Endgame

Behinds the scenes of the end of Apartheid and the release of Nelson Mandela. That's what this movie is about. Much of what went on has been a closely kept secret, including the names of the key players and who brought them together. Now we can all know.

If you are familiar with South African history, you will probably enjoy this movie. The performances are very powerful. If you are a fan of political dramas with lots of dialogue, this movie is for you. On the other hand, others may not truly appreciate this one.

William Hurt and Chiwetel Ejiofor play key negotiators picked by opposite sides in the years leading up to the 1990 freedom of Nelson Mandela. Jonny Lee Miller and Mark Strong play key players in the project from surprising places.

The only thing that bothered me about this very well-told story is that they used American and British actors to play South Africans. Why not use local talent? I know it's there. It's not as if this movie would have been less of a box office smash with lesser known actors.

Watch this movie with someone who negotiates on a regular basis.

Inside Man

This is a very smart movie. I love the formula. A great script. Big names clearly having a good time doing their jobs. Set with classic New York characters. All on top of a good story that keeps the audience guessing until the end. Oh and the end - I love an end that "winks" at the audience. This one has a realistic, smart ending.

Denzel Washington plays a jaded New York Detective called in to work an unusual bank robbery. Clive Owen plays an uncommon thief. Jodie Foster plays one of her more interesting characters as a "fixer" for the rich and famous of New York. Christopher Plummer plays the banker who calls in Foster's character to help make things go away.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Willem Dafoe and Chiwetel Ejiofor are also detectives working with Washington. Kim Director is among the gang of robbers, interestingly all named Steve.

Can there be a bank robbery if nothing is claimed stolen? If the bank robbers stay in the bank with all the hostages and nobody knows who is a good guy or a bad guy, who can the cops chase? This movie reinforces the idea that success is not based so much on 'what you know' or 'who you know', but more on 'what you know about who you know'.

Watch this movie with someone who thinks a good guessing game is delicious.

Kinky Boots

How far would YOU go to save the family business? This twisted funny British comedy is not for everyone, but it certainly will tickle many. Fashionistas should enjoy, folks in the lifestyle should enjoy, and anyone who has ever taken over a family business should at least relate.

Joel Edgerton plays the son who inherits a shoe factory long past it's profitable prime. Challenged to close or change products he finds help in an unexpected place. Chiwetel Ejiofor is way past funny in his role as the drag queen with all the right ideas.

Based on real events, this story is full of great one-liners and classic British humor situations. It is fast-paced and be prepared for some great accents.

Watch this with someone who appreciates a good pair of boots.