Hidden Figures - Review

PG  |  127 min  |  Drama
Review - Matt Mungle

In theaters 01.06.17

Synopsis: A team of African-American women provide NASA with important mathematical data needed to launch the program's first successful space missions.

Review:  Rarely do we get a PG rated film with as much depth and story as HIDDEN FIGURES. The untold story of three mathematical wizards working at NASA in a time when women, especially African-American women, were  unheard of. At times humorous and always inspiring; this is a very enjoyable film.

Katherine G. Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) are focused on in this story. Each of them completely motivated and talented in their own field. Race is only one of the hurdles facing these ladies. All three are driven to overcome the obstacles of the day in order to achieve notoriety in a man's world.

If the tale was not intriguing enough it is told against the backdrop of the early space race between Russia and the US. It was a time in American history when every citizen had their eyes on the skies. The fear that the Russians would not only beat us to the moon but drop bombs on us in the meantime had everyone on edge. Hidden Figures also focuses on this element and the team at NASA who were responsible to get Glenn (Glen Powell) in to orbit.

Kevin Costner plays Al Harrison the man in charge of it all. He is tasked managing the team and getting the job done. Costner gives us what we expect and it is a typical performance. Nothing we haven't seen from him before but it works here. Jim Parsons also stars as a NASA mathematician and it is fun to watch him in the role. You actually don't like him much which is a contrast to his Big Bang Theory character. Other notable supporting roles include Kirsten Dunst and Mahershala Ali.

Henson is fantastic in this role and helps the simplistic script. Although the story is great and the characters fresh the writing takes very few risks. Even the drama never feels heavy but skirts around the issues of the day modestly. This helps keep the PG rating but some may find it too light and fluffy. Much of the tension is erased with a convenient solution. The turmoil of the day is viewed through a different lens than other movies that deal with gender and race equality. It is actually refreshing and removes any agenda and allows the wonderful moments to shine through.

Rated PG for thematic elements and some language HIDDEN FIGURES is a film the entire family can enjoy. A cast of award winning men and women plus the inspiring story make it one of the better well rounded films of the Holidays. It gets 4 out of 5 blastoffs. If this is a sign of what 2017 has in store then it is going to be a wonderful year for movies indeed.

My end of year movie recap

Hopefully these lists are more inspiring than the blog title.

From the 147 movies I saw this year.

MY TOP FILMS 
1. - Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
2. - La La Land
3. - Sing Street
4. - Captain Fantastic
5. - 20th Century Women
6. - Manchester by the Sea
7. - Star Trek Beyond
8. - The Handmaiden
9. - Sully
10. - Nocturnal Animals
11. - The Accountant
12. - Neon Demon
13 - Live by Night
14. - Lion
15. - The Founder

LESSER KNOWN FILMS THAT NEED MENTIONING
1. - The Lobster - For originality
2. - The Handmaiden - For the cinematography
3. - Tower - For the concept
4. - White Girl - For Morgan Saylor's performance
5. - Don't Think Twice - For it all

WORST FILMS
1. - American Honey
2. - The Finest Hours
3. - Certain Women
4. - Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
5. - Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk
6. - The Girl on the Train

MOVIES I THOUGHT I WOULD LOVE BUT DIDN'T 
1. - Swiss Army Man (Everyone raved.. but it totally fell flat for me)
2. - Jackie (Love Natalie and wanted wow. Got awkward)
3. - Sausage Party (Would have been a hilarious 5 minute skit)
4. - Hail Caesar! (Hail no)
5. - The Secret Life of Pets (All the good kibble was in the trailer bowl)

MOVIES I THOUGHT I WOULD HATE BUT DIDN'T
1. - Kubo and the Two Strings (Such an amazing story that captured my heart)
2. - Hacksaw Ridge (I am not a fan of war but this was very well done)
3. - A Monster Calls (An emotional powerhouse. Very unexpected)
4. - The Legend of Tarzan (Action packed and felt like a super hero jungle flick)

FAVORITE MOVIE MOMENTS (may contain spoilers but will try not to)
1. - Fences - Anytime Viola Davis spoke
2. - Captain America Civil War - Iron Man recruits Spiderman
3. - Sing Street - Brother to brother conversation
4. - The Founder - When Ray Kroc orders his first McDonalds burger
5. - Star Trek Beyond - Sabotage retro jam

TOP MOVIE POSTERS
1. - Jackie
2. - American Honey
3. - The Neon Demon
4. - Green Room
5. - Christine

Blu-ray releases - 12.27.16

Revenge is Back in Fashion in THE DRESSMAKER

A FILM BY JOCELYN MOORHOUSE

STARRING KATE WINSLET,  JUDY DAVIS,  LIAM HEMSWORTH and HUGO WEAVING

On Digital HD December 20 and 

VOD, Blu-ray™ and DVD December 27

Synopsis:

A glamorous, worldly dressmaker returns to her small Australian hometown to seek the truth behind her notorious reputation. This dark and quirky comedy stars Academy Award® winner Kate Winslet as Tilly Dunnage, who cares for her eccentric mother (Academy Award® nominee Judy Davis), schemes with the local sergeant (Hugo Weaving) who has secrets of his own, and falls for local farmer Teddy (Liam Hemsworth). As she starts to unravel her scandalous past, she transforms the town’s women with her exquisite creations. Armed with only her sewing machine and haute couture style, Tilly shows she is a force to be reckoned with and that revenge never goes out of style.

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WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS

Debuting on Digital December 13

On Blu-ray™& DVD December 27

Bonus Materials Include Deleted and Extended Scenes, 

a Behind-the-Scenes Featurette and Commentary

Synopsis:

John and Laura Taylor (Morris Chestnut and Regina Hall) are a young, professional couple who desperately want a baby. After exhausting all other options, they finally hire Anna (Jaz Sinclair), the perfect woman to be their surrogate – but as her pregnancy progresses, so too does her psychotic and dangerous fixation on John. The couple becomes caught up in Anna’s deadly game and must fight to regain control of their future before it’s too late.

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AMERICAN HONEY

On Blu-ray™& DVD December 27

Synopsis:

An astonishing portrait of youth on the American fringe, American Honey is told through the eyes of a vivacious teenage rebel who joins a group of fellow misfits hustling and partying their way across the country. Bursting with electric, primal energy, American Honey is an immersive, exhilarating odyssey of heartbreaking beauty — a generation-defining film that celebrates the defiant resilience of youth in pursuit of the American Dream.

BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES

“Sasha Lane and Riley Keough on American Honey” Interview

Passengers - Review

PG-13  |  116 min  |  Adventure, Drama, Romance
Review - Matt Mungle

In theaters 12.21.16

Synopsis: A spacecraft traveling to a distant colony planet and transporting thousands of people has a malfunction in its sleep chambers. As a result, two passengers are awakened 90 years early.

Review:  One of the main issues with the new sci-fi drama PASSENGERS is that it is just too pretty. Pretty people, pretty spaceship, pretty imagery, pretty boring. It is a fantastic concept with exceptional conversational themes but the viewer has to work hard to summon them up. You shouldn't have to expend this much effort to find something positive to say. Is it possible that anything deep and meaningful in this film was an accident? Maybe.

Jim Preston (Chris Pratt) awakens to find he is a bit early to the party. 90 years early to be exact. He was supposed remain in a comfortable hibernation until the ship he is on made it to a new planet colony. Now Jim must face the fact that he will grow old and die alone while everyone else around him sleeps soundly. Even the top of the line space age comforts that were designed to accommodate the passengers once they were close to home can't help his loneliness. When the beautiful Aurora Lane (Jennifer Lawrence) is also roused from slumber the two of them find comfort for a while with each other. That is until the ship starts really malfunctioning.

There are many things to like in the movie but it is akin to liking a mediocre post in social media. You click the button and keep scrolling, forgetting much of what you just saw. Jim has a year to try and find a way to survive before Aurora joins him. By then he is mentally drained. His only companion, a patronizing android bartender (Michael Sheen). When Aurora shows up the movie takes on a completely different feel. One of a romantic comedy. The two laugh and love and make the best of their situation. Then act three rolls around and the action adventure starts. The two must save the ship before all is completely lost. These three segmented pieces lack enough synergy to make the story as a whole cohesive.

Many people may like the fact that it is a slow think piece. There is much to wax philosophical about if you look at it as a journey of fate. The idea of our role as humans is a great starting point. Those who want peril to be the main star though will long for more intensity and less intimacy. I personally wanted a more survival driven narrative. I wanted the danger to come quicker and with more ferociousness. Also it would be interesting to see what made the cutting room floor. My gut tells me this movie ended up far different than what it set out as. Could it be that the beauty of the characters together clouded the directional judgment? Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe this was the point all along.

The film looks incredible and the futuristic styling is breathtaking. The ship itself was designed to exude luxury and sophistication. The passengers, once they were meant to awaken, would find themselves in one of the most glorious of all traveling resorts. The main job was keeping them happy and pampered for the short journey to the new colony. If nothing else the movie is easy on the eye. Pine and Lawrence too are conveniently charming. Had one of them been the least bit homely and the plot would have plummeted fast. Which is disappointing. For the post conversations to hold water it shouldn't matter.

PASSENGERS is rated PG-13 for sexuality, nudity and action/peril. There are a couple shots of a bare behind but the sexuality is about what you would see on network prime time. It is an adult film and most phone gazing adolescents would be bored early on anyway. I give it 3 out of 5 alarm clocks. It is an ok film where everything looks good. But don't expect edge of your seat exhilaration.

Fences - Review

PG-13 | 2h 18min | Drama
Review - Matt Mungle

In theaters 12.25.16

Synopsis: An African-American father struggles with race relations in the United States while trying to raise his family in the 1950s and coming to terms with the events of his life.

Review: The fact that FENCES feels more like a stage play than a blockbuster film is no surprise considering it has lived that life for decades. But even though it may not be the most powerful film this year it certainly delivers two of the best performances this award season. 

Troy (Denzel Washington) is a man living in his dreams. Though often light and jovial it doesn't take much to ignite a ferocious anger that stems from what he perceives to be a life unfulfilled. He is like an injured animal. You can pet him fondly but if you ever hit a sore spot you might draw back a bloody limb. His irritation is mainly aimed at his sons. Lyons is his oldest from a previous marriage and Cory (Jovan Adepo) is the youngest by his current wife Rose (Viola Davis). Being a teenager and living at home Cory takes the most of Troy's lashing out. The story pretty much revolves around Troy and his demons. Though the description mentions race issues in the 50's to be honest Troy's main problem is himself. 

Washington and Davis both are reprising roles they performed many times on the stage. This familiarity with the lines and each other carries over to what we see on screen. They are each powerhouse actors so to add that sort of fuel to their engines obviously produces unbeatable delivery. Davis especially demands attention. Rose is a caring, patient woman but she is no wall flower. When cornered or if Troy gets too far out of line she has the backbone and strength to shut him down. She loves Cory and often finds herself mediator between the two.

Adepo enters this mix untested. He has done television roles and a few shorts but this is his first major film. His character Cory has to stand nose to nose with Washington in some heated moments and Jovan never wavers. If he does it can easily be excused away as acting. Troy is a demanding father and for his son to shake a bit in his presence is natural. The film also stars Stephen Henderson as Troy's long time friend and coworker Bono. Bono has always been Troys rooting section and loves to help him "remember when?". Henderson has the ability to enter a scene and then fade into the backdrop like a prop. This too gives the film a stage performance feel. 

This film is a tough sale due to the fact that if you remove even one piece of the tapestry (Davis especially) you are left with very little. It isn't bad nor is it grand. The movie serves only to be there as a platform for the actors to walk upon. It is a reason for the dialogue. Award winning author August Wilson wrote both the original play and the screenplay so the conversations and speeches are perfect. But even that doesn't make it a fantastic movie. When Davis speaks you hang on every word. Not because you are interested in how it moves the story forward but only because you love hearing her say it. 

Troy is a deep rich character no doubt. His is frustrated with his place in life and takes it out on everyone. You immediately feel bad for Cory and want to shake some sense into his father. It is apparent that Troy is using his own failures - regardless who brought them on - as an excuse to throttle his own sons ambitions. And it is sad to watch. Even as Troy goes on to make even poorer choices he never once seems to have remorse. It is always the fault of someone else. You go from sort of feeling sorry for him to simply pitying him. He is a sad man who has built his own prison cell. 

Fences is rated PG-13 for thematic elements, language and some suggestive references. You have to see it for Viola Davis' performance. That may be the only reason but it is enough. Washington also directed the film but even that is nothing monumental. I give it 3 out of 5 trumpet blasts.  The simplicity of the sets and blocking enhance the characters and offer the viewer expert acting performances.   

Watch my interview with Jovan Adepo

Manchester by the Sea - Review

R  |  137 min  |  Drama
Review - Matt Mungle

*In theaters 12.16.16*

Synopsis: An uncle is forced to take care of his teenage nephew after the boy's father dies.

Review: The simple, ubiquitous story of Manchester by the Sea is elevated to award worthy status by genuine writing, directing, and acting. It is proof that concept can only rise to its full potential when all other elements come together. This is a film that could have been too heavy to ever get off the ground but somewhere in its drama it finds its wings to fly. 

Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) is a reserved man living day to day in a preoccupied state of existence. He works hard, keeps his head down, and takes the blows as they come. When his brother (Kyle Chandler) dies Lee is put into a crucial position of raising his teenage nephew Patrick (Lucas Hedges). Lee wants no part of this, not because he doesn't care about Patrick but it will force him to face a past he has tried hard to escape. This begins a journey of struggle and redemption for the both of them. 

Affleck is sensational in this film as a devastated man whose life turned on a dime. Lee is numb to the world around him which makes the thought of caring for another person nearly impossible. Patrick doesn't understand Lee's unwillingness to do this which in turn creates an important tension in the film. But it is so realistic and relatable. The two argue and interact the way real people would. One can be so angry with the other but you see it never diminishes the love that is inherent. Hedges may be a young actor but his ability to emote that balance of family and frustration is another reason this movie is such a success. Keep an eye on this guy. His movie career is going to be epic. 

Kenneth Lonergan directed this film based on an original script he wrote. It is hard to figure out which to praise him for first. I guess the chicken wins out over the egg for without a script there would be nothing to direct. Lonergan writes rich characters with beating hearts and bleeding flesh. Their dialogue is never verbose or flamboyant. But it is genuine. Sometimes it says nothing at all. But those pauses come at the right time. There is a natural rhythm to the conversations that fold the characters in on one another. You may not like their decisions or how they respond but you get them. You know them. And more than often you can sympathize. 

Affleck and Hedges are two strangers that meet on a soundstage and have to convince us they are family. Lonergan directs them so that what he has written comes to brilliant life. He guides them through the words on the page so that we have no problem believing the world in which they exist. And that is why the audience engages with the film from start to finish. As the whys and hows emerge you cry, laugh, and listen. Lee has a horrible burden and you want to help shoulder it. 

Michelle Williams costars as Lee's ex-wife Randi. Williams has already earned many nominations for this role so you would expect her to be in the film a lot. But she only makes a few appearances. It is what she does with the time she has that makes her notable. Randi's brief exchange with Lee is enough to make you hand her the award yourself. It will move you considerably. 

Manchester by the Sea is a heavy drama but not completely void of humor. Because life can be funny. In the midst of pain and sorrow we often have to find things to laugh at and with. This story finds these moments and graphs them in seamlessly. Again, just as you would expect it in reality. It is a human story and humanity is prevalent. 

It is rated R for language throughout and some sexual content. This is a film for adults and they can handle the content. Life is messy and ugly and many times unfair. But people get through it. Never does this movie take that for granted. I give it 4 out of 5 awkward conversations. It is worthy of any praise it gets.

Review - Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

PG-13  |  133 min 
Review - Matt Mungle

*In theaters 12.16.16*

Synopsis: The Rebellion makes a risky move to steal the plans for the Death Star, setting up the epic saga to follow.

Review: When Force Awakens hit theaters it provided die hard Star Wars fans with the movie they needed. It was an emotional, fluffy offering that gave us a chance to once again see our beloved characters on the big screen. We all remember the joy of seeing Han and Chewie walk on board the Millennium Falcon again. It was hard to watch that and not swell up inside with tearful exhilaration. With Rogue One: A Star Wars Story fans get the movie they wanted; and it could be the best one yet. 

The most impressive thing about Rogue One is how seamlessly it fits with Episode IV A New Hope. Fans of the franchise will appreciate the lengths that the producing team and Director Gareth Edwards went to to make sure this one felt like an authentic Star Wars story. There are so many little things they did right. Many of those will not be listed here so that viewers and fans can experience them organically and with newness. But know that they are there and they are fantastic. 

This story takes place right before Episode IV. It is about a group of Rebel forces who risk everything in order to steal the plans for the new Imperial super weapon that we know as the Death Star (we have all uttered the words, "that's no moon, it's a space station" at some point). Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) is key to this mission due to her connection to high profile players on both sides. She joins Rebel soldier Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) in an all out assault on the Imperial compound. One that, as we know, has huge consequences at stake. It is a mission that must succeed. 

The cast is incredible and Jones is almost unrecognizable in this gritty, action packed role. Another brilliant casting decision is Donnie Yen as Chirrut Îmwe. If you are unfamiliar with the Ip Man martial arts films this will be a small taste of how fluidly he moves and the rich depth he brings to a character. His mastering of wushu and tai chi is unparalleled. So to watch him bring that to a Star Wars character solidifies 'the force' in a way that has yet to be done. 

Fans of this franchise look for certain elements that make it Star Wars. The star ships, the dialogue, the rebels and Imperials, the aliens; all need to be a part of the Star Wars Universe. The story can be fresh and unheard of but the world in which it takes place has to be exact. It most live in the same space. This one thankfully does. 

Characters old and new show up too which grounds this in the time period. You could splice this one (and I am sure someone will) into the 1977 film A New Hope and never catch the edit. It is that great a companion. It again goes back to the painstaking details that the filmmakers insisted on. 

The action is more prevalent and intense in this one which is something Force Awakens lacked. This is more War than Stars and the movie is better for it. But it is not without humor. Again there are things we expect. One of them is a robot counterpart to break the tension when needed. Here we are introduced to K-2SO (voiced by Alan Tudyk). He is nothing like you have seen in a Star Wars film but at the same time fits right at home. 

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is rated PG-13 for extended sequences of sci-fi violence and action. It is darker and more action packed than Force Awakens but still fine for your younger family members. It would almost be a shame to deny any Star Wars fan the opportunity to see this story unfold. Granted I am not going to take my 4 year old but those 10 and up who have seen all the others hundreds of times will love this one too; even if they don't get it all. I give it 4.75 out of 5 X-Wing Fighters. It was near perfect and exactly the movie this fan wanted.

Miss Sloane - Review

R  |  132 min  |  Drama, Thriller 
Review - Matt Mungle

*In theaters 12.09.16*

Synopsis: In the world of political power-brokers, Sloane takes on the most powerful opponent of her career and will do whatever is required to win.

Review: Jessica Chastain delivers a powerhouse performance in the new political thriller, MISS SLOANE. Precise writing and pinpoint directing make this a must see for those who like twists and turns against the backdrop of big government. 

Liz Sloane (Chastain) is one of the most feared lobbyists in Washington. She cares very little for rules and even less for people. Her goal is to win. Many think it shocking that she would take on one of the biggest, unbeatable entities on Capital Hill. It is a no win scenario. But she has a plan. The journey her character takes will keep you guessing until the very end. You won't like her but dang you can't deny her perseverance and dedication. 

There are many layers to this film and the way they peel away is akin to a seductive striptease. You are riveted to each unveiling. It is easy to hate corrupt politics and depending on which side of the debate you are on there is much to fire you up there too. The mind can barely conceive let alone believe the amount of corruption behind the decisions made for the betterment of America. The script does a nice job of whispering things in our ear that fuel that exasperation. 

Those deplorable ethics are the backdrop for the characters and the two entities battling it out for votes. One side needs a bill passed and the other wants it stopped. A simple scenario that ignites this sizzling film. Each team uses everything at their disposal to win and it is exhilarating and exciting to watch the pieces fall into place and at times go crashing to the floor. 

Chastain is joined by an expert supporting cast who deliver strong and grounded characters. Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sam Waterston, John Lithgow,and Mark Strong are only a handful of the ensemble that bring this story to life. Each character has an agenda and a compass that guide them in their careers. But everything is brought into question thanks to Liz Sloane. At times they can't tell right from left or top from bottom. She keeps them all on their toes and guessing. It is hard as a viewer not to get wrapped up in this web as well. 

Senate hearings, dark alley dealings, and money raising gala'; we get a view into it all with MISS SLOANE. It is rated R for language and some sexuality. An adult film in tone and themes there is nothing offensive about the content. Fans of top notch legal and political dramas will love it. I give it 3.75 out of 5 greasy palms. A great script and high caliber performances make it stand tall. 

LA LA LAND LEADS WITH 12 NOMINATIONS FOR THE 22ND ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS

LA LA LAND LEADS WITH 12 NOMINATIONS FOR THE 22ND ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS ARRIVAL AND MOONLIGHT ALSO TOP CONTENDERS WITH TEN NOMINATIONS EACH AWARDS GALA WILL BROADCAST LIVE ON A&E FROM THE BARKER HANGAR IN SANTA MONICA DECEMBER 11th AT 8PM ET/ 5 PM PT HOSTED BY T.J. MILLER Follow the 22nd Annual Critics’ Choice Awards on Twitter and Instagram @CriticsChoice and on Facebook/CriticsChoiceAwards. (Los Angeles, CA – December 1, 2016) – The Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA) has announced the film nominees for the 22ndAnnual Critics’ Choice Awards.  The winners will be revealed live at the star-studded Critics’ Choice Awards gala, which will be broadcast from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on A&E on Sunday, December 11at 8PM ET/ 5PM PT.  The awards broadcast will immediately follow the“Critics’ Choice Red Carpet Live” on A&E.  As previously announced, actor and comedian T.J. Miller will return as the show’s host. “La La Land” leads all films this year with 12 nominations including Best Picture, Ryan Gosling for Best Actor, Emma Stone for Best Actress, Damien Chazelle for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, Linus Sandgren for Best Cinematography, David Wasco and Sandy Reynolds-Wasco for Best Production Design, Tom Cross for Best Editing, Mary Zophres for Best Costume Design, Two Best Song Nominations for “Audition (The Fools Who Dream)” and “City of Stars,” and Justin Hurwitz for Best Score. “Arrival” and “Moonlight” impressed with ten nominations each, both in the running for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Score, among others.  “Manchester by the Sea” earned eight nominations, followed by “Hacksaw Ridge” with seven, and “Doctor Strange,” “Fences,” “Hell or High Water,” “Jackie,” and “Lion” all with six. There are a number of double nominees this year including Denzel Washington for his work as an actor and as the director of the Best Picture nominee “Fences.”  Andrew Garfield is up for two acting awards for his work in “Hacksaw Ridge,” as is Ryan Reynolds for “Deadpool,” Lucas Hedges for “Manchester by the Sea,” and Hailee Steinfeld for “The Edge of Seventeen.”  Ryan Gosling is also nominated for two acting awards one for “La La Land” and another for “The Nice Guys.”  Kenneth Lonergan could earn two awards for directing and writing the screenplay for “Manchester by the Sea,” the same two categories in which Barry Jenkins competes for his work on “Moonlight.” “This year’s nominees showcase the best that Hollywood has to offer, spanning a wide array of genres, subject matters, time periods, and more,” said BFCA President Joey Berlin.  “We hope that they will serve as a roadmap for viewers, offering guidance for movie lovers and ticket buyers as we launch this awards season.  We are so thrilled to be able to recognize these incomparable artists and look forward to bringing them together for an unforgettable evening!” The nominations were announced by Entertainment Weekly via EW.com and the People/Entertainment Weekly Network (People.com/PEN) as part of a multi-platform content and promotionalpartnership between EW and the “Critics’ Choice Awards.” As previously announced, HBO leads the television honors with 22 nominations, followed by ABC and Netflix with 14 each, and FX with 12.  Topping the list of nominated series is The People v. O.J. Simpson(FX) with six.  Game of Thrones (HBO), The Night Manager (AMC), and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (Netflix) follow closely behind with five each.  All the Way (HBO), House of Cards (Netflix), Roots (History), and Veep (HBO) all earned four nominations.  Other multi-nominated series include American Crime (ABC), Black-ish (ABC), Killing Reagan (National Geographic), Modern Family (ABC), Mr. Robot (USA Network), Ray Donovan (Showtime), Saturday Night Live (NBC), The Crown (Netflix), and Westworld (HBO) with three, and America’s Got Talent (NBC), Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (CNN), Atlanta (FX), Better Call Saul (AMC), Chopped (Food Network), Confirmation (HBO), Fleabag (Amazon), Outlander (Starz), RuPaul’s Drag Race (Logo), Silicon Valley (HBO), The Americans (FX), The Dresser (Starz), The Good Wife (CBS), The Voice (NBC), and Transparent (Amazon) each with two nominations. “The Critics’ Choice Awards” are bestowed annually by the BFCA and BTJA to honor the finest in cinematic and television achievement. The BFCA is the largest film critics' organization in the United States and Canada, representing more than 300 television, radio and online critics. BFCA members are the primary source of information for today's film-going public. BTJA is the collective voice of almost 100 journalists who regularly cover television for TV viewers, radio listeners and online audiences. Historically, the “Critics’ Choice Awards” are the most accurate predictor of the Academy Award nominations. “The 22nd Annual Critics’ Choice Awards” will be produced by Bob Bain Productions and Berlin Entertainment.  BFCA/BTJA are represented by WME and Dan Black of Greenberg Traurig. Follow the 22nd Annual Critics’ Choice Awards on Twitter and Instagram @CriticsChoice and on Facebook/CriticsChoiceAwards. ###   FILM NOMINATIONS FOR THE 22ND ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS FILM NOMINATIONS FOR THE 22ND ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS BEST PICTURE Arrival Fences Hacksaw Ridge Hell or High Water La La Land Lion Loving Manchester by the Sea Moonlight Sully BEST ACTOR Casey Affleck – Manchester by the Sea Joel Edgerton – Loving Andrew Garfield – Hacksaw Ridge Ryan Gosling – La La Land Tom Hanks – Sully Denzel Washington – Fences BEST ACTRESS Amy Adams – Arrival Annette Bening – 20th Century Women Isabelle Huppert – Elle Ruth Negga – Loving Natalie Portman – Jackie Emma Stone – La La Land BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Mahershala Ali – Moonlight Jeff Bridges – Hell or High Water Ben Foster – Hell or High Water Lucas Hedges – Manchester by the Sea Dev Patel – Lion Michael Shannon – Nocturnal Animals BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Viola Davis – Fences Greta Gerwig – 20th Century Women Naomie Harris – Moonlight Nicole Kidman – Lion Janelle Monáe  – Hidden Figures Michelle Williams – Manchester by the Sea BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS Lucas Hedges – Manchester by the Sea Alex R. Hibbert – Moonlight Lewis MacDougall – A Monster Calls Madina Nalwanga – Queen of Katwe Sunny Pawar - Lion Hailee Steinfeld – The Edge of Seventeen BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE 20th Century Women Fences Hell or High Water Hidden Figures Manchester by the Sea Moonlight BEST DIRECTOR Damien Chazelle – La La Land Mel Gibson – Hacksaw Ridge Barry Jenkins – Moonlight Kenneth Lonergan – Manchester by the Sea David Mackenzie – Hell or High Water Denis Villeneuve – Arrival Denzel Washington – Fences BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY Damien Chazelle – La La Land Barry Jenkins - Moonlight Yorgos Lanthimos/Efthimis Filippou – The Lobster Kenneth Lonergan – Manchester by the Sea Jeff Nichols – Loving Taylor Sheridan – Hell or High Water BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY Luke Davies – Lion Tom Ford – Nocturnal Animals Eric Heisserer – Arrival Todd Komarnicki – Sully Allison Schroeder/Theodore Melfi – Hidden Figures August Wilson – Fences BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY Stéphane Fontaine – Jackie James Laxton – Moonlight Seamus McGarvey – Nocturnal Animals Linus Sandgren – La La Land Bradford Young – Arrival BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN Arrival – Patrice Vermette, Paul Hotte/André Valade Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them – Stuart Craig/James Hambidge, Anna Pinnock Jackie – Jean Rabasse, Véronique Melery La La Land – David Wasco, Sandy Reynolds-Wasco Live by Night – Jess Gonchor, Nancy Haigh BEST EDITING Tom Cross – La La Land John Gilbert – Hacksaw Ridge Blu Murray – Sully Nat Sanders/Joi McMillon - Moonlight Joe Walker – Arrival BEST COSTUME DESIGN Colleen Atwood – Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Consolata Boyle – Florence Foster Jenkins Madeline Fontaine – Jackie Joanna Johnston – Allied Eimer Ni Mhaoldomhnaigh – Love & Friendship Mary Zophres – La La Land BEST HAIR & MAKEUP Doctor Strange Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Hacksaw Ridge Jackie Star Trek Beyond BEST VISUAL EFFECTS A Monster Calls Arrival Doctor Strange Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them The Jungle Book BEST ANIMATED FEATURE Finding Dory Kubo and the Two Strings Moana The Red Turtle Trolls Zootopia BEST ACTION MOVIE Captain America: Civil War Deadpool Doctor Strange Hacksaw Ridge Jason Bourne BEST ACTOR IN AN ACTION MOVIE Benedict Cumberbatch – Doctor Strange Matt Damon – Jason Bourne Chris Evans – Captain America: Civil War Andrew Garfield – Hacksaw Ridge Ryan Reynolds – Deadpool BEST ACTRESS IN AN ACTION MOVIE Gal Gadot – Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Scarlett Johansson – Captain America: Civil War Margot Robbie – Suicide Squad Tilda Swinton – Doctor Strange BEST COMEDY Central Intelligence Deadpool Don’t Think Twice The Edge of Seventeen Hail, Caesar! The Nice Guys BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY Ryan Gosling – The Nice Guys Hugh Grant – Florence Foster Jenkins Dwayne Johnson – Central Intelligence Viggo Mortensen – Captain Fantastic Ryan Reynolds – Deadpool BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY Kate Beckinsale – Love & Friendship Sally Field – Hello, My Name Is Doris Kate McKinnon – Ghostbusters Hailee Steinfeld – The Edge of Seventeen Meryl Streep – Florence Foster Jenkins BEST SCI-FI/HORROR MOVIE 10 Cloverfield Lane Arrival Doctor Strange Don’t Breathe Star Trek Beyond The Witch BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM Elle The Handmaiden Julieta Neruda The Salesman Toni Erdmann BEST SONG Audition (The Fools Who Dream) – La La Land Can’t Stop the Feeling – Trolls City of Stars – La La Land Drive It Like You Stole It – Sing Street How Far I’ll Go - Moana The Rules Don’t Apply – Rules Don’t Apply BEST SCORE Nicholas Britell – Moonlight Jóhann Jóhannsson – Arrival Justin Hurwitz – La La Land Micachu – Jackie Dustin O’Halloran, Hauschka – Lion   TELEVISION NOMINATIONS FOR THE 22nd ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS BEST COMEDY SERIES Atlanta – FX Black-ish  – ABC Fleabag – Amazon Modern Family – ABC Silicon Valley – HBO Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – Netflix Veep – HBO BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES Ellie Kemper – Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – Netflix Julia Louis-Dreyfus – Veep – HBO Kate McKinnon – Saturday Night Live – NBC Tracee Ellis Ross – Black-ish – ABC Phoebe Waller-Bridge – Fleabag – Amazon Constance Wu – Fresh Off the Boat  – ABC BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES Anthony Anderson – Black-ish – ABC Will Forte – The Last Man on Earth  – FOX Donald Glover – Atlanta – FX Bill Hader – Documentary Now!  – IFC Patrick Stewart – Blunt Talk  – Starz Jeffrey Tambor – Transparent – Amazon BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES Julie Bowen – Modern Family  – ABC Anna Chlumsky – Veep – HBO Allison Janney – Mom – CBS Jane Krakowski – Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – Netflix Judith Light – Transparent – Amazon Allison Williams – Girls  – HBO BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES Louie Anderson – Baskets – FX Andre Braugher – Brooklyn Nine-Nine – FOX Tituss Burgess – Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – Netflix Ty Burrell – Modern Family  – ABC Tony Hale – Veep – HBO T.J. Miller – Silicon Valley  – HBO BEST GUEST PERFORMER IN A COMEDY SERIES Alec Baldwin – Saturday Night Live – NBC Christine Baranski – The Big Bang Theory  – CBS Larry David – Saturday Night Live – NBC Lisa Kudrow – Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt – Netflix Liam Neeson – Inside Amy Schumer – Comedy Central BEST ANIMATED SERIES Archer – FX Bob’s Burgers – FOX BoJack Horseman – Netflix Son of Zorn – FOX South Park – Comedy Central The Simpsons – FOX BEST REALITY COMPETITION SERIES America’s Got Talent – NBC MasterChef Junior – FOX RuPaul’s Drag Race – Logo Skin Wars – GSN The Amazing Race – CBS The Voice – NBC BEST STRUCTURED REALITY SERIES Chopped – Food Network Inside The Actors Studio – Bravo Penn & Teller: Fool Us – The CW Project Runway – Lifetime Shark Tank – ABC Undercover Boss – CBS BEST UNSTRUCTURED REALITY SERIES Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown – CNN Chrisley Knows Best – USA Network Deadliest Catch – Discovery Ice Road Truckers – History Intervention – A&E Naked and Afraid – Discovery BEST TALK SHOW Full Frontal with Samantha Bee – TBS Jimmy Kimmel Live! – ABC Last Week Tonight with John Oliver – HBO The Daily Show with Trevor Noah – Comedy Central The Late Late Show with James Corden – CBS The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon – NBC BEST REALITY SHOW HOST Ted Allen – Chopped – Food Network Tom Bergeron – Dancing with the Stars – ABC Anthony Bourdain – Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown – CNN Nick Cannon – America’s Got Talent – NBC Carson Daly – The Voice – NBC RuPaul – RuPaul’s Drag Race – Logo BEST DRAMA SERIES Better Call Saul – AMC Game of Thrones – HBO Mr. Robot – USA Network Stranger Things – Netflix The Crown – Netflix This Is Us – NBC Westworld – HBO BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES Caitriona Balfe – Outlander – Starz Viola Davis – How to Get Away with Murder – ABC Tatiana Maslany – Orphan Black – BBC America Keri Russell – The Americans – FX Evan Rachel Wood – Westworld – HBO Robin Wright – House of Cards – Netflix BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES Sam Heughan – Outlander – Starz Rami Malek – Mr. Robot – USA Network Bob Odenkirk – Better Call Saul – AMC Matthew Rhys – The Americans – FX Liev Schreiber – Ray Donovan – Showtime Kevin Spacey – House of Cards – Netflix BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES Christine Baranski – The Good Wife – CBS Emilia Clarke – Game of Thrones – HBO Lena Headey – Game of Thrones – HBO Thandie Newton – Westworld – HBO Maura Tierney – The Affair – Showtime Constance Zimmer – UnREAL – Lifetime BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES Peter Dinklage – Game of Thrones – HBO Kit Harington – Game of Thrones – HBO John Lithgow – The Crown – Netflix Michael McKean – Better Call Saul - AMC Christian Slater – Mr. Robot – USA Network Jon Voight – Ray Donovan – Showtime BEST GUEST PERFORMER IN A DRAMA SERIES Mahershala Ali – House of Cards – Netflix Lisa Bonet – Ray Donovan – Showtime Ellen Burstyn – House of Cards – Netflix Michael J. Fox – The Good Wife – CBS Jared Harris – The Crown – Netflix Jeffrey Dean Morgan – The Walking Dead – AMC BEST MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION OR LIMITED SERIES All the Way – HBO Confirmation – HBO Killing Reagan – National Geographic Roots – History The Night Manager – AMC The People v. O.J. Simpson – FX BEST ACTRESS IN A MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION OR LIMITED SERIES Olivia Colman – The Night Manager – AMC Felicity Huffman – American Crime – ABC Cynthia Nixon – Killing Reagan – National Geographic Sarah Paulson – The People v. O.J. Simpson – FX Lili Taylor – American Crime – ABC Kerry Washington – Confirmation – HBO BEST ACTOR IN A MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION OR LIMITED SERIES Bryan Cranston – All the Way – HBO Benedict Cumberbatch – Sherlock: The Abominable Bride – PBS Cuba Gooding Jr. – The People v. O.J. Simpson – FX Tom Hiddleston – The Night Manager – AMC Tim Matheson – Killing Reagan – National Geographic Courtney B. Vance – The People v. O.J. Simpson – FX BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION OR LIMITED SERIES Elizabeth Debicki – The Night Manager – AMC Regina King – American Crime – ABC Sarah Lancashire – The Dresser – Starz Melissa Leo – All the Way – HBO Anna Paquin – Roots – History Emily Watson – The Dresser – Starz BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION OR LIMITED SERIES Sterling K. Brown – The People v. O.J. Simpson – FX Lane Garrison – Roots – History Frank Langella – All the Way – HBO Hugh Laurie – The Night Manager – AMC John Travolta – The People v. O.J. Simpson – FX Forest Whitaker – Roots – History NOMINEES BY PROGRAM FOR THE 22nd ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS All the Way, HBO (4) Best Movie Made for Television or Limited Series Best Actor in a Movie Made for Television or Limited Series Best Supporting Actor in a Movie Made for Television or Limited Series Best Supporting Actress in a Movie Made for Television or Limited Series America’s Got Talent, NBC (2) Best Reality Competition Series Best Reality Show Host American Crime, ABC (3) Best Actress in a Movie Made for Television or Limited Series (2) Best Supporting Actress in a Movie Made for Television or Limited Series Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, CNN (2) Best Unstructured Reality Series Best Reality Show Host Archer, FX (1) Best Animated Series Atlanta, FX (2) Best Comedy Series Best Actor in a Comedy Series Baskets, FX (1) Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Better Call Saul, AMC (3) Best Actor in a Drama Series Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Best Drama Series Black-ish, ABC (3) Best Comedy Series Best Actress in a Comedy Series Best Actor in a Comedy Series Blunt Talk, Starz (1) Best Actor in a Comedy Series Bob’s Burgers, FOX (1) Best Animated Series BoJack Horseman, Netflix (1) Best Animated Series Brooklyn Nine-Nine, FOX (1) Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Chopped, Food Network (2) Best Structured Reality Series Best Reality Show Host Chrisley Knows Best, USA Network (1) Best Unstructured Reality Series Confirmation, HBO (2) Best Movie Made for Television or Limited Series Best Actress in a Movie Made for Television or Limited Series Dancing with the Stars, ABC (1) Best Reality Show Host Deadliest Catch, Discovery (1) Best Unstructured Reality Series Documentary Now!, IFC (1) Best Actor in a Comedy Series Fleabag, Amazon (2) Best Comedy Series Best Actress in a Comedy Series Fresh Off the Boat, ABC (1) Best Actress in a Comedy Series Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, TBS (1) Best Talk Show Game of Thrones, HBO (5) Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (2) Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (2) Best Drama Series Girls, HBO (1) Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series House of Cards, Netflix (4) Best Actor in a Drama Series Best Actress in a Drama Series Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series (2) How to Get Away with Murder, ABC (1) Best Actress in a Drama Series Ice Road Truckers, History (1) Best Unstructured Reality Series Inside Amy Schumer, Comedy Central (1) Best Guest Performer in a Comedy Series Inside the Actors Studio, Bravo (1) Best Structured Reality Series Intervention, A&E (1) Best Unstructured Reality Series Jimmy Kimmel Live!, ABC (1) Best Talk Show Killing Reagan, National Geographic (3) Best Movie Made for Television or Limited Series Best Actor in a Movie Made for Television or Limited Series Best Actress in a Movie Made for Television or Limited Series Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, HBO (1) Best Talk Show MasterChef Junior, FOX (1) Best Reality Competition Series Modern Family, ABC (3) Best Comedy Series Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Mom, CBS (1) Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Mr. Robot, USA Network (3) Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Best Actor in a Drama Series Best Drama Series Naked and Afraid, Discovery (1) Best Unstructured Reality Series Orphan Black, BBC America (1) Best Actress in a Drama Series Outlander, Starz (2) Best Actor in a Drama Series Best Actress in a Drama Series Penn & Teller: Fool Us, The CW (1) Best Structured Reality Series Project Runway, Lifetime (1) Best Structured Reality Series Ray Donovan, Showtime (3) Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Best Actor in a Drama Series Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series Roots, History (4) Best Movie Made for Television or Limited Series Best Supporting Actor in a Movie Made for Television or Limited Series (2) Best Supporting Actress in a Movie Made for Television or Limited Series RuPaul’s Drag Race, Logo (2) Best Reality Competition Series Best Reality Show Host Saturday Night Live, NBC (3) Best Actress in a Comedy Series Best Guest Performer in a Comedy Series (2) Shark Tank, ABC (1) Best Structured Reality Series Sherlock: The Abominable Bride, PBS (1) Best Actor in a Movie Made for Television or Limited Series Silicon Valley, HBO (2) Best Comedy Series Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Skin Wars, GSN (1) Best Reality Competition Series Son of Zorn, FOX (1) Best Animated Series South Park, Comedy Central (1) Best Animated Series Stranger Things, Netflix (1) Best Drama Series The Affair, Showtime (1) Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series The Amazing Race, CBS (1) Best Reality Competition Series The Americans, FX (2) Best Actor in a Drama Series Best Actress in a Drama Series The Big Bang Theory, CBS (1) Best Guest Performer in a Comedy Series The Crown, Netflix (3) Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Best Drama Series Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Comedy Central (1) Best Talk Show The Dresser, Starz (2) Best Supporting Actress in a Movie Made for Television or Limited Series (2) The Good Wife, CBS (2) Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series The Last Man on Earth, FOX (1) Best Actor in a Comedy Series The Late Late Show with James Corden, CBS (1) Best Talk Show The Night Manager, AMC (5) Best Movie Made for Television or Limited Series Best Actor in a Movie Made for Television or Limited Series Best Supporting Actor in a Movie Made for Television or Limited Series Best Actress in a Movie Made for Television or Limited Series Best Supporting Actress in a Movie Made for Television or Limited Series The People v. O.J. Simpson, FX (6) Best Movie Made for Television or Limited Series Best Actor in a Movie Made for Television or Limited Series (2) Best Supporting Actor in a Movie Made for Television or Limited Series (2) Best Actress in a Movie Made for Television or Limited Series The Simpsons, FOX (1) Best Animated Series The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, NBC (1) Best Talk Show The Voice, NBC (2) Best Reality Competition Series Best Reality Show Host The Walking Dead, AMC (1) Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series This Is Us, NBC (1) Best Drama Series Transparent, Amazon (2) Best Actor in a Comedy Series Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Netflix (5) Best Comedy Series Best Actress in a Comedy Series Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Best Guest Performer in a Comedy Series Undercover Boss, CBS (1) Best Structured Reality Series UnREAL, Lifetime (1) Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Veep, HBO (4) Best Comedy Series Best Actress in a Comedy Series Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Westworld, HBO (3) Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Best Actress in a Drama Series Best Drama Series NOMINEES BY NETWORK FOR THE 22nd ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS HBO – 22  ABC – 14  Netflix – 14  FX – 12  NBC – 9  AMC – 7 CBS – 7  FOX – 6  History – 5  Starz – 5  Amazon – 4 Showtime – 4 USA Network – 4  Comedy Central – 3  National Geographic – 3  CNN – 2  Discovery – 2 Food Network – 2  Lifetime – 2  Logo – 2 A&E – 1 BBC America – 1 Bravo – 1 GSN – 1  IFC – 1 PBS – 1  TBS – 1 The CW – 1 Copyright © 2016 BFCA / BTJA, All rights reserved. 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