2017 Awards Season: Feature Film Highlights

Get ready for the Oscars! (February 26, 2017)  Check your local theaters to see if they run a viewing package for films that are nominated for best picture. 

Here are some of the films nominated in various categories: (best picture, leading actor, leading actress, supporting actor, supporting actress,  directing, writing, cinematography, costume design, film editing, production design, sound design/editing/mixing, music and visual effects)

http://www.sdentertainer.com/movies/2017-awards-season-feature-film-highlights/

Below are some of the highlights:

"Allied"

Old-fashioned espionage, romance and Casablanca.  In 1942, Canadian intelligence officer Max Vatan (Brad Pitt, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button") locks eyes and lips with a  French resistance fighter, Marianne Beausejour (Marion Cotillard; "The Dark Knight Rises," "Inception").  Their mission is to attain an invitation to an event where a Nazi ambassador will be attending.  A ticking clock counts down to a diversion, the duo executes the assassination with precision and make their exit.  Max and Marianne move to London, get married and have a baby daughter.   It's domestic bliss until Max is notified by his superiors that Marianne might be a German spy.  Max refuses to believe that Marianne is not who she says she is and goes to great length outside of the official channel to prove her innocence.  It's a conflict between duty to his country and love for his family.  "Allied" plays like a beautiful montage with sumptuous sets, luxe lighting, impeccable costumes and glamorous stars.  It's a glossy spies-in-love war drama, old-Hollywood style.  Check out the full review and trailer here. 

***

"Arrival"

A dozen alien spaceships have descended on various locations around the world.  Dr. Louise Banks (Amy Adams, "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice," "American Hustle," "Leap Year") is an expert linguist recruited to help decode the language of aliens.  Language is the basis of civilization.  It's how we understand and communicate with the world around us.  And therefore, our brain is wired to comprehend certain elements of life in definite ways, such as the notion of time.  However, since we may not be alone in this universe, our understanding may not necessarily be-all and end-all.  It would behoove us to keep an open mind, observe, listen, learn to seek meaning and understanding, including a principle or practice that may differ from our normal perception, and do our best to communicate with one another.  The ingenuity of the film lies in the overarching premise, pieces that come in the form of the past, present and future that connect a life story to the overall theme.  An enlightening tale about the human mind, communication and perception, "Arrival" is thoughtful and thought-provoking.  Check out the full review and trailer here. 

***

"Doctor Strange"

Superhero meets sorcery.  Dr.  Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch, "The Imitation Game") is a brilliant neurosurgeon, who is also self-centered and an all-around jerk.  His glorious career ends when he suffers nerve damage from a car wreck.  He discovers the existence of the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton, "Hail, Caesar!"), the guru of mystical and martial arts.  Dr. Strange magically transforms into a master sorcerer; from forming a glowing weapon with his disfigured hands to floating from one dimension portal to another, casting spells and manipulating energy, space and time.  He violates the natural law of time in order to gain the upper hand and preserve humanity.  Everything is not in the clear, however. There's an inherent order of things, including life and death, and they balance humanity.  It's a visually impressive spectacle.  Skyscrapers, walls and floors are twisting, turning, shifting, shaping, folding and collapsing.  Ruins rebuilt.  The parallel realms are a kaleidoscope of colors, fire, light and darkness.  Blending fantasy and magic with superhero action and humor, "Doctor Strange" is a fresh, entrancing entrance into the ever-expanding Marvel Universe.  Check out the full review and trailer here. 

***

"Hidden Figures"

“Hidden Figures” is a remarkable story about three African-American women who worked at NASA in the age of space race as the 'human computers.'  While it tells a weighty story, it is filmed with a lighthearted tone and has a breezy pace.  Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) work at a segregated research center.  Racism and sexism permeate every fabric of the severely prejudiced society.  Not only relegated to the back of the bus, there are 'colored' sections for everything - work area, restroom, cafetaria.  Memorable scenes pack emotional and inspirational punch, powered by great acting.   These women march on every day with dedication, diligence, persistence, resilience and determination.  It's a fine balance between knowing their place, stepping back and showing deference to their peers and supervisors, and at the same time, being resourceful, assertive and confident in themselves in seizing opportunities, moving towards achieving their dreams, and being a part of history.  And if history has taught us anything, there's always a first in everything.  "Hidden Figures" is phenomenally uplifting and life-affirming.  Check out the full review and trailer here. 

***

"La La Land"

An aspiring actress (Emma Stone, "The Amazing Spider-Man") and an idealist jazz pianist (Ryan Gosling; "The Big Short," "The Ides of March," "Drive") fall in love and work through their ambitions to make it in the city of dreamers and movie stars.  The charming leads sing, tap and twirl through their meet-cutes and rocky relationship.  The road to achieve one's dreams is not without crushed hopes and personal sacrifice.  Los Angeles is aesthetically filmed, awash with a pastel palette and accentuated with pops of bright colors.  Dreamlike cityscapes and streets in daylight, twilight and illuminated night.  Flared dresses in blood red, royal blue, emerald green and canary yellow.  Melodious song-and-dance numbers include memorable sequences such as a real freeway traffic jam, whimsical tap-dancing on the hill in the dusk, magical floating among the stars in the planetarium, among others.  There's also a melancholic duet on the original song for the movie, "City of Stars."  A romantic musical that blends Old Hollywood fantasy with modern reality, it's a lovely movie to end or start the year.  Check out the full review and trailer here. 

***

"Manchester by the Sea"

A mournful loner, handyman named Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck; "The Finest Hours," "Gone Baby Gone") rushes to his hometown upon hearing the news about his brother's condition in the hospital.  After his brother, Joe (Kyle Chandler; "The Wolf of Wall Street," "Argo"), dies, he is appointed guardian of Joe's teenage son, Patrick (Lucas Hedges).  Returning home is one of the hardest things for Lee, who faces reminders of his painful past, including his ex-wife, Randi (Michelle Williams; "My Week with Marilyn," "Shutter Island"), and the working class community that whispers behind his back.  Lee was a happy-go-lucky guy with a loving family and friends.  An unfathomable tragedy broke him and drove him out of town.  "Manchester by the Sea" is exquisitely shot, with the winter seaside town as an integral part of the film.  Snowy streets, gray skies, cold seas and fishing trips.  It pulls you in gently and it's soberly absorbing.  It feels like real life, with messiness and setbacks.  Not everything broken can be made whole again.  A simple slice of life story, yet a complicated one.  Check out the full review and trailer here. 

***

"Passangers"

Jim Preston (Chris Pratt, "Jurassic World," "Guardians of the Galaxy"), is aboard a spaceship transporting over 5,000 passengers to a new planet.  All passengers are in cyrosleep during the planned 120-year interstellar trip.  Jim's pod has malfunctioned, awakening him 90 years too soon.  A second passenger, Aurora Lane (Jennifer Lawrence; "The Hunger Games" series, "X-Men" series, "American Hustle"), is also awakened later.  Eventually Jim and Aurora realize they are onboard of a sinking spaceship.  The movie's got very cool visual effects.  A super sleek spacecraft with expansive exterior and interior design that looks futuristically real.  A viewing deck for a luminous cosmic show.  An infinity pool at the edge of deep space.  While it's easy to judge Jim's morally questionable actions, none of us will likely never know what it truly feels like being the last person alive.  The movie touches on an existential and morality issues.  It may be easy to dismiss "Passengers" as a Titanic in space with a Hollywood ending, but it's more than that.  "Passengers" offers a sci-fi romance with a thought-provoking twist.  Check out the full review and trailer here. 

***

"Sully"

On January 15, 2009, a flight took off to the clear winter skies under the command of Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger (Tom Hanks; "Bridge of Spies," "Saving Mr. Banks," "Captain Phillips," "Cloud Atlas").  Shortly after, bird strikes damaged both engines and disabled the aircraft.  After a distressed exchange with the air traffic controller and rapidly evaluating his options, the veteran captain made a split-second decision to glide his plane onto the Hudson River.  That decision proved to be crucial in saving the lives of all 155 people onboard.  Sully is heralded as a hero by the press and public, yet facing intense investigations from NTSB.  Clint Eastwood successfully stages realistic-looking crash and rescue scenes. Chills fill the air when passengers shiver out in the open, sliding down the rafts, lining up the wings or plunging into the frigid river.  Flying may be a routine experience these days.  Until it isn't.  You'll come out with a greater respect and appreciation for the fine men and women that help keep our skies friendly.  "Sully" is an unassumingly riveting docudrama with a heart and a touch of miracle.  Check out the full review and trailer here. 

***

"Zootopia"

It's not another animation.  "Zootopia" zestily deals with complex issues, such as racism, sexism, discrimination, segregation, bullying, stereotyping, nature vs. nurture.  It cleverly camouflages them behind cute animation mirrors, making them are surprisingly engaging and entertaining. Not to mention shrewdly humorous.  An ambitious little bunny grows up a in farm, becomes a cop, and moves to Zootopia.  In this vibrantly rendered, diverse utopia, preys and predators exist harmoniously.  But reality is complicated.  Through a series of unfortunate incidents, the bunny reluctantly teams up with a sly fox with a traumatic past.  They work on an intricate investigation, uncovering the whereabouts of missing mammals. City hall politics are involved, fear campaigns and peace rallies.  Blame game and misdirection abound.   In the end, there is no perfect world.  We all make mistakes.  We don't always get along.  But we also can try to do our best to make a difference, and in the process, we can make the world a better place.  Imaginatively fresh and very grown-up, "Zootopia" is quite possibly the most brilliant, best animation of all time!  Check out the full review and trailer here. 

Tweet

WonderCon 2016

[For a blast from the past, check out:

http://sdmoviemaven.blogspot.com/p/comiccon-wondercon.html]

WonderCon was in Los Angeles this year after having been in Anaheim since 2012 (previously originated and held in San Francisco) due to a scheduling conflict with the Anaheim convention center.

Badge scanner system made its debut; a trial run for Comic-Con in July.  In order to combat  pass forgeries and smuggling of badgeless guests, visitors were given scannable badges and each person had to "tap" the badge onto the scan tower at multiple checkpoints scattered around the entrance and exit areas.  It's relatively easy, although there were  some complaints, such as inoperative scanners, inconvenient height of towers and tapping points for some people.  The true test would come when it's implemented at Comic-Con, which always draws the largest crowd and longest lines.

Since I primarily focus on feature films (although I do cover TV premieres from time to time at past Comic-Con and WonderCon), there's not much to report this year on this front.   I only attended for one day and it's extremely light on movies.   There were only two movie panels and of the horror genre, "The Conjuring 2" and "Lights Out."  James Wan, director of "The Conjuring 2" was there, rolling out scary sneak peeks.  The second movie, "Lights Out," which was produced by Wan's production company, brought out its first-time feature film director, David Sandberg, along with co-creator/star Lotta Lotsen, producer Lawrence Grey and star Maria Bello.

Wan talked about his style, very grounded and classic in aesthetic.  Regardless of budget, he said that it's still necessary to be creative, because at the end of the day, it's the story and characters that would make people care.

In an interview with IGN, Wan revealed something about his upcoming superhero feature, "Aquaman" (whose cameo could be seen on the latest "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice" movie).  The tone of his movie would be fun.  He wanted to show a cool, badass side of this character and looked forward to exploring potential sea monsters and cool creatures.

What's more interesting to me than the panel was to check out Microsoft Theater.  Microsoft Theater has been touted as Hall H's competition, with Los Angeles trying to lure Comic-Con out from San Diego.  I must say it's a swanky spot; theater setting, plush seating with cup holders.  Although not without hassles.  To enter, all visitors must undergo a metal detector and bag check.  Some guests were turned away due to certain features in their costumes, having glass bottles or beverage cans.  And then there's the walk.  The walk from the main convention center was pretty far.

All convention goers expect to do a lot of walking, but the Los Angeles Convention Center takes it to another level.  It is really sprawling, particularly in contrast with the compact Anaheim Convention Center.  Another snafu was the few most popular TV panels were held in a small room (less than Ballroom 20 capacity), making it impossible to get in.

Outside of the horror panel, I attended TV Showrunners, Romance in Sci-Fi & Fantasy and Spiritual Themes in Comics panels. The TV Showrunners discussed a showrunner's role, essentially like a director of a film, and challenges they faced - from budget, resources, negotiations, storytelling, making life-and-death decisions about characters, and facing fan reactions.  In attendance were showrunners Ali Adler ("Supergirl"), Craig DiGregorio ("Ash vs. Evil Dead"), Scott M. Gimple ("The Walking Dead"), Damon Lindelof ("The Leftovers"), Melissa Rosenberg (Marvel’s "Jessica Jones") and Paul Scheer ("Party Over Here").

For Romance in Sci-Fi & Fantasy, one of recurrent topics brought up was to show the softer side of characters before intense scenes, such as going into battle or being superheroes.  For the audience to care about the characters, they would have to get to know them first.  As far as relationships go, women can be portrayed as strong, without being threatening; however, men would need to be able to hold their own or you would not find an audience.  For Spiritual Themes in Comics, there was an emphasis on writing about spirituality realistically and not shy away from it, as it's natural to worship something and people had been doing it for ages.

One highlight of the day was CBS's press roundtable interviews for "Scorpion."   The producers and cast members in attendance (Nick Santora and Nicholas Wootton; Robert Patrick, Ari Stidham, Eddie Kaye Thomas and Scott Porter) took individual interviews, visited each of the press tables and chatted with us about the characters and their evolution, and storyline moving forward.

For those who are unfamiliar with the show, "Scorpion" is a TV series (now in season 2 and renewed for season 3) inspired by a real-life genius and computer prodigy, Walter O'Brien.  The eccentric team, led by a tough federal agent, is comprised of misfits; a behaviorist, a mechanical wonder and a statistics expert.  The last "recruit" is an average Jane with a gifted son.  She helps them communicating and interpreting the world around them.  They use their masterful minds to solve highly charged cases.  The show is outrageous and knows it; it doesn't take itself seriously, making it fun.  There's a strong focus on the dynamics among the team members.

The show's producers promised two big cliffhangers and a huge twist we would not see coming.  The ending would propel the show on the emotional side.  A certain question in a major relationship would be asked.  It's one love affair and another love affair-to-be.

An interesting development came out from the convention.  I had a chat with Joe LeFavi, Head of Marketing for Comic-Con HQ.  Comic-Con HQ is a new channel featuring a mixture of programming; original TV series and select movies, behind-the-scene features, as well a number of recorded, live streaming scenes (including panels) straight from the Comic-Con convention.

Sign up for a beta access at Comic-ConHQ.com.  Comic-Con HQ will go live on May 7 and be free until July 25.  Afterwards, you may subscribe for a fee (pricing is yet to be determined).

http://www.sdentertainer.com/entertainment-events/wondercon-2016/

[click to enlarge pictures]

Tweet

Academy Awards 2016

[For reviews of some of the nominated films, click here].

#OscarsSoWhite.  The Oscars have seen its share of controversies, but this year kicks it up a notch.  2016 marks the second year in a row where no one in color has been nominated for acting, spurring boycotts, racial talks, diversity discussions, and call for institutional change.

For his part, Chris Rock, the host of the 88th Academy Awards, tweeted a cryptic message, #Blackout, ahead of the show, fueling speculations that the comedian would not be deterred from digging into the highly charged topic.

Rock rocked the room from the start, calling the Oscars the “White People’s Choice Awards.”   Had hosts been nominated, he quipped he would not have got the job. He said that while he was encouraged to back out, he would not quit because only unemployed people would do it.  He plainly remarked that decades ago when there were no black nominations, they were not protesting… because they had real issues to protest about (than fussing about an award show).  If we would like to guarantee blacks getting nominated, we should have a black nominees category every year.  In all seriousness, he concluded that black people would just like to receive the same opportunities.  

On sexism in Hollywood, it’s simply common sense. Rock pointed out that actors did not get asked about what they’re wearing because they all essentially wore the same clothing, unlike actresses with varied (and sometimes outlandish) styles.   

Following the black vs. white theme, a black actor was inserted in clips of several nominated movies, eliciting hilarious reactions from fellow actors in those movies.  Also celebrating Black History Month (February), there were mocking snippets, such as showcasing Jack Black (with “Black” being his real last name).

Writers received the first honors of the night, with “Spotlight” winning Best Original Screenplay and “The Big Short” Best Adapted Screenplay. 

Best Supporting Actress award went to rising newcomer Alicia Vikander for “The Danish Girl,” who also gave a terrific performance in “Ex Machina.” “Ex Machina” pulled an upset win (although well-deserved) by winning Best Visual Effects.  Brie Larson, frontrunner for Best Actress, nabbed the statue for her emotional performance in “Room.”  Another first-time nominee, Mark Rylance, won Best Supporting Actor for “Bridge of Spies,” besting nostalgic-favorite Sylvester Stallone.

Something new this year, some of the costumes and set decors from nominated films were displayed on stage, which is a nice touch.  Sci-fi “Mad Max: Fury Road” cleaned up with a half dozen awards, Best Costume Design, Production Design, Film Editing, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, and Makeup and Hairstyling. 

Best Original Score award went to "The Hateful Eight" and Best Original Song to "Spectre."

Emmanuel Lubezki became the first cinematographer to have won Best Cinematography award three consecutive years; for “The Revenant” this year, “Birdman” last year and “Gravity” two years ago.  Its director, Alejandro G. Innaritu, also earned a win for the film.  He won last year for “Birdman.”  And it’s finally Leo DiCaprio’s year.  Having been nominated several times and lost each time, he was locked in this time for Best Actor and scored the prize for his extreme role in “The Revenant.”  He gave an eloquent speech and took the time to vocalize environmental concerns, a cause close to his heart.

To mix thing up a bit, Star Wars and Toy Story characters, and Despicable Me minions took part on stage for animated skits and awards announcement.  Like clockwork, Pixar’s “Inside Out” took home Best Animated Feature.

Vice President Joe Biden made an appearance to put a spotlight on sexual abuse awareness and asked everyone to pledge intervention.  He introduced Lady Gaga, who then performed a piano piece and song, "Til It Happens to You."  The performance was capped with dozens of sexual abuse survivors joining her on stage and held hands together, a moving sight received with a standing ovation.

Best Picture award was a three-pronged wild card (“The Revenant,” “Spotlight,” “The Big Short”) and it came down to “Spotlight," an important story that needs to be seen.  

For a complete list of winners, check out the official site here.

http://www.sdentertainer.com/movies/academy-awards-2016-recap/

And the Oscar goes to...

Best Picture
"Spotlight"

Best Leading Actor
Leonardo DiCaprio, "The Revenant"

Best Leading Actress
Brie Larson, "Room"

Best Director
Alejandro González Iñárritu, "The Revenant"

Best Original Score
"The Hateful Eight," Ennio Morricone

Best Original Song
'Writings on the Wall,' "Spectre," Jimmy Napes and Sam Smith

Best Supporting Actor
Mark Rylance, "Bridge of Spies"

Best Animated Feature Film
"Inside Out," Pete Docter and Jonas Rivera

Best Visual Effects
"Ex Machina," Andrew Whitehurst, Paul Norris, Mark Ardington and Sara Bennett

Best Sound Mixing
"Mad Max: Fury Road," Chris Jenkins, Gregg Rudloff and Ben Osmo

Best Sound Editing
"Mad Max: Fury Road," Mark Mangini and David White

Best Film Editing
"Mad Max: Fury Road," Margaret Sixel

Best Cinematography
"The Revenant," Emmanuel Lubezki

Best Makeup and Hairstyling
"Mad Max: Fury Road," Lesley Vanderwalt, Elka Wardega and Damian Martin

Best Production Design
"Mad Max: Fury Road," Colin Gibson and Lisa Thompson

Best Costume Design
"Mad Max: Fury Road," Jenny Beavan

Best Supporting Actress
Alicia Vikander, "The Danish Girl"

Best Adapted Screenplay
"The Big Short," Charles Randolph and Adam McKay

Best Original Screenplay
"Spotlight," Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy

Tweet

2016 Awards Season: Feature Film Highlights

The 2016 Academy Awards will be held on February 28, 2016.  Take some time out to catch up on some of the nominated films up for awards! (best picture, directing, acting, editing, writing, music, visual effects, sound editing and mixing, production and/or costume design).  A number of these movies are still playing on extended run at your local theaters. 

http://www.sdentertainer.com/movies/2016-awards-season-feature-film-highlights/

Here are some of the highlights:

"The Big Short"

Mortgage-backed securities.  Subprime loans.  Adjustable rate mortgage.  Credit default swaps.  Collateralized debt obligation.  How do you think a movie tackling such dry and difficult topics fare?  Dull?  Cumbersome?  Incomprehensible?  Not even close.  The filmmakers craftily executes the film.  To avoid monotone exposition, concepts and occasions are illustrated in a variety of ways.  Songs and news and characters facing and speaking directly to viewers.  And most ingeniously, comically utilizing actress Margot Robbie, chef Anthony Bourdain and singer Selena Gomez, who all make cameos as themselves.  With such serious subject, surprisingly, "The Big Short" is not short on jocularity.  The madcap pace, akin to the award-nominated "The Wolf of Wall Street" (albeit without the gratuitous shots or glamorous sheen), helps make it entertaining.  The film is an enlightening companion piece to the award-winning documentary, "Inside Job."   The ending will make you think about whether the whole economic apocalypse could happen all over again.  Ingloriously funny, fiery and frightening, "The Big Short" is no small feat.  Check out the full review and trailer here. 

***

"Bridge of Spies"

In 1957, a New York insurance lawyer, James Donovan (Tom Hanks, "Saving Mr. Banks"), gets pulled back into criminal law, called to represent an accused Soviet spy, Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance).  James, an honest, principled man finds that justice can be relative, even as America showing to the world that we provide due process and capable defense for everyone.  A skilled negotiator, James intuitively understands his opponents and pushes the right buttons to make things happen in tricky political waters and hostile climate.  This is a story about doing the right thing even when it doesn't suit your purpose and having respect for people for doing their job honorably for their country even when you don't agree with what they do.  Not as tension-filled as one might think, it's a serious slow-burn, surprisingly sprinkled with mordant humor. Based on real events and helmed by Steven Spielberg ("Lincoln"), "Bridge of Spies" is classily crafted, directed and acted.  Steady, measured and assured historical Cold War drama.  Check out the full review and trailer here.

***

"Cinderella"

It's every little girl's fantasy. Being a princess. And among all the princesses, Cinderella is arguably the fairest of them all.  Unlike the reinvention of the last several adaptations, which edges on the darker side or leans towards modern feminism, "Cinderella” is a straightforward retelling of the classic, although it's not without surprising gems.  The fairy magic does wonders. It's magical to see Cinderella transform, twirl and glow in the shimmery ball gown and sparkling glass slippers. And the rest is a delightful treat because of the gradual transmutations where you can still see partial semblance to the original forms. From pumpkin turning carriage, mice into horses, goose into coachman, lizards into footmen, and back to their origins.  For an old-fashioned story, it ends with an empowering message to speak your mind, stay true to yourself and have the courage to do the right thing.  Lushly gorgeous and opulently vibrant, “Cinderella” is so earnest and charming that you'll be swept away in the dreamy fairy-tale romance and magic of happily ever-after.  Check out the full review and trailer here. 

***

"The Danish Girl"

Einar Wegener/Lili Elbe (Eddie Redmayne, "The Theory of Everything," "Les Miserables," "My Week with Marilyn") is documented as one of the first persons to receive a sex reassignment surgery.  In 1920, Copenhagen, Einar and Gerda Wegener (Alicia Vikander, "Ex-Machina," "The Man from U.N.C.L.E") are like any other young, married couple.  Einar is a successful landscape artist and Gerda a portrait painter.  When a model fails to show up for painting, Gerda jovially persuades her husband to stand in with a women's clothing.  It is at this moment that Einar feels... something.  Something indescribable that makes him feel closer to his true self, which he believes that he's woman.  The film has a soft-focus feel with colorful palette, postcard-perfect scenery, impeccable interior and luxurious costume design.  While Redmayne bravely steps into a unique role, it is Gerda's perpective and Vikander's acting that stand out.   Perchance "The Danish Girl" is not about Einar Wegener/Lili Elbe, but a story about the 'other' Danish girl, Gerda Wegener.  Check out the full review and trailer here. 

***

"Ex-Machina"

A young coder, Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson), wins an office prize for a weeklong retreat with Nathan (Oscar Isaac), the company's reclusive CEO and inventor of the world's most popular search engine. Nathan has been working on a secret project, artificial intelligence in the form of humanoid-robot named Ava (Alicia Vikander).  You'd feel things are not what they seem and something sinister is going to surface, but you don't know what, when or how. It's tantalizingly thrilling. Vikander is a wonder, walking a fine line between human and machine. Her Ava, partially translucent with wires and circuits and partially covered in human skin, is both mechanically perfect and surrealistically human. The reveals come in pieces and they boggle the mind. Ethical quandaries of identity, humanity, freedom, life and mortality. If you could create a machine with human consciousness, would you... just because you could? What if artificial intelligence goes beyond artificial? Does it have the right to exist? How would it be integrated to society? What are the implications? What will become of mankind?  Strikingly compelling, cerebrally cool and eerily suspenseful, “Ex Machina” delivers on the futuristic visual and philosophical level and ceases with an ending that lingers in your mind.  Check out the full review and trailer here.  

***

"The Martian"

During an exploration in Mars, a fierce sandstorm forces a team of astronauts, led by commander Melissa Lewis (Jessica Chastain, "Zero Dark Thirty," "The Debt") to abort their mission and evacuate the base.  Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon, "Elysium," "The Adjustment Bureau") is impaled by a satellite antenna, left stranded and presumed dead.  In a hostile, arid planet and encased in solitude, Mark uses his expertise as a botanist and resourcefulness to generate oxygen, create heat, produce water, grow crops and ration his limited food.  And perhaps just as important, not losing his sense of optimism and wry humor to keep his sanity and spirit alive.  On Earth, a lively group of really smart, passionate people working together tirelessly to develop solutions to rescue Mark.  Drawing upon science, intelligence, collaboration and imagination, it shows how the brightest minds can accomplish great things together.  "The Martian" is a crowdpleaser, hopefully one that may inspire the next generation of space explorations.  Check out the full review and trailer here.

***

"Spotlight"

The film takes us back to 2001 for a behind-the-scene look at "Spotlight, " a team of professional journalists working tirelessly to uncover the truth, unravel and assemble information piece by piece, yielding chilling revelations that rock one of the oldest and most esteemed institutions, the Catholic Church.  Their year-long investigative work and news story won them a Pulitzer award.  This is more than chasing a story,  making a mark or generating money for the publication.  While it's an explosive expose, it is not sensationalized.  This is a hard-hitting storytelling, conducted with sensibility and acted with remarkable realism.  The film also shows the power of the press.  That when a focus of a story is carefully selected, thoroughly investigated, responsibly corroborated, persistently followed through and timed well for publishing can make a far-reaching and lasting difference.  "Spotlight" not only demonstrates investigative journalism at its finest, but perhaps more importantly, it shines a spotlight on a previously untouchable story.  Check out the full review and trailer here. 

***

"Steve Jobs"

"Musicians play the instruments.  I play the orchestra," said Steve Jobs (Michael Fassbender, "X-Men" series, "Prometheus") in response to a question why he gets all the glory since he's not an engineer or designer, and that he takes all the credit for the brilliant and tireless work from the people who devote themselves to him.  The Danny Boyle-directed "Steve Jobs" is uniquely structured like a play, a three-act play before three key product launches; Macintosh, NeXT and iMac.  A paradox, Steve Jobs is out-of-the-box thinker, yet out-of-touch with human connection.  The backstage drama is a cacophony filled with farcical facades about product features, room preparations, and intense confrontations about relationships where each act ends with a phenomenal, cult-like mania when the man of the hour seizes the stage.  The rapid-fire dialogue, razor-sharp script, deft direction and fast-paced editing will keep you fixated onto the screen.  The stakes are elevated and emotions are running at a fever pitch.  "Steve Jobs" is masterfully orchestrated like a spectacular theatrical play in a grand opera house, complete with orchestral music.  Check out the full review and trailer here. 

***

"Trumbo"

"Trumbo" chronicles the life of Dalton Trumbo (Bryan Cranston), one of Tinseltown's most successful and highest paid screenwriters in the 1940s and 1950s.  It's a dark time in Hollywood and American history; the Red Scare period post-World War II where thousands and thousands of people suspected for or believed in communism are targeted unjustly.  Even branded as a traitor, Dalton never lets darkness dims his survivor spirit.  Dalton starts ghostwriting for other writers, working for a fraction of his fees for B-rated producers producing movies starring A-list stars.  Even more fascinating, he establishes a homebased screenwriting business, working with other unemployed screenwriters and cranking out script after script.  The shenanigan eventually pays off, with films like "The Roman Holiday," "The Brave One," "The Exodus" and "Spartacus" grace the silver screen, furtively netting Dalton two Oscars.  "Trumbo" is oddly delightful.   If you're into the movies scene, politics and civil liberties, you'll enjoy the film's history lesson, old-fashioned Hollywood feel, witty wordsmithery and joie de vivre spirit.  Check out the full review and trailer here. 

Tweet