Inception  Director: Christopher Nolan.  Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, Joseph Gordon-Leavitt, Ken Watanabe, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Marion Cotillard.  Rated: PG-13 (for sequences of violence and action throughout).  Running time: 2:28.  Cinema has angered me, moved me to tears, made me laugh until it hurt. It has enthralled, exhilarated me and physically drained me at times. But I have not seen anything quite like “Inception;” a film that left me shaking my head at how creative it is. I cannot recall a time when I finished watching a film and was awed by its accomplishment. And mind you, this is an exhibition of creativity within a rather conventional framework. It uses characters we’ve perhaps seen before, a story that is also quite familiar to us. Yet Nolan’s work still comes across as new and exciting, which is perhaps his most subtle yet most significant accomplishment here. It’s just one of many within the film. Here, Nolan...

We haven't quite gotten to the point yet where movie theaters are fully open. But we're getting closer. For those of you who will still stream movies at home for the time being, the films I've reviewed for "Great Films of the 21st Century" are certainly worth your time. The King’s Speech Director: Tom Hooper Stars: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Derek Jacobi, Michael Gambon. Rated: R (for some language) Running time: 1:58 Some have greatness thrust upon them. “The King’s Speech” opens with the man who would become King George VI of England attempting to speak publicly at the opening of the British Empire Exhibition in the mid-1920s. He stands before a massive crowd that has fallen dead silent so they can hear every word. Under the intense pressure and scrutiny, with the eyes of thousands upon him and a menacing-looking red light indicating the microphone is live, he can’t get the words out. He stutters uncontrollably. ...

  Theaters are finally starting to open up after being closed for more than a year. But if you're still not comfortable going out in public and are still streaming your films at home, this series, "Worth a Look," might give you an idea of what to watch. These may not be the most critically acclaimed films. But they are still worth your time. The Town Three stars Director: Ben Affleck Stars: Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner, John Hamm, Blake Lively, Pete Postlethwaite, Chris Cooper. Rated: R (for strong violence, pervasive language, some sexuality and drug use). Running time: 2:05 The bank heist film can be approached from the angle of how complex a job is and whether the main characters are good enough at what they do to pull it off. Then there is the cat and mouse game between the guy who heads the bank robbing crew and the federal agent who wants to catch him. This is the tack Ben Affleck takes in the film he co-wrote, directed and starred in. It could be pred...

  Let's hope we will be able to get back to experiencing films like they should be experienced -- in the theaters. Until then, you're likely getting the most out of your streaming services. So in this series, "Worth a Look," these may not be the most critically acclaimed films. But they are still worth your time. The American Three and a half stars Director: Anton Corbijn. Stars: George Clooney, Violante Placido, Paolo Bonacelli, Irina Bjorklund, Thekla Reuten. Rated: R (for violence, sexual content and nudity). Running time: 1:43 “The American” is the anti-action action flick.   It’s about an assassin hiding out and waiting for instructions for his next job. But there are aren’t elaborate, massive shoot outs; no big explosions and only one small chase scene. Even the dialogue is sparse. But director Anton Corbijn takes this script based on the novel “A Very Private Gentleman” by Martin Booth and illustrates a more subdued story, a terrific antidote for ...

  Let's hope we will be able to get back to experiencing films like they should be experienced -- in the theaters. Until then, you're likely getting the most out of your streaming services. So in this series, "Worth a Look," these may not be the most critically acclaimed films. But they are still worth your time. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World Three stars Director: Edgar Wright Stars: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Allison Pill, Ellen Wong, Anna Kendrick. Rated: PG-13 (for stylized violence, sexual content, language and drug references. Running time: 1:48. I had ambivalent feelings about seeing “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” simply because I was teetering on the point of Michael Cera saturation. Could I really take another film where he plays the lovable schlub with the dry wit? Yet, Edgar Wright -- yes he of “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz” – sat in the captain’s chair for this one and those two of his previous films are indie favorit...

  With theaters still not operating fully, for the most part, many of us have turned to streaming services to watch movies, whether they're new or not so new. "Great Films of the 21st Century" explores the films I have seen in my career as a film critic and consider to be the best thus far. Be sure to check them out on whatever streaming service you subscribe to. Up in the Air  Director: Jason Reitman  Stars: George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Bateman Rated: R (for language and some sexual content) You could make a case that novelist Walter Kirn and director Jason Reitman deserve a place right alongside literary naturalists Theodore Dreiser and Frank Norris.  Kirn’s novel, which is the inspiration for this screen adaptation, isn’t naturalism in its purest sense. But it does take elements of this philosophy and makes it more accessible.  Take lead character Ryan Bingham (George Clooney). He is most comfortable keeping everyone at an arm’s distance...

  With theaters still not operating fully, for the most part, many of us look to streaming services to watch movies, whether they're new or not so new. "Great Films of the 21st Century" explores the films I have seen in my career as a film critic and consider to be the best thus far. Be sure to check them out on whichever streaming service you subscribe to.  The Hurt Locker  Director: Kathryn Bigelow  Stars: Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Guy Pearce, David Morse, Ralph Fiennes.  Rated: R (for war violence and language).  In an early scene of “The Hurt Locker,” Army Sgt. Will James (Jeremy Renner) takes off a massive protective suit before trying to defuse a bomb in Iraq . The suit is meant to take the brunt of a blast should his attempts fail. Mind you the suit makes him look like the Michelin Man and he’s having to wear this in 100+ degree temperatures.  His reason for doing away with protocol? If he’s going to die, he may as well die ...