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In the late 60’s early 70’s Freddie Steinmark (Finn Wittrock) was the underdog champion of the college football world when he was given the chance to play ball for the University of Texas Longhorns and coach Darrell Royal (Aaron Eckhart). Model student in the classroom, natural leader in the locker room, an terror on the field as a defensive tight end, Freddie set the bar high for all those around him. Sadly, he was struck down with fatal bone cancer in his prime, this film is a remembrance of Freddie. Written and directed by Angelo Pizzo (Hoosiers, Rudy) one would have hope given the previous track record for writing; however, Pizzo’s inability to cut the schmaltz and abysmal start and finish makes this sentimental fairytale with overblown score predictable and boring. Granted, the sound design for the football action sounds nice and crunchy, but even then, the cinematography of the action is such that it’s hard to gather a real sense of what’s going on, perhaps we’re spoiled by modern NFL coverage on TV? Best intentions perhaps, but overall delivery just isn’t there. Pass. My All American is rated PG.

Following a cryptic message, 007 James Bond (Daniel Craig) trails back to the creator of all of his life’s pain, his arch nemesis (Christoph Waltz) atop a secret sinister organization known as Spectre. Meanwhile, a political battle is brewing in London, M (Ralph Fiennes) will have to fight to keep the British secret service active and alive, but what if it’s too late, Bond could be done for multiple reasons. Playing out as almost like a greatest hits of James Bond history, and not just the Daniel Craig years, but the whole Bond anthology, there’s little that hasn’t been done before this go round; but, that’s not to say the film is bad or uninspired. In fact, from a cinematography standpoint, the film is beautiful with impressive sequences and fantastic camera coverage, one would just hope for perhaps something new and imaginative script wise, sad trombone there, womp womp. But did I mention gadgets? Oh yes, gadgets are back, mind you reserved, but back, whew; Bond without gadgets is like a martini without an olive, still good, but missing….something. Chemistry between Craig and leading lady Léa Seydoux is sadly uninspired, but time spent with the regal and unfaltering Monica Bellucci sends sparks flying, well played 007, well played indeed. Bottom line, this isn’t top of the pile for the Daniel Craig years, nope, but it sure ain’t no Moonraker either. Go see it and enjoy the Bond references, nods and callbacks….EVERYWHERE!!! Spectre is rated PG-13.

Working to bring women the right to vote, the early feminist movement would send thousands of women to jail, and force thousands more to organize and fight from the underground. Suffragette is the tale of some of the early foot soldiers in the movement. An all star cast including Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, and Meryl Streep brings this weighty docudrama to life with Direction from Sarah Gavron and screenplay by Abi Morgan. Important in its historical implications and lessons and even more important now as there are still countries bent on the oppression of women’s rights, this is a story that cannot be forgotten. Solid production quality, solid acting, solid material, a winner for those looking to fill their minds with a solid education. Suffragette is rated PG-13.