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Following the last days of the former Soviet dictator, Stalin (Adrian McLoughlin), the political angling of Nikita Khrushchev (Steve Buscemi), Lavrenti Beria (Simon Russell Beale), and the rest of the Soviet comrade cabinet, this look into chaos as the players all struggle to save their own hides is ripe for truth and satire, this is their story. Directed and partially written by Armando Iannucci, this semi “Drunk History” take on Soviet history is so full of absolutely horrific goings on and wry/dry gallows humor, it’s about the only way anyone with a stomach might make it through the lesson without feeling totally ill. Furthermore, the wildly talented ensemble work as a well oiled locomotive, delivering the insanity and awe blow by blow, this really is a schadenfreude romp of epic proportions. The main criticism being, target market? Where or who is the audience for this film, mass appeal seems a tough reach. But, then again, perhaps this is a setup for the film that’s being written about the U.S. and its current administration? Tough call. Bottom line, students of history, get thee to this film lest ye repeat its blackened actions yourself. The Death of Stalin is rated R.

Examining the tenuous relationship between the Palestinians and Israelis circa 1976 and the hijacking of an Air France flight en route from Tel Aviv to Paris; an engagement that would ultimately end in Entebbe Uganda and involve several German activists, Wilfried Böse and Brigitte Kehlmann (Daniel Brühl and Rosamund Pike), this is their story and ultimately the setting of political terms in the region for the next 40+ years of engagement. Written by Gregory Burke and Directed by José Padilha this intense political procedural/military engagement mentally sits in good company with films such as Zero Dark 30 and Argo, although, appears significantly smaller in overall scope than either of these two shelf mates. Punctuated by the beauty of the Batsheva dance company throughout, viewers are cast between the drama of the heart and the mind, a tormented but beautiful experience just the same. An ensemble piece, the overall tone is even handed and standouts among the bunch don’t really exist, this is perfectly healthy and perfectly normal. Perhaps most important though is the explained modern historical context of the centuries old unrest in the Middle East, and a look as to why this deadlock continues. Running 106 minutes and worthy of your matinee dollar, perhaps a rental later, 7 Days In Entebbe is rated PG-13.