The Grand Budapest Hotel, 2 Stars

This is a quirky movie. Reminds me vaguely of The Royal Tanenbaums and maybe Barney's Version - I think you have to like a certain type and style of film. A friend described it as "Noel Coward meets Agatha Christie". Weird might be too strong, but you get the drift.

A strong performance by Ralph Fiennes (HP series). Lots of cameos / short appearances by a variety of actors including: Tom Wilkinson (The Patriot), Jude Law (The Holiday), Bill Murray (Groundhog Day), and Jeff Goldblum (The Big Chill).

While the film moves well, I have no desire to see it again.

The Book Thief, 3.5 Stars

This is a very good film. Set in Germany in the time leading up to and including World War II, it is a story of a young girl who is adopted and adapts to life with a new family. It portrays a side of WWII that I have not often seen and includes the burning of books.

Performances are strong by Geoffrey Rush (The King's Speech), and Emily Watson (whom I'm not familiar with), as well as (Canadian) Sophie Nelisse, Ben Schnetzer and Nico Liersch, who are all new to the screen.

The movie flows well and many of the scenes are beautifully shot. I'd like to see it again.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier, 2.5 Stars

I thought this version of Captain America was flat. An okay story (if you could follow all the ins and outs), but too many booms and bangs that didn't add a lot.

I think I like what Marvel Comics (and films) are trying to do - make all their movies interconnected. But it seems to me if you miss one or two (and I have), then you might lose some of the thread (which I also appear to have).

Chris Evans is a good Captain America but was also flat. Scarlett Johannson (We Bought a Zoo) is growing on me with each film. Samuel L. Jackson (Iron Man) was his usual gravelly self. And Robert Redford (3 Days of the Condor) was traditionally sardonic.

I might watch again but wouldn't seek it out.

Muppets Most Wanted, 2 Stars

This movie was a disappointment. The story dragged, there weren't a lot of laughs for neither children nor adults and the casting was ho-hum.

Miss Piggy, is her usual great self (and not on the screen enough). Kermit is also good, as is his evil look-a-like. Tina Fey (Mean Girls) is as always very watchable, but the appeal of Ricky Gervais (Stardust) is wearing thin, as is his acting ability. I enjoyed watching Ray Liotta (Field of Dreams).

A nice rental on a boring afternoon but I wouldn't rush out.

Frozen, 3 Stars

This is a lovely film. My granddaughter has seen it at least six times and was singing along to the songs.

The music is lovely and the voice of Idina Menzel (Enchanted) and the song Let it Go are both spectacular (and worth an extra half star).

The new character Olaf the Snowman is delightful to watch and I can see future 'spin-offs'. The story is not unique, but nicely told and beautifully animated.

I'd like to see it several times again and recommend it to you.