Monthly Movie Preview: January 2015

It’s a brand new year, which means a whole new slew of movies – with no pressure of being the next greatest thing – unlike the action-packed December. A fair amount of these films came out in 2014 internationally but are just getting to the States and a couple more have been pushed back from previous release dates. There’s a little something for everyone here.

January 9 – Inherent Vice

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin, Owen Wilson, Reese Witherspoon, Jena Malone, Benecio del Toro, Maya Rudolph, Michael K Williams (Omar!)

*Originally scheduled to be released 12/12/14

Based off the book of the same name by Paul Thomas Anderson, Inherent Vice follows pothead Detective Doc Sportello (played by Joaquin Phoenix) who is investigating the disappearance of his ex-girlfriends current boyfriend.  The book has so many characters, it is unlikely that the movie will follow the book to a tee, but with an all-star cast, it surely will not disappoint.  It looks absolutely irreverent and hilarious.  Set in the 70’s, it will be slightly reminiscent of last year’s American Hustle, but with a little more mystery. – Adrian

January 9 – Selma

Starring: David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Oprah Winfrey, Cuba Gooding Jr., Common, Wendell Pierce (Bunk from The Wire), Lorraine Toussaint (Dee from OITNB)

This movie could not have come out at a more opportune time. With the racial and political turmoil coming to a boiling point lately, the world needs a powerful movie like Selma. With an All-Star cast of strong black actors, Selma has already been given critical acclaim and is nominated for multiple Academy Awards. Plus, two of the biggest names in Hollywood are serving as Executive Producers – Oprah Winfrey and Brad Pitt. The focus of the film are the marches for voting rights, but the scope of the film seems to be to capture the spirit of the entire movement. More than just that, the film will give hope and inspiration to the civil rights movement that is still being fought today. – Sherif

January 9 – Predestination

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Sarah Snook

It’s been over a decade since Minority Report came out, but that doesn’t mean it’s too soon to borrow the plot to make a new movie out of it, right? Predestination is what we wanted Minority Report to be. This Australian film (which can be found in its entirety on YouTube) was released last August, but is finding its way to U.S. theaters next week. It’s about a futuristic detective force that uses time travel to stop crime from happening before they happen, but there seems to be an emphasis more on the science than the fiction with this film. – Sherif

January 9 – Taken 3

Starring: Liam Neeson (duh), Forest Whitaker, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen (Jean Grey from X-Men)

It’s almost over, you guys. The dawning of the final installment to the Liam Neeson trilogy is almost upon us. Thank God. This movie didn’t really need a sequel, but now that the sequel happened, there might as well be a final explosion of glorious murder. It is a little over the top, but what the hell. Chances are that you have already made your mind up on whether or not to see the finale, and my words won’t try to convince you one way or another to go see it. – Sherif

January 16 – American Sniper

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Max Charles, Luke Grimes

*Originally scheduled to be released 12/25/14

If you know the name Chris Kyle then you also know you NEVER want to be on his bad side and at a distance. American Sniper is an exciting chronicling of real life Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, the most decorated and deadly sniper-gunman in history. With more than 150 confirmed kills and completing four tours of duty, Kyle appropriately earned the nickname “Legend.” The preview had my heart racing and my hairs on end as Kyle (portrayed by Bradly Cooper) decides whether or not to take out a child carrying what might be a bomb while rushing toward an American-military convoy traveling through what looks like rugged alleys of an Iraqi village. This film will take us though not just the dangerous battles of this hero’s life, but also the critical struggle of balance a family from afar and functioning as a normal civilian. 150 kills and four tours is certain to leave some lasting marks on an individual. I’ve honestly never seen a war/soldier movie that I’ve disliked or felt wasn’t worth the price of my movie ticket. Especially when the film takes on the stories of real-life patriots that have risked their lives and mental fortitude to protect the freedoms that many of us often take for granted. This one should definitely be on your list this month. – Taylor

January 16 – Blackhat

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Viola Davis, Tang Wei

Chris Hemsworth battles hackers and probably frost giants in this movie about a super-hacker that is attacking banks and corporations all over the world. The one hope that the Chinese & American authorities have to stop this hacker is Thor, apparently. As interesting as it seems at first glance, this really sounds like just a way to capitalize on all the fear the world already has about keeping their identities secure. I’m up in the air as far as recommending this film, but if can be convinced that Thor is a master hacker capable of taking down the world’s most powerful cyber-hacker, then you are already closer to wanting to see Blackhat than I am. – Sherif

January 16 – Paddington

Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Nicole Kidman

I wish this had been the first trailer I saw for the movie Paddington. The trailer that first hit America was full of gross bathroom practices, but it looks like this movie is gonna be full of feels. The film based off the children’s book and toy line is going to be adorable. There is a definite Stuart Little vibe as far as the story goes, and this story concept has been beaten to the ground, but the dry British humor should be enough to separate it from its predecessors. If you’re looking for a movie to see with the kids, this might be the one, but don’t expect this to change the game. – Sherif

January 16 – The Wedding Ringer

Starring: Kevin Hart, Josh Gad, Kaley Cuoco, Affion Crockett

Kevin Hart is at a crossroads in his career; one more crappy movie like Ride Along (it wasn’t THAT bad, but it was entirely forgettable), and he is destined to fall into obscurity like Katt Williams before him, or Eddie Griffin before him. If he can keep the ball rolling, though, then he keeps his crown as the funniest man in comedy. The concept of this movie is somewhere between the lines of I Love You, Man and Hitch, where Kevin Hart is paid for his services as a best man at a wedding. I’m really looking forward to The Wedding Ringer taking comedy back to feel-good entertainment instead of the two-hour long penis jokes they have become. – Sherif

January 16 – Escobar: Paradise Lost

Starring: Josh Hutcherson, Benicio del Toro

You know those movies where the guy is trying to get in with his girlfriend’s family? And then everybody has a good time while they learn more about each other and themselves than they bargained for? Yeah, this is not that film. This isn’t Robert De Niro we’re talking about; this is Pablo freakin Escobar here. Poor Peeta Mallark may have defied the Capitol and the Hunger Games, but finding himself on the opposite end of an argument with the most well-known and respected drug lord in the world means that he is screwed! – Sherif

January 23 – Mortdecai

Starring: Johnny Depp, Gwenyth Paltrow, Ewan McGregor, Olivia Munn, Jeff Goldblum, Aubrey Plaza

Everybody loves Johnny Depp, right? WRONG. This guy has been putting out suckfests for years, and people keep seeing them. You have to give him this, though: the guy is fun to watch. Seeing the movie poster gave me an entirely different reaction than when I watched the trailer. This movie looks absurdly awesome. Mortdecai, besides being one of the fanciest men on Earth, is like a classy version of Austin Powers (or an idiot version of James Bond). Word on the streets is that this will eventually become a franchise, so familiarize yourself with this weirdo. It’s great to see Depp back in a role that does his weirdness justice. – Sherif

January 23 – Strange Magic

Starring: Kristin Chenoweth, Alam Cumming, Evan Rachel Wood, Maya Rudolph, Elijah Kelley

It may not be Star Wars, but Lucasfilm is back. Strange Magic looks like a lot of fun, and is described as “a beautiful fairy tale with goblins and elves, and do it in a way that only [Lucasfilm] can do. (Source: Yahoo)” With Star Wars sold and off the table for Lucas, this is really his time to let loose and do what he wants creatively. As far as kids movies go, this should blow Paddington out of the water, just for the fact that it’s new and creative – something that needs to be applauded more these days. Either way, it looks like George Lucas is back in the lab and having fun making movies, and that is a win for everyone. – Sherif

January 23 – The Boy Next Door

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Ryan Guzman, Kristin Chenoweth

Here’s an interesting one. JLo plays a MILF fantasy gone wrong. Hot suburban cougar gives in and sleeps with her student aaaaaaand then he becomes a psycho stalker who endangers her life, career and family. Did I lose you at JLo MILF fantasy? This is supposed to be a thriller, and although I know the trailer isn’t a lot to go off of, it does have the certain creepy suspense you want in that genre of film – if not just for the thought that something this crazy could realistically happen. Look for the “Booty” singer to continue to try to really milk her time in the limelight as a sexual object. – Sherif

January 30 – Black or White

Starring: Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer, Bill Burr, Gillian Jacobs

This movie is a huge eyebrow-raiser for me. On one side, you have Kevin Costner’s character, who has tried to raise his black grand-daughter, Eloise, by himself after the passing of his wife and daughter (mother to the child). Meanwhile, you have Octavia Spencer, who is fighting for the grand-daughter for custody. Maybe there’s some big Kumbayah moment where the reluctantly racist white guy and the black mom learn to live in harmony and share custody of the grand-daughter, but I foresee an awkward racial mud-slinger, and very little about what is actually best for Eloise. It’s gotten some pretty crappy reviews since it’s minor, independent release last September, so don’t be surprised when it turns out being awful. – Sherif

January 30 – Project Almanac (AKA Welcome to Yesterday)

Starring: Jonny Weston, Sofia Black D’Elia, Amy Landecker

I am a total sucker for these kind of home-made science-fiction movies that have been the trend the past few years, so when this this time traveling flick came up on the new releases, I got stoked. Unfortunately, this thing has been delayed almost a year, which is a shame since 2014 was an overall weak movie for indy sci-fi. Like Chronicle before it, this group of kids have fun with their new-found discoveries, but soon realize that there are serious repercussions to what they are doing. You may have let Michael Bay ruin your childish with TMNT, but this is one of his projects I could definitely get behind. – Sherif

Monthly Movie Preview: December 2014

Welcome to Oscar-Month! While last month was a little slow, this month is packed with potential Academy Award winners. Be careful of the minefield of crap movies, too, as not every film is slated to be a knock-out.

December 5 – She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry

Starring: Various activists for Women’s Rights

She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry is a documentary coming out from The International Film Circuit that talks about the women’s movement of the 60’s and 70’s. I am utterly stoked about this film and feel it’s high time for something like this to come out. As one of the women says “the bitter lessons are that no victories are permanent.”  Which is true. It’s important to look back on our history and the mistakes that women have made in the movement and move it till now. I like the fact that black women’s liberation was mentioned and I hope the film talks about the divide in the movement. I don’t know about you, but the trailer has me revved up to watch it. – Jené

December 5 – Dying of the Light

Starring: Nicholas Cage, Anton Yelchin, Iréne Jacob

My initial thought following my first viewing of the preview for Dying of the Light was, “This is going to be awful… Just awful!” Before I share my second thoughts let me tell you a little about the film. Evan Lake is a retired CIA agent that ends his stint on the couch to take down an international rival and terrorist, thought to already be dead. Lake simultaneously struggles with dimension and some other personal demons in his attempt to close this troubled chapter of his life. The plot feels pretty intense and it seems that this film has all the qualities of an all-around “good movie.” Except for one thing… Nicolas Cage… I’m convinced that casting this man is a most assured way to make your movie flop. In re-watching the trailer, and replacing Cage’s face with, oh say, Tom Cruise, Ben Affleck or Brad Pitt I instantly become more interested. It’s rare that one man can be so powerfully deterring. Perhaps that’s reason to see this film. I for one, will wait until this flick hits Red Box. Again, at face value (excluding Nicky boy’s face), this movie seems like it will be pretty good. – Taylor

December 5 – Murder of A Cat

Starring: Fran Kranz, Nikki Reed, JK Simmons, Blythe Danner, Greg Kinnear

This is sure to be the silliest movie of the month, maybe the year. Murder of A Cat stars Dollhouse and Cabin in the Woods‘ Fran Kranz and is part Harriet the Spy, part Mystery Team. Clinton (Kranz) is having a bad day, a day that started with his beloved cat, Mouser, struck dead with an arrow. Determined to solve the case, Clinton enlists the help of Sheriff Hoyle (Simmons), and finds out that his cat was living a double life, and had a second family on the side. This film is guaranteed to make you laugh, and its direct release onto iTunes should help people who want to watch the movie but can’t justify paying to see it in theaters. For those of you with a soft spot for the Whedonverse, catching a straight-to-digital movie with Dollhouse‘s Topher in it will be hard to pass up. However, if you’re a cold, heartless soul with no love for Joss Whedon’s creations, you may want to skip out on this one. – Sherif

December 5 – Life Partners

Starring: Leighton Meester, Gillian Jacobs, Gabourey Sidibe, Adam Brody

This film comes from Mangolia Produciton and stars Leighton Meester and Gillian Jacobs who are incredibly close friends; one is gay and the other is straight. It seems like this will be an interesting friendship meets awkward unrequited lesbian romance. It’s a story I have seen play out in the real world time and time again. While it can be a sad and frustrating one, I am glad it’s a story that finally happening on screen. The potential funny and drama that this story can create is endless and I’m surprised I haven’t seen it before.  I hope the two women end up together in wedded bliss like all those romantic comedies are supposed to. I’ll have to go see the movie in order to find out. – Jené

December 5 – The Pyramid

Starring: Ashley Hinshaw, Dennis O’Hare, James Buckley, Christa Nicola, Amir K

The Pyramid marks Gregory Levasseur’s debut as a director, although he has become somewhat well known as a write in the horror genre with titles like P2, High Tension, and The Hills Have Eyes. In my opinion, none of the films were to die for (pun NOT intended) but they ranged from good enough to okay-ish. Needless to say, for me this does not create a whole lot of anticipation for The Pyramid. The film follows young archeologists and their seemingly cool mentor type professor as they unearth and explore a previously undiscovered Egyptian pyramid for the first time. Of course they get lost and become hysterical and desperate as they realize that they are not alone down there. From the trailer it seems like there will be some jump out scares, but not a whole lot else. The whole thing just reeks of another The Descent, Quarantine, Catacombs, and in all honesty The Hills Have Eyes. Call me crazy, but I’m a sucker for originality and this movie doesn’t seem to offer any of it. It probably won’t be bad, but will most likely be your bargain bin run of the mill horror movie. Personally, I most likely won’t be giving The Pyramid a watch unless I find myself bored and surfing Netflix with no other options. However, I do have to acknowledge that Dennis O’Hare may be the sole reason to give this movie a shot. Any fans of True Blood or American Horror Story should know that that guy is freaking awesome. – Keriann

December 12 – Inherent Vice

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin, Owen Wilson, Reese Witherspoon, Jena Malone, Benecio del Toro, Maya Rudolph, Michael K Williams (Omar!)

Based off the book of the same name by Paul Thomas Anderson, Inherent Vice follows pothead Detective Doc Sportello (played by Joaquin Phoenix) who is investigating the disappearance of his ex-girlfriends current boyfriend.  The book has so many characters, it is unlikely that the movie will follow the book to a tee, but with an all-star cast, it surely will not disappoint.  It looks absolutely irreverent and hilarious.  Set in the 70’s, it will be slightly reminiscent of last year’s American Hustle, but with a little more mystery. – Adrian

December 12 – Exodus: Gods and Kings

Starring: Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, Aaron Paul, John Turturro, Ben Kingsley, Sigourney Weaver

Oh, great. Another movie about the exodus from Egypt of Moses and his people. If 1998’s Prince of Egypt didn’t do it for you, there’s very little chance that a live-action one will do it for you in 2014. I mean, forget about the historical inaccuracies, which are just about as close to history as Christian Bale’s other films (Terminator, Batman Begins, American Psycho), but they have the roles of Ramessess II by Australian actor Joel Edgerton. That’s right, the King of Egypt, played by an Aussie. It doesn’t stop there, because Kingsley, Weaver and Turturro are all prominent Egyptian figures in history. Sigourney. Weaver. It can’t all be a loss, because they have some knockout actors, and it is a classic tale they are retelling. I just don’t understand how a production company could put $140 million into a story that’s been told so many times. Maybe they are riding on the coattails of Noah, but expect this movie to get washed away from the box office just like [SPOILER] the Egyptian army. – Sherif

December 12 – Top Five

Starring: Chris Rock, Gabrielle Union, Rosario Dawson, Hayley Marie Norman, Kevin Hart, JB Smoove and a LOT of celebrity guest appearances

Chris Rock’s newest film, and possibly his comeback, Top Five looks absolutely hysterical.  And not for the typical reasons, which is why this indie film, bought by Paramount for 12.5 million, will likely be a major hit.  The story is one that follows closely with what the Hollywood of today is like; a major comedian (Chris Rock) is trying to reinvent himself as a serious actor and is also engaged to a reality T.V. star (Gabrielle Union).  Their nuptials are to be televised.  Because of all the hype, Rock’s character is being interviewed by a young journalist for The New Yorker.  All of that sounds like a drama, but with Chris Rock’s quick wit and sharp writing, this is more than likely to be the dramedy of the year.  But I also just really love Chris Rock right now because of this interview. Jump on the Chris Rock bandwagon with me people! – Adrian

December 17 – The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian Holm, Ian McKellen, Benedict Cumberbatch, Orlando Bloom, Richard Armitage

If you’re not on the Tolkien train yet then shame on you good sir or madam! Hop on! The conclusion to Tolkien’s prequel to The Lord of the Rings trilogy is in theaters this month. Even if you struggle gettin’ down with wizards, dragons, trolls, elves and all other fantastic wonders of Middle Earth, you should still go see this movie! The cinematic quality and overall experience alone will be worth it. For fans and aficionados of Bilbo and team – you can guarantee that release day has been circled on their calendars for a long time! Previews and early glimpses of content promise a mystifying and realm altering battle. The title of the film is Battle of the Five Armies after all. Personally, I’m more excited about this film that the previous two. The Two Towers is my favorite LOTR movie primarily due to the Battle for Helm’s Deep at the end. It still give me chills! If The Hobbit can bring it like The Two Towers then this is sure to be a very fun ride. I highly encourage you add this film to your list this month. – Taylor

December 19 – Annie

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Quvenzhané Wallis, Cameron Diaz, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Rose Byrne, Bobby Cannavale

Who hasn’t grown up with Annie?!  Every little girl wanted to be adopted by Daddy Warbucks at some point in their lives.  Today’s generation of little girls gets to relive the magic with an updated cast and plot line.  Starring Quvenzhané Wallis and Jamie Foxx, the classic musical is sure to resonate with a new group of young girls.  It is very refreshing to see a movie that portrays black people in a positive light, and will both stars will surely be adored by all races of children in this country. – Adrian

December 19 – Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

Starring: Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, and really just a lot of funny people

The trilogy comes to an end this month with Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb. The first two movies were lots of fun and great family movies and I expect nothing less from this one. Although it will be a bit bittersweet for those of us who grew up on Robin Williams. This was his last live action film. The Tablet of Ahkmenrah is losing its powers and Larry Daley, Ben Stiller, is trying to save it’s magic or lose his friends forever. It’s great that the cast has remained almost entirely unchanged through the three films. Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, and Steve Coogan are back in their roles and are helping Larry on his mission to keep the magic alive. I mean, they don’t want to turn back into statues either. Ben Kingsley makes an appearance, this time around, as Merenkahre, creator of the tablet. I think he’ll be a quality addition to the cast. If Secret of the Tomb is as well does as the previous two there nothing to really worry about here. This one should be good for all ages. – Scott

December 19 – The Gambler

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, John Goodman, Brie Larson, Michael K Williams (Omar again!)

My man-crush!! Super stud Mark Wahlberg will be gracing theaters across America this winter as a hopeless, lecherous, conniving, and loveable college literature professor and gambling addict. Okay – I’m less sure about that loveable part, but you get the gist. The plot here is that Jim Bennett (Wahlberg) borrows a loan from a very powerful crime lord (I think played by John Goodman… if not it should be Goodman) using his own life a collateral. Good for him!! I’m guessing that things will likely not go well for Bennett and he will most likely have to conceive of some clever way of making good on his repayment while walking away with both legs and pumping heart intact. Oh – and he falls in love (lust?) with one of his sexy students (Brie Larson). Sounds like we’re in for a movie full of super-gambling, sex and guns! More exciting that the prospect of potentially seeing BOTH Larson and Wahlberg naked is the fact that The Gambler was written by William Monahan, the same man that wrote The Departed; my favorite and arguably the best gangster film ever. This one’s no joke Hush fans! Go see it! – Taylor

December 25 – American Sniper

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Max Charles, Luke Grimes

If you know the name Chris Kyle then you also know you NEVER want to be on his bad side and at a distance. American Sniper is an exciting chronicling of real life Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, the most decorated and deadly sniper-gunman in history. With more than 150 confirmed kills and completing four tours of duty, Kyle appropriately earned the nickname “Legend.” The preview had my heart racing and my hairs on end as Kyle (portrayed by Bradly Cooper) decides whether or not to take out a child carrying what might be a bomb while rushing toward an American-military convoy traveling through what looks like rugged alleys of an Iraqi village. This film will take us though not just the dangerous battles of this hero’s life, but also the critical struggle of balance a family from afar and functioning as a normal civilian. 150 kills and four tours is certain to leave some lasting marks on an individual. I’ve honestly never seen a war/soldier movie that I’ve disliked or felt wasn’t worth the price of my movie ticket. Especially when the film takes on the stories of actual patriots that have risked their lives and mental fortitude to protect the freedoms that many of us often take for granted. This one should definitely be on your list this month. – Taylor

December 25 – Into the Woods

Starring: Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, Johnny Depp,

If you have been in high school in the last 10 years, chances are, Into the Woods has been one of the spring musicals.  Now on the big screen, theater nerds are rejoicing.  With the recent successes of Maleficent and Alice in Wonderland, Disney is getting their formula down with live-action movies.  This musical, that began on Broadway over 25 years ago, follows a baker and his wife who are trying to have a baby, but must overcome a witch’s curse first.  Featuring Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Little Red Riding Hood, Into the Woods is sure to thrill children, but most likely will be a bigger hit with adults. – Adrian

December 25 – The Interview

Starring: James Franco, Seth Rogen and Lizzie Caplan

The comedic gentlemen duo of Franco and Rogen are back again with a plot to kill Kim Jong-Un. I’m game, I mean Pineapple Express was funny and this was written by the same people, Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen. So the idea here is that James Franco is a late night talk show host, Dave Skylark and Seth Rogen is his the show’s producer, Aaron Rapoport. Skylark and Rapoport are commissioned by and agent of the CIA, played by Lizzie Caplan, to go into North Korea under the guise of getting an interview with the glorious leader himself, Kim Jong-Un. In reality they are being sent in to assassinate the stout little dictator. This seems sort of like a comedy version of Argo, but with more dick jokes I’m sure. The Interview is has a good comedy foundation with its writers and stars and should be fairly funny taking those things into consideration. Of course we all thought that about Anchorman 2 also. – Scott

December 25 – Big Eyes

Starring: Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz, Krysten Ritter

I think everybody gets a handful of actors/actresses that they feel obligated to see their entire filmography. For me, Christoph Waltz is one of those actors. The former Jew Hunter from Inglorious Basterds plays the villain in Big Eyes, a Tim Burton film not to be confused with Big Fish. Big Eyes chronicles the life of painter Margaret Keane (Adams), whose signature paintings revolutionized printing. In order to sell more copies, her husband Walter (Waltz) convinced her to let them sell under his name. Things went downhill fast as the ruse ended up costing their marriage, yet Walter insisted on continuing to take credit for her work. I think it will make us take a long, hard look at who were are as a society – that a woman had to give credit to a man before her work was appreciated. – Sherif

December 25 – Unbroken

Starring: Jack O’Connell, Domhnall Gleeson

Just in time for Christmas, Unbroken tells the story of the Louis Zamperini, Olympian, World War II hero, and Japanese POW.  Directed by Angelina Jolie, Louis’ story is finally being made to film, a wish he had for a long time.  The things Louis had to overcome are unbelievable, and are sure to inspire people everywhere.  While this is a movie geared towards the greatest generation, I, at 27 years old, am excited to see the triumphs of Louis Zamperini, too. – Adrian

December 31 – A Most Violent Year

Starring: Oscar Isaac, Jessica Chastain, David Oyelowo, Albert Brooks, Catalina Sandino Moreno

A Most Violent Year is guaranteed to be nominated for the Oscar.  That may detour some people from wanting to see it, but the ratings on Rotten Tomatoes prove otherwise.  A Most Violent Year is about a family in New York City in 1981, one of the most violent years for the city.  The family and their business is dragged into the demise of the city.  Starring previous nominees Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain, this drama has the markings of award season written all over it. – Adrian