Mr. Holmes

Long retired to a country farmhouse, 93-year-old Sherlock Holmes tends to his bees and reflects on his remarkable career.  But the legendary sleuth, whose mental powers are fading, remains haunted by the unsolved case that caused him to call it quits.  The movie is enchanting, especially the young son of the housekeeper.  Little Roger carries the movie.  The movie is well done with humor and mystery.  I give it an eight.  Stars Ian McKellen, Laura Linney, Miko Parker.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

  


Cruising through his senior year, high school student  Greg Gaines spends his free time making parody versions of famous films with his pal Earl.  But when Greg's mother asks him to befriend Rachel, a leukemia patient, his blithe outlook begins to change. This movie tugs at your heart strings.  It is funny, compassionate and so true.  All actors put on outstanding performances.  I give it a 9.  Stars Thomas Mann, R J Cyler, Molly Shannon.

Infinitely Polar Bear

When his wife head to New York City for 18 months to get her MBA, bi-polar Harvard dropout Cameron is left to care for their two daughters.  Struggling with his illness, Cameron brings his innate creativity and love to his children and meets the challenges head-on.  The acting is superb both dad and the kids.  I give it an 8.  Stars Mark Ruffalo and Zoe Saldana.

Spy

Unassuming CIA analyst Susan Cooper is far from being a James Bond type, but when she's thrust into the field to investigate the death of her partner and the whereabouts of a nuclear bomb, she turns into an improbable super spy.  The movie wins as the best comedy and action flick of the year so far.  I might have to watch it again to get all the lines I missed while laughing.  Don't get me wrong, it was not slap stick but very well done.  Susan Cooper's friend and fellow CIA analyst is no other but Chumly from Get the Mid Wives fame.  With a brand new "do" and make over, she is also a great comedian.  Put this on your list.  I give it a 9.  Stars:  Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Rose Byrne, Jude Law.

Love & Mercy

This candid biopic traces the winding path of Brian Wilson, creator of the Beach Boys' unique sound.  Battling mental illness, Wilson traded stardom for an isolated existence in the 1960's but returned to the stage in the '80s after taming his demons.  Just to hear the Beach Boys' perform their music is worth seeing the movie.  The evil psychiatrist that did mind control and excessive drugs to control his mind is an amazing story that will leave you angry.  Not for long, when he meets his future wife and she goes to bat to get him away from the evil shrink.  That is the heart of the story.  I give it an eight.  Stars John Cusack, Elizabeth Banks, Paul Giamatti.

I'll See You In My Dreams

With her well-ordered life  thrown out of balance by the death of her beloved canine companion, aging widow Carol Peterson-who hasn't dated in 20 years-unexpectedly finds herself involved with two very different men.  Not a thriller by any means just kind of like the Mississippi River, it just meanders around.  Save it for DVD.  I give it a 5.  Stars Blythe Danner, Martin Starr, Sam Elliott.

The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window and Disappeared

  

Allan Karlsson caps off his long and colorful life by escaping from his nursing home on his 100th Birthday.  In short order, he comes into possession of a suitcase stuffed with cash.  With his new friend Julius, Allen decides to take it on the lam.   It is Swedish and hilarious.  The movie is one step-up from vaudeville.  Try to work this one into your busy schedules.  I give it a 7.   Stars Robert Gustafsson; Iwar Wiklander; Mia Skarinser.