Brooklyn

An Irish immigrant lands in 1950s Brooklyn, where she quickly falls into a romance with a local. When her past catches up with her, however, she must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within.

Based on the novel this tale is one of an immigrant whom like all others that migrated to America came in search of a better life and fresh start.  Young Ellis Lacey, played by Saoirse Ronan whom you may remember from her memorable performance years back in Hannah is all grown up and delivering a performance that make you believe she is the next Meryl Streep.  As she settles into life in America Ellis meets a young Italian boy, Tony, who loves baseball as much as his family.  Tony is played magnificently by Emory Cohen and is a hard working plumber who wins over Ellis, as they begin to fall in love and make plans for the future, Ellis must return home for a family emergency.  While back home Ellis begins to remember how amazing Ireland is and just how much she has missed friends and family.  As Ellis’ feelings start to sway on whether or not she will return to America she is confronted by her old boss; it’s during this visit she begins to remember how evil of a person her ex boss is and why she left for America.   There is not a lot of drama, action, or suspense.  Heck, for a minute you begin to think the only bad person in the world is her old boss, we don’t even run into a mildly upset person in all of Brooklyn.  Anyway, it’s a great story telling movie with superb acting, and beautiful cinematography, along with being nominated for 3 Oscars.  This is a throwback to classic movies when it was all acting and great stories.  I will say it did leave me wanting more, and in my eyes that’s always a good thing.

Nominated for 3 Oscars.

Best Motion Picture of the Year
Best Actress in a Leading Role - Saoirse Ronan 
Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay - Nick Hornby

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4 out of 5 passports

Ride Along 2

As his wedding day approaches, Ben heads to Miami with his soon-to-be brother-in-law James to bring down a drug dealer who's supplying the dealers of Atlanta with product.

Kevin Hart had a huge 2015, not only with his movies but his stand up shows set records around the world.  This guy is working to be the next Dwayne Johnson, not in terms of stature, (although he has started a fitness craze with his Run with Hart) but in terms of connecting with his fans and in return they become loyal followers who support him in all his endeavors.  Don’t worry; I haven’t forgotten about Ice Cube, he had a big year as well, especially with Straight Outta Compton, which he produced.  If you are a fan of the first one I know your anticipation levels are high to see this movie, it did knock Star Wars off of its 4 work first place podium spot.  Wintertime is the perfect time to release comedies, especially January, as it’s the time people in the Midwest are beginning to get seasonal depression it helps to get out and share some laughs with friends and family.  Now I’m going to come right out and say it, I personally preferred the first movie, but that doesn’t mean you won’t like this or that it’s not a fun movie, it’s a buddy cop movie, they are always fun.  Ice Cube decides to take Kevin Hart along on a case he is working that has led him to Miami, with a little influence from Cube’s sister Kevin is on his way with his soon to be brother in law.  With only a few days before Kevin’s marriage they have to solve the case in a hurry, and with the help of a witness, Ken Jeong who plays a computer hacker has evidence to incriminate a drug lord (played by Benjamin Bratt) in Miami with ties to the case that Cube has been working in Atlanta.  Once they arrive in Miami they meet Olivia Munn who is a homicide detective and they soon become fast friends, especially as Kevin tries to get her to be Cube’s plus one for the wedding.  The comedy and action is plenty in this movie and it moves at a good pace with not a lot of down time once they hit Miami.  Kevin Hart puts his fun spin on situations involving an alligator, guns, cars, foot chases, and impersonating royalty.  Ice Cube plays his role to perfection as the badass detective taking no shit and coming up with ways out of sticky situations.  I suggest grabbing your popcorn, sit back and enjoy the show; it’s a fun ride.

4 out of 5 bulletproof vests.

Trumbo

 Dalton Trumbo was an American screenwriter and novelist, who scripted films including Roman Holiday, Exodus,  Spartacus and Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo.  One of the Hollywood Ten, he refused to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1947 during the committee's investigation of Communist influences in the motion picture industry, and was subsequently blacklisted by the industry. He continued working covertly and his uncredited work won two Academy Awards; the one for Roman Holiday was given to a front writer, and the one for The Brave One was awarded to a pseudonym. The public crediting of him as the writer of both Exodus and Spartacus in 1960 marked the end of the Hollywood Blacklist, and his earlier achievements were eventually credited to him.

I enjoy a good period piece about Hollywood and this film delivers in a big way.   With a great story, and amazing cast it is hard to not like this movie.  I’ll be the first to admit that I was skeptical about the pace of the movie before I saw it but once it was over I couldn’t believe how quickly it passed.  They did a great job of keeping me intrigued and wondering what is going to happen next.  Knowing the story of Trumbo and watching the movie it was fun to try and anticipate when the character introductions were going to happen, and when they did, they were done to perfection.  Bryan Cranston was cast perfectly as Trumbo, and for Louis C.K. fans it is a joy to see him in a role like this and proving that he can play whatever you ask of him.  Not to forget that it seems you can’t have a period piece movie about Hollywood without including John Goodman.  He plays a no nonsense, tell it as it is, you’re either with me or against me, in it for the women and money, master of B movies, and the head of King Brothers Productions Company.   This is the company that took on Trumbo while he was blacklisted and put the names of other writers on his work.  It was a great match for Trumbo since nobody respected this company and in return the company didn’t respect anyone else, making them a good bully, who didn’t care if people found out Trumbo was on their payroll.  Bryan Cranston is nominated for an Oscar for his performance and the movie has been nominated at all the awards show this year.  This is a must see on your movie list, even if you are hesitant and waiting for the Redbox debut, be sure to check this out. 

1 Oscar Nomination

Best Actor in a Leading Role - Bryan Cranston

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5 out of 5 Oscars

The Big Short

 Four denizens of the world of high finance predict the credit and housing bubble collapse of the mid-2000s, and decide to take on the big banks for their greed and lack of foresight.

So anyone who bought a house, involved with the banks, lost your job, or just plain and simple want to forget about this time in history you probably aren’t going to see this movie.  Let me say this, I watched it with someone who worked for the banks during this time and also lost their job because of this collapse.  I have to say it was a great insight because this person confirmed everything in the film and was able to explain any grey spots that I had.  This isn’t your typical Adam McKay movie, if you know any of his work you know he is a production partner with Will Ferrell, except this isn’t anything like a typical comedy the duo usually creates.  Adam puts some fun surprises to keep it light hearted with a little silliness while at the same time instilling some very good drama and the characters he created were played magnificently by the all star cast.  This is a Steve Carell we don’t normally get to see and he shows us yet again what a great actor he is with what I think is one of his best roles thus far.  Ryan Gosling plays the lighter more comedic relief in this film, which is fun to see him, step back from the serious roles.  Brad Pitt plays a very levelheaded character that hates the system and has gone somewhat off the grid staying away from the corrupt corporate world.  Christian Bale assembles another great character and performance with his socially awkward genius role.  They all come together to put a dramedy spin on a very touchy subject with Americans.  Adam McKay shows off his creativeness with this movie proving he can take on any challenge he wants besides just comedies.  This movie is nominated for 5 Oscars and if you get the chance go see it before the Oscars, you will not be disappointed. 

Nominated for 5 Oscars

Best Motion Picture of the Year
Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Christian Bale
Best Achievement in Directing - Adam McKay
Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay - Charles Randolph, Adam McKay
Best Achievement in Film Editing - Hank Corwin

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4.5 out of 5 shitty loans.