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On the cusp of folk greatness in the early 60’s musician Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) lost his only bandmate. Now wandering his way through the Greenwich Village folk scene the trials and tribulations of a homeless troubadour have become commonplace for Llewyn. It’s in this wandering he will meet a washed up jazz artist (John Goodman), a temporary lover, Jean (Carey Mulligan), fellow musicians Jim and Al (Justin Timberlake and Adam Driver), and a supportive fan base in Mitch and Lillian (Ethan Phillips, Robin Bartlett). All the while, the struggle within rages, to set out to sea, literally, or stick it out and keep aiming for the big time. And what of this orange tabby cat? Honesty to a fault, Writer/Directors Joel and Ethan Coen continue their close up examination of the common man, all the while continuing their unique integration of music to film– this time with what appears to be a genuine love for the folk scene of the 1960’s. Offbeat enough to bring heartfelt laughter and masterfully crafted cringeworthy moments that are rich with subtext, the entire ensemble brings their “A” game to the party. Couple a winning screenplay with dynamic actors; then, add in great music and you’ve got the makings for another Coen Classic. Totally worth your attention, Inside Llewyn Davis is rated R.

Small time con man Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and his mistress and partner in crime Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) made quite a racket shaking down the lowest of the low until FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) caught them in a misstep. Looking to save their own necks Irving and Sydney agree to assist the feds, a move that could incriminate Mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner) and mafia head Victor Tellegio (Robert De Niro). Meanwhile Irving’s wife, Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence), is dancing with dangerous acquaintances. But family takes care of family and the term “thick as thieves” rings true, how can this hustle shakedown for all?Still mining precious ore Director and co-writer David O. Russell continues to pull in gold with one of the sharpest ensemble pieces of the year; there isn’t a weak performance in the bunch. With a reverse casting of all of the leads, acting depth and breadth is certainly something to consider across the board. Plus, with a compelling story/screenplay the sleaze and skeeze of the 70’s never felt so wrong and yet so right. This is another gem slowly being tumbled to bring out the best shine possible, totally worth your time. American Hustle is rated R.

Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell), Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd), Champ Kind (David Koechner), Brick Tamland (Steve Carell), names that inspire and stand for news dependability, credibility, and truth; but now, looking down the barrel of a new era, all that could change– and it starts with the concept of a 24 hour news channel known as GNN. Backed into a corner, Burgundy and crew are looking to get back on top of their game, victory won’t come easy and will in fact require abandonment of the principles of old. But, stopping fellow newscaster Jack Lime (James Marsden) from stealing the limelight will take ingenuity, wit, and cunning. What will it take to reign as kings again and what of Ron’s marriage to co-anchor Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate)? Returning to the well for more comedic genius, the Judd Apatow, Adam McKay, and Will Ferrell psychic bond appears to be strong in the long run but hits some significant speed bumps in the first act. Initial laughs are slow out of the gate, but once the “not even veiled” satire begins, the pace is quickened. Meanwhile, our leads feel a little rocky on the outset, and a derivative plot line doesn’t exactly scream “fresh idea,” But when the funny comes, it pours out in buckets. And, playing a rousing game of Name that Actor is a real treat throughout the whole film, the star power shines bright. Matinee leaning toward full price, Anchorman 2 is rated PG-13.