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Drafted by the U.S. government to provide a “legitimate” defense for accused Soviet Spy Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance), former lawyer turned insurance salesman, James Donovan (Tom Hanks) would quickly find himself with a front row seat to the rising heat of the cold war; yet the eventual center of the action would become a negotiation for the release of several imprisoned U.S. citizens. This is the story of James Donovan’s unfaltering convictions and fight for what’s right by human standards. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this procedural biographic examining the political tensions between the two superpowers is put together with a slow burning meticulous hand; delivering the goods Rylance and Hanks both rise to the occasion, but interestingly enough, it’s Rylance’s simple and understated performance makes for the more fascinating character study, file that one for later. Cinematography by Janusz Kaminski and his use of light to tell a story also provides for interesting watching, and, although predictable, Thomas Newman’s score adds just the right amount of tension to make this solid performer stand out as we begin the wind up and wind down of 2015. Worthy of your time, Bridge of Spies is rated PG-13.

Centered around three iconic tech product launches in the last century, the intensity and insanity of Steve Jobs (Michael Fassbender) is detailed in painstaking resolution to paint one image of the man at the center of Apple’s massive rise to success and the costs paid along the way to friends, family, and life. Written by Aaron Sorkin and Directed by Danny Boyle this selective historic retelling certainly raises multiple questions as to what exactly drove Jobs to his competitive fit; in this case, at the end of the foil, Fassbender’s unfaltering, unapologetic, and razor sharp delivery shows keen insight to the emotional shifts in Jobs persona with age and wisdom. Meanwhile, Kate Winslet’s portrayal of Joanna Hoffman, Jobs’ assistant and semi work-wife, Seth Rogen’s depiction of Apple’s other the benevolent half Steve Wozniak, and Jeff Daniels as Jobs’ father figure and Apple CEO John Sculley all hit their mark to the point of a modern day Greek tragedy. All the while, Boyle’s knack for creative cinematography continues to reach in subtle but effective manners as the film passes through time, and of course, poignant attention to soundtrack adds extra flavor to the mix. All told, a sharp but unsettling character study worthy of your time, especially for those at all interested in the tech world. Steve Jobs is rated R.

Experienced but still hopeful FBI agent Kate Macer (Emily Blunt) is enlisted by a government task force including an elusive consultant, Matt Graver (Josh Brolin), and an even more mysterious figure Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro), in a effort to wage a war against drugs at the U.S./Mexican border. But will her objectives be made before her hope is crushed? Directed by Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners, Enemy) with cinematographer Roger Deakins and score by Jóhann Jóhannsson, this thought provoking boa constrictor work of art tightens its noose in such a perfectly calculated manner that oscar nominations are ripe within. Poignant and almost satirical at times this dark look to governmental control of very real hydras in our world hits hard and will not be forgotten easily. Pure Gold! Sicario is rated R.