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Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week.

About Time
Starring: Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Domhnall Gleeson, Lindsay Duncan, and Lydia Wilson
Synopsis: Writer/director Richard Curtis has a knack for romantic comedies that are a bit off the beaten path. A decade ago he gave the world one of the best Christmas movies of all time in "Love, Actually." Now he's back with "About Time," a funny, quirky film that's a mash up of a romantic comedy and a sci-fi infused drama. It sounds like an odd description, and the trailer could have left you wondering how it would work, but what you get in this film is something funny, charming, and delightful. Gleeson is great in the lead role — bringing the right blend of goofy comedy and emotional depth. McAdams, who seems to have a profound draw to movies involving time travel, is a great romantic foil here. Also great is Nighy, as Gleeson's amusing dad. There is a lot to like about this movie. Curtis has a certain style, which likely isn't for everyone. If you loved "Four Weddings and A Funeral" and "Love, Actually," this movie will be right in your wheel house. It's a strange premise, but it's pulled off great in this film. There are laughs, moments of romance, and honest emotional moments. It's all you could want from a film of this type.
Rating: R for language and some sexual content.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

All Is Lost
Starring: Robert Redford
Synopsis: Imagine being all alone in the middle of the ocean. Consider the isolation, the fear and the difficulties you would encounter. Clearly was the starting point for writer/director J.C. Chandor as he worked on “All Is Lost.” The film is 105 minutes that features a single actor, almost no spoken dialogue and a series of tremendous obstacles. When you consider that set up, it can be difficult to imagine how it works as a film. But that’s the brilliance of “All Is Lost.” It doesn’t take much to pull you in, and it keeps you hooked. That’s a credit to both Chandor and his lone star — Robert Redford. The film picks up with the central character — referred to in the credits simply as Our Man (Redford) — discovering he has a problem and is all alone in the middle of the Indian Ocean. His sailboat has struck debris, damaging the hull. Our Man takes it in stride and works to overcome the problem and continue his voyage. It’s far from the only trouble he encounters as the film moves along. “All Is Lost” is the kind of sparse film that must be experienced, and for that reason I won’t say more about the plot. It’s the kind of unexpected film that offers plenty to think about while approaching filmmaking in a completely different way. This is hardly the first film to feature a character lost at sea. But whereas Tom Hanks had an island and Wilson, the volleyball, in “Cast Away,” and “Life of Pi” featured a tiger, an elaborate set up and plenty of back story, “All Is Lost” is about a man dealing with a crisis on his own in real time. Redford — quite literally — carries the film. At 77, as both an actor and director, Redford has had an incredible career. He has played a myriad of roles and established himself as one of America’s greatest film stars. Yet in “All Is Lost” we see a completely new dimension that is, quite possibly, his best role ever. “All Is Lost” requires an incredible amount of its star — both emotionally and physically. And Redford proves he is equal to the task. He is mesmerizing on the screen, drawing the audience into the story and making us care about his survival. And the way he goes through a range of emotions is fascinating as well. The fact he’s able to do it all alone, carrying a movie that’s more than an hour and a half without another performer and hardly any dialogue, is incredible. Chandor shows that he’s a gifted filmmaker. His debut film — 2011’s “Margin Call” — was something completely different. That film featured slick-talking bankers during the height of the financial crisis, and earned Chandor an Academy Award nomination. With this film he should have no problem earning his second nomination. Redford, too, is worthy of award consideration, as this year’s Best Actor race is shaping up to be an incredible and incredibly diverse field. “All Is Lost” is an incredible work of art. In a time when films have gotten bigger, brasher and bolder, this is a simple film that focuses on telling a story well. It’s an incredible and rare cinematic achievement.
Rating: PG-13 for brief strong language.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Friday, November 22 — "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," "Delivery Man"

Wednesday, November 27 — "Frozen," "Homefront," "Oldboy," "Black Nativity"