Helen

I'm sorry but I just never for one moment bought Ashley Judd in this role - she didn't read as depressed at all. Shame. 2.5/5

Helen on Netflix

Woman of the Year

What an odd little movie! I understand it's a classic but I honestly can't tell if I liked it or not. Hrmm. 3/5

Woman of the Year on Netflix

Another Earth

This romantic drama with a sci-fi flare is gorgeously shot with a very intriguing premise - I really enjoyed it. 4/5

Another Earth on Netflix

Electric Shadows

There's absolutely nothing wrong with this film, but it just never grabbed me. Good, not great. 3/5

Electric Shadows on Netflix

Hawaii, Olso

This intersecting-lives drama was brilliantly assembled with rich characters & an engaging plot. Lovely. 4/5

Hawaii, Oslo on Netflix

Warrior

This magnificently acted film allowed its characters to unfurl like dark roses. Absolutely stunning & amazing. There were 2 scenes that maybe 10 living actors in the world could have pulled off & Nolte NAILED both of them. Brilliant. 5/5

Warrior on Netflix

It's a Wonderful Life

Can you believe I've never seen this? What a magnificent celebration of life! A truly wonderful movie. 5/5

It's a Wonderful Life on Netflix

Horrible Bosses

While this goofball comedy was nothing original it had tremendous acting & made me LOL for real. Well done. 3.5/5

Horrible Bosses on Netflix

Perfect Blue

While I think Netflix oversold this a little, this anime was awfully suspenseful & full of interesting twists. 3.5/5

Perfect Blue on Netflix

Margin Call

It might be a bit preachy but this thriller is indeed gripping & the cast is uniformly excellent. Well done. 4/5

Margin Call on Netflix

Sullivan's Travels

AFI Top 100? Really? I was really "meh" about this, but I did like the ending. I guess I just don't get it? 3/5

Sullivan's Travels on Netflix

Prodigal Sons

This fascinating documentary traces the paths of 2 brothers on very different journeys - very heartfelt & moving. 4/5

Prodigal Sons on Netflix

Middle of Nowhere

This sweet but unremarkable dramedy had some great acting, particularly from Yelchin but didn't grab me. 3/5

Middle of Nowhere on Netflix

High Plains Drifter

Even as a Eastwood Western hater, I really enjoyed this avenging-angel-wreaking-havoc Western adventure. 4/5

High Plains Drifter on Netflix

Calvin Marshall

This tenderhearted comedy is quite endearing & well acted by both Alex Frost & Steve Zahn - charming. 3/5

Calvin Marshall on Netflix

It's Kind of a Funny Story

Far more serious than I expected, this film paints a perfect portrait of real mental illness. And seriously, Galifianakis is SO SO SO amazing in this I have no words. And I hate this guy. Amazing. Seriously. 4.5/5

It's Kind of a Funny Story on Netflix

Extract

Wow, Mike Judge has lost his edge with movies! This was barely watchable with a ridiculous plot - very disappointing. 1.5/5

Extract on Netflix

Incendies

This is a devastatingly powerful film. I honestly feel like I've been punched in the gut. Darkly brilliant. 5/5

Incendies on Netflix

Steamboat Bill, Jr.

Not quite as good as "The General" but better than "Seven Chances" - Keaton isn't quite Chaplin for me. 4/5

Steamboat Bill, Jr. on Netflix

Following Sean

This documentary about a documentary is insightful, thought-provoking, & wonderfully poignant. Well done. 5/5

Following Sean on Netflix

The Help

This is an absolutely wonderful & inspirational movie with top-notch acting and stellar writing. Just stunning. 5/5


The Help on Netflix

Annie Hall

Given that I positively loathe Woody Allen I'm terribly surprised that I liked this - Keaton was simply divine. 3.5/5

Annie Hall on Netflix

No Strings Attached

Wow! Another rom-com that was LOL funny with good acting & people NOT behaving badly! More like this plz! 4/5

No Strings Attached on Netflix

Kill the Irishman

If these very capable actors had all brought their A-games this would have been a far better film. Just OK. 3/5

Kill the Irishman on Netflix

Sucker Punch

This film was gorgeous & well acted overly complicated & terribly vague in how everything connected. I'm mixed. 3/5

Sucker Punch on Netflix

Good Hair

Chris Rock's documentary about African American hair is smart, funny, educational & highly entertaining. Well done. 4/5

Good Hair on Netflix

Carefree

This Fred & Ginger classic is sweet, funny, & simply charming. More of a comedy than a musical - I missed the dancing. 4/5

Carefree on Netflix

Crazy, Stupid, Love

Honest-to-god LOL funny & Gosling is amazing as always. I normally hate rom-coms but I loved this. 4/5

Crazy, Stupid, Love on Netflix

Maxed Out

The information was great & informative. The politics? Not so much, especially with ACORN as a contributor. Shame. 3/5

Maxed Out on Netflix

Smokey and the Bandit

How did it take me this long to see this film? It's an awfully good time - I loved Gleason tremendously. 4/5

Smokey and the Bandit on Netflix

Forged

Manny Perez is outstanding in this compelling indie drama about a tortured father-son relationship. Beautifully done. 4/5

Forged on Netflix

Lady Vengeance

The finale of Park's revenge trilogy, while gorgeously shot, is the weakest with an overly abstract plot. 3/5


Lady Vengeance on Netflix

Modern Times

Dear God, thank you for Charlie Chaplin. He always makes me laugh & feel so very happy. Yours truly, Donna. 5/5

Modern Times on Netflix

Super 8

What was a good idea was thoroughly ruined with sappy choices, bad direction & sentimental music. Such a shame! 2.75/5

Super 8 on Netflix

Captian America: The First Avenger

FINALLY! Marvel gets it shit together with this fun & action-packed thrill ride. I have hope again! 4.5/5

Captain America: The First Avenger on Netflix

The Tree of Life

WOW. This is possibly the most overrated film I've seen in a long time, and that's saying something. Ponderous, tedious, and virtually without a point, this film drags on so slowly and endlessly I fast-forwarded most of it. The only reason it gets half a star is Brad Pitt was engrossing and it WAS beautiful, but, in this case, beauty is simply not even close to enough. Save yourself, don't rent this! 1.5/5

The Tree of Life on Netflix

The Gold Rush

I have yet to see a Chaplin film that I didn't absolutely adore. Hilarious & heartwarming - can't beat it! 5/5

The Gold Rush on Netflix

How To Rob A Bank

The acting in this was just horrid across the board & the plot was completely predictable. Bah. 2/5

How To Rob A Bank on Netflix

The Roommate

So, "Single White Female" with college students, except no one can act & the plot is even thinner? Got it. Pass. 2/5

The Roommate on Netflix

Morninig Glory

This movie was honest-to-God LOL funny, but only for the second half. Acting was spot on though - I'm mixed. 3.5/5

Morning Glory on Netflix

13

This taut thriller was stylish & intriguing with a totally awesome score, it just needed a stronger lead. Good, not great. 3.5/5

13 on Netflix

Death Note L: Change the WorLd

This isn't a Death Note movie but rather an excuse to let Matsuyama be f'n awesome as L again. 4/5

Death Note L: Change the WorLd on Netflix

Swing Time

Seriously, does it get more divine than watching Fred & Ginger dance? I highly doubt it! Lovely. 4.5/5

Swing Time on Netflix

Finishing the Game

This satire is particularly biting & funny, but it's the period-faithfulness that really makes it work. 3/5

Finishing the Game on Netflix

Terri

This is a wonderful, sweet, funny, touching & achingly well-acted coming-of-age dramedy - really good stuff & LOL worthy. 4/5

Terri on Netflix

The Real Dirt on Farmer John

This rambling & nonsensical documentary never really scratches below the surface. Shame. 2/5

The Real Dirt on Farmer John on Netflix

Havoc

Well, it was nice to try and make a better version of "Black & White" but this fake crap didn't really cut it for me. 2.5/5

Havoc on Netflix

Adam Resurrected

This is possibly the most powerful portrayal of trauma & survivor's guilt I've ever seen. Magnificent. Jeff Goldblum was absolutely beyond amazing in this. I had no idea he was capable of such a performance. Just...wow. 4/5

Adam Resurrected on Netflix

Death Note II: The Last Name

This very worthy sequel is in every way the equal of the original in quality. Simply stunning. 5/5

Death Note II: The Last Name on Netflix

Beautiful Boy

Sheen & Bello are just magnificent in this heart-wrenching drama that gave me both chills & tears. So powerful. 5/5

Beautiful Boy on Netflix

The General

This silent film is utterly charming & Buster Keaton's dead-pan look is just hilarious. A true classic. 5/5


The General on Netflix

Every Day

It started out okay & ended up just beginning another film about people behaving badly. I'm just so over it. 2.5/5

Every Day on Netflix

Elephant White

Not even inspired performances by Bacon & Honsou could save this plot-hole riddled & badly ADRed thriller. 2.5/5


Elephant White on Netflix

Father of Invention

Spacey is amazing but this film never decided what it wanted to be - there was a great film here somewhere. 3/5

Father of Invention on Netflix

Food, Inc.

This was a great documentary that didn't need to be turned into a polemic - the info was damning on it's own. 3.5/5

Food, Inc. on Netflix

Daydream Nation

Exquisitely directed, perfectly written, & wonderfully acted. This film is simply stunning - amazing. 5/5

Daydream Nation on Netflix

Red State

There is honestly nothing good or redeeming about this film whatsoever - it fails on all levels. Sad really. 1/5

Red State on Netflix

HappyThankYouMorePlease

The main plot is ridiculous & oddly disturbing, but the 2 subplots are quite lovely. Odd film. 3/5

HappyThankYouMorePlease on Netflix

God Grew Tired of Us

Never in my life have I seen something that made me appreciate my life more. Just stunning. 5/5

God Grew Tired of Us on Netflix

Thor

This may be pretty to look at but WOW is it weak in plot & acting. Iron Man is most certainly is not. Disappointing. 2/5

Thor on Netflix

Howl

What was perhaps Franco's greatest performance was derailed by a meandering & sloppy production but still engaging. 3.5/5


Howl on Netflix

How to Marry a Millionaire

Cute & kitschy but hampered by really bad editing & directing choices. I'm torn on this one. 3/5

How to Marry a Millionaire on Netflix

Bridesmaids

This was way, way funnier than I expected it to be - very witty, smart, edgy & honestly LOL worthy. Really great. 4/5


Bridesmaids on Netflix

The Wedding Banquet

Although the acting left something to be desired this sweet & tending film made me smile throughout. 4/5

The Wedding Banquet on Netflix

Wasteland

This is a truly inspirational film that illustrates how art can transcend its own medium to become magic. Amazing. 5/5

Wasteland on Netflix

Elektra Luxx

Time for another Potentially Bad Movie Night with Emilie Staat (@emofalltrades on Twitter) with the wrap of of our two-part series. Tonight we review "Elektra Luxx", the sequel to "Women in Trouble" that follows the adventures of Elektra and her various cohorts. Emilie and I both loved the first film - what will we think of the sequel?

DONNA:
This sequel to "Women in Trouble" lacks just a bit in the snappy, fresh, always-in-motion dialogue of the first film. However, it makes up for it with more of our titular vixen and the always amazing Joseph Gordon-Levitt. I could watch these characters all day and I very, very much hope they'll make another one. 4/5

EMILIE:
I'm so glad we got more of the adventures of Elektra et al because we didn't get a lot of closure at the end of Women in Trouble. This movie ties up more of the loose ends, but I could seriously watch these actors play these characters for several more movies. This one was just slightly more ridiculous than the first, building off of running gags and developing characters, some of whom we just barely saw in the first. It might not be quite as good as the first, but it is a solid sequel and I like the place where it leaves the story. 4.5/5 stars

*************************

DONNA'S RATING: 4/5
EMILIE'S RATING: 4.5/5

Once again we have a winner! I think we're going to have to try a lot harder to find a truly awful movie for our next Potentially Bad Movie Night!

Elektra Luxx on Netflix

The Matador

Dark? Yes. Disturbing. Sure. A black comedy? No way. This films tries too hard & doesn't succeed at much. Shame. 2.5/5

The Matador on Netflix

The Adjustment Bureau

This movie got a SERIOUSLY bad rap, but I found it intriguing, engrossing & very fulfilling. Well done! 4/5

The Adjustment Bureau on Netflix

Henry's Crime

If anyone other than Keanu had starred this might have been savable... as it is, not so much. Barely decent. 2.5/5

Henry's Crime on Netflix

The Seven Year Itch

Again I found myself adoring Marilyn & hating her co-star - did she just outshine everyone she worked with? 3/5

The Seven Year Itch on Netflix

The 5th Quarter

This overly sentimental & faith-filled film is the very definition of saccharine. Can't believe I finished it 1.5/5

The 5th Quarter on Netflix

Women in Trouble

Time for another special Potentially Bad Move Night with Emilie Staat (@emofalltrades on Twitter), and this time we're doing a two-part series - "Women in Trouble" and its sequel "Elektra Luxx"! First up, "Women in Trouble", an indie tale of ten different women across one truly messed up day. How will it stack up? Let's find out!

DONNA:
I was utterly prepared to hate this and more than pleasantly surprised that I didn't. This was funny, smart, witty, sexy, & surprisingly well acted throughout. The stories joined together in interesting & intriguing ways that I didn't expect. I have more hope for "Elektra Luxx" now! Definitely worth a rent. 4/5

EMILIE:
Think Valentine's Day or Love Actually - a handful of interconnected stories all revolving around the theme of women in trouble: women's relationships with each other, with men, with children. This movie is incredibly funny and surprisingly poignant. It deals frankly with sexual situations in a way that is raunchy and interesting and feels very true. But beneath the shock of the sex is some true sentiment and I loved watching a movie that explores that. Make sure you wait for the scene after the credits - hysterical. 5/5 stars

***************

DONNA'S RATING: 4/5
EMILIE'S RATING: 5/5

I have to say I'm totally shocked at both of our reactions to this one - I was sure this was going to be a total failure of a film to be very honest. Who knew there were so many gems disguised as potentially bad movies? Will "Elektra Luxx" live up to it's predecessor and blow us away as well? We'll find out soon on our net Potentially Bad Movie Night! ;)

Women in Trouble on Netflix

Hanna

Saoirse Ronan is immaculate in this taut, well designed & perfectly paced action thriller. I really enjoyed this. 4/5

Hanna on Netflix

White Light, Black Rain

This documentary about the nuclear bombs dropped on Japan is positively devastating to watch. 4/5

White Light, Black Rain on Netflix

Skateland

This adolescent drama was touching but fell back on predictable & formulaic plot patterns. I wanted to like it more. 3/5

Skateland on Netflix

Delicatessen

Without a doubt the strangest surrealist French post-apocalyptic cannibal movie even made. With clown, of course. 4/5

Delicatessen on Netflix

Bill Cunningham New York

An absolutely heartwarming documentary about an absolutely heartwarming man. Speaks to the soul. 4/5

Bill Cunningham New York on Netflix

Adam's Apples

This Danish black comedy gets darker, wittier & funnier the longer it goes on. Well written & very inventive. 4/5

Adam's Apples on Netflix

Trauma

This could have been splendid but instead it turned into a nonsensical, confusing, mixed-up mess. What a shame. 2.5/5

Trauma on Netflix

New Guy

Terribly, dreadfully, painfully awful in pretty much every way, and yet I was compelled to finish it. Ugh. 1.5/5


New Guy on Netflix

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

Marilyn was divine, but I have to say Russell put me off quite a bit. I wanted to like it more. 3.5/5


Gentlemen Prefer Blondes on Netflix

Trust

This darkly emotional drama is devastating in its honesty & realistic portrayals - Owens just killed me. So tragic. 4/5

Trust on Netflix

The Ledge

With this cast, especially Hunnam, I expected greatness, but the slow pace & Liv Tyler's acting left me unfulfilled. 3/5

The Ledge on Netflix

Win Win

Giamatti is truly excellent in this moving drama with characters you really care about from start to finish. Well done! 4/5

Win Win on Netflix

Paul

Time for another special FTRQ review for another Potentially Bad Movie Night with Emilie Staat (@emofalltrades on Twitter)! This week we have "Paul", a Simon Pegg/ Nick Frost film about two nerds on the run... with an alien? So how was it? Let's find out!


DONNA:
Since I wasn't a huge "Shawn of the Dead" fan I always fear I'm not going to like a Simon Pegg film. I'm usually wrong, just as I was with "Paul". This comedy was smartly written, perfectly acted and really well paced. It was a truly clever film that rose above the trappings of the absurd quite easily and I really, really enjoyed it. Well done! 4/5

EMILIE:
Paul was really, really funny. Since it is a modern comedy of the "stupid" or "obscene" variety, I was very pleased to see that it has heart as well. Pleased, but I was expecting it, too because I've liked the movies that Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have made together. And this movie, unlike some I could name (ahem, Your Highness), actually capitalized upon the very talented, very funny women in the cast. And there are many: Kristen Wiig, Jane Lynch, Blythe Danner and Sigourney Weaver. And the guys weren't half bad themselves. 5/5

**********************************

DONNA'S RATING: 4/5
EMILIE'S RATING: 5/5

Wow - we both really liked this one, and I'm glad of it. Jeez... it seems even when trying to pick potentially bad movies we keep finding gems. Maybe we'll find something truly horrid for our next #PotentiallyBadMovieNight - stay tuned!

Paul on Netflix

Beastly

About the only reason to watch this is because NPH is his usual marvelous self - the rest is pretty awful. Meh. 2/5

Beastly on Netflix

Walking and Talking

Although the acting was wonderful I honestly found this bland, predictable & boring. Meh. 3/5

Walking and Talking on Netflix

Seize The Day

This '86 sleeper starring Robin Williams just broke my heart - a dark, tragic, but all too real story. 3.5/5

Seize The Day on Netflix

Circo

A fascinating little documentary about a traveling circus family in Mexico, although I do wish it had delved deeper. 3/5

Circo on Netflix

Your Highness

Time for another special FTRQ review for another Potentially Bad Movie Night with Emilie Staat (@emofalltrades on Twitter)! This week we have "Your Highness", a farcical tale of knights, maidens and quests starring Danny McBride, James Franco, Natalie Portman and Zooey Deschanel. How did our movie night turn out? Read on!

DONNA:
Okay, bear with me again here. There is a fine line a comedy walks between funny & farcical and over-the-top stupidity. Your Highness tries very hard to walk *exactly* on that line, which is precarious business. It often fails, falling badly into the banal & stupid, but the comedic talents of McBride & Franco save it over and over again. I found myself laughing far more than I sighed or groaned. Not great, but certainly not bad either, so in the end this is the only rating I can give it. 3/5  

EMILIE:
Watching Your Highness is like watching a group of teenage boys playing the penis game, one extended dare to see who can be the loudest and most daring. If it were funnier or ever strayed from the penis/sex/gay jokes, it would've been far better and might have a chance of standing the test of time like Monty Python movies or Princess Bride. But there's absolutely no subtly or variation.Natalie Portman is the best thing about the movie, but she arrives far too late. Enormously funny Zooey Deschanel is given so little to do that it's embarrassing, yet she *almost* succeeds in turning her vacuous, wide-eyed Belladonna into a satirical caricature of what she's expected to be. I expected a stupid movie. I just thought it would be a more clever stupid movie than it was. 2.5/5


**************************

DONNA'S RATING: 3/5
EMILIE'S RATING: 2.5/5

Once again, Emilie and I prove we're not too far off in our opinions. We're always within a half of a star of each other - quite a record! What will happen for our next Potentially Bad Movie Night? Stay tuned! :)

Your Highness on Netflix

Source Code

This sci-fi thriller is well paced, intriguingly written & well acted by all. I guessed it but enjoyed it as well. 4/5

Source Code on Netflix

Glorious 39

This period drama is well acted & intriguing in design but is far too slowly paced to really keep my interest. 3/5

Glorious 39 on Netflix

Nursery University

A witty & intriguing documentary about the insanity that is NYC nursery school. These parents are NUTS! 4/5

Nursery University on Netflix

Hesher

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is absolutely note-perfect in this darkly funny yet poetically tragic dramedy. I adored this - sheer brilliance. 5/5

Hesher on Netflix

The Music Never Stopped

Lou Taylor Pucci & JK Simmons were spot on in this truly poignant & emotional story. Well done. 3.5/5

The Music Never Stopped on Netflix

Middle Men

Time for another special FTRQ review for another Potentially Bad Movie Night with Emilie Staat (@emofalltrades on Twitter)! This week we have "Middle Men", the true-to-life story of a Southern businessman who gets involved in the development of Net porn! How did our movie night turn out? Read on!

DONNA:
Okay... WOW that was so not the movie I was expecting & I mean that in all the best possible ways! Yes, it was funny but also poignant, dramatic, really well acted, detailed & wonderfully directed. I'm so pleasantly surprised. 4/5


EMILIE:
Middle Men wasn't what I expected. I don't know why, but I thought it'd be more comedic and I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't just a silly light-hearted romp. It was funny and interesting and ended just about the best way it possibly could. 3.5/5 stars.

**********************************

DONNA'S RATING: 4/5
EMILIE'S RATING: 3.5/5

So... another potentially bad movie night averted! We're two for two in finding really good films disguised as bad ones... but will our luck continue? Stay tuned! ;)

Middle Men on Netflix

The Winning Season

Not even the mighty Sam Rockwell could save this movie from predictable mediocrity. Good, not great. 3/5

The Winning Season on Netflix

Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance

This is gorgeously shot & inventively written but disjointed editing often left me confused. Regardless of any confusion... Chan-wook Park is one disturbed individual. Seriously. But in a totally good way. 3.5/5

Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance on Netflix

Limitless

This high-tech "Flowers for Algernon" was engaging, well paced & finely acted - i would have changed the ending though. 4/5


Limitless on Netflix

Everything Must Go

Will Ferrell is surprisingly earnest & sensitive in this rather poignant drama with a good heart. Well done 4/5

Everything Must Go on Netflix

Wet Hot Amercian Summer

This is just terribly, awfully, atrociously bad. I can't believe I finished it. Really, just... no. 1.5/5

Wet Hot American Summer on Netflix

Local Color

This is a perfectly average, ordinary, nice, sweet coming of age story, unremarkable in any way. Good, but just. 3/5

Local Color on Netflix

Rubber

EXPLANATION: A while ago I discovered that Emilie Staat (@emofalltrades on Twitter) and I seem to have quite the same taste in films.We've been trading movie opinions back and forth for a while and we both recent saw the trailer for "Rubber", a black comedy about a sentient killer tire. Yeah, I know... that's what we both said. So, on a dare, we both rented the film and both watched it at the same time. Here are our collective thoughts on the film. Enjoy!

DONNA:
Bear with me, this needs explaining so I'm just going to lay it all out here. On the one hand, this movie is absolutely genius. Everything you need is given to you in the first five minutes and the film never breaks it's own rules. It's darkly funny, gorgeously shot, and meta in a truly delicious way. However, on the other hand, this film just gets too clever for it's own good. The pacing is far too slow and the action gets truly incredulous at times. Even though you are told exactly what this film is, I still found myself saying "WTF?" far too many times. The end, however, is really brilliant, and I truly want a sequel. In the end, I actually liked this way more than I thought I would.

So in the end, how can I say I liked this film? No reason. ;) @emofalltrades, what did you think? I give it a 3.5/5!

EMILIE:
I'm 4:51 into #RubberTheMovie and I've asked myself, "What the f*&@?!!" at least 20 times. I've laughed four times. I will say I'm intrigued -I didn't see how a 90 minute movie about a killer tire was gonna work.

Wow. That was weird. A commentary on Hollywood moviemaking maybe? I thought it was interesting, unexpectedly fascinating and funny. And a twisted commentary on Hollywood film making, like the part where the motel manager's head explodes and the sheriff pulls a sheet of paper from his shirt pocket (probably sides, which is what we call small versions of that day's script pages for the cast & crew to carry on set) and he says "That's right, the killer is a tire!" with this sort of exasperation that really made me laugh. And the "audience," etc... I'll give it a 4/5 stars, 1 star just for the sheer surprise.

***************************

DONNA'S RATING - 3.5/5
EMILIE'S RATING - 4/5

Well, Emilie and I had been calling this our Potentially Bad Movie Night. Turns out it wasn't nearly so bad after all - in fact, we both quite enjoyed it! My recommendation... rent it! It's totally worth the experience.

Rubber on Netflix

In A Better World

This film is sheer brilliance, wonderfully written & powerfully executed. I completely deserved the Oscar. 4.5/5

In A Better World on Netflix

Wrecked

Adrien Brody is captivating in this intense psych thriller that keeps you constantly guessing. Dark & intriguing. 4/5

Wrecked on Netflix

Easy A

Okay, this movie might be trite, but it is really quite witty & funny & I enjoyed it far more than I expected. 4/5

Easy A on Netflix

The Great Happiness Space

This fascinating documentary about Japan's host boys is continuously evolving, very powerful stuff. 4/5

The Great Happiness Space on Netflix

Sympathy for Delicious

This film is really intriguing with a plot that swings completely around half way & a great ending. 3.5/5

Sympathy for Delicious on Netflix

Double Indemnity

This is an absolutely marvelous noir drama that is both wonderfully written & acted. Superb film. 5/5

Double Indemnity on Netflix

Choking Man

Man, this magical realist indie flick is AMAZING. Visually stunning, intriguing & wonderfully acted. Loved it. 4/5

Choking Man on Netflix

Beautiful Kate

This film is both compelling & disturbing, but I really wanted to explore the world more. Good, not great. 3.5/5

Beautiful Kate on Netflix

Blood: The Last Vampire

This is just painfully bad with terrible acting - I can't believe I finished it. Save yourself. 1.5/5

Blood: The Last Vampire on Netflix

The Greatest Movie Ever Sold

For a look behind-the-curtain film I didn't feel I saw enough behind the curtain. If you're a Spurlock fan you'll love this. I'm not really, hence this rating I think. I hoped for more. Good not great. 3/5

The Greatest Movie Ever Sold on Netflix

The Best and the Brightest

This got too zany & off the rails for me to keep believing - I wish it had remained grounded. 2.5/5

The Best and the Brightest on Netflix

Jolene

This film is WAAAY darker & more tragic than the previews implied. I kinda want to throw myself off a bridge now... 3/5

Jolene on Netflix

The Lives of Others

An absolutely fascinating & unexpected film, surprisingly positive & affirming. Really wonderful. 4/5

The Lives of Others on Netflix

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

This movie gets a totally bad rap when in reality it's a Greek tragedy in scope & substance. 4/5

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans on Netflix

Ben X

It's hard these days to find a truly unique & innovative film. This is exactly that. Gorgeous, brilliant, devastating. 5/5

Ben X on Netflix

Marwencol

An absolutely stunning, original, amazing documentary about trauma & how one man has survived it. Brilliant. 5/5

Marwencol on Netflix

The Conspirator

I've never heard this story before and I shudder to think it's true. Very gripping with wonderful acting. 3.5/5

The Conspirator on Netflix

Trucker

Weak writing, poor acting & a predictable plot force this film into stagnation when it could have been far better. 2.5/5

Trucker on Netflix

Two Family House

This film is so surface & so bland it started to bore me - some depth would have made it much better. 2.5/5

Two Family House on Netflix

Bad Day at Black Rock

This classic thriller is intriguing & satisfying in its ultimate payoff with class acting. Well done. 4/5

Bad Day at Black Rock on Netflix

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story

This movie is ridiculously stupid but also truly funny - I honestly laughed out loud. 3.5/5

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story on Netflix

Let Me In

I was really surprised how well this remake held up to the original - different in part but still very powerful. 4/5

Let Me In on Netflix

Super

This film just got darker & more subversive the longer it went on - it was a gutsy call & the right one. Really great. 4/5

Super on Netflix

The Lottery

It's not "Waiting for Superman" but this documentary really nails the problems in public education. Compelling. 4/5

The Lottery on Netflix

Arsenic and Old Lace

Cary Grant was tremendous & there were funny parts but this was largely too slapstick & over the top IMHO. 3/5

Arsenic and Old Lace on Netflix

Saint Ralph

I thought this would be far too syrupy for me but it hits a perfect balance of sweet & inspiring. Well done. 3.5/5

Saint Ralph on Netflix

Cold Weather

This terminally boring film took forever to get going & when it did it went nowhere. Very disappointing. 2/5

Cold Weather on Netflix

Oldboy

OH. MY. GOD. That was the most intense movie experience I've every had. Devastating on every level. Sheer brilliance. If you like Asian thrillers & haven't seen this SEE IT! BUT... not on Flix Streaming because the dub is AWFUL & a film-killer. 5/5

Oldboy on Netflix

Kisses

This Irish indie film is ballsy as hell with tremendous child actors & an utterly unique style & palette. Loved it. 4.5/5

Kisses on Netflix

Exporting Raymond

A really funny documentary about bringing American sitcom to Russia - well-crafted & executed, very funny. 4/5

Exporting Raymond on Netflix

Picture Bride

This was like a bad Hallmark film - saccharine, shallow, unbelievable & predictable. Could have been more. 2/5

Picture Bride on Netflix

Broken Hill

This heartfelt, inspirational story gets extra points for totally awesome music but still never soars beyond good. 3/5

Broken Hill on Netflix

Change of Plans

This has great acting but it's still a movie about people behaving badly & it has a weak ending. Disappointing. 3/5

Change of Plans on Netflix

Biutiful

Bardem is utterly transcendent in this simple, powerful, perfect role - the best performance of the year easily. 5/5

Biutiful on Netflix

Waiting for "Superman"

Totally awesome, amazing, inspiring & important documentary about public education. A must see for all. 5/5

Waiting for "Superman" on Netflix

We Are What We Are

Y'know, they just don't make great movies about cannibals anymore. Undeveloped & disappointing. 2.5/5

We Are What We Are on Netflix

Cedar Rapids

This was actually much funnier than I expected - silly & ridiculous, yes, but still funny with a solid cast. 3/5

Cedar Rapids on Netflix

Leaving

Thomas is bold & dynamic in this subtle yet compelling drama about a collapsing marriage - great choices throughout. 4/5

Leaving on Netflix

Cracks

A thoroughly wonderful & understated thriller directed gorgeously by Jordan Scott. Impressive first effort. 4/5

Cracks on Netflix

Longford

An intriguing & thought-provoking drama with top-notch performances by Broadbent & Morton. Well done. 4/5

Longford on Netflix

Legendary

Cena was actually decent in this overly hokey & saccharine film that got points for an interesting ending. Not bad. 3/5

Legendary on Netflix

The Page Turner

This psych thriller is so deliciously subtle & nuanced it's just brilliant. Leave it to the French - brilliant. 4/5

The Page Turner on Netflix

Peep World

A pretty damn funny film with a pretty damn amazing cast. I wish it had been longer & developed more though. 3.5/5

Peep World on Netflix

The Lincoln Lawyer

A terrible name for a rather stylish thriller that had enough plots twists to keep me very intrigued. 4/5

The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix

Blackout

A potentially interesting story about the '03 blackout got marred by preaching & a problematic ending. Shame. 2.5/5

Blackout on Netflix

The Way We Get By

What an amazing, inspiring, emotional, & patriotic film! What astonishing people! I'm so moved by this. 5/5

The Way We Get By on Netflix

The Beautiful Person

I don't know why these characters did what they did or what the hell I just watched. What a mess! 1.5/5

The Beautiful Person on Netflix

One Week

This "finding yourself" drama is utterly saccharine, fake & safe - flashes of brilliance that never delivered. 2/5

One Week on Netflix

Father of My Children

This is a stunning, absorbing film, a fascinating study into the motives of a man. Really brilliant. 4.5/5

Father of My Children on Netflix

Art & Copy

A fascinating & illuminating look at some of the greatest ad minds & campaigns of the last 50 years. Interesting. 3.5/5

Art & Copy on Netflix

The Method

This is a wonderfully constructed psych drama that never felt artificial or staged. One ups "Exam" - well done. 4/5

The Method on Netflix

A Summer in Genoa

This film about family & loss never dives below the surface of things & thus remains only average. 3/5

A Summer in Genoa on Netflix

True Grit (2010)

The Coen's stylish & sturdy remake is beautifully shot & magnificently acted - this is my favorite of 2010 I think. 5/5

True Grit on Netflix

Fear Strikes Out

Perkins & Malden give powerhouse performances in this chilling & absorbing drama about Jim Piersall. 3.5/5

Fear Strikes Out on Netflix

Student Services

Wow, talk about not living up to your preview! Entirely too bland for a "risky" movie, disappointing. 2.5/5

Student Services on Netflix

Four Lions

This slick satire takes the piss out of religious extremists. Well written, quick paced, a lot of fun. Well done. 3.5/5

Four Lions on Netflix

The Other Woman

Unsympathic characters & a jumpy plot make for a rough ride, but it's well acted & the ending is sweet. Meh. 3/5

The Other Woman on Netflix

Singin' In The Rain

What can I say? GENE. KELLY. IS. AWESOME. I would have had such a crush on him! A truly splendid film. 5/5

Singin' In The Rain on Netflix

Salesman

This classic Maysles documentary is dark, heartbreaking, & tragic in its reality. Wonderfully done all around. 4.5/5

Salesman on Netflix

Barney's Version

Paul Giamatti is exquisite (as is Hoffman) in this romantic dramedy about life and love. Simply splendid. 4/5

Barney's Version on Netflix

Undertow

This thriller is beautifully stylized but far too spotty in action & character. It gets a point for the ending. 3/5

Undertow on Netflix

White Lightnin'

I was really impressed with this darkly disturbing & beautifully shot film about the life of Jesco White. If you're interested in this definitely watch the documentary on the White family: The Wild & Wonderful Whites of West Virginia. 4/5

White Lightnin' on Netflix

Bloodworth

All the bones of a good Southern Gothic were there but it lacked the dark punch it needed to really succeed. Shame. 3/5

Bloodworth on Netflix

Midnight Cowboy

OMG AWESOME. Hoffman & Voight are perfect. How have I gone my whole life not seeing this? Sheer brilliance. 5/5

Midnight Cowboy on Netflix

Dogtooth

BLACKEST. COMEDY. EVER. This highly disturbing morality tale about sheltered families is one I'll not soon forget. 3.5/5

Dogtooth on Netflix

Pressure Cooker

An absolutely inspiring documentary about Philly kids working hard for cooking scholarships. Beautifully done. 4/5

Pressure Cooker on Netlfix

The Housemaid

This South Korean melodrama is gorgeously shot but slow & largely uneventful. Good but a bit disappointing. 3.5/5

The Housemaid on Netflix

Red White & Blue

I love how this film is both dark & explosively violent while still being understated & low-key. Brilliant. 4/5

Red White & Blue on Netflix

Ceremony

Wow... another romcom about rotten people behaving badly? Haven't we had enough of these? I know I have! 2/5

Ceremony on Netflix

The Celebration

This is a powerfully affecting & disturbing film - it really makes your think about family dynamics. Well done. 4/5

The Celebration on Netflix

Easy Rider

Oh, wow... I hated this so so much I actually turned it off. And I sat through "Antichrist" & "The Brown Bunny"! Awful. 1/5

Easy Rider on Netflix

Flipped

This is an absolutely sweet, charming & unexpected little rom-com in the vein of Little Manhattan. Refreshingly sweet. 4/5

Flipped on Netflix

In Her Skin

Ruth Bradley is beyond brilliant in this dark, gripping, & tragic Australian psych thriller. Chilling to the bone. 4/5

In Her Skin on Netflix

Valkyrie

This is a surprisingly superlative movie with a riveting plot & wonderful acting. I didn't think I would like it so much. 4/5

Valkyrie on Netflix

51 Birch Street

This film surprised me with its power & honesty. It wasn't what I expected - it was more. Very impressive. 4/5

51 Birch Street on Netflix

2:37

This is a wonderful, powerful, riveting film that grabbed me & held me straight through. Brilliant plot & acting... wow. 5/5

2:37 on Netflix

The Killing Jar

This psych thriller is muddy, plodding, dull & predictable - the only decent thing in it is Perrineau. Too bad. 2/5

The Killing Jar on Netflix

To Kill A Mockingbird

It's a rare film that can combine an innocent childhood story & a powerful morality tale. Brilliant. 5/5

To Kill A Mockingbird on Netflix

Fear Me Not

This clumsy Danish thriller had a good idea but mangled it with poor execution and a terrible ending. Too bad. 2.5/5

Fear Me Not on Netflix

Another Year

This quiet, interesting little English slice-of-life drama has a unsuspecting star & moving performances. 3.5/5

Another Year on Netflix

I Like Killing Flies

I can't decide if I want to eat here or would NEVER EVER eat here. Odd & quirky film & restaurant. 2.5/5

I Like Killing Flies on Netflix

Like Dandelion Dust

A solid, moving film about adoption with tremendous performances from Sorvino & Pepper. Makes you think. 3.5/5

Like Dandelion Dust on Netflix

Helvetica

You wouldn't believe a documentary about a typeface would be so interesting, but it really is. Intriguing film. 3/5

Helvetica on Netflix

Clash of the Titans (2010)

Worthington, Fiennes & the Kraken alone make the changes worthwhile IMHO. I actually liked this. 3/5

Clash of the Titans on Netflix

Amercian Teen

An incredibly thorough & well thought out documentary about teenage life with an interesting & relatable cast. 3.5/5

American Teen on Netflix

How Do You Know

The characters are so unrelatable that I never cared about them or this film. It's decently acted, that's all. 2/5

How Do You Know on Netflix

Mao's Last Dancer

This is a wonderfully triumphant film with amazing dancing - perhaps most wondrous is its a true story. 4.5/5

Mao's Last Dancer on Netflix

Passion Play

This film is utterly stupid & horridly directed. How did I even end up renting this? Really really not good. 1.5/5

Passion Play on Netflix

The Seventh Seal

This is, of course, utterly sublime. How could it be anything but? Not his best or most profound IMHO though. 5/5

The Seventh Seal on Netflix

Billy The Kid

This is an odd duck of a documentary. What's going on? Why this kid? Very cringe-worthy in not the right way. 2.5/5

Billy The Kid on Netflix

La Vie En Rose

Cotillard was truly magnificent but the ever-jumping plot left me discombobulated & unconnected. 3.5/5

La Vie En Rose on Netflix

Burning Palms

This is a dark, black, biting & disturbing "comedy" that straddles the line between interesting & repelling. I really don't know what to make of this one. 3/5

Burning Palms on Netflix

It Happened One Night

What can I say? Marvelous. Funny. Smart. Romantic. Brilliant. Amazing. No wonder it swept the Oscars! 5/5

It Happened One Night on Netflix

The Green Butchers

This black comedy is more black than funny with great acting from the lead duo. Quick & smart. 3.5/5

The Green Butchers on Netflix

Charlie St. Cloud

This is sweet in a Nick Sparks kind of way but it lacked the emotional depth it really needed to sell it. 3/5

Charlie St. Cloud on Netflix

Happy Valley

This is a searing, devastating yet ultimately redemptive portrait of drug addiction in Utah. Very powerful. 4.5/5

Happy Valley on Netflix

The Constant Gardener

Once this sluggish & preachy thriller got going it was quite gripping - before that, not so much. 3/5

The Constant Gardener on Netflix

City Lights

Although I personally preferred "The Kid", this sweet & wondrous romcom by Chaplin made me laugh & cry. Loved it. 5/5

City Lights on Netflix

The Joneses

This is an entertaining premise that's well-acted & executed. I just wish they had gone deeper & been braver. 3/5

The Joneses on Netflix

All Good Things

Only the brilliant acting of Gosling The Great saves this plodding & predictable movie from mediocrity. 3/5

All Good Things on Netflix

Kings of Pastry

Never in my life have I seen such amazing & artistic food. This film is a revelation into the pastry industry. I challenge any mortal to watch this & not be ridiculously, ravenously hungry. I could eat my arm right about now! *drool* 4/5

Kings of Pastry on Netflix

Bonnie and Clyde

Beatty & Dunaway were just perfect in this stylish & yet funny classic drama. Outstanding film. 4.5/5

Bonnie and Clyde on Netflix

Date Night

I really wanted to hate this but I swear I actually LOLed through the whole thing. Carrell & Fey are hilarious. 3.5/5

Date Night on Netflix

Predators

This was way better than I suspected & a more worthy sequel than Predators 2. Brody was convincing - well done. 4/5

Predators on Netflix

The Baader Meinhof Complex

This powerful, emotional film unflinchingly follows the birth of the RAF. Devastating & brilliant. 5/5

The Baader Meinhof Complex on Netflix

Blue Valentine

Williams is fantastic but Gosling is BRILLIANT in this slow & heart-wrenching film about a crumbling marriage. 4/5

Blue Valentine on Netflix

The Amateurs

This is a funny, stylish comedy, but I have to say, with this cast I expected even better. Good, not great. 3.5/5

The Amateurs on Netflix

Nowhere Boy

This biopic about the formative years of Lennon is smartly done & well acted by all, especially Aaron Johnson. 3.5/5

Nowhere Boy on Netflix

Passion of Anna

This may well be the first truly meta-film, but sadly it isn't very good. Amazing acting, weak script. 2.5/5

Passion of Anna on Netflix

Brother's Keeper

The only word for this film is riveting. Utterly fascinating documentary about rural NY. Just amazing. 4/5

Brother's Keeper on Netflix

Noise

Ugh - how did such an interesting idea get tortured & mangled so badly? It gets a star for the concept, that's all. 2/5

Noise on Netflix

The Children Are Watching Us

This is really haunting - a powerful, rich story about what children can see. Darkly poetic. 4.5/5

The Children Are Watching Us on Netflix

Casino Jack

Spacey is spectacular as Jack Abramoff in this fascinating & stylish (if fictionalized) portrait. Well done. 4/5

Casino Jack on Netflix

The Fighter

Leo was brilliant. Bale was TRANSCENDENT. Wahlberg was flat & lilfeless & took the movie down a notch or two. 3.5/5

The Fighter on Netflix

The Last Picture Show

A completely brilliant film with so many dark & subtle undertones. Very powerful & poignant - loved it. 5/5

The Last Picture Show on Netflix

The Wedding Planner

This surprised me. It was sweet, thoughtful, & people were actually honorable. I found it endearing. 3/5

The Wedding Planner on Netflix

Breakfast at Tiffany's

This is utterly charming & endearing, but somehow I just couldn't really connect with it. 3.5/5

Breakfast at Tiffany's on Netflix

Million Dollar Baby

This is just a spectacular film - perfectly acted, directed & written. Poignant, heartfelt, inspirational. 5/5

Million Dollar Baby on Netflix

It Was A Wonderful Life

This documentary about the hidden homeless is very haunting, albeit a bit preachy. So tragic! 3/5

It Was A Wonderful Life on Netflix

The Switch

I know, sue me, but I actually really liked this, especially Thomas Robinson as the son. Sweet & charming. 4/5

The Switch on Netflix

Persona

Bergman did this so much better in The Silence - the hallucination sequences ruin the plot's flow. Disappointing. On the other hand, this *is* the 1st Bergman I've rated under 3 stars, so that's really saying something, huh? ;) 2.5/5

Persona on Netflix

The Tourist

Ridiculously predictable & Depp is so boring I nearly fell asleep. When did Johnny get so dreary? Ugh. 2/5

The Tourist on Netflix

I Love You Phillip Morris

This is Jim Carrey's bravest & most brilliant performance to date - amazing script, amazing film. 5/5

I Love You Phillip Morris on Netflix

The King's Speech

What an immensely wonderful & inspiring film, with perfectly tuned acting by Firth & Rush at that. Splendid. 5/5

The King's Speech on Netflix

Watership Down

This is an amazingly powerful albeit tremendously disturbing film. Very profound & affecting - brilliant. 5/5

Watership Down on Netflix

Rabbit Hole

I believed Eckhart. I didn't believe Kidman - therefore, this suffered. Surprisingly average - I expected more. 3/5

Rabbit Hole on Netflix

Bob the Butler

I *REALLY* thought I would hate this, but it's surprisingly funny, charming & sweet, albeit predictable. 3/5

Bob the Butler on Netflix

The Magician

Though lushly directed & beautifully acted, Bergman lost the plot with too many metaphors in this early film. 3.5/5

The Magician on Netflix

Heckler

This documentary, while making the mistake of lumping heckling & critiquing together, still is quite funny & on point. 3/5

Heckler on Netflix

The Interview

This well-acted psych thriller has an endlessly twisting & intriguing plot but also an unsatisfying ending. 3.5/5

The Interview on Netflix

The Bicycle Thief

This powerful film chronicles the poverty & despair in post-war Italy. Desperate, emotional, & tragic. 4/5

The Bicycle Thief on Netflix

Away From Her

Sarah Polley writes & directs an emotional tale about Alzheimer's - Julie Christie is astonishing. Well done. 3.5/5

Away From Her on Netflix

To Sir, With Love

This is an incredibly touching film but its lack of realism started to get to me. It didn't do it for me. 3/5

To Sir, With Love on Netflix

Unstoppable

Tony Scott does it yet again with this thoroughly engaging action thriller. Well shot & acted - engrossing. 4/5

Unstoppable on Netflix

Wild Target

This was a perfectly good comedic action flick, but with this cast it should have been stellar. Just okay for me. 3/5

Wild Target on Netflix

Heartbreaker

Funny? Sure. Charming? Maybe. Endearing? Nope. Just more people behaving badly to each other. Don't get it. 3/5

Heartbreaker on Netflix

Aileen: Life & Death of a Serial Killer

This second documentary by Broomfield is very subjective but still fascinating. 3.5/5

Aileen: Life & Death of a Serial Killer on Netflix

Autumn Sonata

Jesus that was just gutting to watch! Powerfully tragic - some of the best acting I've ever seen. Brilliant. 5/5

Autumn Sonata on Netflix

Heartlands

Michael Sheen & Ruth Jones are brilliant in this utterly charming drama about finding yourself. Lovely. 3.5/5

Heartlands on Netflix

Talhotblond

This documentary about an Internet love triangle gone horribly wrong is very powerful & affecting - well done. 4.5/5

Talhotblond on Netflix

Made in Dagenham

This wonderfully acted drama sheds light on the equal pay movement in Britain in '68. Well done. 3.5/5

Made in Dagenham on Netflix

The Virgin Spring

This rich, dark, poignant film is absolutely stunning & brilliantly directed. I'm just blown away by this. Who knew that "Last House on the Left" was Bergman's first? And WAAAY better, I might add? So profound - I still have chills. 5/5

The Virgin Spring by Netflix

A Marine Story

A thoroughly heartfelt & sensitive portrait of what hopefully will never be again in the military. Well done. 3.5/5

A Marine Story on Netflix

Love and Other Drugs

What's this? A rom-com that's funny & sweet with likable characters who don't hurt each other? Amazing! 4/5

Love and Other Drugs on Netflix

Capturing the Friedmans

This is a gut-wrenching film that really challenges you to examine the heinous & search for the truth. 4/5

Capturing the Friedmans on Netflix

Burlesque

Xtina may sing like a bird but she can't act for shit in this soupy Cabaret wannabe musical. Weak sauce. 2/5

Burlesque on Netflix

127 Hours

Franco NAILED this but Boyle never trusted him to carry the story. Too many distractions, not enough intensity. Shame. 3/5

EDITED TO ADD: First problem - I never once felt claustrophobic. I never felt trapped, unsafe, or fearful for Aron. Boyle took the viewer out of the horror of the situation with too damn many flashbacks, memories, dreams, hallucinations and the like. I never got to settle into Aron's fear or pain or doubt. With Franco acting as well as he was this was a HUGE mistake.

Second problem - why did Franco look perfectly groomed after 127 hours in a canyon? You mean to tell me Aron didn't grow facial hair, get dirty, ungroomed, or bloody? You can't tell me that because I've seen Aron's footage and he looked horrible. Why didn't Boyle think to incorporate this? That's just lazy.

Third problem - seriously... why not show us the arm? It's bad enough Boyle turned his lens from the cutting, but we never get to see the stump? Huh? Again, the movie loses its realism with decisions like this.

This would have been a vastly better movie is Boyle had studied why "Cast Away" worked so well and done that. This? Doesn't work. *sigh*

127 Hours on Netflix

Cries and Whispers

This astonishing Bergman classic is understated, subtle, poignant & beautiful with stellar acting. 4.5/5

Cries and Whispers on Netflix

Due Date

Wow this was bad. I mean really, really so not good. Why did RDJ take this role? I've no idea. Save yourselves - don't watch this. 1.5/5

Due Date on Netflix

Fish Tank

This is a surprising gem of an indie coming-of-age film - poignant, understated, dark & subtle. Well done. 4/5

Fish Tank on Netflix

Conviction

This is an utterly heartwarming story about a sister trying to exonerate her brother - moving & wonderfully acted. 4/5

Conviction on Netflix

9/11

Devastating to watch, powerful, tragic, moving, & totally heartfelt - these men are true heroes in every way. Amazing. 5/5

9/11 on Netflix

Everything Strange and New

Plodding, slow, mediocre acting, sloppy direction - this really could have been so much better. Sad. 2/5

Everything Strange and New on Netflix

Wild Strawberries

I didn't find this as profound as the Faith Trilogy but it was gorgeous & made me think. Very lovely. 3.5/5

Wild Strawberries on Netflix

Surrogates

This sci-fi thriller is a decent, interesting popcorn flick that had the promise of substance but never delivered. 3/5

Surrogates on Netflix

Trekkies 2

This sequel doesn't have the same charm & humor as the original but is still quite cool. Gabriel still rules though. ;) 3/5

Trekkies 2 on Netflix

'night Mother

Spacek & Bancroft are magnificent in this tragic film about suicidality. It grabs you & doesn't let go - dark. 3.5/5

'night Mother on Netflix

Stomp Live

HOLY F'N SHIT that was AWESOME! I've always wanted to see this show - it didn't disappoint! WOW! 5/5

Stomp Live on Netflix

The Next Three Days

Paul Haggis knocks this out of the park - fantastic writing, slick direction, great acting. Well done! 4.5/5

The Next Three Days on Netflix

Sling & Arrows Season 1

Wonderfully perfect Canadian series about people who love Shakespeare. Paul Gross is _so_ very good in this.

Whoops. Forgot the stars. Five stars. Six, even. I rank this up there with the UK Office, it's that good. And that was only season one!

More: Why isn't Paul Gross a bigger star? Seriously. He's so good in this it's ridiculous. It;s the kind of performance that could make you want to chuck your life and go try to be an actor just so maybe someday you get to be 1/5th as good in something.

Slings and Arrows Season One at Netflix

The Silence

Even Bergman's weakest of his faith trilogy is better than most's best. Strange, symbolic, & enlightening. 4.5/5

The Silence on Netflix

We Live In Public

Fascinating but weird documentary about the rise and fall of Internet pioneer Josh Harris - so strange! 3/5

We Live In Public on Netflix

The Waiting Room

This had some "Aw!" moments, but the relationships were convoluted & I couldn't seem to care about them. - 2.5/5

The Waiting Room on Netflix

Winter's Bone

This wonderful Southern noir film features a haunting performance by Jennifer Lawrence - simply stunning. 4.5/5

Winter's Bone on Netflix

The Accountant

Out of the 4 McKinnon/Goggins/Blount films, this is the funniest & sharpest - it deserved the Oscar. 4.5/5

The Accountant on Netflix

ADDED: In case anyone cares, the four collaborations McKinnon, Goggins & Blount have done are "The Accountant", "Chrystal", "Randy and the Mob", and "That Evening Sun". As a film, "That Evening Sun" is my favorite of the 4, but this is damn close & really biting. Good stuff.

Faster

This action flick has 3 things going for it - stellar acting, Mansell's great score & Tillman's outstanding direction. I'm honestly surprised as how much I liked this. Honestly... pretty damn good. 4/5

Faster on Netflix

Trapped

Solid acting across the board & an unpredictable script kept me interested & guessing in this twisty thriller. 3.5/5

Trapped on Netflix

On The Waterfront

Brando was magnificent, everyone else not so much. This was too hamfisted for me - it needed more subtlety. 3.5/5

On The Waterfront on Netflix

The Yellow Handkerchief

Finely acted, this romantic drama has a fetching plot that's interesting despite being predictable. 3.5/5

The Yellow Handkerchief on Netflix

Winter Light

So perfect a portrait of bleakness & isolation was never so passionately & profoundly made. Utterly amazing. Honestly... what can one say about Bergman save for praise? This is masterful film-making & it hits you right in the soul. Wow. 5/5

Winter Light on Netflix

Salt

Yes, it's a decent popcorn flick but I've certainly seen better and it's entirely too predictable. Okay, but barely. 2.5/5

Salt on Netflix

Randy and the Mob

This quirky, funny movie has great acting by McKinnon & Goggins but never rises above just average. 3/5

Randy and the Mob on Netflix

Open Your Eyes

While the 2 films are eerily similar, "Vanilla Sky"'s superior acting & direction beats this Spanish original. 3.5/5

Open Your Eyes on Netflix

Women Without Men

Magical realism at its best, this hallucinogenic film is tragic, powerful, & profound. Darkly beautiful. 4/5

Women Without Men on Netflix

Never Let Me Go

Perhaps the most un-science fiction science fiction movie ever, this perfectly casted and haunting drama perfectly captured the book. 4/5

Never Let Me Go on Netflix

61*

Billy's Crystal's film about the '61 home run chase was lovingly filmed & written - very heartfelt & charming. Well done. 4/5

61* on Netflix

City Island

This started off slowly & wasn't catching my interest but by the end had turned into a rather charming comedy. 3.5/5

City Island on Netflix

Through a Glass Darkly

I can't get the Yeats quote "a terrible beauty is born" out of my head. This was my first Bergman - it won't be my last. If ever a movie deserved this title masterpiece this is it. Sheer perfection on every level imaginable. 5/5

Through a Glass Darkly on Netflix

Get Low

Despite the genius casting of Duvall & Murray the plot of this odd flick never got going. Middle of the road for me. 3/5

Get Low on Netflix

Stevie

A dark, tragic, terrifying and yet magnificently told documentary. I don't know what the truth is but yet I want to weep. 4.5/5

Stevie on Netflix

Tamara Drewe

Frears latest is a saucy rom-com that sees a wonderful performance by Tamsin Greig - the acting makes this work. 3.5/5

Tamara Drewe on Netflix

Multiple Sarcasms

This movie suffers because it doesn't know what it is. Drama? Comedy? Serious? Silly? I neither know or care. 2/5

Multiple Sarcasms on Netflix

A Woman, A Gun & A Noodle Shop

This Chinese remake of "Blood Simple" has all the grit & wit of the original with even more style. For those wondering, you don't need to have seen "Blood Simple" to watch this - it stands alone. A real winner. 4/5

A Woman, A Gun & A Noodle Shop on Netflix

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not

Tautou is brilliant in this dark tale of a love affair gone horribly wrong. Like the adage says - just because he says he's leaving her doesn't mean he really will. So brilliant - loved it. Amazing plot, genius. 5/5

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not on Netflix

Hachi: A Dog's Tale

Yes, it's sappy & silly. Yes, I cried like a baby. What of it? So sue me - it was good. Get off my lawn. 4/5

Hachi: A Dog's Tale on Netflix

Conspiracy

This film about the meeting that decided the Final Solution is tragically horrifying, albeit a bit perfunctory. 3.5/5

Conspiracy on Netflix

Don't Look Back

This is a mind-fuck of a film - wonderfully written & eerily shot. Creepy as hell & ultimately fascinating. 4/5

ADDED: It seems on Netflix a lot of people got confused about the ending. Just pay attention - it all reveals itself. Is it convoluted? Sure. Is it a sound, well-thought out ending? Absolutely. The special effects are done perfectly - follow the train of those and you'll see everything clearly.

Don't Look Back on Netflix

Bruno

Wow - "Borat" this ain't. There was a little funny here, but honestly I found most of it either banal or offensive. Boo. 1.5/5

Bruno on Netflix

The Chocolate War

A young Adam Baldwin helps make this quintessential 80's film funny, dark & classic. Good stuff. 3.5/5

The Chocolate War on Netflix

Cairo Time

Nothing ever happens in this slow-as-molasses "Lost In Translation" style romance, but it gets a star for the end. 2/5

Cairo Time on Netflix

Pierrepoint: The Last Hangman

Timothy Spall gives a nuanced performance in this biopic about Albert Pierrepoint. Well done. 4/5

Pierrepoint: The Last Hangman on Netflix

Just Another Love Story

This exquisitely directed & powerfully written Danish film is anything but another story. Brilliant. 4.5/5

Just Another Love Story on Netflix

Welcome to the Rileys

Leo & Stewart were great, but the story just rubbed me the wrong way - it wasn't honest or genuine. 3/5

Welcome to the Rileys on Netflix

Machete

OMG FUN & RIDICULOUS. Did you love the 2nd half of From Dusk Til Dawn? Then watch Machete. Complaint: not enough naked Lohan

Machete at Netflix

Panic

A somewhat interesting script got further bogged down by surprisingly mediocre acting. I'm disappointed - just average. 3/5

Panic on Netflix

Cyrus

This is a REALLY smartly written dramedy that lets Reilly & Tomei shine. Expertly handled - it worked wonderfully. 4/5

Cyrus on Netflix

The Disappearance of Alice Creed

This smartly styled British thriller keeps you guessing straight through - well done. 4/5

The Disappearance of Alice Creed on Netflix

The Killing Room

The only "twisty" thing in this very predictable thriller was the very end. Only thing I didn't predict. Meh. 2/5

The Killing Room on Netflix

The King of Masks

This Chinese drama about love and family is poignant & highly emotional. Really beautifully done, loved it. 4/5

The King of Masks on Netflix

Lovely, Still

Landau & Burstyn are magnificent in this beautiful, magical, dark & devastating film. I wept like it was WALL-E. Seriously... watch this film. The performances are off the charts & it's so powerful & emotional. I'm *still* crying. Damn. 5/5

Lovely, Still, on Netflix

Catfish

This film is topical & devastating & brilliant - it should remind us all that not everything is how it seems. Wow. I want to say more about this amazing film but I can't for fear of spoiling it. Just watch it. 4.5/5

Catfish on Netflix

Hugo Pool

This movie was so atrociously awful I actually turned it off. I can't believe how awful this was, truly. 1/5

ADDED: When Malcolm McDowell shot his hand-puppet up with a syringe of "Rang Dang Dooey" I just had to shut it off. I mean... REALLY. With this cast to see such horrific acting... I have no words.

Hugo Pool on Netflix

Red

This is a totally fun, well acted & even decently scripted action flick. Good popcorn film with a REALLY great cast. 4/5

Red on Netflix

Exit Through The Gift Shop

Quirky? Innovative? Possibly brilliant? Sure. But is it really a documentary? I can't say. I'll say this - it sure does make you think. Oh, and Banksy *IS* an artist. IMHO anyways. 3.5/5

Exit Through The Gift Shop on Netflix

Resident Evil: Afterlife

I know not to expect much from a ResEvil joint, but fuck me that was terrible. 2 stars, begrudgingly

Followup: The ONLY reason it gets 2 stars is Milla and Ali are frigging awesome and I'd watch them read the paper. In my imagination, they are sitting on chairs with spiked legs, reading a newspaper while bouncing up and down. The spikes on the chair legs are digging deep into Paul W.S. Anderson's flesh with every bounce.

And they're naked. But I mean, of course they are. And it's raining. Wait, newspapers? No. Weatherproof field manuals for the weapons leaning against the small stone wall behind them.

I'll stop now.

Resident Evil: Afterlife at Netflix

Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll

Inspired acting by Andy Serkis is disjointed & confusing in this quirky biopic about Ian Dury. 2.5/5

Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll on Netflix

Alarm

Some movies don't need a final resolution to complete them. This movie was in dire need of one & didn't get it. Shame. 2/5

Alarm on Netflix

Twelve

Kiefer Sutherland's rich narration is what really makes Schumacher's teen-drug-angst film stand out - wonderfully acted & written. Seriously, the prose is lush, the stuff Bret Easton Ellis fancies that he writes but doesn't. Good stuff. 4/5

Twelve on Netflix

$5 A Day

A sweet enough story but the relationships between the characters never really gelled for me. Just average. 3/5

$5 A Day on Netflix

Paper Man

This poignant drama starts out slowly & subtly but builds to equal parts loveliness & heartbreak. Special shout-out to Ryan Reynolds who, as Captain Excellent, really made this work. Beautifully done. 4/5

Paper Man on Netflix

I Sell The Dead

Quirky little UK movie about Victorian grave robbers who graduate from the dead to the undead. Fun & odd. 4 stars

The Last Days

This documentary about 5 Jews who survived the Holocaust is just heart-wrenching. Devastating to watch. 3.5/5

The Last Days on Netflix

Lebanon

The "Das Boot" of tank movies, this innovative war drama is dark, grizzly, claustrophobic & brilliant. 4.5/5

Lebanon on Netflix

Stone

Edward Norton & Milla Jovovich are outstanding in this subtle psych thriller about guilt, innocence and spirituality. Intriguing. 3.5/5

Stone on Netflix

Jack Goes Boating

NOT your typical rom-com! This is real, dark, & heartfelt - a very "Only The Lonely" vibe. PSH's direction was subtle and beautiful. Well done - this surprised me. 4/5

Jack Goes Boating on Netflix

Death Rides A Horse

Revenge, redemption, peace. Less silly than most spaghettis. Horrid DVD transfer, Van Cleef was great. 3.5 stars

Follow-up: This movie is now public domain, and who knows why Netflix has this dismal pan & scan hacked up fuzzfest of a version when we know MGM has a well-preserved widescreen version they sell in the UK. I'm assuming this DVD was made from a VHS made from God knows what, but seemingly a Youtube video. Interestingly, the horrible quality did not diminish Lee Van Cleef's ability to capture your eye and make you believe him. That guy had it.

The Messenger

A wonderfully crafted & beautifully acted film about the pain of loss & grief from all sides. It's rare to see a film paint such a magnificent portrait of the armed forces. This is such a film. Humbling and emotional.

The Messenger on Netflix

Rashomon

It was a great idea, but I found the execution of it so faulty & awkward that this film failed on nearly all levels. 2/5

Rashomon on Netflix

It's All Gone Pete Tong

Paul Kaye is astounding in this mockmentary of the fall, rise, & demise of DJ Frankie Wilde. FWIW, I totally believed this while I was watching it - even Wiki has it wrong. Amazing & truly brilliantly acted. 4.5/5

It's All Gone Pete Tong on Netflix

Sunset Boulevard

I really enjoyed the writing & the direction of this, but the melodrama was a bit overwhelming to me. 3.5/5

Sunset Boulevard on Netflix

The Incredibles

Seriously, has Pixar ever missed? This was funny, exciting, & heartwarming. Another winner - excellent. 5/5

The Incredibles on Netflix