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Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week. For a review of "Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens" check an earlier post from last Saturday.

Brooklyn
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Emory Cohen, and Domhnall Gleeson
Synopsis: This is the time of year when we get a lot of smaller films that tell rich, beautiful, and unexpected stories. "Brooklyn" is one of those stories. It's the story of a young Irish girl who comes to America and builds a new life before facing the pull of returning home. It's the story of a woman torn between duty and a future that she's built for herself. It's a rich journey, buoyed by a great performance from Ronan in the lead role. She's earned a Golden Globe nomination as best actress and has a good shot at an Academy Award nomination as well. She's great in this role and really makes the movie. I also enjoyed the supporting performances from Cohen and Gleeson, who are the two suitors vying for her affection on opposite sides of the Atlantic. There were a number of beautiful moments in the film, which is a credit to screenwriter Nick Hornby and director John Crowley. It's a well told story that takes viewers on a rich journey. It showcases a cultural experience — and a certain era in American history — that are different. That's what helps make this one of the best films of the year.
Rating: PG - 13 for a scene of sexuality and brief strong language.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Sisters
Starring: Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Ike Barinholtz, James Brolin, and Diane Wiest
Synopsis: Fey and Poehler are close friends in real life, and that's always translated to a beautiful partnership on the screen. That's the case again with "Sisters," their latest comedy where they play sisters who are polar opposites that enjoy one last wild night in their childhood home following its sale by their parents. Fey plays a wild child who needs to learn to grow up and take care of herself and her daughter. Poehler is the buttoned up on who needs to find a way to loosen up and move on after a painful divorce. Both find what they need in one crazy night that recaptures their youth. This movie is nice counter programming to "Star Wars" and the heavier award-nominated films this time of year. Fey and Poehler are great in this film and have great rapport together. It is a fun, and funny movie. Paula Pell — a longtime writer for "Saturday Night Live" — delivers a great script. And Jason Moore — who directed "Pitch Perfect" — gets good performances and good timing out of this film. If you're looking for a fun, light time this holiday season, look no further than "Sisters."
Rating: R for crude sexual content and language throughout, and for drug use. Enter with caution.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:
Friday, December 25 — "Joy," "Daddy's Home," "Concussion," "Point Break," "The Hateful Eight," "The Revenant"

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