Critical Score:  80

Audience Score: n/a

Starring:  Robert Redford, Sissy Spacek, Casey Affleck

Director:  David Lowery

Robert Redford says this is his last movie, but who really knows; he could change his mind any minute.  This is overall very entertaining and really tries to break down the motivation of Redford’s Forrest Tucker as to why he continues to rob banks over and over again.  Spoiler alert – it’s because that’s what he knows, that’s what he’s good at and that’s what he loves.  It’s kind of a tempting lifestyle as there would definitely be a rush if not addicting quality to the act itself and for outwitting law enforcement.  However, there is really no chance for much of a life in the end because Forrest is always running from the law and from people he cares about.

Possibly, the more interesting character and a bit of a surprise in the movie is Casey Affleck as the detective who at first seems to be trying to catch Forrest, but may have decided that catching him isn’t that important.  I guess the detective feels a little sorry for Forrest while respecting the love he has for his craft at the same time.  At least this is a different perspective than that of an obsessive and angry law enforcer going after the criminal at all costs whatsoever.  This detective seems to have a life that he likes, and doesn’t need to obsess about catching Forrest; he is intrigued though and interested in the case.  He also seems to really care about Forrest.  Overall a solid movie, excellent acting and worth a look.

Critical Score:  90

Audience Score:  n/a

Starring:  Alex Hannold, Jimmy Chin, Sanni McCandless, Tommy Caldwell

Director:  Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin

This documentary is incredible.  The feat that Alex is attempting to conquer is perhaps the most difficult ever attempted in the world of free solo climbing – climbing with no rope or gear except some white chalk.  The level of detail that is involved with Alex’s preparation – down to how  and where to put each of his fingers on various sections of rock on the 3000 ft tall El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.  El Cap is the epicenter of climbing; it’s a stunning visual.  Pretty much perpendicular to the ground from bottom to top.  This climb without rope has never been tried much less accomplished.  Even harder is to accomplish this feat while being filmed with a 4 or 5 man film crew.  The pressure doesn’t get much more intense, yet Alex breaks everything down into small puzzles until he thinks he can give it a go.  This doc is not one to be missed.

Critical Score:  85

Audience Score:  n/a

Starring:  Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy

Director:  Damien Chazelle

Damien Chazelle has done it again.  After the critically and commercially acclaimed ‘Whiplash’ followed by ‘La La Land’, Damien has once again proven that he is one of the best writer / director / producers in the business.  The story is interesting and underrepresented in our history of space exploration and space travel; he brings this unbelievably dangerous and experimental mission into the light of the present time.  The danger of prior flights and tests and the deaths that came before Neil Armstrong’s walk on the moon are all on display here.  Technology was not near as good back in the 1960’s and this feat was very much a miracle.  Ryan Gosling plays Mr. Armstrong while the story really does show the extraordinarily driven man; the toll it took on him and his family; his relentless focus to accomplish his mission; and his determination to reach the moon.  Very interesting and entertaining movie from start to finish and I’m looking forward to reading the book by James R. Hansen from which the movie was based.  Metacritic scores it a 85 as well; Rotten Tomatoes a 8/10.

Critical Score:  90

Audience Score:  n/a

Starring:  Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga

Director:  Bradley Cooper

This movie is very entertaining right off the bat.  Bradley Cooper transforms himself into a very believable rock star who meets Ally (Lady Gaga) while singing a number at a bar on drag queen night.  Bradley Cooper is excellent again in this fantastic remake of the same movie where Barbara Streisand and Judy Garland star decades before.  There have been 5 remakes of this story.  Bradley Cooper also directs.  This movie was made for Lady Gaga as she nails the acting bits and her singing speaks for itself.  She was fantastic.  There will be many Oscar nominations here; seems like Lady Gaga should already be a favorite.  What a great directorial debut for Bradly Cooper.  The pace is quick and there are not many if any wasted scenes.  It’s definitely a tearjerker and keeps you on the edge of your seat.  Highly recommend !