User: I'm looking for a good movie - good as in well-acted, written & filmed - that's currently playing in theaters. What can you recommend?
Assistant: What style or genre of movie do you have in mind.
User: Historical fiction or biography. Drama that examines life/quality of life.
Assistant: Okay. Let's start with biography. Currently playing is the film, It's A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, based on the true story of Fred Rogers ("Mr. Rogers").
User: Have to admit I loved his TV show as a little kid. Who plays the title role?
Assistant: The film stars Tom Hanks as Mister Rogers. Matthew Rhys plays a young journalist Rogers befriended. Chris Cooper plays a supporting role.
User: I like this film so far. Tom Hanks is my favorite male actor. What's the movie about?
Assistant: The story: the journalist takes on the job of profiling the TV star. In the process, a lasting friendship is formed and the journalist's life is enriched. In a larger sense, the movie is about the theme of "kindness triumphing over cynicism" (Rotten Tomatoes; 96% positive rating).
User: Right now this is my top pick. What else is playing?
Assistant: You listed historical fiction as another favorite. The film "Harriet" might interest you. It is based on the life of Harriet Tubman.
User: Sounds interesting. Who's in this film?
Assistant: Cynthia Erivo plays Tubman. Janelle Monae and Leslie Odom, Jr. (Tony-award winning actor for the musical, "Hamilton") also star.
User: Has the film been positively reviewed?\n
Assistant: Roger Ebert gave it a thumbs up & three stars. He wrote, "Erivo captures Tubman's shining spirit and courage with compassion..." Ebert also praised the director for finally bringing a true American female freedom fighter's story to the big screen. Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a 72% rating.
User: I love historic drama. This decision just got harder...but...is there a 3rd and final film you could recommend? I admire the amazing portrayals by Royal Shakespeare Company-trained actors like Ian McKellen and Judi Dench.
Assistant: There is a drama/thriller currently playing starring Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren. It's called "The Good Liar".
User: What's it about?
Assistant: It's about a career con artist (played by McKellen) who meets a well-to-do widow (played by Mirren) online. She's worth millions. He wants to get his hands on her money, but the the game of cat & mouse turns into "a labyrinth", which includes flashbacks to 1940's Germany.
User: Sounds a bit predictable. What did reviewers say?
Assistant: Roger Ebert gave it a thumbs up, but only a 2.5 out of 4 stars. In his review, he said, "...it quickly becomes apparent that this is one of those stories where nothing is quite as it seems...leading to a shocking revelation that most will see coming. That sounds predictable, doesn't it?