A Wrinkle in Time

Based on the novel written by Madeleine L'Engle, published in 1962, the first in the Time Quintet series.

An extremely watered down version of the book, that spends more time on special effects and costumes than the story or character development.

I read this book when I was in elementary school and absolutely loved it - the cinematic version was an acute let down compared to my childhood imagination.

** Rentable

Rated PG (for mild peril) 

Thoroughbreds

Two privileged teenage girls, Amanda and Lily, reconnect and develop an unlikely friendship after years of growing apart.

This is a very interesting commentary on what society has labeled as emotionally troubled.  Amanda, feels nothing and her brutal honesty and fake emotions has made it difficult for her to fit in. Lily, is smart and popular but lies to everyone to assimilate. Who is more troubled?

Very interesting with an ending that will leave you thinking about it for days to come.

*** Must See

Rated R (for language) 

Molly's Game

Based on the book written by Molly Bloom herself, this is a quick witted, fun and mind blowing tale of a hopeful Olympic-class skier who ran the most exclusive high-stakes poker game for a decade before being arrested by the FBI.

Fabulously written - Aaron Sorkin was robbed at the Oscars.  Full of high energy the story never slows or becomes redundant or predictable - wonderfully cast and amazingly acted.

*** 1/2 - Must See

Rated R (for language and some violence)  

Red Sparrow

A Russian ballerina is injured and left without a source of income to provide for herself or her ill mother. Her uncle, a high ranking government official, steps in and offers to provide a way to maintain her apartment along with the medical attention her mother requires, she must become a sparrow.

This was an rousing, albeit very predictable espionage thriller.  Jennifer Lawrence is always fun to watch and makes no exception here. The story however, is easily foreseen and because of that it feels quite a bit longer than its' two hour and twenty-two minute running time.

** 1/2 Rentable

Rated R (for strong violence, torture, sexual content, language and some graphic nudity) 

Lady Bird

A young woman struggles balancing her relationship with her family, particularly her mother with the wonder that is adolescence, her senior year of high school.

A quirky coming of age movie that ushers in the era of the millennial. Set in 2002, post 9-11 and pre-smart phone it is somewhat of a love/hate roller coaster ride with the main character. She is from a family that is financially struggling yet she is seemingly just as entitled to all that is beyond what her parents have to offer.

Fun indy-type film that has been nominated for multiple Oscars this year.

*** Must see for the Oscar crowd

Rated R (for language and sexual content)

Game Night

An extremely competitive couple and their group of friends join together regularly to compete in trivia, charades, and other board games - when their game night is unknowingly hijacked by some criminals it's winner takes all.

A very clever and funny concept that falls short of its potential. Several plot holes and implausible coincidences that make the story weak and predictable.

There are some very humorous moments but overall it's forgettable.

** Rentable

Rated R (for language, sexual references and some violence)