As a means of distraction or illumination, movies provide a necessary vehicle. Looking past the blockbuster action hero movies, here are few to consider for theater-going or downloading.
In no partiicular order:
“Knives Out” is in theaters now and is an entertaining who-done-it? Daniel Craig leads a very recognizable cast.
“Dark Waters” is more illuminating than distracting as Mark Ruffalo stars in a true-life chemical cover-up that went on for years hurting consumers, locals and employees.
“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” is the story of Mister Rogers’s impacting the lives of many children, but also helping the life of an interviewer, the basis for the movie. Tom Hanks ably plays Mister Rogers.
“Midway” is a well-rounded view of the crucial battle of Midway a key refueling island in the Pacific during WWII. Patrick Wilson, Woody Harrelson and Ed Skrein star in an ensemble cast as the movie focus on both American and Japanese perspectives.
“Ford vs. Ferrari” is an excellent drama around Ford’s efforts to compete in Le Mans racing against recurring champion Ferrari. Christian Bale and Matt Damon star as the racer and racing car designer.
“Judy” is an excellent piece of acting by Renee Zellweger as Judy Garland, late in her career. It focuses on a brief time where Garland plays a London venue to enable her to keep her children.
“Once upon a time in Hollywood” stars Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio in a remake of a Hollywood tragedy. It is a Quentin Tarentino movie which is akin to the rewriting of history in “Inglorious Bastards.”
“Tolkien” did not do well at the box office, but is quite good. It focuses on Tolkien’s boyhood and early adult life which led him to his creative fantasy writing of “The Hobbit.” It stars Nicholas Hoult as Tolkien and Lily Collins as his muse and love interest.
Let me know what you think of these movies, avoiding spoilers where possible. Also, what other movies would you recommend?
musingsofanoldfart 
You really do love your movies. I haven’t been to a movie for years and remain immersed in my British mysteries on DVDs!!
Hugh, true. We also like those BBC mysteries. Keith
Note to Readers: Earlier in the year, I saw “Yesterday” about The Beatles’ not existing except in the mind of a journeyman performer. It was excellent. Also, “Rocketman” about Elton John is very good and enlightening about how John came to fame.
Good to know that Rocketman was a good movie. I was interested in seeing it, but I don’t go to movies much at the theater. I will have to see if I can find it elsewhere to watch.
Roseylinn, it is amazing how talented Elton John is and was at such a young age. Keith
I must admit that I haven’t seen any of these movies (I’ll put them on my Netflix list). In fact, last night was the first time I’ve gone to a movie in many years. I was shocked that the ticket windows were closed and that most people buy and choose their seats online! I had no idea. Anyway, we (a group from my book club) saw Little Women. It was beautifully photographed; a visual treat for the eyes. My biggest surprise was seeing Bob Odenkirk (Saul in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul) as the father.
Janis, I heard it was good. Great cast. Movie going is a different experience these days. Most often, we watch the matinee during the week, so we have few fellow customers. Keith
Note to Readers: My oldest son and I saw “1917,” about two British soldiers racing across battle worn areas to forewarn a battalion commander to call off an attack. Outside of a few cameos, the cast is unfamiliar. The movie is excellent, but it is not for the weak of heart. The remnants on the battle field are not pretty.