a downward spiral and becomes a heroine addict.  Her marriage ends and when she hits bottom she starts the hike.   Dark so very dark and sad.  I give it an 8.  Stars Reese Witherspoon, Gaby Hoffman, Michael Huisman and Marc Vallee.

The Homesman

A claim jumper (Tommy Lee Jones) and a pioneer woman (Hilary Swank) team up to escort three insane women from Nebraska to Iowa.  Dark so very dark drama with not one light moment.  Great names and a good performances but the story is totally disjointed and leaves one wondering what just happened.  Save it for DVD.  I give it a 5.  Stars Tommy Lee Jones, Hilary Swank, Meryl Streep, John Lithgow.