Norma Jean The Acting Queen

My Week With Marilyn: The year is 1956 and Marilyn Monroe is the biggest star in the world. She has the beauty and sex appeal every girl would kill to have and she's the woman every guy would kill to be with. The movie revolves around her life during the production of "The Sleeping Prince" with Sir Laurence Olivier. One of the assistant directors, Colin Clark, reaches his dream of working in the film industry when he meets with Sir Laurence at his studio offices and becomes close personal friends with Miss Monroe. Truths about the Marilyn Monroe we've all come to know and love and the Marilyn Monroe that was kept a secret at the time really give the audience a feel for the life of just a pretty face that was thrust into the spotlight and surrounded by folks who will do nothing but please. My Week With Marilyn is a great example of how your true self can come out when tested to the right degree and is a reminder to keep your friends close because that's who will matter in the end. Michelle Williams (has the looks pretty much down pat as the title role), Kenneth Branagh, and Eddie Redmayne head up the cast list in this picture followed by a nice appearance by Emma Watson breaking out of her magical passed roles. This movie is an eye-opener for those who are unaware of the troubled life of one of the most famous faces of the 20th century and a true American icon. Grade: B

The Most Powerful Man

J. Edgar: The Federal Bureau of Investigation needs a director to keep everything and everyone in line, who do you choose? Leonardo DiCaprio of course. Playing the corrupt and straight-laced former director of the FBI, DiCaprio gives a performance that will be remembered for ages as this movie's namesake. The 1930s and 40s were times of economic heartache and advances in technology for investigating. J. Edgar Hoover works his way up to the top of the ladder with the strength and support of his mother who makes sure her son is in line. The film spans throughout nearly all of Hoover's professional life and focuses on very personal matters with his right hand man and private secretary as well during his reign of power. Another appealing asset is how director Clint Eastwood constructed this biopic to be an older version of Hoover recollecting on the high points of his career and how he came such a long way; numerous flashbacks and random time changes happen keeping the audience constantly engaged. Other celebrities of the era such as Charles Lindbergh, Robert Kennedy, and Shirley Temple make appearances and show just how many people actually recognized the name "J. Edgar". Much Oscar buzz will be happening around this movie and I expect to see DiCaprio as a front runner among the nominees. Not much more can be said besides that you have to see it yourself. Grade: A-