“The Brutalist” is the epic story of visionary architect Laszlo Toft, played by Adrian Brody. It tells of his journey from Hungary to the United States where he struggles to make a new life. For a number of years he works his way up, eventually getting noticed by a rich American, played by Guy Pearce. Toft’s life has ups and downs as he tries to build something that will become his legacy. This is the first movie I’ve seen with an intermission in many years. It is long and beautifully filmed. Brody and Pearce are outstanding. It is winning a lot of awards, but I am not sure if I would vote for it for best picture. Still, it is worth seeing.

“The Last Showgirl” is the story of an over-the-hill dancer in an out-dated Las Vegas revue that is closing. Her whole life is this second class show. We learn that she has a daughter who does not live with her and her friends are other showgirls. Pamela Anderson is the main character. She shows a lot of vulnerability and is not afraid to show her age. I did not care for this film. It was kind of gritty, showing the lower side of Vegas. Jamie Lee Curtis plays an older, former showgirl who is working as a cocktail waitress. Curtis pulls out all the stops for this role. She might end up with an Oscar nomination. Not bad, but not great.

“The Room Next Door” is the Spanish filmmaker, Pedro Almodovar’s, first film made in the U.S. Almodovar is known for his interesting, winding plots and strong female characters. This film has two very strong female actresses, Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore, playing artistic women. The plot concerns one of the leads dying of cancer and deciding to end her life on her own terms. While the acting is good, the movie is overly talky and kind of boring. Not much happens. Like Julianne Moore’s character, we are stuck waiting for Tilda Swinton to end her life. Not much else. Not worth seeing.

I thought “Wicked” was great. The two leads were outstanding. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande did a wonderful job in the roles of Elfaba and Glinda. The rest of the cast was also quite good. The scenery, cinematography and overall execution were all excellent. Jon Chu, the director did a great job. If you can, see this on the big screen for the colors.

Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” is a sequel to the original film from 2000. Connie Nielsen is the only actor from the first film. All of the characters are new. This time Rome has become very corrupt. Paul Mascal plays the star gladiator who in a star making role. His character is owned by Denzel Washington playing a character who plays both sides against the middle. The arena scenes are epic and the plot keeps moving. This is a worthy sequel and deserves to be seen on the big screen. Look for this film to be nominated for a lot of awards.

“Conclave” is one of the first Oscar worthy films that I have seen this year. The acting and production are excellent. With a cast of great actors, including Ralph Fiennes, John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci and Isabelle Rossellini, it tells the story of the election of a new Pope. The intrigue and game-playing are as devious as a presidential election. All of that plays out and we find that none of the cardinals is without sin. But the real reason to see this film is a surprise ending, like you have never seen! See it for the acting, production and script, but it is the ending that you will remember.

Since “The Sixth Sense” M. Night Shaylaman’s movies have been uneven. Some have been good, but nothing has approached his first film. They usually have a twist and can be suspenseful. His latest, “Trap”, is one of the better ones. Josh Hartnett stars as a father escorting his daughter to a rock concert. The catch is that he is a serial killer. The police have been alerted that he is there so the first half of the movie is a cat and mouse game. The second half is a revelation. What transpires is not expected and keeps you guessing. Suspenseful and it keeps you on the edge of your seat.

It has been a while since my last post, but I feel compelled to write about one of my favorite movies of 2024 so far: “Deadpool and Wolverine”. Please note that my favorite movies of 2016 was “Deadpool”. I felt like it was made just for me! Lots of action and an incredible amount of snark. This latest entry lives up to that reputation. Deadpool is his old self, sarcastic, not taking anything seriously and funny as hell. The addition of Wolverine gives the movie added juice. Hugh Jackman’s Logan is serious and acts as the perfect straight man to Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool. Lots of action and lots of asides, some of them aimed at Disney, the studio that made this film. There is blood and gore but it’s all in the name of fun. I will probably go see it again.

George Clooney’s latest directorial project is “The Boys in the Boat”, the story of the University of Washington’s Junior Varsity crew team and their trip to the 1936 Olympics in Munich. It’s a true under dog story with compelling characters, lots of action and the race sequences will keep you on the edge of your seat. Joel Edgerton is the only actor you may recognize. Most of the others are relatively new. This film is a real crowd pleaser, somewhat reminiscent of “Chariots of Fire”. It’s just an enjoyable movie. Don’t miss it.

“The Iron Claw” is the story of a family involved in big time wrestling in the early 1980’s. Four brothers are bred for championship wrestling in Texas by a father who is single minded in his ambitions. Zac Efron plays the oldest brother. This is a very different role for Efron. The rest of the cast are good and each brother has their own personality. It is basically a story of survival. The scenes in the ring are realistic and interesting to watch. So is the over the top bragging before the television cameras. I wouldn’t call this a sports movie as much as a family drama. Not for everyone, but worth seeing.