The Founder

 The Founder is the astounding story of how Ray Kroc built up McDonald's to be an international chain of burger joints and made him into a billionaire.  He says he did it with persistence but failed to mention that he was amoral, unethical and just plain nasty.  Sound familiar?

Seasonal Greeting

To quote my friend, Mark Blackburn,
Happy New Year despite everything

Aquarius and Manchester by the Sea

Aquarius is a movie about a tenant, played by the great Sonia Braga, who is the last remaining occupant of a building the owners have other plans for.  She refuses to leave in spite of a generous offer to do so.  Family members are encouraging her to take the offer and reduce her stress level.  A thoroughly engaging movie with a very surprising, yet satisfying and hilarious finale.
Manchester by the Sea is a gritty depiction of a man (Casey Affleck) with tragic events compounding his angry and explosive character, when he is suddenly named the guardian of his 16 year old nephew after his brother's death. The editing of this film, particularly as to the use of flashbacks, is about the best I've seen.  Affleck is flawless in his depiction of this complicated and erratic guy.
Don't miss either of these compelling films.

Overused phrase

I'm sick of hearing about how crucial it is to "hit the ground running".  It seems to be vital to the Obama people or the Trump people when discussing the need for a smooth transition.
How about Trump finding his balance before "running"?

Queen of Katwe

Mira Nair has directed another colorful, rich, absorbing drama.  It is based on a true story of an indian girl rising to the heights of the chess world.  It's the best kind of crowd pleaser.  A must see.

Indignation

Indignation is a gripping, potent and engaging movie with a script that deserves prizes. It is based on a Phiip Roth novel, which I plan to read very soon. The movie contains one of my favorite scenes ever when Marcus Mesner (Logan Lerman), a brilliant college freshman, meets for a lengthy and frank discussion with the Dean (Tracy Letts). This is another example of why I go to the movies. It clearly will be one of the best of the year.

Olympics 2016

How about the women's 400?  Allyson Felix appeared to catch Shaunae Miller just before the finish line when Miller dove across the line and won by 7/100 of a second.  Come on.  This is a race, not a race and dive event.