The Wolf of Wall street

Leonardo DiCaprio is highly entertaining as a novice stockbroker who figures out very early in his career that there is tons of money to made from the gullible public. As he rises from grunt to Broker owner drugs, booze and prositution become an everyday affair. Money starts pouring in from mostly illegal transactions the problem becomes what to do with it  as well as setting the FBI onto his trail. 3 hours of mostly light hearted comedy with just one last scene that makes the audience gasp. 3 1/2 bananas

American Hustle

Somewhat based on the 70's Abscam affair, this drama/comedy is one of those  movies that you've got to be paying attention to. Low level FBI officer recruits two scam artists to set up 4 minor sting operations. Things get a bit dicey when an operation all of a sudden involves both major politicans and the Mob. Who's scamming who turns this into a really fun movie to see. Great cast makes this a winner. Multiple awards possible! 3 1/2 bananas

Hobbit:Desolation of Smaug

2nd in the trilogy of the hobbit films. The dwarfs and Bilbo are still trying to get to the mountain filled with gold guarded by a dragon. Along the way many unexpected battles with creatures take place making this a fun but long in tooth movie. Much like the first it's filmed with the beautiful New Zealand backdrops but the 2 1/2 hours feels like 5. The first movie left you wanting more, this one wants the plot to be over with. 2 1/2 bananas

Philomena

May be the best movie of the year. Judy Dench gives a super performance as the Irish lass who 50 years ago had a boy out of wedlock and now wants to find her son. Dench teams up with a journalist who has been recently fired from the BBC to find the son and to publish a human interest book of their travails. Many twists and turns in this true story of how the Catholic church  imprisoned young unwed mothers and sold their children. Don't miss this.  4 bananas

Out of the Furnace

Two brothers striving to survive by different means in a beyond its prime Pa steel town. One(Christian Bale) works at the local steel while his younger brother turns to backwoods bare knuckle fighting  with disasterous results. Woody Harrelson plays the red neck drug dealing SOB that comes between the brothers. At times a bit slow but extremely well done. 3 bananas

Nebraska

Bruce Dern was made for this movie as an elderly alcoholic who is convinced that he has won a million dollars from a magazine contest. He sets off on foot from Billings Montana to Lincoln Nebraska to collect his money. His son decides to play along and give him a ride with stops along the way to visit the ole homestead. Dark comedy filmed in black/white shows the stark depressing midlands and its people. Well done movie, could win an Oscar for Dern.   3 1/2 bananas

Oldboy

Very bizzare but highly intriguing psycho drama about a good for nothing dad(James Brolin) who is kidnapped and imprisoned for 20 years and then set free and given a certain amount of time to figure out why all this happened or his grown daughter will die. Action, suspense lead you on a wild ride in this 70's remake by Spike Lee. Samuel L Jackson also stars as one really weird dude. Multiple twists at the end you don't see coming. 3 bananas

The Book Thief

World War 2 period piece starring young girl given up my her communist mother to a loving German couple who scrape by to take of her but also hide a Jewish adult from certain death. The girl learns to read by 'borrowing books' from a very high society German family. Wonderful story. 3 1/2 bananas

Homefront

Jason Statham does what he does best, kick ass in this high octane action drama. Recently retired from the DEA and living a peaceful existence in the deep south, Jason and his daughter come under attack from the local red necks and meth dealers. They mess with the wrong person and pay a pretty price. Great fun as only Statham can deliver. 3 bananas

Hunger Games: Catching Fire

The annual Hunger Games death elimination tournament is once again on and this time, the President has decreed that all past winners must participate thus throwing our heroine, Katness, back into the fire. With the odds stacked against her and her fellow survivors of past battles, Katness battles on only to leave you waiting for the last in this trilogy--2014.  If you haven't seen the first movie it's a must before watching this. Great entertainment. 3 1/2 bananas

All is Lost

Robert Redford stars in this almost completely silent movie. Sailing alone in the Indian Ocean his boat is rammed by a cargo container. The movie centers around his survival as the boat continues to sink due to bad weather and his stupidity. Movie was sunk from the beginning. 1 1/2 bananas

Dallas Buyers Club

A macho, cocaine snorting, homophobic rodeo bull rider finds that he has HIV and 30 days to live with no hope of medical help. He resorts to smuggling in drugs not approved by the FDA and sets up a corporation that you join as a member thus getting around having to pay for drugs. This true story is one not to miss as Matthew McConaghy not only gives maybe the best performance of the year, he also loses 70+ pounds to fill the role. 30 days became 7+ years before his battle ended not only with AIDS but the FDA. A must see movie! 4 bananas

Enders Game

Teenage computer elites are recruited and trained to fight off an enemy that many years before invaded the earth and left little other than the necessity to be prepared for a future attack. Great special effects and an ending that you don't see coming make this a fun movie to see. 2 1/2 bananas

The Counselor

All star cast makes this an entertaining but confusing movie. Hot shot lawyer becomes involved unintentionally  with drug dealers by way of a client. From there, multiple plots and bizare deaths loom for all associated with him. You never really know who is controlling what and the ending leaves many questions, still a movie worth seeing. 3 bananas

Carrie

Remake of the Stephen King  70's movie but with better looking blood. High school girl bullied by her peers finds she has super natural powers. Invited to the prom she is humiliated and she unleashes a fire storm. Not much of a plot and takes to long to get interesting. 1 1/2 bananas

12 Years A Slave

Educated black man in the early 1800's is kidnapped from his family in Washington DC and sold into slavery outside of New Orleans. True story taken from the book this mam wrote about his 12 years being brutalized by various plantation owners. Hard to watch but also a must see as to where this country was not very long ago. 3 1/2 bananas

Escape Plan

Sly and the Govenator team up to break out of a super max prison that has been designed to prevent escapes. Sly runs a security firm whose job it is is to place him inside of prison systems to expose vulnerabilities. Little goes right with his newest assignment as this prison is not like any other. Interesting idea on a prison location but if you aren't into fantasy miss this one. 2 1/2 bananas

Fifth Estate

Docudrama based on two recently published books of the story behind WiKiLeaks. If this is anything close to the true story this is one fascinating movie. Julian Assange founder of WiKiLeaks and Daniel Berg, Julian's right hand man, found the website so that corporate and government corruption can be exposed by unnamed whistle blowers. Site grows from  minor to major when world wide newspapers begin publishing top secret documents stolen from the US Government. This is to good a movie to pass up  true or not.  3 1/2 bananas

Enough Said

Divorcees James Gandolfini and Julia Louis Dreyfus meet at a cocktail party and find that they have much in common, after hooking up she discovers that one of her clients is the ex to who she is seeing. Definitely more of a chick flick, fairly entertaining but moves slow and  awkward at times. 2 1/2 bananas

Machette Kills

Continuing the Robert Rodrigues trilogy of the meanest, badist, uglist super hero, we find our ex Mexican Federale hero(Danny Trejo), enlisted by the President of the U.S.,  trying to shut down a plot to blow up Washington with a missile controlled by  bad guy Mel Gibson. As the title suggests, expect to see large quantities of separated body parts in this to good to miss spoof of all super agent movies. See it for the entertain factor not for any acting. Great group of supporting actors. 3 bananas

Captain Phillips

What a movie. Intense drama from beginning to end. Based on actual events, Tom Hank's sea freighter is attacked and he is taken hostage in one of the ship's life boats by Somali pirates. Stand off between US Navy and crazed pirates keeps you on the edge of your seat. Probably best picture of the year. 4 bananas

Runner Runner

Brilliant college student, Justin Timberlake, who gambles over the Internet determines the system is rigged and sets out to inform  Ben Affleck,the man behind the system what he knows. Well, things don't go according to plan as the FBI and Affleck see things differently. Affleck's smoking hot babe makes this movie worth seeing. 2 bananas

Gravity

Spectacular special effects and beautiful video along with Sandra Bullock and George Clooney make this a see movie. Both are astronauts working outside their space station when a Russian space station blows up and sends debrea smashing into their station leaving them without a base. Story is a little hard to believe but fun at the same time. How can this be bad with Sandy and George! 3 bananas

On the Job

Film based on true events in the Philippines. Corrupt politicians,police and prison officials all conspire to use prison inmates to perform murders outside of prison. Inmates are allowed out to perform murders as well as spend time with their families. A few good cops try to expose the system that has been set up for years with deadly consequences. Sub-titled but easy to follow; interesting part of history. 3 bananas

Prisoners

Two young girls disappear and when the local police seem to be not doing enough the fathers take matters into their on hands. This fast moving drama keeps you on the edge and in suspense till the final shot. Jake Guyenhall and Hugh Jackman both give outstanding performances as they both try to find, in different ways, who is behind the girl's kidnappings. Almost 3 hours feels like 30 minutes. See this movie!  4 bananas.

Instructions Not Included

Sweet story of a baby girl abandoned to its Mexican playboy father and how the two grow together over the first six years as he struggles to become a good father  and a stunt man in L.A.. Definitely a movie worth seeing and the end will blow you away. Sub titles but not a problem.    3 1/2 bananas

The Family

Dark comedy starring Robert NeNiro, Michelle Pfeiffer and Tommy Lee Jones. DeNiro and family have been moved to France in the Witness protection program because certain mob Don has a hit out on the entire family. Mayham follows as the entire family is not used to not  getting their way in everyday affairs. Very funny but the ending is weak. Salty language only adds to the humor. 3 bananas

Riddick

Entertaining Sci-Fi starring Vin Diesel as a criminal left behind on some barren planet with creepy monsters. Seeking his capture for different reasons are two groups who find that they have messed with the wrong guy. Take this movie for what it is, DIESEL FUN!   3 bananas

We Are The Millers

 Small time weed dealer assembles a fake family and travels to Mexico in an RV to pick up what he thinks is a small amount of weed to bring back to the USA to settle a debt with his supplier. Very funny at times but a little long. See it if you've seen everything else. 2 bananas

Getaway

If you like car chases and car crashes with a dumb plot this is for you. Washed up race car driver's wife is kidnapped while the driver is issued instructions via the car navigation system to basically break every speed limit in Bulgaria in pursuit of who knows what. 1 1/2 bananas

Closed Circuit

Highly engrossing intrigue in this British drama that pits prosecution against defense in a truck bombing terrorist plot that kills scores with an unlikely villain lurking behind both sides. Definitely worth seeing! 3 1/2 bananas

You're Next

If you like a  good bloody gore fest, feast on this movie as a family reunion turns out to be who can survive the longest from a group of knife/axe wielding intruders. 2 bananas

Elysium

Set in the future when the earth has been deserted by all but the scum, with the privileged living in serenity in space, Matt Damon living on earth is exposed to radiation and his only hope to survive is to break into the orbiting space colony for treatment. Good special effects but weak plot. Jodie Foster is the evil  controler of access to the space station.  2 bananas

2 Guns

Screwball action comedy starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg as two undercover agents from different depts who stumble upon and steal a cache of CIA money. The CIA isn't pleased as well as a certain Mexican Drug lord, both of which want the money and our heros's hide. Fun but confusing at first. 2 1/2 bananas

The Lone Ranger

Fabulous, Superb, Funny, a Blast. What a terrific movie. You know it is good when a horse steals the spot light from Johnnie Depp. Depp stars as an aged Tonto relating back to a youngster how The Lone Ranger was created. Armie Hammer, as the Long Ranger pairs up nicely with Depp to make this action packed comedy a real treat. Great photography of the west add to this don't miss movie. I loved it. Definitely the most enjoyable movie to date of 2013. 4 bananas

The Purge

They should have purged this movie from the theaters. Once a year in the future everyone is allowed to kill off anyone they desire to, thus everyone locks themselves down for 12 hours. Well the most fortified house lets in a complete stranger during the excersie with predictable results. Miss this one. 1/2 banana

World World Z

Brad Pitt directed and stars in this zombie extravaganza. A worldwide plague of unknown origins has turned most of the population into zombies. Pitt who is retired from the U.N. World Health Organization as is top inspector is called back to duty to track and find a cure. Good action scenes broken up by to much of Pitt's family life. Some truely non-believable events take place but overall a fun 2 hour movie. 2 1/2 bananas

Fast & Furious 6

Vin Diesel assembles his gang, who are scattered around the world evading U.S. Justice, to help The Rock(a U.S. Agent) bring down a gang that is stealing components to build a nuclear bomb. To entice Vin and his buddies, The Rock shows proof that Vin's old , supposedly dead, girlfriend is still alive and working with the baddies. Mayhem and unbelievable car chases and crashes rule in this 2 hour+ movie that is a blast to see but hard to believe. Terrific action scenes make this a fun, fun movie! 3 bananas

Now You See Me

Interesting crime drama centers around 4 magicians/mentalists who are recruited to perform outlandish tricks that have huge consequenses. Fun to see how the tricks are performed that bring in the FBI and another magician whose job it is to debunk the magic. Woody Harrelson and Morgan Freeman star in this exciting to the finsh with a didn't see that coming ending. 3 bananas

Hangover 3

They should have stopped at 2. Definitely a waste of time and money. Very little humor in this very dark comedy. The group reassembles for an intervention and winds up having one of them being kidnapped by some kingpin who is after Mr Chow for stealing $20000000 in gold. Things go from bad to worse as Mr Chow is not above screwing everyone. Dumb, dumb, dumb. Miss this one. 1/2 banana

Star Trek: INTO DARKNESS

Saw this movie by accident, thought I was seeing Hangover 3. Glad I saw it as it is a delightful action packed space adventure that takes place many years from now with the supposedly the sons of the original Star Trek crew. Great job not only with the special effects but also with how close the new crew resembles their past relatives. Definitely worth the time. 3 bananas

The Iceman

Well done true story of a contract killer who kills with no emotion but is totally devoted and in love with his wife and two daughters. Story takes place in the 60's and 70's in New Jersey as the killer works with one mob and another and also teaming up with another grizzley killer. Over 100 executions are attributed to this single person before he was arrested. Great character actors abound in this fast paced can't stop watching drama. 3 1/2 bananas

Mud

Two 14 year old boys find a boat high in the trees left behind by a flood on a river in Arkansas. Upon entering it they find Mud/ Mathew McConaghy, wanted for murder, living in it. A bond grows between one of the boys and Mud as they restore the boat while forces around them are looking to kill Mud. Many subplots keeps the viewer on edge throughout. Definitely worth seeing. 3 1/2 bananas

Iron Man 3

Action filled 3rd time around is as good as it gets. Non stop action with just about everything blowing up as Iron Man takes on his latest villain The Manadarin, whose agenda includes killing the President. Many close calls for Iron Man but as usual he saves the day. Robert Downey Jr and Gwenn Paltrow star in this exciting and fun filled classic from Marvel comics. 3 bananas

Pain and Gain

3 body builders ,from Miami, kidnap and torture a shaddy wealthy local into giving up all his bank accounts,Homes/boats /etc. This true like story starts out as a comedy but quickly becomes a drama as events unfold after the 3 burn through their ill gotten gains. Mark Wahlberg and The Rock star in this sometimes funny but always engaging crime drama. See it to see how people can make such stupid mistakes. 2 1/2 bananas

Oz the Great and Poerwerful

Updated version of the Wizard of Oz. Carnival magician/con man is swept away in a tornado to the land of Oz where he is acclaimed a Wizzard and is tasked with purging the Wicked Witch from The Emerald City. Along the way he picks up not the usual traveling companions. Special effects and beautiful color make this a fun movie to view. 2 bananas

Disconnect

3 different stories all centered around the different types of damage that can be done by the Internet. Stolen Identity, Video bullying and underage porn sites lead the characters in the 3 episodes down treacherous paths. Ripped from newspaper headlines, these stories would do well to serve everyone as to the dangers lurking on the Internet. Well done drama. 3 bananas

The Place Beyond the Pines

Have no idea where the title comes from but this is one really good movie. 3 different venues over 15 years come together at the end. Ryan Gossling is a motorcycle performer who turns to crime; Bradley Cooper a law officer is involved in a shooting and the sons of both Gossling/Cooper meet and mix in their senior year of high school. Almost 2 1/2 hours fly bye as this drama plays out. One of the best this year. 3 1/2 bananas

Oblivion

Bizzare Sci-Fi flick centers around future earth being destroyed by an Alien invasion. What's left of earth, the oceans, are being transported to some distant planet by unknown forces who employ drones and robots on earth to keep what's left of humans under control. Tom Cruise, an alien?, job is to keep everything running. Great special effects but unbelievably hard plot to follow. See if you want to get out but don't expect to understand what the hell is going on. 2 bananas

42

One heck of a great movie based on Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball. This is actually two movies in one, Robinson enduring the racism as the first black ball player; Harrison Ford steals the show with his portrayal of Branch Rickey the owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, supporting, encouraging, pushing and shoving Robinson through his journey to stardom. Of note also is the black sports writer who takes Robinson under his wing, Wendell Smith, a great sports journalist who also suffered bigotry while creating his legacy. A must see for everyone. 4 bananas

Quartet

Delightful English comedy set in a Manor house filled with retired musicians, songsters and actors. The home has a yearly variety show to raise funds for the yearly expenses. This year is to include, providing a certain new arrival agrees to perform, a song by 4 aging opera stars. An old time romance is rekindled helping the cause. Many of the cast are actors, singers and musicians from bye gone days. Fun and entertaining as only the Brits can do!! 3 1/2 bananas

GI JOE Retaliation

Based on the Marvel comic book hero, The 'Rock' and his fellow GI Joes escape the Presidents order to kill them; then return to take on the transformed president and his evil band of nuclear extremists. A great rainy day movie if you like to see things blow up. 1 1/2 bananas

The Company you Keep

Robert Redford, a 70's radical Weatherman groupie, now an establish lawyer in a small New England town finds his world turned upside down when one of his past Weatherman pals is caught which sets not only the FBI but a young journalist on his tail. Redford sets out to find the only person who can help clear his name. Movie plods along to its ending at Drummond Island in the UP of Michigan. Some big time actors can't help this movie. 2 bananas

Trance

Sometimes difficult to follow but overall interesting psychological crime drama that centers on an art heist. Value painting is stolen but the person who has taken it incurs a head injury and can't remember what he did with it. His gang of thieves enlist a hypnotist in order to recall information. Hypnotist in turn has her own agenda. If you can stay with this movie, the ending is bizarre but clever. I like it, critics don't. 2 1/2 bananas

Evil Dead

Group of young adults take one of their own to a cabin in the woods for a drug rehab session. An old ritual book is found and from it is released the"evil dead" who proceeds to dismember the group. Just another blood spouting gore fest. Miss this one!! 1/2 banana

Olympus is Down

Action, thriller fantasy at its best. Rogue North Korean terrorists engine the take over and capture of the President in the White house. Garrard Butler, a secret service agent who until recently was on the presidents detail saves the day as he alone fights for every inch of the White House taking no prisoners along the way. Great supporting cast makes this a fun movie to see. Movie was panned by the so called critics, I loved it. 3 Bananas

Parker

Very entertaining movie starring Jason Statham and Jennifer Lopez. Statham is his usual kick ass good guy and Lopez is smoking hot. Statham is left for dead and seeks revenge from the group that turned on him. Lopez is a down and out Realtor who by chance gets mixed up in Statham's plans. Plenty of action and a good plot make this a fun crime drama. 3 1/2 bananas

Zero Dark Thirty

Supposedly true account of how Osama Bin Ladin was tracked down by the CIA 10 years after 9/11. The CIA after all but giving up on Bin Ladin; Jessica Chastain a low level CIA employee refuses to give up and continues to follow one dead end after another until she comes across something that has the potential to unearth Bin Ladin. 2 1/2 hours of terrific intrigue. 4 bananas

Gangster Squad

Pretty good cast makes a pretty bad movie. Special L.A. police unit is formed to take down mob hoodlum(Mickey Cohen) who wants to control all illegal activity west of Chicago. 1 1/2 bananas