The Book Thief

Very well done, from an artistic point of view. The depth of the story was lacking but the sincerity of the characters made up for the substandard depth of the overall depiction. Also, the picture is lengthy with a lot of filler scenes of little-to-no importance to the storyline. However, again the acting was great even though the depth of the script was not. 3 out of 4 stars.

Black Nativity

The film was corny and overdone, but that's how most theatrical musicals are made today. Very flashy and over the top, but I still enjoyed this for the music. Forrest Whitaker is always good, as evidenced most recently in The Butler, but Jennifer Hudson does a fine job in this one as well. 2 and a half out of 4 stars.

Nebraska

Bruce Dern delivers a sincerely cold, yet heartwarming performance. The characters in the film mesh so swimmingly that noticing that the movie was shot in black and white came as an afterthought. What inspired me most of all was the simplicity of the storyline, but the depth and meaning that the story could bring to the characters in the process. The concept is one that the Coen Brothers would assuredly appreciate. Academy Award nominations in line for Dern, June Squibb, who plays Dern's outspoken wife. Also, a nomination for best screenplay is deserved. 4 out of 4 stars.

Dallas Buyers Club

I never knew that Matthew McConaughey could play such diversified roles. He always struck me as the Magic Mike/How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days type of actor. He proved me wrong in this great work that will surely earn him an Academy Award nomination. Playing this role took guts, and more importantly it took him understanding how someone going through the HIV/AIDS tragedy feels during their battle. 3 and a half out of 4 stars.

The Best Man Holiday

Without seeing the first installment, the film was watchable for someone going in not knowing any of the story. Otherwise, the movie was nothing special. It went from a BET comedy to a Lifetime movie drama as it dragged on for over two long hours, preaching to the audiences. Yawn. 1 and a half out of 4 stars.

All is Lost

Robert Redford delivers the performance of a lifetime in his latest drama of man vs. sea. As a man in his seventies, Redford does things that people in their twenties could not do physically. In addition, the film says so much with essentially no dialogue in its entirety. 4 out of 4 stars.

Thor 2 3D

I did not see the first Thor film, but this movie was a bore. I did not know who was who, and the story was difficult to follow. I should stick to the Wolverine and Iron Man movies. This was nothing that I would consider seeing future versions of. 1 and a half out of 4 stars.

12 Years a Slave

Chiwetel Ejiofor delivers a performance of a lifetime as Solomon Northup, a free black man pre-Civil War who is kidnapped and sold into twelve brutal years of slavery under several owners. This performance is Oscar worthy and the emotions put on display were raw and sincere. 3 and a half out of 4 stars.

About Time

The latest McAdams chick flick is a bit shallow, as most of the films which she stars in are, but there is an element of cleverness and charm that surround the characters. Nothing memorable but I'm glad I watched the film; it certainly gave me some perspective on life. 2 out of 4 stars.

Last Vegas

A fun, quirky and feel-good comedy starring three older actors who try a little too hard to be part of the younger crowd. Nothing more than a few good laughs and I would not watch it again. However, the acting was great. I didn't think Morgan Freeman had it in him. 1 and a half out of 4 stars.