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In 1939, Highly regarded president Franklin Delano Roosevelt (Bill Murray) and first lady Eleanor (Olivia Williams) hosted the King and Queen of England (Samuel West and Olivia Colman) for a brief stay at the Roosevelt home at Hyde Park on Hudson in upstate New York. It was a pivotal time, World War II was moving closer to England and U.S. assistance would certainly be necessary. But, while the royals were seeking support, FDR had several personal battles of his own– in particular his multiple mistresses, one of which was a fifth or so cousin named Daisy (Laura Linney). Detailing a little known side of FDR and a definitive moment in history, Hyde Park on Hudson is their story. Examining love, politics, the charisma of a leader, and the drama of life director Roger Mitchell works to expose the humanity of one of the nation’s most regarded presidents through the eyes of the women who loved him. And, while the film doesn’t really stand out from others in the genre artistically, the feminine angle does provide for a fresh and noteworthy look. From an acting standpoint it’s refreshing to see Murray in a role where he has to apply himself a little more than the norm, the rest of the ensemble shine nicely in response. So while this probably won’t shake things up at the box office, from an academic and historic standpoint don’t write this one off either. Matinee perhaps? Hyde Park on Hudson is rated R.

Two half wit criminals, Frankie (Scoot McNairy) and Russell (Ben Mendelsohn) are set up by a light roller named Johny Amato (Vincent Curatola) to knock over a mob protected card game run by Markie Trattman (Ray Liotta). Post heist the local gambling economy is looking bleak, to rectify things the mob calls in a regulator known as Jackie Cogan (Brad Pitt). It’s Jackie’s job to solve the crime and restore order to the otherwise lawless underbelly of organized crime. Economy, politics, committees, mobs, it all ties together, just how close? Political Satire in the guise of a criminal drama mob flick, Director and co-writer Andrew Dominik clearly has a message to deliver about capitalism, the American economy, and state of affairs our nation is in. A message that gets louder and louder right up to the bitter end. Aside from the obvious though, the carrier of the message is still this dark and intriguing tale, well crafted, acted, and laced with ambiance tracks that add to flavour nicely. Performaces from Richard Jenkins, and James Ganlofini are also of note. Giving you plenty to chew on and mull over, this one’s worth your consideration. Killing Them Softly is rated R.

After escaping the clutches of a mysterious psycho killer known as the Collector (Randall Archer), Arkin (Josh Stewart), a known criminal and badass is forced to re-enter the killer’s den with a band of mercenaries in search of the Collector’s latest prize, Elena (Emma Fitzpatrick) the daughter of a rich so and so. In the booby trapped hideout are horrors of the flesh unparalleled and grotesque to the point of almost…comedy? Save the girl, survive the house, and dispatch the killer, seems legit? Completely implausible torture porn appears to be the name of the game here, combining 1 part SAW, 1 part Madame Tussauds, 1 part Halloween, and 1 part Seven. So that is to say, we’re not really seeing anything horribly new here, but there does appear to be a loosely stitched together creative vision based on previous visions. Acting, I’m not sensing anything amazing here, makeup and FX get a nod, but sadly I’m just not sure I can back this horse. As Vonnegut says…”So it goes” The Collection is rated R.