Felix and Meira

After their lives intersect at a Montreal pizzeria, a stifled young Hasidic wife and an atheist grappling with his father's demise embark on a tentative romance that must bridge their two disparate worlds.  Culture does get in the way because the Hasidic husband loves his wife but can't express it.  I am not sure that the atheist lover really loves her.  The movie is not only very good but will tear at your heart strings.  Did I mention that the Hasidic wife has an adorable baby.  I give it a 6.  Stars Martin Dubreuil; Hadas Yaron; Luzen Twersky.

Pitch Perfect 2

I liked the first one and thought it was cute but this one blew my socks away.  Hoping to be the first American group ever to win a prestigious international a Capella competition, The Barden Bellas return in this song-filled sequel and come up against a rival group of European singers who are determined to win.  For once the critics were correct in rating this B+ entertainment.  Fat Amy has become my favorite.  Thoroughly entertaining and worth of a trip to the theater.  I give it an 8.  Stars Anna Kendrick; Rebel Wilson; Brittany Snow.

5 Flights Up

Married for four decades, New Yorkers Ruth and Alex have had a wonderful life together--most of it spent in their cherished Brooklyn walk-up.  But now that it's time to sell, the universe seems determined to thwart them.  Very entertaining movie and the 50 plus generation will love it because it hits a sensitive subject.  I give it a 7.  Stars Morgan Freeman and Diane Keaton.

 

Far From The Madding Crowd

This is a period drama based on Thomas Hardy's  classic novel.  Winsome Bathsheba Everdene wins the hearts of three disparate men:  sheep farmer Gabriel Oak, dashing soldier Frank Troy and William Boldwood, a moneyed older man.  Definitely a period piece that can drag at times.  Don't expect racy bedroom scenes, cursing  or violence because there is none of that.  I give it a six.  Stars:  Juno Temple, Michael Sheen, Cary Mulligan.

Clouds of Sils Maria

Twenty years after her break through role as a young woman who beguiles and ultimately destroys her mentor, Maria Enders is invited - in an ironic twist to play the  part of the older woman in a stage production of the same drama.  As the older woman she faces a new young actress that plays her old role.  Lots of twists and turns but worth it.  I give it an eight.  Stars Juliette Binoche, Kristen Stewart, Chloe Grace Moretz.

Black Souls

While his two younger siblings have chosen to be part of the Carbone crime family, eldest brother Luciano has opted to herd goats but when his son foolishly shoots up a tavern protected by a rival clan, Luciano is drawn into a blood feud.  Often hard to follow who is who and what side they are on but the story does keep your attention.  Thank God it has subtitles.  I give it a 6.  Stars Marco Leonardi; Peppina Mazzotta, Fabrizio Ferracane.

Desert Dancer

In this uplifting drama based on real events, Afshin Ghaffarian defies the government's prohibition against dancing in modern Iran and founds an underground dance company, with help from some courageous friends.  You will cheer Afshin on and be appalled at the laws and politics of Iran.  I give it a seven.   It stars Frieda Pinto, Reece Ritchie, Tom Cullen.