2014 SLEEPERS
                                                      Part 3

Here’s another interesting group of films from last year that you might have missed.
In World War II, the German Panzer tanks were apparently superior to American Sherman tanks (I did not know that!). So American tank squads had to be smarter and trickier to have a chance. Fury is the story of one American tank team. Brad Pitt is the leader and his five-man crew has been together for most of the war. This film is far more realistic about tank warfare then most others, and is quite an exciting ride. The group’s strategy is outstanding and it’s ability to cope with dire situations is amazing. 
Belle stars the unprounceable Gugu Mbatha-Raw as the mixed race niece of a powerful British judge (Tom Wilkinson). Found living in poverty in the West Indies, she is taken to the manor house of her wealthy uncle and raised together with her very white cousin (Penelope Wilton). The interaction of this charming girl with staid 18th century British society is fascinating. As a bonus, the Judge is called upon to rule in a case determining whether slaves are people or property.
The Fault In Our Stars is a better than average coming of age flick, marked indelibly by the wonderful breakout performance of Shaliene Woodley. Veterans William Dafoe and Laura Dern pump up the supporting cast, but this is Ms. Woodley’s movie, lock stock and barrel. Though she’s only 25, she already has over 50 acting credits. This one is worth seeing just for her performance. 
Obvious Child is a romantic comedy about abortion! Filled with unknowns, it features Jenny Slate as a stand-up comedian who discovers she is pregnant after a drunken one-night stand. The unwitting father Max (Jake Lacy) finds out about her condition and supports her decision to end her pregnancy. The ending is a very sweet denouement. WARNING: If you are strongly pro-life, this film may offend you. I’m forever on the fence on this hot-button issue and I thought the film handled the subject matter with tact and sympathy.
Okay, I know that Paddington is ostensibly a kid’s movie. But you know what? A good movie is a good movie! The stuffed bear from “Darkest Peru,” who speaks and understands English, is adopted by a normal British family. He of course knows nothing about modern society. High-jinks ensue. This charming film features Sally Hawkins, Hugh Bonneville (His Lordship on Downton Abbey!), Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent and an absolutely adorable bear. 
All of the movies in this article are available on DVD and for streaming. Only the last one is OK for kids.