72.) Bridge of Spies [10/31/2015]

Sometimes, the most unexpected person can accomplish exceptional feats, and James B. Donovan (Tom Hanks, in a role reminiscent of Charlie Wilson's War) was an extraordinary man; the movie, which was quite good despite the slow nature of the narrative, shows how he began to change, initially unwillingly, from a decent insurance lawyer to one of the most successful international crisis negotiators in American history by clearly distinguishing between what is right and what is just; this movie is a reminder of how America used to lead by example, affording even the most reviled of foreign agents with the fullest dignity of the Constitution.

71.) Freeheld [10/29/2015]

The on-screen chemistry between Ellen Paige and Julianne Moore felt forced and unrealistic, but despite this seemingly problematic handicap, this was an incredibly moving movie; it's hard to imagine that as few as ten years ago, anyone would have to die to make a point, but by dying, Laurel Hester exemplified a simple truth: everyone should be treated fairly.

70.) The Walk [10/28/2015 - 3D]

There are few movies that actually evoke a physical response from me, and there are fewer movies I think need or deserve to be in 3D; The Walk was both, and with a great cast, an interesting narrative device (the whole experience felt like a carnival, but with more serious stakes), and stunning cinematography, this was a far more enjoyable experience than I anticipated going in.

69.) Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials [10/27/2015]

If you saw the first Maze Runner film and liked it, then you would probably like this one: same characters, same basic premise (escape from unclear and murky evil to find that everything is connected), lots of running, and then it ends clearly pointing to the next thing that needs to happen; the characters are likable enough, and the action is engaging, but I took some issue with the zombies who, like those in I am Legend and World War Z, got faster and stronger as they decayed.

68.) 99 Homes [10/20/2015]

If you have never seen a Michael Shannon movie, do yourself a favor and rent Take Shelter (2011), then go see 99 Homes; this movie, which followed the lives of those profiting off the misery of others after the housing crash of 2006, pulled off a rare feat: Rick Carver (Michael Shannon) was both despicable and relatable as he does terrible things to people for reasons which the viewer both hates and understands.

67.) Sicario [10/18/2015]

The Oscar contenders are out in full force, and Sicario could be a sleeper for Best Actor (Benicio Del Toro); while criticism levied against the film for it's depictions of Mexico as a run-down slum full of violence and decapitated bodies is certainly well-founded, as a film, the movie is an intense examination of the war against crime which is steeped neck-deep in grey, and Benicio Del Toro brings a difficult character to life in a way that he is both reviled and admired.

66.) Black Mass [10/15/2015]

I have been weary of Johnny Depp movies since The Tourist and Transcendence, but I am always a sucker for Boston-based crime movies (see: The Drop, The Town); this movie was great, and largely because of Johnny Depp playing a menacing Whitey Bulger scamming the FBI to grow his crime ring; the movie was so good, it rekindled my disappointment in Depp's less-than-stellar work.