Happy People: A Year in the Taiga

A very average documentary by Herzog - interesting but lacking in his usual insights. 3/5

Happy People: A Year in the Taiga on Netflix

Django Unchained

The marvelous acting barely makes up for the indulgence & arduous length of this gratuitous action flick. Will someone get Quentin an editor already? That was three movies crammed into one. So frustrating to watch. The acting was fabulous though, I have to say that. Everyone in the cast was amazing, which is why it even has 3 stars. 3/5

Django Unchained on Netflix

I Hate Valentine's Day

This was so abysmally bad I had to fast-forward through the end. So awful on so many levels. 1.5/5

I Hate Valentine's Day on Netflix

Inside Deep Throat

This fascinating documentary tells the tale of Deep Throat from all sides judging no one. Well done. 4.5/5

Inside Deep Throat on Netflix

The Awakening

This psych thriller is both stylish & smart - I guessed only a small bit of it. Wonderfully acted as well. 4/5

The Awakening on Netflix

Potiche

This french comedy is light and charming but I couldn't get behind any of the characters. Disappointingly average. 3/5

Potiche on Netflix

Life of Pi

I just couldn't get sucked into this - only in the last few minutes did I truly start to believe. Average for me. 3/5

Life of Pi on Netflix

First Snow

Guy Pierce is fantastic in  this compelling thriller that only needed a stronger end to really satisfy. Well done. 3.5/5

First Snow on Netflix

28 Hotel Rooms

This surprised me - a captivating, well-orchestrated film that passes no judgment on its characters. Lovely. 4/5

28 Hotel Rooms on Netflix

Declaration of War

It's a poignant story but strange editing & structure choices left it hard to connect to. Too bad. 3/5

Declaration of War on Netflix

Take Me Home

This lovely indie rom-com sets just the right tone, has wonderful characters & excellent acting. Bravo. 4/5

Take Me Home on Netflix

Game Over: Kasparov & The Machine

The subject matter is fascinating but the execution sloppy in this intriguing documentary. 3/5

Game Over: Kasparov & The Machine on Netflix

17 Girls

This true story is compelling as it never judges or condemns these girls for their actions - well balanced. 3.5/5

17 Girls on Netflix

Lay the Favorite

This comedy based on a true story is funny & entertaining but certainly not deep - a good popcorn flick. 3/5

Lay the Favorite on Netflix

Goodbye First Love

This started out so tenderly & poignantly but ended with just people behaving badly. I'm torn on this. 3/5

Goodbye First Love on Netflix

A Royal Affair

This period drama is  very poignantly acted & exceptionally directed - I found it quite moving & romantic. 4/5

A Royal Affair on Netflix

Put the Camera on Me

This documentary is violent, disturbing, sexual, mature, daring & insightful & all done by kids. WOW. 4.5/5

Put the Camera on Me on Netflix

Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry

Passionate, inspiring & uplifting, this documentary about Ai Weiwei is just phenomenal. Wonderful. 4.5/5

Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry on Netflix

For Ellen

Paul Dano is divine in this heart-breaking indie drama that totally captured me from minute one. Perfectly done. Seriously, why isn't Paul Dano a MUCH bigger star? The last 3 things I've seen he was transcendent - he needs to get more love. 4/5

For Ellen on Netflix

Teddy Bear

Matthiesen created a thoughtful, provoking & intricate portrayal of different kinds of love in this tender film. 3.5/5

Teddy Bear on Netflix

John Dies at the End

This bizarre sci-fi horror film is strangely engaging & compelling - I predict it going cult. 3.5/5

John Dies at the End on Netflix

Hello I Must Be Going

Melanie Lynskey & Blythe Danner are powerhouses in this moving romantic dramedy - very touching. 3.5/5

Hello I Must Be Going on Netflix

The Comedy

If this film had just 5 minutes of exposition it would be a 4 star film - the plot is just too vague to make sense. It makes me angry actually - this was a potentially awesome & dark film. It reminded me of Shotgun Stories - no exposition. Bah. 2/5

The Comedy on Netflix

Bug

Judd & Shannon are exceptional in this claustrophobic thriller that will have me scratching endlessly tonight. 3.5/5

Bug on Netflix

Take Out

This thriller fails because I never felt fear or anxiousness for or about the main character - boring as well. 2/5

Take Out on Netflix

Liberal Arts

This rom-com is slightly more savvy than I expected but still more on the trite side - Radnor has better in him. 3/5

Liberal Arts on Netflix