Thirteen Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi
Apparently based on true events, this movie tells the story of 6 contracted security members, not part of the State Department or US Military, who stepped forward to defend the American diplomatic compound against repeated attacks by Islamic militants on the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Fact finding reveals “creative liberties” were taken in the making of the film. There was even some “hair splitting” on some topic; i.e., the movie claimed air support was denied. A House Armed Services report stated air support was “unavailable”.
In any case, the movie watching experience was very good. Good story telling, good tension, characters you could care about, and definitely some good guys you would want on your side in a real pinch. There is quite a bit of blood and some disturbing images.
Rating: 
Son of Saul
With all the movies made about the Holocaust, this Oscar nominated film shows a perspective not seen before. (At least not that I am aware.) It takes place in 1944 in the Auschwitz Concentration Camp where Hungarian Jewish prisoners were forced to incinerate the bodies and remove the ashes of their Jewish brethren.
It is a dark and painfully difficult film to watch. It is almost incomprehensible to imagine life under those conditions. Yet one man discovers a young boys body and tries relentlessly to arrange a proper Jewish burial, requiring the prayers of a Rabbi, which is virtually impossible under the conditions.
Side bar: Many Hungarians on social media are calling the film and events untrue and a hoax..
Rating:
Anomalisa
This animated feature length film has enjoyed near record breaking critical accolades from film critics across the country. Considered by some as the best animation ever. Screenwriter Charlie Kaufman uses stop-motion animated puppets to create a life like film.
Personally, I disliked it very much. There is nothing in the trailer that hints what the film is really about. It is about a miserable man who apparently cannot maintain any type of decent personal relationship. He makes his living on a conference circuit lecturing organizations about good customer service practices.
He drinks like a fish and preys on admiring groupies for sexual satisfaction. All this is graphically on parade, stalking, nudity, sex and all. Call me a prude on this one: guilty as charged.
Rating: 