Dune (2021):

This new version of the 1984 film which was a critical and a box office failure is directed by Canadian Denis Villeneuve ("Arrival," "Blade Runner 2049") is a masterpiece of both cinematography and storytelling that is true to the source material. It could not be told in the 2:35 running time, but rather had to be titled "Dune: Part One." A second film will follow. The special effects are spectacular, and the story, which focuses on action in the year 10,191, so far ahead that civilization is a sort of combination of the feudal system, competing warlords, and technology that makes everything completely believable. Timothee Chalumet" (Call Me By Your Name) is superb as the young man sent to the far reaches of the galaxy to help manage his Family Dynasty's work with a spice that creates near-immortality for humans, which allows space warp travel, and which enhances skills to the edge of the superhuman. The look and the feel of the movie tells me it's a classic in the making, full value for everything that it attempts. There is no sense that we are left with any regrets that this is just part one ... it finishes up in a fashion that is completely satisfying unto itself, but we look forward to what might come next. This film, in every way, is like "Star Wars" for adults, excellent heroes and villains, but a complex story that you have to work at to follow. Other major characters are played by Josh Brolin, Oscar Isaac, Dave Bautista and Rebecca Ferguson. Rated 14A.

Halloween Kills (2021):

This iteration of the horror franchise which began in 1978 is, for better or for worse, number 13 in the series that has, over time, set and reset the Halloween Universe in a fashion similar to what Marvel Comics does when it creates new histories and new storylines for established tales. You don't have to have seen any or all of the previous movies to get pure satisfaction from this movie, executive-produced by John Carpenter who did the original and in effect created the slasher genre. Back then Jamie Lee Curtis was just a babysitter who became the object of the masked killer's rage, and now Curtis is still here, still playing Laurie Strode in her sixth appearance in a Halloween movie. This one picks up where the previous movie, "Halloween" ended, with masked killer Michael Myers appearing to burn to death in the firetrap set by her, bringing an end to the horrible reign of terror. Ooops ... not so fast. Myers, against all odds, comes out of the flames ready once again to do his worst. Laurie is in hospital with a serious stab wound from her encounter, and doesn't really do a lot. The movie is fully one-third over before we see her at all, and for much of the time she is sedated and asleep. While Laurie is out of the picture, the townspeople, taking on the kind of mob mentality that we saw from the villagers in the original "Frankenstein," work themselves into a frenzy deciding that this is the night the evil stops, and this is the night they kill Michael Meyers once and for all. Of course, if they actually did that, there would be no room for the sequel that has already been greenlit for this time next year. A lot of people die, there is all the campy tension that comes from us wanting to say, "no ... no ... not there ... behind the door!" in what is a perfect example of a horror film that knows its audience, knows what its audience wants, and dishes it up perfectly. Several members of previous casts return, those who haven't been killed off in the mayhem, including Kyle Richards, Nancy Stephens, and Nick Castle. Rated 14A for violence.

Spencer (2021):

This film in which Kristin Stewart plays Princess Diana, is not what most think it will be. First, it is not a biography, but rather explores just a few days in the life of the ill-fated Princess, Christmas of 1991 at Sandringham Castle where the Royals traditionally spend the Holidays. We are warned that there is coarse and suggestive language, not unusual in movies these days, but I didn't expect the perpetrator of all those F-bombs to be the Princess herself. There is little here that is based on fact - this is a fictional portrayal of what those few days over the Yuletide season might have been like for Diana, who struggles with her eating disorders, panic and anxiety attacks, and infliction of pain upon herself. She is also haunted by the ghost of Anne Boleyn, beheaded wife of Henry VIII. Add to that one of her "dressers," a woman named Maggie (Sally Hawkins) who proclaims her romantic love for the Royal, and you have a surprising story. Stewart is excellent here, disappearing into her role and becoming indistinguishable from the real thing - and the cruelty of the family makes us think of Meghan Markle who espoused similar sentiments. Rated 14A.

Riverdance: The Animated Adventure (2021):

This delightfully animated feature is a magical tale of the impact that Riverdancing can have on both a family and an entire population. It's the story of an Irish lad named Keegan who is broken-hearted over the loss of his beloved grandfather. He has a friend, a Spanish girl named Moya, and the two of them embark on an adventure in which they go to a magical land where the Megaloceros Giganticus, a breed of large, deer-like creatures, teach them the marvels of the dance. Although animated, the dancing is wondrous and makes one soon forget that this is a cartoon and not the real thing. Keegan and his friend learn many lessons during their excursion into the mythical world. Voices of Pierce Brosnan, Lily Singh and Brenden Gleeson are featured. Released theatrically in Britain back in May of last year, it's now available to stream on Netflix. Rated PG.

Robin Robin (2021):

This stop-motion animated film from the UK tells the story of a little baby robin who rolls out of her nest onto the ground, and who is saved, and then raised by a family of mice. As Robin gets older, she begins to realize that she is not a mouse, and that maybe she doesn't really belong with this family. A heart-warming story with an excellent message that both children and parents will enjoy. Gillian Anderson ("The X-Files") provides one of the major voices in this British made film. Rated G.