The Sea of Trees (2015)

 

 

A suicidal American befriends a Japanese man lost in a forest near Mt. Fuji and the two search for a way out.

Despite all credentials (director and cast) this intended moral tale is highly sentimental and simply doesn't convince with its construed plot twists and turns; good nature photography, though. 

Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

In 1985 Dallas, electrician and hustler Ron Woodroof works around the system to help AIDS patients get the medication they need after he is diagnosed with the disease.

Less interested in the actual historic story and its legal and humanitarian issues this drama focuses on its two leading characters; McConaughey and Leto deliver excellent performances and make it work, helped by great cinematography and good period detail.

Maltin***1/2: "Unique true-life story...McConaughey is perfect in the leading role, matched by Leto as a transgendered hospital patient who becomes his helper..."

Mud (2012)

Two young boys encounter a fugitive and form a pact to help him evade the vigilantes that are on his trail and to reunite him with his true love.

Slow-paced and subtle melodrama of juvenile awakening, all made in good taste with a competent cast, but the two teenage leads are the true stars of the movie.

Maltin***1/2: "Beguiling, fablelike film...Unusual film moves at a leisurely pace, as it should, with sensitive performances from the kids and grown-ups alike."

The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

A defense attorney has a crisis of conscience when he represents a wealthy client who has a foolproof plan to beat the system.

Highly twisted courtroom drama and mystery, professionally staged with a good cast.

Maltin**1/2: "...well cast and neatly plotted but losesits spark long beforethe unexpected finale. Not bad, but not as solid as it promises to be at the outset. Makes creative use of offbeat L.A. locations."