Pride

Terrance Howard plays a school teacher who, because he is African American has trouble finding a job even though he is educated. He finally gets frustrated and takes a job cleaning out an old community center, and in the process decides to fix up the swimming pool and start Philadelphia's first all African-American swim team. The team does not really take it seriously at first and so struggles to get accepted. This is an inspirational film that is really worth watching.

Shooter

In this action packed movie Mark Wahlberg plays a retired Army sniper who gets called back to duty to help prevent an assassination attempt on the President. He quickly realizes he is set up to be the fall guy and has to run for his life while he tries to find the people responsible. If you like action films you will love this one. I really enjoyed it!

Bobby

This is the star filled story of the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in the 1960's. It takes you through the events leading up to his death, and all the other people affected by this horrible tragedy. Emilio Estevez does a fantastic job telling this story and it is a must see!

The Painted Veil

This is a wonderful story based on the novel by W. Somerset Maugham about Kitty, a spoiled wealthy elitist who marries Walter, a scientist who loves her even though she does not love him in return. After learning of Kitty's infidelity Walter decides to travel to a cholera stricken village in China and make Kitty come with him. During their struggle to save the village they learn some lessons about each other and themselves. This is a great movie and Edward Norton is as wonderful as always.

Quinceanera

This is a film about the 15-year old coming-of-age celebration that is a part of the Mexican culture. As the main character Magdalena's birthday approaches she realizes she is pregnant and her family refuses to believe that she is still a virgin. During the estrangement from her family she forms a close relationship with her ostracized gay cousin Carlos and learns that there are much more important things in life than having a great party. I really enjoyed this movie and think it is worth watching.

Letters From Iwo Jima

This movie tells the store of the World War II battle of Iwo Jima from the Japanese perspective, and shares letters that were found long after the soldiers were dead. You spend time with the Japanese soldiers who knowing they were fighting an impossible battle, dug trenches and caves to give them the best advantage possible. This is a great movie and your heart will break as you watch the young soldiers fight even though they know they are far outnumbered and will most likely all die. As a person who is not a historian I really felt educated by this film.