All the Way (2016)

Bryan Cranston won a Tony Award for his portrayal of LBJ in All the Way. In the HBO adaptation, he transfers that performance to the screen. Cranston is perfect in everything. I love HBO's political dramas. And this is no exception. LBJ's presidency was very eventful: Civil Rights, Vietnam, Great Society. There is a lot to pack into a two hour movie. Perhaps the issues don't all get enough screen time, but as a survey of history from the perspective of the most powerful man in the world, it succeeds.

Trumbo (2015)

Bryan Cranston proves that he is a master of acting in all mediums. After his unforgettable turn as Walter White in Breaking Bad and a run on Broadway in 2014, he takes on a leading role in a film. I love the scenes when Cranston is in full screenwriting mode at his typewriter, or in the tub literally cutting and taping together lines. In a way, Trumbo is similar to Walter White. Like Walter, Trumbo has to innovate, adapt to survive in a world that is working against him.  Helen Mirren is also fabulous as Hedda Hopper, who is intimidating to even the most powerful men in Hollywood. Louis CK was pleasantly surprising in a role that I wouldn't have pegged him for.

The story is well done, if a bit cliched at times. Sometimes the speeches are a bit too soapbox-y about American ideals and what not. But I do like movies about movies, especially in the classic Hollywood era. And it is a smart movie. The Hollywood Ten were undoubtedly smart, trying to pull one over the House Un-American Activities Committee and subsequently defeating the blacklist. 

Breaking Bad (2008-13)

I have finally finished Breaking Bad and it was certainly worth all the hype.  This was indisputably one of the best shows ever created.  It's so good that there is a Spanish language remake that has also found success.  All of the acting was superb--not just Emmy winners Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, and Aaron Paul, but everyone including the supporting cast and guest actors.  All of them are strong Emmy contenders.  But what makes this show so great?  It's the writing.  The plot is brilliant.  A high school chemistry teacher is diagnosed with cancer, and turns to cooking meth to pay his medical bills and support his family.  Walter White is a smart man who takes pride in his work.  Throughout the five seasons, Walter hatches intricately woven plans to achieve his goals and his been a joy watching them unfold slowly, deliberately, and perfectly.

In its final season, Breaking Bad really went above and beyond.  Every character (even those you might have since forgotten about) gets to wrap up his/her story line.  All loose ends are tied up and each person is given a satisfying ending.  Now, we have the spin-off Better Call Saul to look forward to.