Title: In the Heart of the Sea | Rated: PG-13 | Duration: 121 min | Theaters wide (reducing)

Survival stories are among the most fascinating that you’ll ever hear or read about, especially if they’re true. Survival is such a compelling subject matter due to the idea of humankind stripped of any easy way out, left to pit only knowledge and wit against Mother Nature’s ruthlessness. In the Heart of the Sea, adapted from Nathaniel Philbrick’s award-winning book of the same name, seeks to recount the incredible story of the whaleship Essex, but its punches don’t have the effects that it desires.

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Title: Star Wars: The Force Awakens | Rated: PG-13 | Duration: 135 min | Theaters nationwide

Really, what can you say about Star Wars? It’s one of those intellectual properties that define a generation (in this case, my parents’). It’s one of those film series that transcends the medium of cinema to become a cultural and global phenomenon, a revolution even. Almost anywhere you go in the world, you’ll likely meet someone who can recognize a character’s name, a ship, or a musical cue from the films. Chances are, that someone will also know that the series essentially consists of an excellent original trilogy (A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi) that ran from 1977 to 1983, followed by an underwhelming prequel trilogy (The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith) from 1999 to 2005. Since the prequel trilogy, Star Wars fans haven’t had much to celebrate about, until Disney acquired the property and announced the development of a sequel trilogy in 2012. Three years of hype-building later, the first installment of that trilogy, The Force Awakens, has arrived. Although its story beats resemble ones from A New Hope too much for its own good, this generally fast-paced film introduces and builds from its excellent new characters, who prove to be charming and compelling.

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Title: Brooklyn | Rated: PG-13 | Duration: 111 min | Theaters wide

Simplicity can be quite interesting in that it’s capable of bearing both negative and positive connotations. On one hand, a simple movie may evoke feelings of, “That’s it?” while on the other hand, it can clear the path for the viewer to immerse in its story’s rich characters and world. At face value, it appears that Brooklyn falls into the former category, but when that layer is peeled away, it certainly belongs in the latter. An adaptation of Irish novelist Colm Tóibín’s book, this confidently crafted film proves to be a heartfelt and winsome tale.

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Title: Creed | Rated: PG-13 | Duration: 133 min | Theaters nationwide

Given studio trends of producing remakes, prequels, and sequels for us moviegoers these days, you’d be forgiven if you rolled your eyes upon hearing about Creed, the seventh film in the much-adored Rocky series. On paper, it sounds like a desperate, unnecessary cash grab that tugs at nostalgic curiosity, as well as an indication of Warner Bros. running out of ideas for movies. Call it cynicism or wariness, but whatever it is, you could have counted me as part of that camp. Imagine my surprise, then, to find that the film is a well-directed flick, bursting with energy and heart.

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Title: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 | Rated: PG-13 | Duration: 137 min | Theaters nationwide

It’s over. Four years and four movies later, the Hunger Games film saga has come to an end (for now, barring any prequel and sequel ideas). Seeing this franchise progress has been an interesting experience, given its young adult fiction roots in the novels by the Suzanne Collins. Harry Potter notwithstanding, no other YA movie series has met a comparably consistent level of success not just financially, but also among fans, critics, and general audiences alike. What better way to mark its end than with an emphatic The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2, the last of a bipartite finale? Alas, “emphatic” is not a word to describe this film, which never justifies Lionsgate’s decision to split the series’ third novel and fails to provide a satisfying conclusion.

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Title: Spotlight | Rated: R | Duration: 128 min | Theaters limited (expanding)

What makes Spotlight such an accomplished and incredible project? It’s one of those pictures where every single one of its parts come together seamlessly, never calling attention to themselves and working only for the purpose of making a tremendous film. It knows what kind of movie it wants to be, and sets out with that objective in its sights without ever straying from its intended path. It is, without a doubt, one of the best films of the year.

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Title: Truth | Rated: R | Duration: 121 min | Theaters limited (reducing)

Cinema should see more journalists. One of the world’s noblest professions hardly ever gets a movie about it, instead being relegated to minor characters who are used for some greater purpose, typically the publication of classified information. All in all, journalism doesn’t quite receive the attention nor respect it deserves in this visual medium, at least not lately. Seeking to change that is Truth, which follows a group of journalists as they do their jobs and are forced to defend their work. Despite being based on a compelling true story, the film unfortunately feels constrained and lacking.

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Title: Spectre | Rated: PG-13 | Duration: 148 min | Theaters nationwide

Did you know that when Daniel Craig was unveiled as the sixth actor to play James Bond, a tremendous backlash occurred in response to his casting? Why, there were calls for boycotts and campaigns to strip the actor of his new role. It’s quite hilarious to read about these now, considering that Craig would receive acclaim for his performances and also star in two of the best films in the franchise with Casino Royale and Skyfall. His work doesn’t end just there; he signaled the franchise’s direction towards a dark, edgier, and grounded Bond without sacrificing his heart and ability to thrill. Craig’s time as Bond didn’t run smoothly (as Quantum of Solace can testify), but things seemed well for both the character and his future. That being said, it’s damn near heartbreaking how Spectre drops the ball in almost every way imaginable and ends up what I never would have imagined a Bond film being: lifeless.

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Title: Crimson Peak | Rated: R | Duration: 119 min | Theaters nationwide

Hello, loyal readers! It’s time for another MediaBrewPub Email Throwdown. This past week, Andrew, Jun, and Simon were able to take in Guillermo del Toro’s latest film, Crimson Peak. It’s been a while since the world has seen a del Toro film, and they were excited to see his latest creation on the silver screen. So let’s get to it! WARNING: Spoilers ahead.

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Title: Bridge of Spies | Rated: PG-13 | Duration: 141 min | Theaters nationwide

When looking at Steven Spielberg’s filmography, I see his maturation. Yes, you can say that about any director, but that development applies not just to his skills, but also to his interests as a filmmaker. Most of his flicks from the ’70s and ’80s, like Jaws, the Indiana Jones saga, and E.T., focused on taking the audience on an adventure and delivering thrills. The Color Purple marked his first foray into more serious and adult subject matter, and that fascination continued across the ’90s and well into the 21st century in films such as Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan, Munich, and Lincoln. Bridge of Spies is the latest project from his growing awareness of his world, and stands as an exceptional and relevant piece.

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