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

Dallas Buyers Club
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Jared Leto, Jennifer Garner, and Dennis O'Hare
Synopsis: An A.I.D.S. diagnosis in 2013 means something a lot different than it did in 1985. Now, thanks to improvements in medicine and medication, people can live with the disease a lot longer. And the stigma about it has lessened, too, thanks to education, understanding, and a changed culture. But when Ron Woodroof (McConaughey) — a hustler and cowboy living in Texas — got the diagnosis, it was a death sentence in a number of ways. The immediate threat was the 30 days he was given to live. But the larger threat was the end of life as he knew it — not just his hustler ways but the death of all the connections he'd forged. People were afraid of Ron, and he was truly cut off. That is until he met Rayon (Leto), someone in a similar circumstance, who became a friend. What is fascinating about "Dallas Buyers Club," a film that chronicles Ron's fight to live, and his fight to help others during a period where fear, confusion, and mis-information ruled the day, is the performances from the two leading men. McConaughey and Leto have long been the object of fan affection because of their work, but more so because of their good looks. Emaciated, run ragged, and with their immune systems failing, there is no vanity left in the characters of Ron and Rayon. As such, Leto and McConaughey mine new depths of emotion in bringing the story to life. And their friendship — which seems so unlikely in the beginning — becomes the heart of the film. This is a very difficult film to watch, but it's incredibly well done. McConaughey and Leto will likely both earn Award nominations — and they should. Both deliver incredible performances in bringing these people, and this story to life. Nearly 30 years later it's easy to forget what it was like, but stories like this help us remember what it was like for those who were early victims of the HIV/AIDS virus, and the fear that gripped those around them.
Rating: R for pervasive language, some strong sexual content, nudity and drug use.
Verdict: Three stars out of four

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Orlando Bloom, Lee Pace, Luke Evans, Evangeline Lilly, and the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch
Synopsis: The middle part of a trilogy offers an exciting opportunity. You don’t have to lay the groundwork in terms of narrative and characters, freeing you to go to bolder, often darker places. That’s the model that helped “Empire Strikes Back” stand out in the “Star Wars” franchise. But sometimes films go another way. Sometimes the middle chapter in a trilogy feels like a placeholder — filling time until the resolution. Such is the case with the second “Hobbit” film. At one point director Peter Jackson had considered making “The Hobbit” two films, but instead stretched it to three films. Having watched the middle chapter — “The Desolation of Smaug” — filler seems like an apt description. There are some action sequences, but little is done to raise the stakes and advance the plot toward a winning resolution. One of my complaints about “The Hobbit” was the tone and approach that Peter Jackson used when constructing these films. “The Hobbit” is a lighter, more kid-friendly trip through Middle Earth. But when watching the films, you don’t feel that. These films have a weight and gravity that doesn’t fit the source material. Not that Jackson seems bound to the source material. In fact, one of the biggest criticisms of this second installment is how far it veers from the book. In order to drag this film out to almost three hours — and to get the trilogy around nine hours — he has created characters, story elements and borrowed from other books. Some might see that as enhancing the overall production, but I found it to be a tedious distraction. “The Hobbit” is a classic book. I can remember reading it as a child, and the wonder the story provided. There is none of that wonder in this film. It is a grim, ultra-serious slog through Middle Earth that, after 161 minutes, does little to move toward a resolution. The film is full of dark warnings, Orc armies and a contrived love triangle. None of that, likely, is what audiences were expecting when the project was announced. That’s not to say some things aren’t done well here. Jackson clearly has a love and passion for Middle Earth. The same incredible production values that brought “The Lord of the Rings” to life works well here. There is a great sense of detail and a rich world created that helps bring the sets and characters to life. In addition, the special effects are well done. The way Smaug is brought to life works well, and that’s key to the plot in the latter half of this film and — likely — in the final installment. And, of course, the performances are strong. Freeman is a good actor, and does a lot of quality work in the center of this film. McKellen, too, has created an iconic take on Gandalf that continues to work in his fifth feature length film. The other supporting actors and characters inhabit their parts well, too. It is a well-crafted film that seems to achieve its aims. Doubtless “Desolation of Smaug” will make money, and doubtless people will flock to the final installment next winter. I just wish that Jackson’s vision for “The Hobbit” had been more compact and more faithful to the source material.
Rating: PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, and frightening images.
Verdict: Two stars out of four.

Philomena

Starring: Judi Dench, Steve Coogan, Peter Hermann, and Mare Winningham

Synopsis: This film has gained acclaim from reviewers and some award nominations, but it's not a movie a lot of people have talked about. It's a little film from England about an Irish woman who wanted to find the son that was stolen from her 50 years earlier. It features two beautiful performances from Dench and Coogan — who co-wrote the screenplay. I was particularly impressed with Coogan, someone probably better known for his comedic work, settling into a layered and deep dramatic performance. He holds his own against Dench, which is no easy task. Dench, too, beautifully plays the many layers of her part. This is a deeply personal, deeply emotional story, and the two stars bring that out in a beautiful way. I also thought this was a beautiful story of faith and forgiveness in trying circumstances. It is a simple story of people, but it's beautifully crafted by director Stephen Frears. This isn't a movie that's gotten a lot of buzz, and it doesn't have a big, elaborate plot, but it's well worth your time to seek it out. You'll be glad you did.

Rating: PG-13 on appeal for some strong language, thematic elements and sexual references.

Verdict: Four stars out of four

Upcoming Releases:

Friday, December 20 — "Saving Mr. Banks," "Walking With Dinosaurs," "American Hustle"

Wednesday, December 25 — "The Wolf of Wall Street," "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," "47 Ronin," "Grudge Match"