NEBRASKA

Not quite the usual   "Road Trip" as Bruce Dern (looking very, very old) sets off to collect the Milliion Dollar prize he thinks he has won.   (You know, the "Publisher's Clearning House" type of letter we've all received at one time or another.   His son, seeing him walking along the road, heading to another state, agrees to drive him, since Dad is determined to get there.
  I found this film somewhat boring, and definitely sad.  I understand they used some actual local waitresses etc. to play themselves in the movie.  That's nice.  Otherwise, sorry folks, I didn't care very much for this film.

AUGUST; Osage County

Great actresses, Miserable, horrible experience!  I hated this movie.  It consisted of everyone yelling, screaming, swearing at each other.   This is not my idea of entertainment.  Awful, disgusting film.  Of course the critics raved about it.

FROZEN

Based on Hans Christian Anderson's immortal fairy tale, "The Snow Queen," FROZEN beautifully brings it to life on the screen.  Although I usually avoid 3D , this technology enhanced the experience (and I didn't get a headache!).  The voices of the two main characters were absolutely  perfect!  Idina Menzel playing "Elsa" (the Snow Queen) and Kristen Bell voicing "Anna" (her sister) were a joy to hear.. Produced by Walt Disney Studios, Directed by Chris Buck, I found every aspect of this film marvelous. I want to say it was just about sublime -- but that sounds a bit too gushy.  So suffice to say,  I loved it. 

NEBRASKA

Very well done,  realistic and accurate portrayal of folks in small Midwest towns, their conversation, and attitudes.  Premise is that of an elderly (quite old) man (played to perfection by Bruce Dern) who receives one of those, "You  have won a  Million Dollar prize" letters. So he sets off walking in order to collect the money in a neighboring State.   His patient son, who loves his dad, can't talk any sense into him, and figures it will be safer for his dad if he drives him there (Lincoln, Nebraska). Filmed  in black and white --or gray and white, everything looks definitely dismal (no Technicolor). I found the movie depressing,but I admit it was very well made.  My friend (who is from Nebraska) enjoyed it a lot.  She said the dialogue was so true to life  that she almost knew what the characters were going to say next!   So, depending on your own experiences, you may enjoy this film. I did not. 

PHILOMENA

Judi Dench at her very best  (and that's magnificent!) with Steve Coogan, excellent!   One of the best movies I've ever seen.   All aspects of it excellent.  Totally enjoyable (but bring Kleenex).   Just the right touch of humor at the right moment to offset the Kleenex moments.   Film is worth winning prizes in every category.   Don't miss it!!! 

LAST VEGAS

Want to have a good time at the movies?  Run, don't walk, to see "LAST VEGAS!"  It will not disappoint!   What a treat! 
 I apologize for using so many exclamation points, but how else can I even begin  to emphasize how delightfully  funny this comedy is. The all star cast includes (in alphabetical order!): Robert DeNero, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline, and Mary Steenbergen (she sings, and she actually sings well!)  
The dialogue is clever (and funny!), the acting is, of course, flawless, and it has a believable plot.   I laughed a lot, and I mean a lot (and so did the rest of the audience!)
I went in worried that the film might not live up to what you'd expect from these famous actors, but, I loved it!  I could see it again!  Directed by Jon Turteltaub, Written by Dan Fogelman.  Thanks to all those involved; you made my day!

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS

Based on the true story told by Captain Richard Phillips in his book describing the hijacking of his ship by Somali pirates in 2009, this film, starring Tom Hanks (giving  possibly his most outstanding portrayal ever!) is so exciting, but so painful to watch that I almost walked out, because I could barely stand the violence and the suspense!  However, I kept my seat because I had to find out how he was going to be rescued. (By the Navy Seals: Hooray!!!  I felt like standing up and cheering!!!!)
It was worth the sticking it out to the end,  just to see the amazing performance Hanks offers, especially after his rescue, of a man so shattered from the horrors  he has endured, that he can't even speak.   It  is trite to say his performance is "Oscar worthy", because that doesn't even begin to offer the accolades his work deserves!  Catherine Keener, always excellent  plays his wife. Billy Ray wrote the Screenplay; Directed by Paul Greengrass   Fantastic film, but not for the faint of heart.