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