Aquarius

Clara , who has vowed not to leave her quickly gentrifying home in Recife, Brazil, until her death faces confrontation with the new owners of the building who want her to sell and move out.  Her steadfastness brings about a mysterious confrontation, tingeing even Clara's most familiar routines with tension.  A very long movie even though it is very good, a good 30 minutes could have been eliminated.  Brace yourself for some raw sex scenes.  I give it an eight.  Stars Sonia Braga.

Girl On The Train

During her daily rail commute divorcee Rachel Watson observes the happily married couple living in a house near the train route.  One day, she witnesses a scene that enrages her--and soon finds herself deeply entangled in the ensuing mystery.  I give it a seven.  Rachel is a alcoholic and doesn't remember a lot of  her experiences.  Very emotional movie and I am not that type.  I would have gone to the police long before she took things into her own hands.  It stars Emily Blunt, Haley Bennett, Rebecca Ferguson.

The Birth Of A Nation

Very, very intense movie and at times hard to watch.  The movie follows a slave and preacher Nat Turner, whose financially strained owner, Samuel Turner, accepts an offer to use Nat's preaching to subdue unruly slaves.  As he witnesses countless atrocities against himself and his fellow slaves, Nat orchestrates an inspirational uprising in the hopes of leading his people to freedom.   I give the movie a seven.

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children

When Jake discovers clues to a mystery that spans alternate realities and times, he uncovers a secret refuge known as Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.  As he learns about the residents and their unusual abilities, Jake realizes that safety is an illusion, and danger lurks in the form of powerful, hidden enemies.  Jake must figure out who is real, who can be trusted, and who he really is.  I would have gotten more out of the movie if I was 12 years old.  Great  technological side effects.  I am sure the movie followed the book.  Upper elementary and young teens would love it.  I give it a five.  Judy Dench is the only known star.

The Dressmaker

A great movie about revenge.  Beautiful and talented Tilly Dunnage, after years working exclusively in Parisian fashion houses, returns home to the Australian outback to reconcile with her eccentric mother, Molly.  Once there, armed with her sewing machine and haute couture style, Tilly transforms the women of the town, exacting sweet revenge on those who did her wrong.  Don't miss this movie.  Tilly and Molly are fantastic and stud muffin, Teddy is the best looking man that I have seen in ages.  You will laugh a lot, cry a little and get angry.  I give it a solid 9.  Stars Kate Winslet, Judy Davis and Liam Hemsworth. 

Bridget Jones's Baby

Breaking up with Mark Darcy leaves Bridget Jones over 40 and single again.  Feeling that she has everything under control, Jones decides to focus on her career as a top news producer.  Suddenly, her love life comes back from the dead when she meets a dashing and handsome American named Jack.  Things couldn't be better, until Bridget discovers that she is 43 and pregnant.  Now, the befuddled mom-to-be must figure out if the proud papa is Mark or Jack.  Just as good and just as hilarious as Bridget Jones's Diary.  You won't even miss Hugh Grant.  This is one of the years' "Must See".  I give it a high 8--almost a nine.  Stars Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth and Patrick Dempsey.

Sully

On January 15, 2009, the world witnessed the "Miracle on the Hudson" when Captain "Sully" Sullenberger glided his disabled plane onto the frigid waters of the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 aboard.  However, even as Sully was being heralded by the public and the media for his unprecedented feat of aviation skill, an investigation was unfolding that threatened to destroy his reputation and career.  A movie to be seen on the big screen where the landing is up-front and in your face.  A real feel good movie that will keep you cheering.  I give it an eight.  Stars:  Tom Hanks who is the movie.