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Our Movie Critic's Weekend Selections

Philomena A surprisingly tough and tender tale from director Stephen Frears, adapted from the true story of a 70-something Irish woman (Judi Dench) looking to find the son she was forced to give up for adoption when she was an unwed teen - and of the cynical veteran journalist (Steve Coogan) who accompanies her on her quest. PG-13

Judi Dench is Philomena Lee and Steve Coogan is journalist Martin Sixsmith in "Philomena."
Judi Dench is Philomena Lee and Steve Coogan is journalist Martin Sixsmith in "Philomena."Read moreALEX BAILEY

Philomena A surprisingly tough and tender tale from director Stephen Frears, adapted from the true story of a 70-something Irish woman (Judi Dench) looking to find the son she was forced to give up for adoption when she was an unwed teen - and of the cynical veteran journalist (Steve Coogan) who accompanies her on her quest. PG-13

All Is Lost Robert Redford goes solo in J.C. Chandor's majestic, melancholy film about a mariner stranded on his boat in the Indian Ocean. There is incredible tension in this ordeal, and Redford - an icon of the American movie experience for more than half a century now - makes that tension deeply palpable. The performance of his career. PG-13

Out of the Furnace Casey Affleck and Christian Bale are brothers facing hard times, and hard choices, in this gripping Rust Belt noir. A solemn, blood-soaked drama about broken dreams. Cue the Springsteen. R