Brooklyn

The story of Ellis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan), a young Irish immigrant navigating her way through 1950s Brooklyn.  Lured by the promise of America, Ellis departs Ireland and the comfort of her mother's home for the shores of New York City.  The initial shackles of homesickness quickly diminish as a fresh romance sweeps Ellis into the intoxicating charm of love.  But soon, her new vivacity is disrupted by her past, and Ellis must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within.  A good romantic drama.  I give it an eight.

Burnt

A funny and emotional story that sings with culinary passion.  BURNT starts Bradley Cooper as a renowned chef striving for perfection.  A two-Michelin starred chef with bad habits to match, the former enfant terrible had it all-and lost it all.  To stage a comeback and land that elusive third Michelin star, he needs an ally on his side.  Sienna Miller and Omar Sy star alongside Cooper in this highly anticipated foodie drama.  Interesting story that moves right along.  I don't believe chefs are made that good looking.  Unlike other foodie movies, I thought I would be starving by the end.  I guess presentation was great and portions minute but left me with thoughts of a Big Mac.  I give it a 7.

Suffragette

Inspired by true events,  Suffragette explores the passion and heartbreak of those who risked all they had for women's right to vote.  They risked their jobs, their homes, their children, and even their lives.  Carey Mulligan gives a moving performance as Maud, a working wife and mother who becomes an activist for the Suffragette cause alongside women from all walks of life.  Helena Bonham Carter gives an equally great performance.  Meryl  Streep has a short five minute speech but what a great five minutes.  I give it an 8.

Room

The Academy goes to Jack!!!  This is the most amazing performance by a 5 year-old.  Room is a unique and unexpectedly tender exploration of the boundless love between a mother and her child under the most harrowing of circumstances.  This suspenseful and deeply emotional film tells the extraordinary story of Jack, a spirited 5 year-old who knows nothing of the world beyond the shed to which he and his Ma have been confined since she was kidnapped and imprisoned years ago. The rescue does not end the movie.  Living back in the World has its own set of problems. Brie Larson also gives an academy award performance.  I give it a 9. 

He Named Me Malala

The movie is an intimate portrait of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai , who was severely wounded by a gunshot when returning home on her school bus in Pakistan's Swat Valley.  The 15-year-old was targeted by the Taliban for advocating for girls' education and the attack on her sparked an outcry from supporters around the world.  This is an inside glimpse into this extraordinary young girl's life, from her close relationship with her father who inspired her love for education to her impassioned speeches at the UN.  This will make you an advocate for girls and women's education.  I give it a seven.  It is a documentary.

The Martian

The Martian is an exhilarating realistic and an original sci-fi blockbuster.  During a mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is left behind after a fierce storm.  With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.  Don't miss this one.  You will be on the edge of your seat the whole time.  The cast is fantastic and very realistic.  I give it a seven.  Stars Matt Damon,  Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Date Mara, Donald Glover.

The Intern

Ben Wittaker, a 70-year-old widower, is discovering that retirement isn't all it's cracked up to be.  Seizing an opportunity to get back in the game, he becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site run by a young, career driven woman.  Despite the generation gap, they both have something to learn from one another.  Very entertaining film that puts a good spin on my generation.  Yes, young people out there--You can learn something from us.  I give it a 7.  Stars Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro.