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.  

ENOUGH SAID

Grown-up love story with a stellar cast, this excellent film seemed so true to life that I found it kind of sad.  Of course it was hard to know that it was the last movie that James Gandolfini made before his untimely death.  He was so lovable in the movie, and I have heard he was also a really wonderful guy in real life!  Julia Louis-Drefus and he play divorced parents who meet when they are each dreading the "empty nest' syndrome as their kids are about to go off to college. Catherine Keener and Toni Collette complete the roster.  Highly recommended.

ROMEO and JULIET

Certainly, I am not a Shakespearean  scholar.  I am obviously not a "Highbrow." 

      I had the audacity to thoroughly enjoy "Romeo and Juliet."  Some of the Critics panned it, probably because it did away with the Shakespearean lingo, and all the characters spoke so that you could easily understand what they were saying. I liked Hailee Steinfeld as an innocent kind of "farm-fed" sweet young girl, and Douglas Booth was perfectly cast as handsome Romeo.  One of my favorites, Paul Giamatti was delightful as the wonderful Friar Laurence, who helps the young couple.  Worthy of note is excellent Lesley Manville who plays Juliet's Nurse.

        Screenwriter Julian Fellowes adapted the Bard's classic tale, and Carlo Carlei Directed the film.

        The two friends who saw the movie with me both enjoyed it, and --and they are not dummies!

         So, if you're willing to just see a romantic/tragic love story with an excellent cast, go see 'ROMEO and JULIET."   Perhaps you will like it; I did!