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While reporting for Newsweek Magazine during the 2009 Iranian elections Maziar Bahari (Gael García Bernal), an Iranian-Canadian journalist, was detained by Iranian police forces and brutally interrogated on the suspicion that he was in fact a western spy. Stolen hope and stolen time, the mental games he would endure might break an ordinary individual; but, inspired by his father’s story, Baba Akbar (Haluk Bilginer), Maziar would find the strength to go on. Making matters worse, international support for Maziar would drive the same Iranian forces to new acts of desperation, the whole game could end in shambles, or could it? Based on actual events, directed by and adapted screenplay by political satirist Jon Stewart, Rosewater in fact takes a somber and accurate look at the very real issue of reporter safety in foreign countries. Strong acting from the ensemble makes for a believable watch; and, semi-documentary styling cinematography blends nicely with the overall biopic storytelling. Sadly, at its conclusion, the overall gravity of the film doesn’t seem to pull the viewer into much of a call to action, and, while interesting, isn’t as compelling as one might hope. Still, a formidable freshman attempt, perhaps worthy of a matinee or rental, Rosewater is rated R.

Robotic whiz and child prodigy Hiro (Ryan Potter) is on a dark path until his brother Tadashi (Daniel Henney) introduces him to a positive outlet for his genius– a school devoted to technology and science where Hiro will be able to grow his talents further. But, when a tragic accident takes Tadashi’s life Hiro is sent into a tailspin once again. Oddly enough it’s Tadashi’s invention, Baymax (Scott Adsit), a non threatening robotic nurse made with the skin of a giant inflatable vinyl balloon that helps to put Hiro back on course, that is until an evil criminal mastermind makes itself known to Hiro by stealing one of his own tech ideas. Now it’s up to Hiro, Baymax, and schoolmates Fred (T.J. Miller), Go Go (Jamie Chung), Wasabi (Damon Wayans Jr.), and Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez) to stop this mysterious idea thief and figure out what the larger nefarious plan might be. From the same crew that produced Frozen and Wreck-It Ralph, Disney’s Animation Studios have managed to churn out another larger than life hero’s quest tale told from a perspective that can be appreciated by both young and old done with attention to stunning visual detail as we’ve come to expect. And, while by no means is this Disney’s smartest or cleverest film to date, perhaps the more important factor is again the message of acceptance and positive image for both boys and girls who have an interest in science and technology, a round of applause! Albeit, the final act does feel a little thrown together and too convenient (darn meddling kids….) the overall ride is still good fun for the family. Big Hero 6 is rated PG.

Despite the fact that the wars are over Earth is out of balance, crops are dying, humanity is starving, and the world as we know it is about to expire; that is, until former NASA pilot Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) and his daughter Murph (Mackenzie Foy/Jessica Chastain) discover a bizarre message from beyond. With a bit of sleuthing the two find themselves at a hidden NASA outpost in the dessert, home to some of the greatest minds left on Earth including Professor Brand (Michael Caine) and his daughter Amelia (Anne Hathaway). As it turns out, NASA has discovered a black hole within our solar system, a possible wormhole to another galaxy that could sustain life. Reluctantly, with the prospect of saving humanity and his family Cooper joins the search, a time shifting adventure that will bring Einstein’s theory of revolution to the forefront. Will Cooper and his team find hope, what of his family back on Earth, and who exactly is offering up this “helping hand” of a wormhole, what are their intentions? Written/Directed by Christopher Nolan and Co-Written by Jonathan Nolan, this nearly three hour Sci-fi monster offers up what the Nolan’s are known for, mind bending plots, grandiose scope, imaginative action, and conversation starting seeds. And, with an additional acting core of elites including Matt Damon, John Lithgow, Casey Affleck, Wes Bentley, and Topher Grace the stars are definitely out to shine. Notable influences from Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, Ridley Scott’s Prometheus, and Zemeckis’s Contact quickly come to mind, this however means we’ve already seen many of the elements being explored, furthermore, a bit of judicious editing could easily tighten superfluous story points and side notes. Musically Hans Zimmer’s score is an interesting but expected choice, especially considering the blaring church cathedral throughout almost serves as a sonic foreboding come to Jesus. But what’s the real rub? Well, without spoiling the whole film, let’s suffice it to say a massive plot hole defies all logic and shoots the plot right between the eyes, the science flat out doesn’t compute once time travel is introduced, chicken and egg, it’s as simple as that. Bottom line, don’t think too hard about the hows and whys on first blush and enjoy the ride, dissect it all later, you’ll still have plenty to think about. Worthy of your consideration, Interstellar is rated PG-13.