Francis Matt Ponteri

Nick Cage, every once in a while, shines. Personally, I think Joe is the best he's ever done.

One of the best movies I've ever seen. No, there's no big explosions, no gun fight scenes, no action heros, and no big finally that leaves you hanging for the next film release, unless you consider the genius behind Turing that helped bring WWII to an end, saving millions of lives, ending Nazi Germany, and the beginning of computer sciences that will change our world an action adventure In it's own. Alan Turing was never even given the right to exist the way he wanted to live his own life, treated like a second class citizen, and committed suicide. We'll never know what one of the greatest minds could have achieved because of the ignorance of the British government and their laws against homosexuality. Today Turing would have been able to thrive in a more tolerant world, and have the support of many. He was the man needed at the time, but also way to far ahead of the times for so many to even comprehend. He helped save the world, yet the Brits not only helped put him in his grave, but ignored his work and existence for 50 years after his death at 41. This movie is for those wanting to know about people who change our world, people who go so far and above anything most people could even imagine, and with minds that very few could even begin to understand. Every kid should learn about Turing, what he achieved, and how not to treat people based on gender, religion, race, or sexual preference. This man was a gift to the world, and the world treated him like dirt in return for all he gave us. I'm so happy to see a film that gives some justice to Turing's life, and give him at least some acknowledgement for what he did for this world that maybe only a handful of people could ever have done. I can't praise the importance of this film, or how well Cumberbatch and Knightley played the parts of Turing and Clark. Cumberbatch proves time and time again he's a great actor, and Kiera, she's always spot on. Two of the best, in a world class film, that all should see. "Sometimes it's the people no one imagines anything of, who do the things no one can imagine" My God how true.

Ten years after its release this film is as relevant today as its ever been. This should be required for every teen in our country to watch, and God willing, learn something from. I've seen it countless times and every time is like the first. I can count films that affected me like this on one hand. Our country and our world would be a better place if we all came to the realization, like these teens, that no matter what color you are, or where you're from, we're all basically looking for the same things in life. Love, family, happiness, and a fair chance at success, no matter what form that may be for you. Hillary Swank hit it out of the park in this movie.

What a great movie. Before Amelia Earhart, who ever heard of the other Amelia before her that made history flying above, only in a balloon. Amelia Wren must have been a fascinating woman. If the movie portrays her accurately, she was as brave as any man in her time, and should be remembered as a hero, and as famously as the Amelia we all know so well. The story needed to be told, if only to let us know who she was. The movie effects were unbelievable. I hate heights, they terrify me, and i was scared just sitting on my couch during some of the breath taking scenes (Amelia climbing up icy ropes to reach the top) but i survived. This is a movie for the whole family, with nothing inappropriate or scary (except the high altitude scenes for babies like me!). Loved this movie.

If you don't know how Venus and Serena Williams rose to the top of the tennis world, watch this story. My respect for them has grown tenfold. By the way, I've never watched a tennis match, never played, have no interest in the sport, probably never will. But, I know of the Williams sisters, and having no interest in tennis should not stop you from watching this movie. This film is so much more then their achievements in the tennis world. Will Smith, absolutely delivers again, and again, and again. When will he get the recognition he so rightly deserves. The man is as gifted as actors come. Positively fascinating story of a father who loves his children, teaches them to be the stars they are today, and never forget where they came from. Don't miss it.

Kevin Costner keeps getting better with age, although he started out pretty good with Dances With Wolves. Another great story with ranchers Costner and the great Diane Lane. She still has it, and a perfect fit for George (Costner) living on a ranch and, well, just living. The story is perfectly believable in today's world here in the U.S. I won't go into the story line, don't want to take away from those who haven't seen it. If you are a Costner fan like me, you'll get another great performance from the down to earth man who we've loved to watch for decades now. Costner on a ranch, it's just a marriage made in heaven, he's a natural in this environment. Hopefully, he's got a long ways to go before he even thinks about retiring.

If this movie didn't give you plenty to think and talk about, you must be pretty oblivious to what's going on in our country today. The scene where David (Collin) is walking home, alone, with the gun in his pocket, and the police about to light him up, is gripping. Your mind just knows what is about to happen, and you know he's probably about as scared as he's ever been in his life, which I'm sure he's thinking is about to end. This movie is definitely about race, among other things, without being racist. We can try feeling what it's like being in his shoes, but, I think, unless you are an African-American male, I don't think you could ever really know the fear he's feeling. Great movie.

Beautiful Boy is the story of what countless families in this country are going through right now. When you love someone who has an addiction that is consuming their life, it consumes everyone around them as well. Their struggle becames yours, especially if that person is your child. It's rare to find a great film that actually portrays how much a father can love their children, as much as any mother can. Although many men have been raised to keep their emotions in check, their love for their sons and daughters can go extremely deep. Steve Carell gets better in every film his in. From that skinny, geeky guy in The Office, to the mature, loving father of a son who's addiction is certainly leading him to a very early death. Personally, I thought his acting in Beautiful Boy is going to be hard for him to top. I've seen this story act out in real life, like I'm sure so many others have had, or are going through this very situation as I'm writing this. His portrayal of the father's love, anguish, disappointment, sorrow, as well as the good and bad times of his sons life as he grows up was spot on. There's a very short list of actors today who really surprise me. They act in movies that you would never expect them to be seen in, and when they do, they blow you away with how wonderful they were. Steve Carell is one of those who I'm sure will continue to expand his horizons, show us all what he can do, and continue over the next few decades to keep us entertained with excellent performances. I'm already anticipating what's next for him, and whatever it may be, I'm sure we'll see nothing but great stuff coming from the" 40 year old virgin" as he continues to come out of his shell, continue his rise in the movie business, and finally settle in as one of Hollywoods "grade A" actors. Five stars for one of the good guys!

Actors act, it's what they do, but occasionally, when the stars align, you get an all star cast that gives you their all. Christian Bale, in my opinion, is one of the best actors today, throw in Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, and Jennifer Lawrence, as main characters, and it's like they feed of each other, and we get to see a great performance. Each are great actors, together in America Hustle, I think they are the best they can be. Although Jennifer Lawrence was a main character, and not seen as much as the other three, she was fantastic as Bale's wife. Beautiful, neurotic, a good heart, crazy, and just like every Jersey girl I've ever known. I loved her part in this movie. There's a lot going on here, and I'm not up for writing a review novel, so I'll leave it at this, if you haven't seen this movie yet, are a fan of any one of these great actors, and like a well directed, well written movie with a great soundtrack, watch American Hustle, you won't be disappointed.

Mark Ruffalo and KK are great. The story is simple, but so well done. Ruffalo, a music producer, on a years (many) long binge, waiting for something just right to come along and bring him back to life. KK happens to be the "just right", hangs out, write songs for her cat, and sings on open mic nights in NYC. Fate brings them together (actually Ruffalo looking for another scotch walks in where she happens to be singing). Life still gets in the way like it does for everyone, but they manage to pull each other into a brighter existence. Mos Def in a few scenes as the Record Company Owner/Producer, also Ruffalo's partner. Love Mos Def, which he's make more movies. Been a fan since 16 Blocks. Great music throughout the movie. Any movie I can watch a dozen times, and still enjoy, has got to have something.