'The Call Up"

A bunch of gamers sign up for a competition with a grand prize of $100,000. Little do they know that they signed up for a virtual-reality battle. If you're into offbeat, sci-fi movies that will totally surprise you, this is one for you.  It starts out pretty normal and then unravels into a totally crazy and unpredictable warfare drama. I did not see the ending coming. What a zany movie.
4 out of 5 stars.

"The Finest Hours"

This is a movie about courage and conviction. A young Coast Guard  sailor is in  love with his sweetheart. He's given an impossible assignment to rescue the crew of an oil tanker that's been split in two. He goes out in gale winds to rescue the crew. Amazing photography and acting. A totally gripping story.And it's based on a true story.

"A Royal Night Out"

I saw this movie in London, of all places. It was absolutely wonderful. It's based on a true story of the future queen of England, Elizabeth, who wants a fun night out on the the evening that the Allies celebrate  the end of World War Two. It's such a fun romp and I highly recommend it to anyone who's a fan of the Royal Family.
4 out of five stars.

"Sweet Bean"

What a beautiful film. A young man operates a small dorayaki pastry store in Japan. He's approached by a 75-year old woman to help him run his shop. He ends up hiring her, and because of her amazing ability to make a tasty bean paste, attracts people from all over. But, she's hiding a secret which changes everything. What a sensitive film, with great acting, incredible cinematography, and perfect musical score.
4.5 out of five stars

"Freedomland"

What a powerful movie. Julianne Moore gives one of her typical disturbed woman performances. And what a job she does.  Her son is kidnapped in a carjacking. Enter Samuel L. Jackson--one of the most baddass cops who ever joined the force. If he's on your side, you're okay. This movie keeps you guessing until the very end. What a great cast.
4 stars out of 5

"Abandoned"

A very powerful movie based on a true story. It's about an inexperienced sailing crew who leave New Zealand for a pan-Pacific journey. When their boat meets a huge capsizing wave, they have to deal with survival. The crew members have their quirks, fight, but eventually come together to help each other survive. It's a great film. I've seen many comments from people who didn't like the shaky camera work. Huh? It's on a sailboat out in the ocean. Get over it. It totally makes sense. Anyway, I thought the actors and cinematography were great.
4 stars out of 5

https://youtu.be/dVRbHEmfQwY

"Margarita, With a Straw"

What a beautiful and touching film. It's about a young Indian woman with cerebral palsy who moves to New York to attend school. There she falls in love with a blind female activist. It's a story of pure love. Brilliantly acted, simple yet well written, and great cinematography. This is one of those movies you'll remember for a long time. I rarely puddle up over a movie, but this one brought tears to my eyes.
5 stars out of 5