Sunday, July 31, 2011

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

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Biutiful

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

Biutiful on Netflix

Friday, July 29, 2011

Waiting for "Superman"

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

Waiting for "Superman" on Netflix

Thursday, July 28, 2011

We Are What We Are

Y'know, they just don't make great movies about cannibals anymore. Undeveloped & disLinkappointing. 2.5/5
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We Are What We Are on Netflix

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

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

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Leaving

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

Leaving on Netflix

Monday, July 25, 2011

Cracks

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

Cracks on Netflix

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Longford

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

Longford on Netflix

Friday, July 22, 2011

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

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

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

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Monday, July 18, 2011

Blackout

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

Blackout on Netflix

Sunday, July 17, 2011

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

Saturday, July 16, 2011

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

Friday, July 15, 2011

One Week

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

One Week on Netflix

Thursday, July 14, 2011

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

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

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

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

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

Monday, July 11, 2011

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

Sunday, July 10, 2011

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

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Fear Strikes Out

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

Fear Strikes Out on Netflix

Friday, July 8, 2011

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

Thursday, July 7, 2011

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

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

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

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Monday, July 4, 2011

Salesman

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

Salesman on Netflix

Saturday, July 2, 2011

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

Friday, July 1, 2011

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