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.