Hidden Figures

This Oscar-nominated film tells the dramatic true story of the groundbreaking mathematicians that history overlooked: the black women who calculated the Mercury space program flight trajectories and helped send the first American to space. When mathematician Katherine (Henson) is assigned to the task force dedicated to sending the first man into space, she discovers that not only is she the only black woman on the team, but that the building she's been assigned to doesn't even have a bathroom that she's permitted to use. Despite the hurdles she and other women like her face, Katherine earns the respect of other task force members -- with some notable exceptions -- as she proves herself to be a valuable member of the team.

Director: Theodore Melfi. Stars: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner, Jim Parsons, Kirsten Dunst. 2016. 127 min. Biography.

Toni Erdmann

Divorced music teacher Winfried (Simonischek) decides to reconnect with his daughter, Ines (Huller), with whom he hasn't corresponded since she moved to Romania to pursue a career in business consulting. On a whim, he heads to Bucharest, where his daughter brushes him off, making it clear that she doesn't have much time for her dad. In an attempt to get Ines's attention, Winfried dons a disguise and slowly works his way back into her life in this heartfelt comedy.

Director: Maren Ade. Stars: Sandra Huller, Peter Simonischek, Michael Wittenborn, Thomas Liobl. 2016. 162 min. Comedy.

Monster Trucks

High school senior Tripp (Till) is bored with his tedious life, so, to keep himself busy, he builds himself a monster truck using bits and pieces from scrapped cars. When a nearby oil drilling site disturbs a slumbering subterranean monster with a taste for speed, the monster takes up residence in Tripp's homemade vehicle. Tripp and the monster -- which he names Creech -- learn to drive together, giving the term "monster truck" a whole new meaning, while forging a whole new kind of friendship.

Director: Chris Wedge. Stars: Lucas Till, Jane Levy, Thomas Lennon, Barry Pepper, Rob Lowe, Danny Glover. 2016. 105 min. Action.