Carol

☆☆☆☆☆

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Based on the novel "The Price of Salt," "Carol" is a beautiful story of a woman who falls in love with another woman.
The performances are strong and subtle (Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara), and the film creates a mood that captivates the viewer.

Look for more award nominations for this film (best actress, best supporting actress, best picture).
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Some may want more emotional impact.

Rated R
1 hr. 58 min.

Visit the official website and see the trailer.

Joy

☆☆☆☆1/2

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Yes...this story of the woman who invents a mop is not only engaging...but it also offers great performances, laughs, inspiration, and a few tears of joy.
Jennifer Lawrence gives a Golden Globe nominated performance as Joy.
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Isabella Rossellini is miscast as Trudy (love interest of Joy's grandfather...Robert De Niro).

Rated PG-13
2 hr.

Visit the website and watch the trailer.

The Danish Girl

☆☆☆☆1/2

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Eddie Redmayne and Alicia Vikander give award winning performances as artists Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener (respectively) in this moving love story (based on true events) of a couple loving each other in spite of the husband coming to terms with being transgendered.
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This is what some might call a tragic love story...and (aside from the ending) it lacks emotional impact.

Rated R
2 hr.

Visit the official website and see the trailer.

Sisters

☆☆☆1/2

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The comedy team of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler produce and star in this fun (and at times laugh out loud) holiday season comedy about two sisters who decide to throw one last house party before their parents sell the family home.
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The screenplay (the party) gets a little out of control.

Rated R
1 hr. 58 min.

Visit the official website and watch the trailer.

Trumbo

☆☆☆☆

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Based on a true story, "Trumbo" is the engaging story of Dalton Trumbo (strong performance by Bryan Cranston)...one on Hollywood's best screenwriters until he was added to the Hollywood blacklist.
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The screenplay is engaging...but slow moving.

Rated R
2 hr. 4 min.

Visit the website and see the trailer.

The Good Dinosaur

☆☆☆☆

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Pixar's "The Good Dinosaur" is the heartwarming story of Arlo, a dinosaur who makes an unlikely friend.
This film delivers some of the best animation to date...along with an all-star cast including Frances McDormand, John Lithgow, Neil Patrick Harris, Bill Hader, and Judy Greer
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The story could have been stronger.

Rated PG
1 hr. 40 min.

Visit the movie website and see the trailer.

Spotlight

☆☆☆☆1/2

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"Spotlight" is the compelling story of the Boston Globe's investigation and ultimate story regarding allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church.
All star cast includes Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, Billy Crudup, Stanley Tucci, and John Slattery.
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The actors don't all get to show the depth of their talent.
Some say the story is several years too late.

Rated R
2 hr. 7 min.

Visit the official website and watch the trailer.