Wednesday, August 31, 2011

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

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Choking Man

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

Choking Man on Netflix

Friday, August 26, 2011

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

Thursday, August 25, 2011

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

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

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

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Monday, August 22, 2011

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

Sunday, August 21, 2011

The Lives of Others

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

The Lives of Others on Netflix

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Friday, August 19, 2011

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

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Marwencol

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

Marwencol on Netflix

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

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

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

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

Monday, August 15, 2011

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Friday, August 12, 2011

Thursday, August 11, 2011

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

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

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

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

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

Monday, August 8, 2011

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

Sunday, August 7, 2011

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

Saturday, August 6, 2011

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

Friday, August 5, 2011

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

Thursday, August 4, 2011

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

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Exporting Raymond

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

Exporting Raymond on Netflix

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Picture Bride

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

Picture Bride on Netflix

Monday, August 1, 2011

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