Rated: PG-13
Release Date: November 6, 2015
Director: Sam Mendes
Stars: Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Lea Seydoux, Ralph Fiennes
Plot: James Bond must discover who is behind a secret terrorist organization with far-reaching capabilities
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters
The 007 cast and crew has done it again. This is a smart, fast-paced, well-acted spy flick that will have you holding your breath and cheering out loud.
This will almost certainly be Daniel Craig's last go around as James Bond, and this movie is a perfect sendoff for him. The film does set up another Bond film, so fear not 007 fans, we will see more of everyone's favorite spy. (Will it be Idris Elba, or Benedict Cumberbatch, or Tom Hiddleston, or someone else?)
This film has several great moments that flash back to previous films, but the best by far is a re-introduction of one of Bond's greatest villains. If you aren't cheering at the reveal you either aren't a full Bond fan or you need to have your pulse checked.
While this movie isn't quite as good as SKYFALL, it is still outstanding and very much worth seeing in theaters.
Also, SPECTRE has, arguably, the best opening credit montage of all of the Bond films to this point.
SUFFRAGETTE
Rated: PG-13
Release Date: October 12, 2015 (Limited)
Director: Sarah Gavron
Stars: Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne-Marie Duff
Plot: Women in the early 20th century organize and begin using civil disobedience to force the government to give them the right to vote
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait for the DVD
This is the kind of movie that checks off almost all of the boxes for a solid Academy Award push. It's a period piece, it focuses on a social issue, and Meryl Streep is in it. Unfortunately, it fails to check off the most important box... it's simply not a very good movie.
SUFFRAGETTE could have been spectacular, but instead it is slow-moving to the point of being boring in some places, and the arc from point A to point B is riddled with dips and bumps. The ending is rushed and feels incomplete.
That said, Carey Mulligan is outstanding in her lead role and is worthy of being on the short list for awards nominations. It's just too bad that she didn't have a lot to work with in regards to script. Meryl Streep is in this movie for all of three minutes, if she gets an Oscar nomination for this role we all need to give up on Hollywood forever.
This is a movie that should make women feel empowered and proud, but the emotion isn't there.
THE PEANUTS MOVIE
Rated: G
Release Date: November 6, 2015
Director: Steve Martino
Stars: Noah Schnapp, Hadley Belle Miller, Bill Melendez
Plot: Charlie Brown and Snoopy both embark on great adventures
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait for the DVD
This is a slightly modified version of the same old Peanuts gang that has been around forever. If you are a fan of the old comic strip and holiday specials you will most likely enjoy this film. If you find the themes to be slow and boring, this film will not change your mind.
Charlie Brown is still as melancholy as ever, Lucy is still a bully and Snoopy is still fighting The Red Baron with Woodstock by his side.
I was hoping that, with the animation update, we might see a newer, more relevant style. It's too bad that Peanuts hasn't kept up with the times. I would really like my young kids to enjoy Peanuts, but it doesn't fit in to their high-tech lifestyles.
I do like the nostalgia of it all, but nostalgia is lost on a five year old. I'm afraid this movie misses it's target.
ROOM
Rated: R
Release Date: November 6, 2015
Director: Lenny Abrahanson
Stars: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay
Plot: A kidnapped woman raises her son to believe that the small room they live in is the entire world
Trailer
Clint Says: Drop everything and go see this movie now
This is easily one of the best films of the year. It will only be in limited release, but if you can find it at a theater near you, go see it now.
Brie Larson is amazing and Jacob Tremblay may win several awards this year. They are perfect together, and their portrayals will make you feel their hope, anger, despair and fear.
This is one of the best psychological films I have ever seen. The mental anguish is so real as is the dealing with the aftermath of their horrific situation.
I'm not spoiling anything that isn't already in the trailers, but I will say the escape scene lasts about five minutes and I'm pretty sure I held my breath the entire time. It was so powerful and intense you could almost see the tension filling up the theater.
Put this movie on your list now and be watching for it come awards season.
