DARKEST HOUR

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(Oldman does Churchill justice)

Gary Oldman, one of today's finest actors, portrays Winston Churchill, making the former Prime Minister of England come alive.

Set in 1940, as Churchill replaces Lord Chamberlain as Prime Minister, Germany is closing in and destined to win the war. His adversaries in Parliament want him to agree to a peace treaty, but the determined cigar-smoking, whiskey-drinking man will not give up the fight.

"Darkest Hour,” and its results played out in "Dunkirk," are two of the best movies of 2017 and bound to capture a number of awards. Oldman will certainly be a front-runner for Best Actor for his on the button portrayal of Churchill, right down to his every gesture.

The period piece captures the essence of the tension in England, as Hitler surrounds the British army and threatens the future of the Empire. There are great lines from  Churchill's speeches, including my favorite: You cannot reason with a tiger when your head is in its mouth.

There is humor, too, much of it at Churchill's expense, and a very touching scene where he asks the "common folk" on the underground what they would do in his position. We also see the influence that his secretary (Lily James) has on him as he struggles between surrendering and fighting "til the end." Every detail in the two-hour movie is carefully constructed, holding your interest, even when you know the outcome.

Rated PG-13. Bring the kids and share this great moment in history with them.