“Manchester by the Sea” defies description in a really, really good way. It’s not flashy or formulaic in the way some fish-out-of-water stories are. Instead, the story of a quietly suffering man who gets another wrench thrown into his life when his brother dies captures better than any other film I’ve seen what real life is like.

Fans of the Harry Potter books and films will enjoy the new offering from first-time screenwriter, J.K. Rowling, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” Set in 1926 New York City, Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), a magizoologist, carries a beat up suitcase where his creatures dwell. When he accidentally switches cases with a No-Maj (the American equivalent of Muggles, non-magic folk), a few of them get out resulting in a rousing caper to get them back.

"Loving," the latest film from director, Jeff Nichols (Midnight Special, Mud), shares the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving (Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga), a married couple who fought for the right to live together in the 1960’s.

One reason comic book movies provide great conversation starters with faith groups is that they often show the hero’s journey—how he or she got superpowers, how he or she struggled with them and then came out on the other end with the firm resolve to use their gifts to help people. "Doctor Strange," the latest film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, does not live up to this ideal.

Mel Gibson has done it again. "Hacksaw Ridge" is the cinematic event of 2016-2017. "HR" is the true story of Private Desmond Doss, a Seventh-Day Adventist from Virginia who enlists in World War II, but--as a conscientious objector--staunchly refuses to bear arms. Literally. He won't even touch a gun, let alone go through the required rifle training. His dream is to be a medic and save lives.

Leonardo DiCaprio and National Geographic Channel unite on climate change.

Based on the popular book series by acclaimed author, James Patterson, “Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life,” is a fun romp for tweens with an important message for adults.

"Priceless" raises awareness of the horrible evil of human trafficking.

A new film aptly entitled "Denial"--about a famous Holocaust-denial court case--is a jewel.

"Birth of a Nation" is the dramatic story of Nat Turner, a slave who led a rebellion in Southampton County, Va., in 1831. The film is not a remake of the controversial 1915 silent film by D.W. Griffith, but reusing the same title is a powerful reminder of the role the institution of the slave trade and slavery played in the founding of the United States.