The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

Peter Jackson directs the second installment of the trilogy based on the book The Hobbit written by J. R. R. Tolkien.  In this precursor to the events of the famed Lord of the Rings trilogy Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen), Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and 13 dwarves continue on their journey to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch).  As expected the group is encountered by perilous foes at every corner of Middle-Earth.

The Wolf on Wall Street (2013)

Martin Scorsese (Goodfellas, the Departed) directs a biographical comedy based on the memoirs of Jordan Belfort.  Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, is a former Wall Street stockbroker who was convicted of securities fraud in the 1990s.  The film largely glosses and then scrutinizes the common, manipulative tactics used during the era.  The multi-layered and self-aware film evokes a relevant discussion on the pitfalls of wealth and the glorification of it within our society.   

American Hustle (2013)

David O. Russell’s (Silver Linings Playbook) latest film centers on two con-artists, Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) who are forced to work with the FBI in capturing criminals during the 1970s.  As the title sequence states some of what is shown actually happened.  American Hustle includes a top-tier cast including Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro (a list including many of my favorite actors and actresses).

Should the Newtown 911 Tapes Have Been Released?

It has been almost one year since the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary.  The events of that day will forever be ingrained into the psyche and memories of the American public.  The shooting sparked outrage over current, lax gun laws, pleas to finally tackle mental health issues, whether the school should be reopened (it has since been decided to be demolished) and now the latest battle is over the release of the harrowing 911 tapes.