Paterson

Unspooling over the course of a week, this nuanced indie drama chronicles the ebb and flow in the unassuming lives of Paterson, a New Jersey bus driver and part-time poet, and his flighty but supportive wife, Laura.  Slow at times but with some humor.  This is really a snapshot of many of our lives.  I give it a seven. Stars Adam Driver and Golshifteh Farahani.

20th Century Women

Set in 1979 Santa Barbara, it follows a teenage boy who's worldview is shaken when his mother takes in a boarder, and he is taught by three women all about men, women, love and freedom.   Nostalgia will kick in because of the era.  Good performance by all the actors which is why the film is winning many awards.  I give it an eight.  Stars Annette Bening, Greta Gerwig, Elle Fanning and Jade Zumann.

Hidden Figures

In the race to space between United States and the Soviet Union during the cold war, three black female mathematicians played a key role in launching astronaut John Glenn into outer space, making him the first American to orbit the Earth.  A real feel good movie based on history.  I give it an 8.  Stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae.

LION

LION is based on the heart wrenching true story of a five year old Indian boy who, after a wrong train takes him thousands of miles away from home and family, survives many challenges before being adopted by an Australian couple.  Twenty-five years later, armed with only the scantest of clues, he  learns of  a new technology called Google Earth, and sets out to find his lost family.  This is an amazing story with incredible acting by the little five year old.  I give it an eight.  Stars:  Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara and Sunny Pawar.

FENCES

Denzel Washington directs and stars as former professional baseball player Troy who has a negative view of life.  His wife Rose is the optimist with a calming attitude.  Tensions stirred within the family when Troy denies his teenage son's dream of playing college football,  but comes home with a baby he  had through an affair.  Great acting but a dark story that probably happens more often then we want to believe.  I give it an 8.  Stars Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, and Jovan Adepo.

LA LA LAND

While pursuing showbiz fame, jazz pianist Sebastian falls for aspiring actress Mia, and the two embark on an intense love affair.  But as their  separate paths of ambition force them to make tough choices, their relationship starts to fray.  Great to see a musical with colorful clothing.  However, often the dancing and singing overshadowed the story line.  I give it an 8.  Stars Josh Gosling and Emma Stone.

JACKIE

Seen through the eyes of iconic First Lady, then Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, Jackie is a searing and intimate portrait of one of the most important and tragic moments in American history--placing audiences in her world during the days immediately following her husband's assassination.  Known for her extraordinary dignity and poise, here we see a psychological portrait of the First Lady as she struggles to maintain her husband's legacy and the world of "Camelot" that they created and loved so well.  Sad time for America and the First Lady but played like a Academy performance.  Be prepared that there are few if any light moments.  I give it an 8.  Stars Natalie Portman.