Ida

War of the Worlds

Life Itself

Fanny

Marius

Transcendence

Taken 2

RIP: Mike Nichols 1931 - 2014

Interstellar

Writer and director Christopher Nolan's ninth feature is also his most ambitious film. Set in the near future where the humans are facing extinction on the planet, a group of explorers are sent through a wormhole to find a new planet to save humanity. Nolan and his co-writing brother Jonathan Nolan go boldly where most science fiction films rarely dare to go which is the film's greatest strength but also its weakest link. While trying to stick to reality as much as possible, the writers find themselves limited which ultimately short changes their aspirations. The film is loaded with bold ideas that's inspiring and should encourage space exploration that has been almost abandoned but also points out why human nature might be the inherent flaw why it has not been advanced. While featuring striking visuals effects, it could have gone further and bolder to tap more into the great mystery it tries to make accessible. Matthew McConaughey stars with a solid performance along fine supporting cast that includes Michael Caine, Anne Hathaway, Ellen Burstyn, Jessica Chastain, Casey Affleck and Matt Damon. 1001 Films' coverage of current releases. 

Breathe In

Writer and director Drake Doremus delivers another terrific romantic drama with this character study. An apparently happy family's life is turned upside down when they accept a beautiful foreign student into their lives which has dramatic consequences. Doremus and his talented team created a perfectly nuanced drama where all the characters are fully developed. Guy Pearce and Felicity Jones star with outstanding performances along with equally terrific supporting cast that includes Amy Ryan and Mackenzie Davis. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD. 

Metro Manila

British writer and director Sean Ellis returns with his feature after a five year absence that puts him on a different path in his career. In order to survive poverty in the rural country, a family moves to Manila where more trouble awaits them than just poverty. Ellis jumpstarts his career with this riveting crime drama that takes him away from his native country and previous films much like Joshua Marston and Gareth Evans. Jake Macapagal and Althea Vega star with stirring performances in the leads while the excellent John Arcilla steals every scene. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD. 

Frank

Irish director Lenny Abrahamson delivered a striking film with this off-beat comedy. An aspiring musician gets the chance of a life time when he's accepted into an avant-garde band where he learns some valuable lessons that affects everybody around including the band's eccentric frontman, Frank. Abrahamson and his writers pay homage to the independent spirit of music as well as poking fun at some of its eccentric aspects in order to stand out which will resonate to most artists. Domhnall Gleeson stars with another terrific performance along a stellar supporting cast that includes Michael Fassbender, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Scoot McNairy. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.