Incredibly raw performances, exquisite writing that feels real and authentic, and moments of real suspense are what you will witness when you view "Room," one of the year's best and most powerful films. In the film, Brie Larson plays Ma, a young woman who was kidnapped years ago and has been forced to live in a shed in the backyard of a man known as Old Nick ever since. Along the way, she had a child named Jack. He knows their imprisonment as "room." To him, "room" is the whole world. He does not know of anything else.
Without spoiling anything, Ma and Jack do end up escaping, and the challenges they face returning (and first entering) the real, outside world provide some of the most intense, riveting, and elegant scenes in a film I have seen in quite some time.

The film moves at a pace that allows the audience to experience Ma and Jack's struggles as if they were close friends. They become people we truly feel and care about, people we root for. We hope they will experience all of the gifts life has to offer without continually being cast away from the real world.

In a year of extraordinary performances given by women, Brie Larson's is the absolute best. She is the next big thing (watch out, Jennifer Lawrence). You almost have to wonder if Jack is her real son. That is how realistic and brutally honest her performance is. I have seen her give terrific performances in the painfully underrated Showtime series "United States of Tara" and this summer's hit "Trainwreck," but nothing she has done previously even comes close to her work in "Room." I am in awe of her. My only question is this: when will we see her next? I consider her a shoo-in to win the Best Actress Oscar this year.

Let's also give it up to Jacob Tremblay, a truly gifted young actor. There is a moment in the film where Jack sees the sky for the first time. The look on Tremblay's face is so powerful, it brought tears to my eyes. This kid has what it takes to deliver a solid, convincing performance. Expect great things from him in the future.

"Room" is not always the easiest film to watch, especially if you are a parent, which I am. It is so authentic and disturbing at times, yet it is so brilliant, you can't take your eyes off of it. It is one of the year's absolute best films, certainly in my top five as of 12/25/2015. Watch out for it at the Oscars.

I saw Episodes 1-3 of "Star Wars" for the first time when they were re-released in 1997. I instantly fell in love with the "Star Wars" universe. I was obsessed. I bought shirts, cards, toys, and essentially any items I could get my hands on. I read the different books that came out. You know, the ones that took place after the events of Episodes 4-6. It's surprising to me now that I never dressed up Star-Wars style for Halloween.

The release of Episodes 1-3 beginning in 1999 brought upon a new level of excitement I had never experienced before. The idea of a brand new trilogy was truly epic. I am in the minority of people who loved the prequels. Perhaps it's because my expectations weren't too high, due to just being so excited about new "Star Wars" films coming out. I expected to enjoy them,, and I did.

As the years have gone by, my obsession with "Star Wars" has dwindled down. While I certainly continued to call myself a fan, I became more infatuated with other series such as "Harry Potter" and "The Hunger Games."

I never thought I would see the day when Episode 7 was released. When it was announced, I was excited, but I also had concerns about it being overhyped, resulting in the type of disappointment felt by many with Episodes 1-3.

The first teaser trailer was terrific. I had high hopes for the film. I then started seeing multiple posts about it on Facebook and across the internet, and I decided to ignore the hype until closer to its release date.

The week of the film's release made me feel like a kid again. I was really excited, hardly able to wait for it. I knew that I would enjoy it no matter what. There wasn't a "Star Wars" film that I didn't enjoy.

"The Force Awakens" is absolutely outstanding, a true masterpiece that is better than I could have ever imagined. The whole film excited me throughout, keeping me on the edge of my seat and in awe of the breathtaking special effects and incredible fight sequences (there is one particular fight scene that just blew me away, perhaps my favorite of any "Star Wars" movie).

The new characters are well-developed and interesting, making a terrific addition to this incredible saga. Kylo Ren is an insane, complex villain who I am thrilled to learn more about. BB8, a new droid, is hilarious and adorable. Finn, a stormtrooper desperate to do the right thing, is heroic and likable. It is Rey, however, who stands out the most. She is an absolute bad-ass, someone you don't want to mess with. There is an incredible story for her that has only just begun. She's my new favorite character.

It is a true treat to see returning characters such as Leia, Han, C3PO, and R2D2. As I said previously, I never thought these characters and the actors/actresses who played them would ever be together again. It is a dream come true.

"The Force Awakens" is an absolute treat, perhaps the best Christmas/Hanukkah present you can receive this holiday season. There is not a moment where the film lags. I sat there like a little boy, almost in tears due to the extreme joy and excitement the film brings about. It is truly the movie of the year. I have seen it twice, and I plan on seeing it a third time. I don't want to wait until 2017 for Episode 8.

The awards season in film is upon us, and the film that stands out most for me so far is "Spotlight." There are still other awards contenders that have yet to be released, but I am having a difficult time believing that any of them will be better than "Spotlight."

Watching "Spotlight" reminds me of why I love movies so much in the first place. The acting and writing are top-notch, unmatched, forces to be reckoned with. I sat in the theater watching real life unfold, forgetting that I recognized many of the actors and actresses involved. They WERE the characters. I felt emotionally invested in each character's situations and lives. They were like friends.

The year is 2001, and the Spotlight team at the Boston Globe makes a living doing investigative reporting. They can spend months on one single story, keeping all details within the department and nowhere beyond. With the hiring of a new editor-in-chief comes the assignment to further investigate a case of child molestation within the Catholic Church. The Spotlight team end up discovering that there are many more cases like that which have been covered up, and they work with such zeal and passion to expose the truth.

Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, and Rachel Mcadams all give some of the best performances of this year. They all deserve Oscar nominations. I am a bit pissed that their nominations for other awards shows have been inconsistent. Seriously, did these critics and awards show REALLY watch the film? At least it has received nominations in other major categories. This is the best picture winner right here.

I truly cannot rave enough about this film. It is the kind of movie that I wanted to watch again directly after it ended. This is the movie that I text my family and friends about, begging them to go see it so we can have endless conversations about it. I plan on seeing it again soon.

Pixar's first major feature, "Toy Story," just recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary. Since the release of that groundbreaking animated film, Disney/Pixar has released some truly magnificent animated films, films that other studios must be truly envious of. Just this past summer saw the release of "Inside Out," a true masterpiece that is honestly the best animated film I have ever seen, truly difficult to follow.

Disney/Pixar's latest entry, "The Good Dinosaur," was plagued with many production issues. Originally scheduled to open in May 2014, the film's original director was dropped from the project. Creative differences, problems with the story, and replacements of the original cast also haunted the production. Prospects for the film's success were not looking too bright, as issues like these usually indicate a final product of poor quality.

While the end result is not one of Pixar's best, it is certainly a cute, enjoyable film with absolutely stunning animation rich in color and detail. It also has a sweet message that both children and adults can relate to. While the more recent Disney/Pixar films have been geared equally towards children and adults, "The Good Dinosaur" is a lot more geared for children, but that does not mean that adults cannot enjoy it. It does possess some scary imagery, but it does depend on the child and what he/she is able to tolerate without being frightened. My daughter is 3, and she did not appear to fear anything on the screen.

The film's premise is unique: what if the asteroid missed Earth, resulting in dinosaurs still living today? Dinosaurs and humans live together, although in a much different way than you would expect. The main dinosaurs in the film live on a farm and tend to their crops, while the humans are more uncivilized. To say anything else would truly be a spoiler, as part of the fun is watching the plot unravel. Disney/Pixar is genius in how they construct the trailer to show enough to intrigue audiences, yet not show any scenes that showcase the film's main plot.

"The Good Dinosaur" is not a disappointment by any means, and it surprises me that there was so much trouble in the production stages. As mentioned above, it is certainly not Pixar's best, but it is way better than "Cars," the one Pixar film that has disappointed me (didn't even bother to see the sequel, which looked preposterous and was an obvious cash grab, anyway). If you have young children, they are pretty much guaranteed to like it. The characters in the film are adorable and extremely likable. Combine that with the stunning animation, and you've got yet another success in the Disney/Pixar world.

In August, I first saw the trailer for "The Night Before" attached to "Trainwreck.." I don't think I have ever laughed so hard at a trailer. It easily became my most anticipated movie of the year. I am always up for a good, raunchy comedy that's smart, and this one was about Christmas! While the end result is not a comedic masterpiece by any means, it is an enjoyable time at the movies, complete with laugh-out-loud moments, great chemistry between the three leads, some surprisingly tender moments, and a terrific cameo from Miley Cyrus that possibly hints at a future in comedy films.

Since the unexpected death of his parents, Ethan (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) has spent Christmas Eve getting into crazy shenanigans with his long-time buddies Isaac (Seth Rogen) and Chris (Anthony Mackie). As Isaac is about to become a new father and Chris's popularity as a football player is at its highest, Ethan realizes that their holiday tradition is coming to an end. After scoring tickets to The Nutcracker Ball, a supposedly amazing Christmas party he has heard only whispers of, he rounds his buddies up for the ultimate celebration, one last "hurrah."

Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Anthony Mackie are a comedic dream team. They each bring something special to the table, a unique way to make the audience laugh. Those lucky enough to have seen the brilliant "50/50" know that Gordon-Levitt and Rogen work extremely well together. I don't really know much about Anthony Mackie, but I would like to see him do more, especially with these guys. 

"The Night Before" is a fun holiday comedy that provides plenty of hilarious moments and entertains. It is not one of the best comedies I have seen, but it serves its purpose. If you're looking to just laugh and have a good time, check it out. 

Steven Spielberg is a force to be reckoned with. He can take any topic and turn it into an epic, unmatched, can't-take-your-eyes-off-of-it kind of movie. With "Schindler's List," he made a film about the Holocaust that anyone has seen will never forget, a moving and brutally disturbing portrayal of the horrible genocide that occurred years ago. "Saving Private Ryan" presented battle scenes so realistic and gruesome, they resonated with us for days, even weeks after the initial viewing. With "Jurassic Park," he brought the fascinating creatures known as dinosaurs to life in an exciting and terrifying way.

After a long absence (I know it's been only three years, but it feels longer), Spielberg is back with the outstanding, awards-worthy "Bridge of Spies." Gorgeously filmed at a pace that never once feels slow, it takes place during the Cold War when lawyer James Donovan (Tom Hanks), who typically represents clients in insurance matters, is chosen to represent Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance), a Soviet spy being held captive in the U.S. In addition to the controversy and danger that his family ends up being in, the case comes to involve negotiating a trade so that an American pilot whose plane was shot down over the Soviet Union can return home safely.

Tom Hanks once again delivers an outstanding performance. Hanks is the kind of charismatic guy that you love in pretty much every movie he is in (I prefer to forget about "The Davinci Code" and "Charlie Wilson's War"). His performance in "Forrest Gump" is one of the greatest performances in cinema, one filled with such heart and emotion. His earlier work in "Big" is absolutely delightful, as he perfectly captured the spirit of a child trapped in an adult body. "Bridge of Spies" further showcases his ability to make each character he portrays instantly lovable and relatable. I hope he receives an Oscar nomination for this.

Another terrific (and, quite honestly, scene-stealing) performance in the film is from Mark Rylance. I have never heard of him before this film, but I expect to see him in more films. He sinks into the role of Rudolf Abel, and we forget this is even acting. He better be up for Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars this year.

"Bridge of Spies" tells a fascinating story that never feels slow and is extremely well-made. It is one of the year's best. If you're looking for quality storytelling, filmmaking, and acting, "Bridge of Spies" is for you.

The Peanuts feature some of the most lovable cartoon characters ever created. Charlie Brown is the self-conscious boy whose confidence is about as low as a bass note. Linus carries around a blanket and appears to be "babyish," yet he is an excellent support system for his buddy, Charlie Brown. Lucy is the overconfident, almost borderline narcissistic girl who picks on Charlie Brown. Then you have Snoopy, a beagle who possesses enough human qualities to sometimes be confused with a child, and Woodstock, the lovable yellow bird who is Snoopy's best non-human friend.

There are so many more iconic Peanuts characters that we have grown to love throughout the many years the franchise has been around. You also have the never-seen adults whose dialogue was never distinguishable (mwah mwah mwah, mwah mwah mwah mwah). It was also delightful to see how the children were often too smart for their own good, how they seemed to be taking care of themselves with no or very little adult support. It was (and continues to be) unique in that way.

It has been 65 years since the Peanuts comic strip made its debut, and when the plan for a new feature-length film was announced, many might have worried that the original spirit of the original comic strip and series would be lost to a more modernized update. There is nothing to fear in that regard, as despite an updated look that is quite visually appealing, "The Peanuts Movie" is a delightful update for all ages that remains ever faithful to the original source.

After a really cute, although incredibly over-the-top, animated short featuring "Ice Age" favorite Scrat, the infamous "Peanuts" music begins and our favorite characters are quickly introduced, all gathering in front of our hero's house, shouting, "Come on, "Charlie Brown!" Here is where the adventure begins. A new girl, only referred to as "The Little Red-haired Girl," moves in, and Charlie Brown is instantly in love. Charlie Brown so desperately wants to stop messing everything up, instead becoming known as a success. If he does something that will earn him an award or positive recognition, he will win the heart of "The Little Red-haired Girl."

A side plot line involves a story Snoopy is typing where he needs to save another dog named Fefe.. This was cute, although I felt it dragged on a little longer than it needed to. Still, who doesn't love Snoopy and Woodstock up to shenanigans? I can't really complain about it.

While I would not call it an animated masterpiece, it is still an adorable film that is a must-see for all fans of Peanuts, no matter what age you are. I enjoyed it because of how faithful it is to the original comic strip and animated shorts/holiday specials. The nostalgia alone makes me love it. I love that I was able to take my daughter to see this. It's nice to see how a whole new generation will get to join in the fun and brilliance that is Peanuts.

Guillermo Del Toro is an accomplished, highly-skilled director. His final products are always gorgeous to look at, and they are always creative, very unique. With films under his belt such as 1997's underseen "Mimic," the "Hellboy" series, and "Pan's Labyrinth," he is truly a well-respected, highly-respected director whose films always come with high anticipation.

"Crimson Peak" was a film that had a lot of hype prior to its release. Its trailer was very stylish and creepy, advertised as a ghost story. Its cast included Mia Wasikowska and Jessica Chastain, two actresses who have gained popularity within the past 5 years or so, and they are incredibly talented to boot. Stephen King himself said it was gorgeous and terrifying. I have to say I only agree with half of his statement.

To be frank, "Crimson Peak" is, quite simply, a bore. The movie drags on at such a slow pace without building any real suspense, and it really is not a horror movie at all. Is it even a thriller? Not so sure. All I know is that when the film ended, someone in the upper rows of the auditorium shouted, "Boo!" I turned to my friend and said, "Yep, that pretty much sums it up."

Part of the problem is that it was VERY falsely advertised. This is not a ghost story at all. In fact, I am not really sure why there are even ghosts in the film in the first place. Perhaps just to make the film appear to be scary, to draw interest. With the October release, I bet they hoped to draw in horror film fans. Well, that didn't work, as it flopped at the box office over the weekend, and quite honestly, it deserved it.

I am not going to go into the story with too much detail, but basically, Mia Wasikowska writes ghost stories, she meets a guy (the guy who played Loki, who is just awful), they get married, and then they go and live in his big, old house with his sister (Jessica Chastain). Their relationship is strange, there are rooms in the house that she should not go to, there are ghosts, yada, yada, yada. The way I described the plot is essentially how the film plays out. It is a big mess, and it is a huge disappointment.

Del Toro is capable of better quality films like this. While I certainly didn't think the film would be a modern-day horror masterpiece, I did expect a solid film with glorious visuals (which it does have, I will give it that), some good scares, and an interesting story. I love scary movies, especially around this time of year, and I thought this would deliver the goods. Sadly, it did not. Skip it.

Sorry I abandoned 31 Days of Horror. I love seeing movies and writing about them-it's my true passion. The problem is that it is very difficult to write a review on a daily basis when it is not my full-time job. I wish I could, though. Maybe I can try again next year, perhaps with a better system.

In the meantime, I will have reviews of the original "Psycho" and "Halloween" films, my two absolute favorite horror movies, still terrifying to this day. I will also have reviews of "Crimson Peak," "Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension," and "Steve Jobs." Until then happy movie-going/watching!

"The Exorcist" is regarded by many as the scariest film of all-time. While I don't agree with that statement, I have to say it ranks up there. It is truly a classic, a film unlike any other at the time of its release. I swear there are more movies about possessions and exorcisms than any other type of movie, but none of them come close to "The Exorcist."

I first saw it when I was a child. It had already amassed the hype of "Scariest Movie of All-Time," so naturally, I had high expectations. My mother had said that she didn't think it was scary at all, so that was engrained in my head right before my first viewing. My initial reaction was feeling disappointed. I really didn't find it scary, and to be honest, I even laughed at some parts. I now realize that I wasn't properly prepared to watch it. I was not mature enough to appreciate just how scary it truly was.

In October 2011, I had the opportunity to meet Linda Blair and see it on the big screen, as pictured above. She was incredibly nice, and we spoke about being vegan and eating healthy. She was so down to earth, so real. Following that, she did a brief Q and A, and then the movie began. Seeing it on the big screen was a totally different experience. It was quite creepy and intense, and man, the acting, writing, and cinematography are just terrific. It's certainly not a shock that it received multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.

"The Exorcist" is truly a horror classic deserving of all its awards and  recognition. It is a must-see for all horror film enthusiasts. This is a great choice for the Halloween season.