Jackie

THE GIST: Iconic First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy witnesses her world blown to smithereens with the assassination of JFK. In the days immediately following the death of her husband, she has to deal with her grief and rage, consoling her young children, moving out of the White House, planning a state funeral, and, most important of all, defining the legacy of one of America's most famous Presidents. Through it all, she shows great dignity, poise, and resolve.

The movie Jackie is not terrific per se; what makes it a must-see is Natalie Portman's Oscar nominated turn as the one-time first lady who defined an era through the strength of her personality.

The cast also includes Peter Sarsgaard, Greta Gerwig, Billy Crudup, John Hurt, Richard E. Grant, Max Casella, Beth Grant, and John Carroll Lynch.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Always a powerful time in American history to revisit, you'll soon be smitten with Portman's work, and stay with it till the end.

Grade: 7