Seeing that it is winter break, I have had a lot of free time. I have spent most of my time watching new movies. Let me tell you, I have seen some good ones. That being said, I want to share with you the awesomeness of these new films. Hopefully this gives you some ideas for some films to watch on your future movie nights.

Here are my top eight new movies to watch:

1. "The Martian"

This movie is epic in every sense of the word. It will have you on the edge of your seat.

When astronauts blast off from the planet Mars, they leave behind Mark Watney (Matt Damon), presumed dead after a fierce storm. With only a meager amount of supplies, the stranded visitor must utilize his wits and spirit to find a way to survive on the hostile planet. Meanwhile, back on Earth, members of NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring him home, while his crew mates hatch their own plan for a daring rescue mission. (via Google)

2. "Joy"

My love for Jennifer Lawrence is real. This movie really is inspiring to watch. It is truly an underdog story. Joy will have you wanting to never give up on your dreams, no matter how big or unattainable they may be.

A story of a family across four generations, centered on the girl who becomes the woman (Jennifer Lawrence) who founds a business dynasty and becomes a matriarch in her own right. Facing betrayal, treachery, the loss of innocence and the scars of love, Joy becomes a true boss of family and enterprise. Allies become adversaries and adversaries become allies, both inside and outside the family, as Joy's inner life and fierce imagination carry her through the storm she faces. (via Google)

3. "The Revenant"

This movie is filled with some of the greatest actors in the industry. Tom Hardy and Leonardo DiCaprio are 2 of the many, that make this movie incredible and interesting until the ending credits roll.

While exploring the uncharted wilderness in the 1800s, legendary frontiersman Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) sustains injuries from a brutal bear attack. When his hunting team leaves him for dead, Glass must utilize his survival skills to find a way back home to his beloved family. Grief-stricken and fueled by vengeance, Glass treks through the wintry terrain to track down John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy), the former confidant who betrayed and abandoned him. (via Google)

4. "Concussion"

This film is one that really gets you thinking about the damages of playing football. It also really makes you hate the NFL and America. Will Smith plays the character of the intelligent, compassionate, and selfless Dr. Bennet Omalu impeccably.

While conducting an autopsy on former NFL football player Mike Webster (David Morse), forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith) discovers neurological deterioration that is similar to Alzheimer's disease. Omalu names the disorder chronic traumatic encephalopathy and publishes his findings in a medical journal. As other athletes face the same diagnosis, the crusading doctor embarks on a mission to raise public awareness about the dangers of football-related head trauma. (via Google)

5. "Trumbo"

OK. I love love love Bryan Cranston, and his performance in this film did not disappoint. This is yet another movie, like "Concussion," that will have you hating America.

In 1947, Dalton Trumbo (Bryan Cranston) was Hollywood’s top screenwriter until he and other artists were jailed and blacklisted for their communist political beliefs. "TRUMBO" (directed by Jay Roach) recounts how Dalton used words and wit to win two Academy Awards and expose the absurdity and injustice of the blacklist, which entangled everyone from gossip columnist Hedda Hopper (Helen Mirren) to John Wayne, Kirk Douglas and Otto Preminger. (via Trumbo Official Site)

6. "Sisters"

Amy Poehler and Tina Fey give me life. This movie was awesome and hilarious in every single way.

When their parents place the family home on the market, siblings Maura (Amy Poehler) and Kate (Tina Fey) learn that they have one weekend to clean out the junk from their old bedroom. Unhappy with the news, the recently divorced Maura and her hotheaded sister make plans to throw one final bash to recapture their glory days with their former classmates. As the raging party begins to spiral out of control, the gals soon realize that there may not be a house left to sell once the dust settles. (via Google)

7. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"

This one is a given. Since this movie has already grossed over $1 billion in it's first three weeks of being open, I assume a huge majority of you have already seen this. But I have to include it because this movie is epic and incredible in every way!

Thirty years after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, the galaxy faces a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the First Order. When a defector named Finn crash-lands on a desert planet, he meets Rey (Daisy Ridley), a tough scavenger whose droid contains a top-secret map. Together, the young duo joins forces with Han Solo (Harrison Ford) to make sure the Resistance receives the intelligence concerning the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), the last of the Jedi Knights. (via Google)

8. "Spy"

This is definitely one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. Melissa McCarthy never fails to make me cry laugh.

Despite having solid field training, CIA analyst Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) has spent her entire career as a desk jockey, working hand-in-hand with dashing agent Bradley Fine (Jude Law). Using high-tech equipment and a hidden earpiece, Susan is the guardian angel who helps Bradley avoid danger. However, when Bradley is assassinated by Bulgarian arms dealer Rayna Boyanov (Rose Byrne), Susan wrangles her way into her first undercover assignment to help capture Boyanov and avenge Bradley. (via Google)

Happy movie watching!

xx Whitney