"A Late Quartet"

This 2012 film, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Christopher Walken, Catherine Keener, and the lesser known Mark Ivanir was worth the search for it on the shelf at the video store.

I spent almost the entire film trying to suspend my disbelief that Hoffman is actually gone. His was such a distinct, profound talent. With that said, in this movie his perfection was well-matched, especially by Walken. I swear, that man can say more with his face in two minutes of silence than was said with all the words in the entire script. Catherine Keener was her irrepressible self. It is a true joy to watch her work.
Mark Ivanir, best known for his role in "Schlindler's List", was believable as an obsessive musician with with little room for the passion of  actual relationships. Imogen Poots, as the daughter of Hoffman and Keener, was just irritating and awful, but she doesn't take much screen time.

The soundtrack is wonderful, and the depiction of the devotion its takes to make a living as a professional musician is almost as painful as it is beautiful to watch.
The dedication the four main actors had to have to make themselves believable as world-class musicians was truly impressive. All of this work brought home the fact that we all make sacrifices to dedicate ourselves to doing what we love.

"Short Term 12"

This film, written and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, was so moving and real I want to see it again and again and share it with all o the Addiction Counselors I know.
The lead actress, Brie Larson was completely engaged in bringing her character of grace to life, and John Gallagher, Jr., who played her fiancé and fellow Counselor, did an amazing job as well.
This is one of those "small" films that ends up being HUGE!
The supporting cast reminded me of many wounded souls I've known. They had big hearts, and irrepressible courage. Kaitlin Dever, as Jayden, was especially noteworthy, and Keith Stanfield, as Marcus, does a rap that Macklemore WISHES he could do.

This movie is about people who work with adolescents who have been damaged by society and by their families of origin. It is about how one  group of extraordinary people rescues another group of extraordinary people, and about how they end up rescuing each other.

"Nebraska"

If you sit down to watch this movie, be prepared to be patient. Your patience will be rewarded, but if you are expecting a fast-paced thrill ride, you have chosen the wrong film.
Bruce Dern plays the main character--a confused older man whose old age is complicated by alcoholism and unresolved trauma.
Will Forte plays Derns' younger son, David, and he is brilliant at it. In the beginning I kept expecting Forte to be funny, because I am accustomed to seeing him in that light, but it did not take long for me to believe him in the role of loving, yet frustrated, Son.
Rounding out the cast nicely are June Squibb as Dern's wife, Bob Odenkrk as the older, more "perfect" son, and Stacy Keach as one of Derns' oldest acquaintances. There is also a supporting cast who show up to provide comic relief and attitude adjustments throughout the story.
This movie brought up a lot of feelings for me in the end. It made me miss my parents, and my brother, but it really made me miss my Uncle Craig, and my extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins.
It made me realize what a rich tapestry our families provide in our lives. It made me think that whether familial relationships are difficult or ideal, we carry all of these people with us. Even if we don't have regular contact, or if they are no longer with us,.We carry them with us every day.
Watch this movie for the story. You will surely find your own family here.