"Tenured"

A middle-school teacher is devastated when he learns that his wife is leaving him. He's already a terrible teacher, but his teaching skills take a deep dive when he gets this news. The school administrator is looking for any excuse to fire him, and since she can't, because he's tenured, punishes him by making him direct the school play. So he turns "The Three Little Pigs" into a play about his failed marriage. It may sound like a painful movie, but it's really quite funny. I laughed out loud several times, and my wife, who's a harsh critic, actually enjoyed it.
4 stars out of 5

"The Way, Way Back"

A wonderful, coming of age movie that's very real. This is not one of these corny, everything's going to be okay movies. The actors are very believable as is the plot. It's about a young teen who has to spend the summer with his mom and her overbearing boyfriend (a really dicky Steve Corell). He gets a job at the local WaterWorld Park and bonds with the park manager. Sam Rockwell plays one of the funniest characters I've ever seen in a movie. He mentors the young characters in the movie. Highly recommended.
4.5 out of5 stars.

"Leon: The Professional"

All I can say is to witness a 12-year old Natalie Portman and you'll shake your head thinking, "She's going to be a huge star." What talent. However, I have to say, she certainly has starred in some unusual films over the years. Like "Garden State." This one is pretty offbeat as well. She plays a young girl who witnesses her family gunned down in a DEA raid. She's determined to get back at the corrupt officials who murdered her family. She's taken in by a professional hit man who lives next door. And the story unravels from there. The two of them turn in amazing performances. And the last few minutes will have you pumping your fist, for sure.
5 out of 5 stars.

"The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies"

Wow. This movie just blew me away. It's about an oddball, eccentric retired English professor. A murder is committed in his neighborhood, so everyone assumes he did it. The police drag him in and question him for three days without a bit of evidence. Then the press has a field-day, making all kinds of crazy accusations. He's basically guilty before he's had his day in court. I won't tell you the outcome, but it is based on a true story. Jason Watkins gives one of the most remarkable performances I've seen in years. His facial expressions and mannerisms are absolutely priceless.
4.5 out of 5 stars

(There are no previews for this movie, so you just have to trust me on this one.)

"All is Lost"

There are only a few words spoken in this movie. And one of them is the "F" word. You can see why. Robert Redford plays a sailor who's out at sea by himself and encounters a series of setbacks. He does a magnificent job, but like his role in "A Walk in the Woods." it should have been played by a younger actor. I know it's hard to give up, but some times you just have to do it. I have to say, he did a commendable job. To anyone who ever sailed, see this movie.
4 out of 5 stars

"Jack the Bear"

Excellent little film. How could it not be with Danny DeVito in the lead role? He plays a late night horror show movie host, a bit like the Ghoul. He's dealing with depression and heavy drinking, following the death of his wife. He's also raising two young boys on his own. The movie takes place in Oakland in the early 1970s and the score includes a lot of music from the time--which suites to movie perfectly. It's well written and well acted, especially his two kids. Not a lot happens in the movie, but the ending is really sweet. If you don't puddle up during the last scene, check your pulse.
4 out of 5 stars

"A Case of You".

Just a fun movie with a bunch of yuppies having fun. It's about a guy who cyber-stalks a woman on Facebook, and tries to fill her every dream, by doing everything she's into. It's sort of creepy, but in the end, it works out. His roommate is worth the price of admission. He's a total riot and has the best lines in the movie.
3.5 out of 5 stars.