THE POST

THE POST:  Meryl Streep is Kay Graham and Tom Hanks is Ben Bradlee in this Stephen Speilberg film about the nation's first female newspaper publisher (The Washington Post)  and her intrepid editor taking on the government and a cover-up that spanned four presidencies.  Historical drama? Yes.  But also a  thriller of sorts with splendid performances that are Oscar worthy. Hell, it may even win Best Picture.  The cover-up?  The Pentagon Papers.  This is one of the best of the year and the ending is absolutely glorious (and perfect for this piece).   The audience broke into applause which tells you how great it is.   Did I mention it is timely, as well, what with the constant attacks on the press from you-know-who.   Go see it.  You'll cheer!  I promise.

I, TONYA

I, TONYA:  Margot Robbie produced and portrays Tonya Harding in this film that attempts to examine her career and how she came up the through the ranks in the ice skating world.  Ms. Robbie does much of her own skating and is quite good and she is due additional praise for losing her Australian accent and bring this "white trash" character to the fore.  However, the scene stealer in all the proceedings is Allison Janney as Tonya's abusive mother LaVona.  Having won the Golden Globe as Best Supporting Actress, I'm guessing she's a shoe-in for an Oscar nomination.   And she well may get it. Also, in the cast is a splendid Sebastian Stan as Tonya's husband, Jeff Gillooly and the two share what can only be called a love/hate relationship.  How much of this is true is anyone's guess, but it does make for an interesting look into that strange incident that literally cost Hardin her career, a career that could have been stellar being the first woman to execute a triple axel.

JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE:  I'm a little late in viewing this one but it was worth the wait as pure escapist fare. It's stars, Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillan have such fun playing teenagers trapped in adult bodies that all the performances are infectious with charm  and wit, as in "laugh-out-loud" moments.   Supporting roles are handled by Nick Jonas (his film debut?) and Bobby Cannavale who is as mean as they come in this outing (a far cry from the boyfriend/cop of Will on "Will and Grace.") So, in brief, if you're looking for a real popcorn movie, this is the one.....And in January instead of summer.   Great fun!

ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD

ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD: Directed by Ridley Scott (Golden Globe Nominee) and starring Michelle Williams (GG Nominee) and Mark Wahlberg, this film is based upon the real life kidnapping of the teenaged John Paul Getty III and his mother's attempt to persuade the "richest man in the world," his grandfather, to pay the ransom.  Christopher Plummer plays the elder Getty (replacing Kevin Spacey) and is flawless in the role. The role of the young Getty falls to Charlie Plummer (no relationship to Christopher) and he fits it like a second skin. Part thriller, part biopic, this film delivers on many levels and it is never boring in the least.  Wahlberg as a Getty employee who sides with the mother in her attempt to free her son, strikes all the right cords, self interested but sympathetic. Timothy Hutton shows up in a thankless role as another Getty minion.  All in all, a fascinating look behind the rich façade of wealth and the way it can be maneuvered to one's own desires.

THE DARKEST HOUR

THE DARKEST HOUR:  Gary Oldman IS Winston Churchill in this Golden Globe nominated performance.  A performance that will undoubtedly lead to an Oscar nomination as well.  He is remarkable! While the film feels more like a history lesson at times, it is certainly noteworthy for Oldman's performance.  Kristin Scott Thomas as his wife and Lily James as his loyal secretary, along with Ben Mendelsohn as King Edward VI add to the proceedings.  A bit slow in spots, it is nonetheless a film you will enjoy (even more so, if your saw the GG nominated "Dunkirk" earlier this year). This is Oldman's finest hour (or two).

FERDINAND

FERDINAND:   Remembering fondly the Disney short from my youth and seeing this was a Golden Globe nominee for Best Animated Film, I decided to check out this full length version about the bull who would rather smell the flowers than fight.   Well, it was a wise choice.  Of course, many new characters have been added (A trio of hedgehogs, some dancing snobbish horses, and a wonderful goat.) and it is all most entertaining.  With the voices of John Cena, Bobby Canavalle, Anthony Anderson and Kate McKinnon as that loveable goat.  It's a family film and while I don't think it will win the GG ("Coco" is my pick) it is worth your time if your have a love of good animated films like I do.  This one is a winner.

THE SHAPE OF WATER

THE SHAPE OF WATER:  Nominated for seven Golden Globes, including Best Picture and Best Director (Guillermo del Toro) this is undoubtedly the most unusual film you will see this year.  And it may be the most brilliant concept ever.   Without giving too much away, I will tell you this is simply a love story.   But a love story between a mute girl and a creature  (think "Black Lagoon") who has been brought to Baltimore during the cold war of the early 1960's for scientific study by our government.  (And treated quite cruelly, I might add) Sally Hawkins (GG nominee) plays the girl, Elisa who works as a night janitor in the government facility. When she discovers the creature, she is not frightened but fascinated by the strange being (played admirably by Doug Jones in fabulous make-up). Octavia Spencer is Elisa's friend, Zelda and a GG nominee for supporting actress. Also on board is Richard Jenkins as her gay neighbor and Michael Shannon as the villain in the piece.  I was absolutely mesmerized by this film and its subtle message about the misfits that live among us.   But are they the misfits or are we?  Sure to be an Oscar contender as well, this should be one on your list. Unusual?  Yes.  Superb movie making?  Most assuredly!