Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice

        Director Zack Snyder goes bigger, louder and more bombastic in this overstuffed 2 1/2 hour infomercial for the new "Justice League" movie coming next year. Don't get me wrong, there are some bright spots but overall it's hard to get past the boredom and disconnection of the first half of the film.

        The movie opens with a tired retread of Batman's origin. How many times do we need to see that? However, the film redeems itself in the very next clever sequence where we see the end of "Man of Steel"from Batman's perspective.  This sets up Batman's anger towards Superman which is further fueled by villain Lex Luthor.  Lex's plan is to eventually pit the heroes against each other in a fight to the death. Why, is never really made clear. 

         I always thought in the DC universe, Metropolis and Gotham City were a great distance from each other but in this film, they are just across the river (who knew?). That makes it easy for Batman and Superman to find each other quickly to fight over who is the bigger vigilante and menace to society (oops, wrong film). The film is dark, both in mood and visuals. You can't even tell where the climatic fight takes place. Mr. Snyder throws everything he can into this film, including the proverbial kitchen sink (in an effort to be funny). Humor is sorely lacking in the film. Even when a joke is tried, it falls flat.

        Much was made over the casting choice of Ben Affleck as Batman. He actually is not that bad falling somewhere between Christian Bale and George Clooney in the role. Superman is once again played by Henry Cavill, just a step up from a cardboard cutout. He's much better in the Clark Kent scenes. Lex Luthor is played by Jesse Eisenberg, who seemed like an odd choice but he grows into the part and ends up truly evil.  Amy Adams reprises her role as"plucky" Lois Lane and Jeremy Irons joins the cast as Alfred the faithful Butler. Mr. Irons is just too majestic an actor to fill the Alfred role. Bring back Michael Caine. Laurence Fishburne is a generic Perry White and Holly Hunter is a senator with an agenda. The freshest face in the cast is Gal Godot, who plays Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman. She only has a few minutes of action screen time but she definitely makes an impression and that sets up her solo film coming next year.

               Even if you were sleeping through the first half of "Yawn of Justice", the second half of the film wakes you up faster than a speeding bullet. It's why you bought your ticket and it doesn't disappoint. There is plenty of action and even a surprising ending. 

               Unlike in a Marvel film, there is no need to sit through the credits waiting for an extra scene. The surprise cameos happen during the film and act to wet your appetite for "Justice League". The best I can really say about Batman V Superman is...bring on "Captain America: Civil War".

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

    Tina Fey finds a perfect star vehicle in this new dramedy based on the memoirs of television journalist Kim Barker. Ms. Barker was a reporter in Afghanistan in the mid 2000's , who thought she's be there for a few months and ended up staying for a few years.

     Ms. Fey is very good as the initial fish out of water who eventually fits right in with the rest of the foreign press corp covering the growing war.  As smart and funny as she is, it's not enough to carry a weak script that lacks any real depth. The film tries hard to be both funny and serious and ends up weaker for it. The only thing of interest is watching Ms. Fey move through a variety of situations, unfortunately filmed as if they were sketches and not one cohesive story.

       The film co-stars Billy Bob Thorton as a general who admires Kim's resolve. Martin Freeman as a war photographer who becomes a love interest, Alfred Molina as a cartoon version of an Afghan official and Margot Robbie as the only other woman among the journalists. Christopher Abbott also co-stars as a friendly Afghan which is a pretty strange casting decision.

        I stayed engaged only because the film was based on a true story but a stronger script, true or embellished would have made a stronger movie.

Midnight Special

    Writer/director Jeff Nichols returns with his third feature, following "Mud" and "Take Shelter".  This new drama is a slowly absorbing thriller, a mystery with sci-fi elements that turns into a indy version of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind".

     Michael Shannon, so good in "Take Shelter", returns as Roy, a father who has kidnapped his own son from a religious cult for reasons that are revealed ever so slowly. Joel Edgerton plays his best friend, Lucas, who helps him evade both the cult and the U.S government who are both after the boy. Kristen Dunst plays the boy's mother and Adam Driver is the NSC scientist working with the FBI to find the boy. Jaeden Liberher plays Alton, the boy with special powers that everyone wants for their own reasons.

       The film has a minimalist soundtrack, little dialog and reveals it's details very slowly. All of that contribute to a story that only up it's the pace late in the film.  What Mr. Nichols relies on is the powerful relationship between Roy and Alton to maintain interest while the mystery unfolds. The emotional connection is a strong one and a father's love is really the core of the film as it crosses over into full sci-fi mold late in the story.

        With little dialog, Mr. Shannon conveys much through his eyes which is ironic since Alton's power is expressed through his eyes. Ms. Dunst doesn't add much as the mother since the writing is directed  towards the father/son relationship. Mr. Driver adds a small dose of comic relief in an otherwise very serious film.  I applaud Mr. Nichols effort but ultimately, I came away disappointed.  Both his earlier films were much stronger in structure and story.

10 Cloverfield Lane

  Released without much fanfare, this new thriller from producer J.J. Abrams can best be described as a full length "Twilight Zone" episode with multiple twists and turns. If you're are a fan of the movie, "Cloverfield", be warned that this is not a sequel and only has a sliver of a connection to that earlier film.

     Mary Elizabeth Winstead (who is terrific on the PBS series "Mercy Street") stars as Michelle, a woman leaving her fiancee who's circumstances place her in an underground bunker with two strangers.  John Goodman is Howard, the owner of the bunker and John Gallagher Jr. ( "The Newsroom") is Emmett, a local who helped build it.

     What happens in the bunker makes up the majority of the film. Credit the clever screenplay for an claustrophobic story of basically three people that will keep you not only engaged but guessing the final outcome (which trust me, you won't see coming). Mr. Goodman is a towering presence, scary and caring at the same time. Mr. Gallagher Jr. is a fine sympathetic character but the film is really driven by Ms. Winstead. Intelligent and brave, she plays a dynamo who refuses to be a victim and this role should elevate her to even bigger and better films.

       The story is full of surprises and the latter part of the film becomes very exciting. You may not accept the final moments based on what transpires before but in this cinematic universe, it makes perfect sense. One additional warning I will provide- the film is available in IMAX. Don't waste the additional money. There is really nothing about it that deserves IMAX. It will be perfectly enjoyable on a standard screen.

Zootopia

        Disney scores another smash with this wonderful new animated film. It is laugh out loud funny, filled with a great cast of animated animals, visually stunning, suspenseful and has a wonderful message of tolerance on many levels. 

         I don't remember the last time laughing out loud so much during a movie. The verbal and visuals puns come fast and furious, definitely requiring a second viewing to absorb it all. There are so many adult gags that you shouldn't write the film off as just a kid's animated film. It will appeal to an audience of any age. Embedded in the story are nods to "The Godfather", "Breaking Bad", and many more. It even pokes fun at another Disney blockbuster as well as a certain 20th Century Fox animated film franchise.

         The vocal talents are perfectly cast. The lead characters include  Jennifer Goodwin as the very perky and determined, Judy Hopps, the bunny who dreams of working for the Zootopia police force. Jason Bateman as a literal "sly" fox who reluctantly ends up helping Judy solve her first case. Idris Elba, plays gruff police Chief Bogo, a tough talking water buffalo. J. K. Simmons is the Lion Mayor and Jenny Slate is the Assistant Mayor, a sheep named Bellwether. And what's a Disney animated film without one or two songs, provided here by Shakira as Gazelle.

            The message of racial, social, and economic tolerance is pretty evident throughout and presented in such a way that that a viewer of any age (probably at least 5 and older) will understand. Younger children will appreciate the vibrant colors, the adorable animals and slapstick comedy, although may be scared during some of the sequences.

             I can't wait for the inevitable Zootopia Two. 

Eye in the Sky

     Helen Mirren leads an excellent cast in this tense, political thriller that examines modern warfare from many angles. Directed by Gavin Hood, the film builds it's suspense slowly as it introduces us to the various players surrounding a terrorist situation in Kenya.

       Ms. Mirren plays Colonel Katherine Powell, a British soldier who has been tracking a known terrorist for six years. With the help of the U.S. Air Force and their "eye in the sky" drone, she finally has a chance to capture Ayesha Al-Hady, once known as Susan Danford, a British citizen.

The drone pilot is played by Aaron Paul and his partner is played by Phoebe Fox. They sit in a trailer in the Nevada desert controlling the armed drone over Kenya.

       When the mission to capture becomes a mission to kill, the suspense is raised to edge of your seat as the powers in control argue the value of collateral civilian life if they approve an airstrike, while the terrorists prepare two suicide bombers. In the way of the strike is a nine year old girl selling bread in the street. Ms. Mirren is icy cold as the soldier ready to give the strike order awaiting approval from her commander, played by Alan Rickman (in his last role).

        On the ground is Barkhad Abdi, (The Somalian pirate captain in "Captain Phillips") an operative spying on the house targeted by the drone. The action moves from various countries, involving multiple military and government officials, illustrating how complex modern warfare has become. As the terrorists plot, political, legal and moral ramifications must be examined by all sides before an kill order can be carried out. 

         The film borders on satire but seems so realistic that I can't help but think situations like this really exist on a regular basis somewhere in today's world.

The Witch

       If you watch this new film from writer/director Robert Eggers with a modern sensibility, you will probably dismiss it as the unsettling film it really is and just might laugh it off. However, if you  watch it through the eyes of it's cast, putting yourself in their mindset, you will understand how terrifying it really is.

       The film takes place in 1630's New England. A family of settlers from England is cast out from their congregation for a difference of religious beliefs and they set up their own farm in a clearing on the edge of a deep wood. The story is based on a New England folk tale of the time and Mr. Eggers extensively researched the period to make every detail authentic.

        The viewer is truly transported back in time where the clothes, sets and dialog all ring true and it's easy to get caught up in the family's growing superstition, paranoia, and religious fervor. The cast consists of William (Ralph Ineson), Katherine (Katie Dickie), their teenage daughter, Thomasin (Anna Taylor-Joy), their younger teen Caleb (Harvey Scrimshaw), younger twins Mercy and Jonas (Ellie Grainger and Lucas Dawson), and their baby Samuel.

         Early in the film, Samuel disappears under Thomasin's watch and that sets off a series of events that become ever more unsettling and disturbing as the film goes on. There are barnyard animals that may or may not be possessed. Something lurks in the woods. It all builds to a surprising climax with a few good scares along the way.

          Anna Taylor-Joy is terrific as Thomasin, a young girl on the cusp of womanhood, striving for independence while remaining faithful to her parents.  Mr. Ineson and Ms. Dickie are also very good as the parents unraveling with growing dread over the real and/or imagined horrors facing them.

           I wouldn't call this a horror film. It does have it's scary moments but the overall tone is more suspenseful, creepy and unsettling than horrifying.  Take it seriously and it will haunt you for days.

Deadpool

           Ryan Reynolds, you are totally forgiven for "Green Lantern".  This is the Marvel adaptation Mr. Reynolds has been trying to get made for years and his determination has finally paid off. This is a terrific live action version of "The Merc with a Mouth".

           Mr. Reynolds plays Wade Wilson AKA Deadpool perfectly. He has captured everything about the comic book character that fans have come to love. T.J. Miller plays his buddy Weasel and in a moment of inspired casting, Leslie Uggams plays Blind Al, his snarky roommate. Morena Baccarin, showing off her wild side, plays Wade's love interest, Vanessa. The film also features X-Men, Colossus (CGI created) and Negasonic Teenage Warhead, played by Brianna Hildebrand. The featured villains are Ajax, played by Ed Skrein and Angel Dust played by Gina Carano.

            Fox studios has gambled with a very "R" rated comic book adaptation but everything about the film totally rocks. Yes, the language is harsh, the jokes dirty, the violence over the top but it is also so much fun and entertaining that you don't mind the bloodshed and cursing. The one-liners come so fast that the film will require a second viewing just to catch them all. Mr. Reynolds, in keeping with the spirit of the character, constantly breaks the "4th wall" speaking directly to the camera, which serves to really engage the audience.

             Deadpool is a "love em or hate em" kind of character and this film will not be for everyone but fans of the genre or the character himself will be thrilled with the results. Make sure you are there for the opening credits (the fun starts right away) and of course, stay for the credits for "anti" extra footage.

Hail Caesar

       The latest from the Coen Brothers  falls somewhere in the middle of their cannon of work. Call it Coen Brothers lite. It's a comedy with it's own strange energy that revisits "Capitol Pictures", the imaginary Hollywood studio first introduced in "Barton Fink".

       The Coen's mix genres of classic Hollywood wrapping them around a central mystery of a kidnapped movie star, played by George Clooney.  Along side Mr. Clooney, Josh Brolin stars as Eddie Mannix, a "fixer" for the studio that has to contend with Mr. Clooney's kidnapping,  a pregnant starlet played by Scarlett Johansson, a director (Ralph Fiennes) unhappy with his new leading man, and a singing cowboy (Alden Ehrenreich) that would be much happier sticking to westerns. Besides dramas, westerns, and swimming spectacles, the Coen's throw in Channing Tatum as a song and dance man in a nautical musical.

        The whole thing is a fun romp and Mr. Brolin is just terrific as Eddie Mannix. He carries the bulk of the film on his broad shoulders juggling his various studio problems along with a pair of identical sister gossip columnists, both played by Tilda Swinton. Of course, being a Coen brothers film, the characters are all extraordinarily unique, right down to the cameo by Frances McDormand as a chain smoking film editor. And you won't quickly forget the talents of Mr. Ehrereich, who is also outstanding.

        There is always a certain degree of intellect in a Coen Brothers film and Mr. Clooney's kidnappers are far from what you might expect and will clearly surprise you. So too, is a discussion on the depiction of Jesus Christ  in the studio's religious epic, "Hail Caesar".  That round table discussion is just one highlight in a film filled with great scenes. The Channing Tatum musical sequence has to be seen to be believed. 

         Great dialog and attention to detail are always found in a Coen Brother film. Here however, the sum is not as good as it's parts. The Coen's rehash ideas from their own catalog and I particularly found the writing weak at the beginning and at the end, but there is enough in the middle to satisfy any fan of these original filmmakers. 

Anamolisa

      The latest film from director/writer Charlie Kaufman (co-directed by Duke Johnson) is a stop motion animation amazement.  Mr. Kaufman's films are always a surprise and never follow a traditional route. This new film is no different. 

       At it's core, it is the story of Michael Stone, a motivational speaker, who arrives in Cincinnati to give a  presentation the next day. But over the course of  24 hours, we explore loneliness, sense of self, how we connect with others, individuality and love all through Michael's experience.

       David Thewlis is the voice of Michael, Jennifer Jason Leigh provides the voice of Lisa, and Tom Noonan provides all the other voices.  The vocal work is excellent as each actor gives voice in a very deliberate way.

       The animation is remarkable and the attention to detail is stunning. Even you are not engaged by the plot, there is so much to enjoy in the visuals and so many little touches. Make no mistake though, this is adult animation. There is full frontal male nudity and sex as well as adult language.

        The film has been given a well deserved nomination for an Oscar this year but I don't think it's a film for everyone. I believe it's very polarizing and you will either love it or hate it. I found it fascinating and enjoyed every moment. 

The Finest Hours

        Disney presents the true story of the most daring rescue in Coast Guard history. When a pair of oil tankers split in two during a blizzard off the coast of Massachusetts in 1952, the Coast Guard send ships to rescue the men of the first tanker, not realizing there is a second tanker in trouble. When the second tanker is discovered, it is up to a small boat of four men to attempt the rescue.

          That's the premise and the scenes at sea are exhilarating, the special effects, cinematography, and acting all combine to put you in the action. The central part of the film is when it's at it's best. Switching the action from the men trapped on the sinking ship to the men in the rescue boat fighting monster waves and horrible conditions, you can't imagine how a rescue can be attempted. It's the sappy set up and ending however, that is what's really waterlogged. 

          Chris Pine stars as Bernie Webber, the skipper of the rescue boat and the film starts with a building romance between Bernie and Miriam, played by Holliday Grainger. The script emphasizes the relationship to help create additional tension once Miriam is safely back on shore worried about her man at sea. Mr. Pine is a fine stoic leader. Having already played Captain Kirk in multiple Star Trek films, he is at home behind the wheel leading his men on their perilous mission. It's his scenes with Ms. Grainger that are awkward and dull. Ms. Grainger plays the the worried girlfriend admirably taking many of her scenes over the top.

           Ben Foster costars as Bernie's second in command but his fine talents are wasted in an empty role. Kyle Gallner and John Magaro are the other two members of Bernie's crew, who spend most of their time tossed about by the storm whipped sea. Eric Bana is also wasted as the Coast Guard commander with no scenes of real depth. On board the sinking ship, Casey Affleck plays  Ray Sybert, the chief engineer of the tanker, who rallies the crew to stave off the the storm waters that will soon drown them all. Mr. Affleck is painfully dull and maybe that what the role called for but he is out of his dramatic element in this part.

             The film never steers of course. The rescue itself, while exciting, is straight forward storytelling. I applaud Disney for making the film as it honors the real men involved in this little known story but the script is too sanitized to truly recreate the heightened emotions and actions of everyone involved in this daring rescue.

13 Hours

           Based on the true story of an attack of Americans in Benghazi in 2012, this is a harrowing modern day Alamo (as one character accurately describes it). Six privately contracted security men (all ex- armed forces) are hired to protect a covert CIA operation in Benghazi. When terrorists attack the temporary headquarters of American Ambassador Chris Stevens and then turn their sights on the CIA compound, it is up to the band of ex-military brothers in arms to protect the civilians.

            Directed by the action king himself, Michael Bay, the film build slowly giving just enough background of the main characters so that when the attack happens, we are fully invested in the lives of these men. The attack, which comes in waves, makes up much of the second half of the film and Mr. Bay is not frugal with chaotic firefights or numbing explosions. Those unfamiliar with the outcome will succumb to the suspense of wondering who lives and dies.

             The film stars James Dale Badge as Tyrone "Rone" Woods and John Krasinski as Jack Silva, the two most recognizable members of the cast. Mr. Badge starred on the short lived AMC TV show, "Rubicon" and Mr. Krasinski is best know as Jim on the TV show, "The Office". Both pull off an incredible transformation into lean, mean, men of war.  The film also stars Pablo Schreiber as Chris "Tonto" Peronto (the script gives him the best one-liners), Dominic Fumusa as John "Tig" Tiegen, Toby Stephens as Glen "Bub" Doherty and David Denman as Dave "Boon" Benton . Each actor admirably honors the actual man they portray. 

              The bureaucratic errors that left them to fend for themselves are still under investigation in Washington today. Politics aside, the film is a testament to the bravery and devotion these men had to protect the civilians against an overwhelming enemy they couldn't even clearly define. It is a story that will leave you both angry and proud to be an American.

Son of Saul

            A harrowing, visceral vision of the Holocaust from Hungarian writer/director Lazlo Nemes. There have been many films about the Holocaust over the years  that have left an emotional mark on the viewer but never quite like this.

             Saul  Auslander is a SonderKommando, a Jewish prisoner of war in a unnamed concentration camp forced to work for the Nazis. He leads other prisoners to the gas chambers, hauls out their dead bodies, shovels their ashes and other brutal chores, just to stay alive.  

             The film opens with Saul out of focus walking into the frame.  Making the creative and brilliant choice to put the camera inches away from Saul for the entire film, we are no longer watching but instead, we are immersed in the film itself. There is little dialog, no soundtrack and with this first person point of view, we experience the horrors around Saul for ourselves. This is not an easy film to watch but that's the point.

              The story takes place roughly over 24 hours. The plot is simple. Saul finds a dead boy that he perceives to be his son, and he tries to find a rabbi to give the boy a proper burial. Geza Rohrig plays Saul in a powerful performance where his every thought and emotion is conveyed by the sadness in his eyes.

               Recently nominated for Best Foreign film, "Son of Saul" may be too much to bear for some but brace yourself, it's worth it. It is an experience that will haunt you for a long time. Mr. Nemes has found a new and ingenious way to make sure we never forget. 

The Danish Girl

The new drama from director Tom Hooper is a fictionalized version, based on the true story, of Lilly Elbe, one of the first documented transgender cases in the early 1920's.

    Ms. Elbe was born Einar Wegener, who in adulthood, became a successful Danish artist.  The film opens with a closeup of Einar's wife Gerda, who is a struggling artist in her own right. Einar is played by Eddie Redmanye and Gerda is played by Alicia Vikander. It is clear that they are very much in love but there is a desire in Einar that rises to the surface when Gerda asks him to pose for her in women's clothes.

     Mr. Redmayne, already awarded for his transformation into Stephen Hawking, is remarkable as Einar/Lilly. His performance is flawless and while appreciated, actually works against him.  His acting never waivers and he ends up a one note character, overshadowed by a commanding performance by Ms. Vikander as Gerda.  

      The film is stolen by Ms. Vikander with a raw, emotional performance that Mr. Redmayne can't match. She carries him just as Gerda supports Einar's decision to become the woman he already feels inside him.

      Mr. Hooper directs with a skilled eye, delicately balancing the sensitive material. The cinematography is outstanding and at it's core, the film is a beautiful period love story.

My Best and Worst films of 2015

Top 10 Movies of 2015

Spotlight- Terrific ensemble acting in the riveting true expose of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.

The Martian- Matt Damon as a stranded astronaut on Mars was suspenseful, exciting and filled with unexpected humor.

The Big Short- Impressive yet highly stylized version of the events leading to the Mortgage crisis of 2008 with an excellent cast including an outstanding performance by Steve Carell.

Sicario- Emily Blount, Josh Brolin and Benicio del Toro were excellent in this tension filled southern border crime drama.

Brooklyn- Wonderful period drama filled with emotion about family and finding oneself. Soairse Ronan is luminescent.

White God- The best film ever about a dog trying to survive in a hostile world and the teenage girl trying to find him. Great back story as well about the shelter dogs used in the film.

Inside Out- Leave it to Pixar to create an animated film that was the most emotional movie of the year and certainly not for kids.

Room- Riveting drama of maternal love and devotion that was devastating as well as beautiful. Incredible acting by Brie Larson and Jacob Trembley.

The Hateful Eight- Tarantino…love him or hate him but nobody makes movies like him. “Ten Little Indians” meets “Reservoir Dogs”.

Trumbo- Communist paranoia runs rampant in the America of the 1950’s. Another great ensemble cast led by an outstanding Bryan Cranston as the screenwriter Dalton Trumbo.

Honorable Mention-

Slow West- an unconventional western that upends the genre.

Love & Mercy- Brian Wilson bio featuring Paul Dano and John Cusack as Wilson in the early and later years of his career. Dano’s scenes creating “Pet Sounds” gives you goosebumps.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens- If you’re a fan, it’s spectacular (even if it seems too much like déjà vu).

Mad Max: Fury Road- The most action packed visceral film this year with Charlize Theron stealing the film from Tom Hardy. Loses some points for basically being a one trick pony.

Mr. Holmes- a great script and the impeccable Ian McKellen. What else do you need?

’71- A terrific thriller that takes place in Belfast Ireland during the “Troubles”. Jack O’Connell is terrific as a British Soldier caught in the conflict.

Worst 10 Movies of 2015

The Fantastic Four- Worst version yet. Utterly unfantastic.

Jupiter Ascending- Sloppy, confusing and Channing Tatum with elf ears.

Blackhat-  Total mess of a cyber thriller.

Black Sea- A submarine sinks and so does the film.

Tomorrowland- a two hour PSA to save the planet.

Poltergeist (2015)- Such an unnecessary remake. Stick to the original.

Rikki & the Flash- Meryl Streep found a way to embarrass herself and Kevin Kline too.

No Escape- that’s what the audience kept thinking as the silly film ran its course.

Crimson Peak- All style and no substance. A terrible ghost story.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E.- Again, all style and no substance. Dishonors the original TV show.

Joy

     The latest collaboration between Writer/director David O. Russell and Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DeNiro, and Bradley Cooper. "Joy" is based on the true story of Joy Mangano, a self made entrepreneur,  who created the "Miracle Mop". 

       Mr. O. Russell was not interested in a simple bio and instead stylizes Joy's story into a bigger than life fable. Mr. De Niro plays her father, Virginia Madsen plays her mother, Edgar Ramirez, her ex-husband Tony and Diane Ladd, her grandmother.  It is a very dysfunctional family and the movie begins in a state of chaos.

       When she gets the idea for her mop,  Joy asks her divorced father's new girlfriend, played by Isabella Rosselllini, to invest in her invention.  Initially things do not go well but once she meets Neil Walker, an executive at QVC, played with confidence by Bradley Cooper, things begin to turn around.

          The film is a testament to one woman's resolve but it's a universal tale that will empower women everywhere. Joy is a force to be reckoned with and watching her personal growth throughout the film, you can't help but root for her. Ms. Lawrence carries the film on her back with ease. She continues to grow as an actress with every film. 

            I am a fan of Mr. O. Russell but I didn't find "Joy" to be his best work. The acting is first rate but I found his direction odd at times and the story didn't quite resonant with me. Of course I am not a young entrepreneurial woman but I did go in with an open mind.

The Revenant

          The latest film from director Alejandro G. Innarittu is based on the true story of Hugh Glass, a trapper and guide in the 1800's. The story is one of survival and revenge. Mr. Glass is played by Leonardo DiCaprio, in what has to be the most physically demanding role of his career. Mauled by a bear and incredibly wounded, he is at first kept alive by the other trappers in his party but when it becomes clear he is dragging them down and a burden, they leave him behind to die watched over by his son and two of the other trappers. 

          Tom Hardy plays Fitzgerald, one of the trappers tending to Glass who commits two terrible acts that are the catalyst for the remainder of the film. Mr. Hardy makes a worthy villain and adversary. The film also co-stars Domhnall Gleason as Captain Andrew Henry, the leader of the group forced to make the tough decision to leave Glass behind. Both Mr. Hardy and Mr. Gleason have been the most ubiquitous actors of 2015 but they deserve all the work they are getting.

         The cinematography is outstanding, framing the beautiful winter wilderness where the film takes place. Written in part by Mr. Innarittu, certain elements of Mr. Glass's story are fictionalized for effect to create a stronger emotional bond to the character. Mr. DiCaprio has little dialog but his physical acting skills are remarkable as we watch him mauled, beaten, bruised, nearly drowned, almost frozen, fall off a cliff, as well as horrible acts of man testing him to his limits. To say he earns his salary on this film is an understatement.

          Mr. Innarittu interweaves his narrative with beautiful shots of nature. Cuts to streams, rivers, treetops, clouds, mountains take place throughout the film to remind us of the beauty of nature and man's small place in it. However, it drags the story out longer than necessary. While a technical and acting marvel, the film could easily have been 20 minutes shorter and still have the impact Mr. Innarittu ultimately achieves.

The Big Short

    Director Adam McKay, known for outrageous comedies, takes on Wall Street with this highly stylized version of the mortgage housing collapse of 2008. Dramatic in nature but still filled with plenty of laughs (some unintentional), the film hits a hard reality in a very entertaining way.

     The film stars Christian Bale as Dr. Michael Burry (who first predicted the collapse), Steve Carrell as Mark Baum (who quickly became a believer), Ryan Gosling as Jared Vennett (who brings the information to Baum looking for investors) and Brad Pitt as Ben Rickert (a retired investor mentoring two young upstarts). Obviously everyone is portraying a real person and while it seems over the top, it's really on the money (pun intended). Mr. Carrell is just terrific as Mr. Baum. His tired resignation at the end (despite becoming very rich) is so human and honest, you almost forgive him for profiting from the disaster. Mr. Bale is also quite good as the very odd but brilliant Dr. Michael Burry. He actually seems to regret how much money he makes from the collapse.

       Mr. McKay makes some interesting choices to help explain Wall Street terminology and financial maneuvering to the audience.  Mr. Gosling narrates and frequently breaks the 4th wall speaking directly to the camera. An odd assortment of "celebrities" explain complicated terms in simple terms, again, directly to the audience.  Definitions appear written on screen. You would think all the breaks in the narrative would be disruptive but you get used to it fairly quickly and it does help to break things down in layman's terms for a wide audience.   

        This is a cautionary tale that, unfortunately, will quickly fade into the history books and and life will go on...on Wall Street and little pink houses everywhere.  

Concussion

          Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. The brain disease that has crippled and killed far too many football players now has a name, thanks to Dr. Bennet Omalu. This new drama is based on the true story of Dr. Omalu's discovery and struggle to convince the National Football League to acknowledge that condition was real.

           What elevates this film from a Lifetime "movie of the week" is the incredible performance of Will Smith as Dr. Omalu and the taut script from writer/director Peter Landesman. Mr. Smith dominates the film like a Pro Bowl quarterback. His acting is impeccable, whether he is going face to face with The NFL or quietly and subtly falling in love with Gugu Mbatha-Raw who plays his tenant and eventual wife, Prema.

           CTE can only be detected after death and as a coroner working in Pittsburgh, Dr. Omalu finds himself performing the autopsy on Mike Webster (an almost unrecognizable David Morse), a beloved former Pittsburgh Steeler, that leads him to his discovery. The film plays like a mystery thriller, with Dr. Omalu first discovering the disease and then proving to the NFL that it's killing former players. 

            Supporting him from the start is his boss, Dr. Cyril Wecht, played very convincingly by Albert Brooks (who continues to shine in dramatic roles) and later, Alec Baldwin as Dr. Julien Bailes. The film also features Mike O'Malley, Stephen Moyer, Eddie Marstan, Arliss Howard, Luke Wilson, and Adawale  Akinnuoye-Agbaje as various doctors and members of the NFL. Each has small but significant roles to play in Dr. Omalu's story.

           Men who play the violent sport of football know they risk injury on every play but the long lasting effects of repetitive head trauma is not so simple a diagnosis. Concussion protocols early on have been completely rewritten since CTE has been brought to light.

           Balancing a story of medical discovery against an emotional journey of a pragmatic immigrant's struggle to better understand the country he has come to love, "Concussion" scores a touchdown on multiple levels. 

The Hateful Eight

             A group of strangers are forced to wait out a  Colorado blizzard at a stagecoach stopover called Minnie's Haberdashery. The majority of this three hour film takes place in this singular location where alliances are made and broken, secrets are revealed and much blood is eventually spilled. Writer/director Quentin Tarantino's new western plays like "Ten Little Indians" meets "Reservoir Dogs".  It is inflammatory, ultra violent and immensely entertaining ...everything you would expect from Mr. Tarantino.

             The cast is a mix of Tarantino favorites as well as some new faces and everyone is terrific. Kurt Russell is John Ruth, a bounty hunter on his way to Red Rock with his prisoner, Daisy Domergue, played by Jennifer Jason Leigh. The rest of the ensemble is Samuel Jackson as Major Warren, Demian Bichir as Bob, Michael Madsen as Joe Gage, Walton Goggins as Chris Mannix, Tim Roth as Oswaldo Mobray and Bruce Dern as General Smithers. There are other characters but I don't want to spoil any surprises. Mr. Russell is tough as hardened leather doing his best John Wayne impression. Walton Goggins is terrific as the racist "sheriff" and Mr. Jackson is outstanding as Major Warren. A Tarantino regular, his chameleon-like ability to inhabit his parts so completely, makes him unique with every film. Ms. Leigh steals the film as Daisy. Only a daring actress like Ms. Leigh would tackle this difficult role. During the course of the film, she is physically put through the ringer, leaving her bloodied, bruised and battered pretty much from the onset.

             This is a character driven story and watching this great cast go through their paces with Mr. Tarantino's dialog and direction never leaves a dull moment. Like many of his films, the story is divided up into chapters and the first few take their time setting up an insane second half. A throw back to the "event" films of the '50's and '60's, "The Hateful Eight" comes complete with an overture, an intermission and even a souvenir booklet.  It is after the intermission that things move very rapidly to it's bloody conclusion. The film itself is also shot in 70 millimeter with a wide angle lens giving it a pristine full screen appearance that can't be recreated with today's digital projection. Mr. Tarantino is calling this limited release the "Roadshow Engagement" and if you have the chance, this is the way you should see the film before it goes wide.

            Mr. Tarantino does not shy away from hot button dialog or brutally misogynistic treatment of his female characters. Along with the visceral violence, this may turn many away from the film, but if you consider the time period and setting (a few years after the Civil War), you can appreciate the authenticity Mr. Tarantino is looking to deliver. This film, like the seven before it is quintessential Quentin Tarantino.