Trumbo (2015)

It took me a while to get past Cranston’s weird grumbly vocal delivery (and after seeing newsreel of the actual Trumbo, I have no idea WHY Cranston was doing it) but, once I did, I found this to be a pretty interesting film. I didn’t know much about how McCarthy and the House Un American Activities Committee operated and I was glad to get some of it straight. I was less glad about the fact that I couldn’t keep many the characters straight -- the film seemed to assume that we viewers should just know the screenwriters involved. But why would we?

B

45 Years (2015)

I fully expected to love this movie, but it had a glaring flaw: I didn't believe that this couple had actually been married for 45 years. It would have been more believable if the story was that they'd been married for 45 years but one of them had been in a coma for 43 of them, because that's about as much as they seem to know and understand regarding each other.

D+

Steve Jobs (2015)

Told in three acts, all of which have the same structure.

It's almost time for a product launch and Jobs and his right hand woman are backstage preparing. But there's drama with his baby-mama, daughter, partner (eventually former) and boss (eventually former) -- all of whom feel compelled to wait until moments before he goes on stage to have heart-to-hearts and/or drop bombs.

It felt both dishonest and tiresome.

D

Bridge of Spies (2015)

This is a solid movie that steadfastly rejects flash, which made me both appreciate its restraint while yearning for a bit of pizzazz.

B

The Danish Girl (2015)

Eddie Redmayne has always kind of freaked me out -- there’s something alien about his looks -- but he makes perfect sense as a woman. Too bad this movie doesn't live up to its brilliant casting.

We start with what looks to be a healthy marriage. There’s companionship and fun and they’re obviously temperamentally well-matched. So the transition from one reality to another -- seemingly growing from a spark of interest to a consuming bonfire in no time -- is jolting.

One good part of the film is Alicia Vikander as the wife who suddenly finds herself living a different life than the one she agreed to. Her confusion and hurt are palpable, as is her determination to remain steadfast in supporting her former spouse.

D+