Bridge of Spies

Taking place in the middle of the Cold War, lawyer James Donovan (Tom Hanks) fights to defend Soviet spy Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) and succeeds in sentencing Abel with 30 years of imprisonment instead of death. Later he works to return two Americans, pilot Francis Gary Powers (Austin Stowell) and graduate Frederic Pryor (Will Rogers), from East Germany. Donovan negotiates the return of Powers and Pryor in exchange for Abel.

Why you should see it: It’s suspenseful and is a true work of art made by artists. It also makes the Cold War an easier thing to see and understand.

The Martian

When a mission on Mars is hit by a dust storm, astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is separated from his group and forced to find a way to survive on Mars with little supplies. He learns how to farm food using Martian soil and escapes death several times while the NASA administration on Earth searches for ways to establish contact with him and bring him home.

Why you should see it:
In yet another movie where people use a lot of money to save Matt Damon, this one is funny and has lots of great moments.

The Big Short

In 2008, Wall Street expert Michael Burry (Christian Bale) realizes that a handful of subprime home loans are in danger of defaulting. Burry bets against the housing market by throwing more than $1 billion of his investors’ money into credit default swaps. This attracts the attention of Jared Vennet (Ryan Gosling), Mark Baum (Steve Carell) and other greedy opportunists. Altogether, these men make a fortune by taking an advantage of the economic fall in America.

Why you should see it: Brad Pitt, Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling. Who wouldn’t want to see this? Plus, you get to see them at their dirtiest, greediest best.

Mad Max: Fury Road

Set in the post-apocalyptic world, Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy) is held prisoner for his blood before an accident frees him to aid Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) in protecting Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Bryne)’s wives from him. A battle ensues in a sandstorm and the group loses Angharad (Rosie Huntington-Whiteley) and Nux (Nicholas Hoult), a pregnant wife and a redeemed bad guy and continue on their way to a haven that doesn’t exist. In this world survival is key.

Why you should see it: This movie has so much action and vengeance that you’ll be on the edge of your seat. Besides the action, it has strong female leads and a great theme – home.

Brooklyn

An Irish immigrant (Saoirse Ronan) ends up in 1950s Brooklyn, where she falls for an Italian plumber (Emory Cohen). But when she returns to her homeland, she must decide between another man (Domhnall Gleeson) and her home country or the adventure and love she left in the States.

Why you should see it: It’s a sweet romance about young love that will leave you torn about which decision she should make.

The Revenant

Hunter Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his son Hawk (Forrest Goodluck) are part of a trapping party who try to survive not only the Louisiana wilderness but betrayal as well. Andrew Henry (Domhnall Gleeson), John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy) and Jim Bridger (Will Poulter) complete this party of trappers, most of whom might not live through the trip.

Why you should see it: It’s really dramatic and stars Leonardo DiCaprio so it’s a must see.

Spotlight

In 2001, the new editor of The Boston Globe, Marty Barton (Liev Schreiber), assigns a team of journalists to investigate allegations of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. Led by Walter “Robby” Robinson (Michael Keaton), the team of journalists slowly uncover a massive scandal that becomes front page news.

Why you should see it: This is investigative journalism at its finest. With heartbreaking accuracy, the filmmakers detail the year Globe reporters spent unraveling this story. They were the voice for the voiceless.

Room

Room shows the story of a woman (Brie Larson) and her 5-year-old son, Jack, (Jacob Tremblay) who finally find freedom after being held captive in a shed for years. Their long awaited freedom allows Jack to experience the world for the first time.

Why you should see it: Emma Donoghue’s book is brought to life in this heart-shattering tale that revels in hope.