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Separate Lies (British – 2005) It was 1:30 AM CDT and I could not sleep. So I did the worst possible thing, according to sleep experts and turned on the TV. After a brief search of on demand fare, I noticed the British film starring two actors whom I greatly admire: Tom Wilkinson and Emily Watson. My interest was also tweaked by the fact that this was Julian Fellowes directorial debut. He is a much lauded writer and actor, known best for Downton Abbey, Gosford Park and From Time to Time. James and Anne Manning (Wilkinson & Watson) have recently moved into a country manor to get away from the city life, after living for years in a flat in London. A well-known and highly regarded barrister, David works long hours and arrives home after a train commute. Their marriage appears to suffer as Anne longs for a more social life, while James is curmudgeon and prefers isolation and rest from a stressful occupation. The onset of an accident involving a cyclist, who was the Manning’s housekeeper’s husband, and a large, black SUV, invades the Manning’s lives. This deepens the plot-line of the film and an acquaintance, Tom Bule is implicated, well-played by Rupert Everett. There are some unexpected twists and turns, as the involvement of the Manning’s cleaner, Maggie (Linda Bassett) becomes an imposing factor. A solid adult drama, Separate Lives requires attention to details. One is reminded of Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot in the steady police work of Inspector Marshall (David Harewood). For those of us who tire easily of super hero and CGI laden cartoon-like flicks, Separate Lives satisfies the inner soul.

Sully (2016) An excellent bio-pic of the events of Nov. 14, 2014, “Sully” employs the back-story of the hearings by the FAA and the NTSB with both real-life footage and re-enactments of those same events. Director Clint Eastwood weaves an interesting story where one stays focused and involved. Very fine acting by Tom Hanks (Capt. Chesely “Sully” Sullenberger), Aaron Eckhart (as first officer Jeff Skiles), Laura Linney (Lorrie Sullenberger, the pilot’s wife) and a good supporting cast helps immensely to make “Sully” an engaging 96 minutes. On a brisk Winter’s day of Jan. 15, 2009 at 3:27 PM EST, a US Airways Airbus A320 took off from Newark, NJ headed for Charlotte, NC with 155 souls aboard. The plane had barely lifted off when a flight of Canada geese struck the aircraft and both engines shut down. Unable to return to Newark or land at nearby Teeterborough NJ airport due to low altitude, Capt. Sullenberger made the decision to attempt a water landing in the Hudson River. The rest is history. Critically acclaimed and a huge box office success, Sully is rated PG-13 for some gritty language, but is certainly appropriate for the 12 years + crowd. In fact, Eastwood places emphasis on the human spirit and courage portrayed by the crew, passengers and first responders. Currently in theaters, Sully is worth seeking out now or when it is released in DVD, Blue Ray (expected to be in December, 2016) or later on-demand on cable.

“Eye in the Sky” (2015) Prepare to be enthralled in a riveting, suspenseful drama that is centered upon the intricacies of modern military surveillance. The superb Helen Mirren plays Colonel Katherine Powell, a British Intelligence commander charged with orchestrating a multi-agency mission to capture several terrorists in Kenya. The setting’s shift constantly from Col. Powell’s underground command center in England to a number of other locations. In the USA, Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) and Phoebe Fox are predator drone operators in Nevada; the film’s director, Gavin Hood (Enders Game), also appears as the commander of the drone base. In his last role, Alan Rickman is Lt. General Frank Benson, the British officer, who mans a situation room in London. The film is dedicated to Rickman. In addition to a close surveillance location on the ground in Kenya, there’s a local military base. Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips) is great as the on-the-ground spy in harm’s way. The premise of the movie presents a moral dilemma about crucial life or death decisions and how the intricacies of political, ethical and legal considerations complicate a delicate situation. The audience is left to form its own opinion on the final outcome, which involves the collateral damage assessments made by Col. Powell’s team, as the capture mission turns into a drone-fired missile strike. Both Metacritic and Criticker scored the film high and I am in agreement, giving it an 8 out of 10 rating. After you view this movie, you will understand my last comment, “I’ll never look at hummingbirds and beetles in the same way again”. Currently available on DVD and Blue Ray, “Eye in the Sky” should be available on pay-per-view and premium cable channels soon.

“The Lady in the Van” Writer Alan Bennet (who also starred in) tells the true story of Miss Mary Shepherd, an eccentric homeless woman, who wandered London in her run-down van for years. She eventually cons Alan Jennings (Bennett) into allowing her to park the van in his driveway “temporarily”, to avoid disagreements with local residents and the constable. She ends up staying for fifteen years and develops a strained relationship with him. In this veddy, veddy British comedy-drama, Miss Mary (Maggie Smith) is eventually revealed to us as the former Margaret Fairchild, a gifted young classical pianist, who gives up her promising musical career for entry into the convent. After being institutionalized by her brother, Mary/Margaret escapes, only to be involved in a vehicle accident in which a young motorcyclist is killed. She wrongly blames herself for the man’s death. Director Nicholas Hytner (“The Crucible”, “The Madness of King George”) provides a critically acclaimed film, although its pacing may seem to lag to some of its viewers. Dame Maggie Smith gives a wonderful performance, furthering her status as one of our most respected and beloved actresses. If you are in the mood for a quirky, quietly determined film, check The Lady in the Van out.

Demolition (2015) An odd little film from Director Jean-Marc Vallée (Dallas Buyers’ Club, Wild) and screenwriter Bryan Sipe, Destruction does not deliver the intensity of Vallée’s aforementioned works. Shot like a semi-documentary, Demolition follows the destructive psyche of the protagonist, Davis, as he recovers from the death of his wife from a car accident, from which he emerged unscathed. Davis is an investment banker who works for his father-in-law, Phil (played by (Chis Cooper) and has been blissfully “mailing-in” his career, his marriage, living in a carefully coordinated life. After suffering a meltdown due to the loss of his beloved wife, Davis finds himself disenchanted. This is revealed by a yen to deconstruct everything that malfunctions: a refrigerator that leaks, a squeaky restroom door and a malfunctioning PC. This behavior nearly severs any relations with his highly disciplined father-in-law. In a world of hurt, Davis seeks out solace in an elusive customer service rep, Karen, who has her own instabilities, exacerbated by a brutish boss/lover and a teenage son, Chris, who is having a sexual identity crisis. Davis’ platonic relationship with Karen leads to his concern for Chris, whose propensity for the “F word” and typical teen angst are mundanely confronted by Davis. Davis enlists Chris in his ultimate deconstruction project: his beautiful, but starkly efficient home. After learning of his departed wife’s infidelities, he attempts regain Phil’s trust in creating a beautiful tribute to his deceased wife. An interesting role for Jake Gyllenhaal, his portrayal of Davis starts out as almost robot-like and morphs into an unhinged, but likable maniac. Naomi Watts, as Karen, successfully displays a fragile, lost soul who gets from as much as she gives to Davis. Judah Lewis is a promising new-comer as son Chris. As good as the performances were, I felt unsatisfied with the ending, especially since questions about Karen’s situation go unanswered. Demolition is a continuation of Vallée’s fascination with dysfunctional characters, that is mildly entertaining, but appeared to be incomplete. Not for everyone, I give it a 6 out of 10; the excellent acting was the film’s strong point.

“The Hateful Eight” (2015) Set in post-Civil War Wyoming, Quentin Tarantino provides us with a visually stunning film, shot in 70 mm, but it is clearly not his best cinematic effort. This story starts slow, attempting to build its characters methodically. If you can endure the first couple of chapters, this “cinematic stage play” will develop intensively thereafter. The plot centers upon two sets of stagecoach travelers trying to make it to Red Rock, stymied by a horrible blizzard and forced to take refuge at Minnie’s Haberdashery, an isolated way-point. An ensemble cast, most of whom have grudges or issues with each other, settle in for what essentially becomes a “who dunnit”. The mysteries and answers come forth in an explanation of certain conditions that existed prior to the arrival of the second stagecoach and result in a bloody and violent ending. Not a traditional “Western”, The Hateful Eight” has garnered a wide range of critical ratings and some were punctuated with complaints about the excessive use of the “n-word” (not unexpected given the era and continuing racism of the characters with confederate convictions). The violence was also criticized, but this is a trademark of Tarantino and should be expected. The cast includes many Tarantino veterans, notably Samuel L. Jackson as Major Marquis Warren, an ex- union hero and legendary bounty hunter, whose performance is intense and essential. Tarentino veterans include Tim Roth, Bruce Dern, Michael Madsen, James Parks and Walter Goggins. Jennifer Jason Leigh is amazing and a treat to watch as Daisy Domergue, a convicted murderer with a $10,000 bounty on her head. She’s bound for a hanging at Red Rocks. Kurt Russell the bounty hunter John Ruth, who is bringing Daisy in and hell-bent to deliver her alive to meet her maker. The cast is rounded out by Damian Bichir and Channing Tatum, in what turns out to be almost a cameo appearance for him. The end result is nowhere near the level of cinematic brilliance of Tarantino’s masterpiece, “Pulp Fiction”, but I give it a 74 out of a possible 100; good, not great. This is not for children and some adults may feel uneasy with the racism and violence that is displayed in the second half of the film. All others should give it a try, if, for nothing else, the performances by a solid cast.

A feel-good piece of fluff that wastes the talents of Robert De Niro. Okay for family night at the movies, but I'll bet that your 12 year old heads for bed after 60 minutes. That is, after mom and dad are snoring by 45 minutes.

Not many films make me belly-laugh, but this gem from the Coen brothers is what satire should be. Great casting, slick writing and a perverse slant all point at a superb flick; well worth seeking out.

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

James Franco was the standout actor as a convicted serial killer. His effective performance was the highlight of this intricate murder mystery. Jonah Hill should also be lauded as the disgraced New York Times journalist, who tries to regain his career and find a job. Not a top rate thriller, but well worth seeking out on premium TV channels, on DVD or on demand.