The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

I'm normally not a Guy Ritchie fan, but I found myself really enjoying this. It was smart, stylish, well acted, extremely well directed, and the plot was engaging throughout. This was a nice surprise for me. 4/5

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. on Netflix

CSA: Confederate States of America

This work of historical fiction was profoundly affecting to me. Presented as a British documentary airing on CSA TV, it recounts the history of the Confederate States of America after the South won the Civil War. Included as part of the "program" are regular ads for products and shows that will turn your stomach they are so racist. The story is compelling and the message utterly fascinating and repelling. What perhaps shocked me the most was the addendum to the movie, which identified which of the ads and historical facts were actually based in fact. Amazing, and done clearly on a very low budget, this is one movie you will not soon forget. 5/5

CSA: Confederate States on America on Netflix

Max

While not the most believable of films, with average acting at best, this is a film that tugs the heartstrings. Sweet. 3/5

Max on Netflix

Code Black

This look at the LA County ER is fascinating & informative, no matter what you're position on the ACA. Well done. 4/5

Code Black on Netflix

Happy Valley

This documentary about the Penn State scandal gives a good but biased account of events - more was needed. 3/5

Happy Valley on Netflix

The Girl Next Door (2007)

The only thing more horrifying than this film is the true story upon which it is based. So brutal. 3/5

The Girl Next Door on Netflix

The End of the Tour

Rock solid performances by Eisenberg & Segel make this talkative drama engaging & thought-provoking. 4/5

The End of the Tour on Netflix

Antarctica: A Year on Ice

This documentary is gorgeously shot and edited and shows the true natural beauty of this land. 4.5/5

Antarctica: A Year on Ice on Netflix

Slow West

This new Western is beautifully lensed but a bit short on content & consistency. Solid acting & good pacing. 3/5

Slow West on Netflix

Felicia's Journey

I found this far less polished & coherent than other Egoyan films, and I found the ending unbelievable. 2.5/5

Felicia's Journey on Netflix

Seven Days

This French language thriller is well shot and uses very little dialogue, but it needs none. Brutally affecting. 3.5/5

Seven Days on Netflix

Mitt

I have always felt that Mitt Romney was a good and decent man, and watching this documentary proved that for me. One of the more insightful moments was watching the Secret Service members say goodbye and realizing they all had genuine affection for him. That, to me, says a lot. A good portrait of the man behind the name. 4/5

Mitt on Netflix

Finders Keepers

This documentary is utterly fascinating & told in a non-judgmental way - kudos to the director for that. 4/5

Finders Keepers on Netflix

Pitch Perfect 2

This has none of the wit & charm of the first film, terribly cliched. The singing is good, but nothing else is. 2/5

Pitch Perfect 2 on Netflix

Whitewash

Nothing about this movie made any damn sense, especially not any of the main characters decisions. Bah. 1.5/5

Whitewash on Netflix

Mississippi Grind

Reynolds & Mendelsohn give tour-de-force performances in this gritty drama, just spectacular. Loved it. 4.5/5

Mississippi Grind on Netflix

Trainwreck

In many ways this dark-edged comedy is a big step forward for Apatow. I feel Apatow has been treading water for a time and tends to fall back too frequently on his raunchier words rather than relying on his actors to deliver the complex, dark, and yet wickedly funny adult stories he's so good at telling. I like Apatow best when he's dealing with real adults having real problems which can take absurd or raunchy turns. I feel as if he sat down and watched some of the more daring and successful black comedies of like like "Problem Child" and "The Skeleton Twins" before he made this, and I thought the realness matched the adult nature of the comedy well. On another note, this was my first experience with Amy Schumer, and I enjoyed her work immensely. However, the funniest thing in this whole film was John Cena. That.... that was pure comedic gold. All in all, great work from Apatow and Schumer. 4/5

Trainwreck on Netflix

Dark Places

The plot of this psych thriller is well-told & kept me engaged throughout, very solid acting as well. 3.5/5

Dark Places on Netflix

Dope

This is almost a black "How I Got Into College" - very witty & engaging with great acting & a solid plot. I enjoyed this. 4/5

Dope on Netflix

Paper Towns

This coming-of-age dramedy has style & wit but lacks a bit in the realism department. Solid acting, wobbly plot. 3/5

Paper Towns on Netflix

Inside Out

After this movie came out I had a stream of friends approach me and tell me I had to watch this film, and that I would adore it. As only a lukewarm fan of animated films, I was a bit dubious. But now, now I get it, totally and completely. This is a very important film, perhaps the most important film I've seen in a long while. It addresses depression and mental illness in a completely stigma-free way and allows for a discussion of emotions that everyone should have. Perhaps most vitally, it's done in a way that even young children can understand and relate to. This film should be required viewing for anyone over the age of ten, and I hope there is an endless stream of families that will sit down, watch this, and discuss it together. Absolute perfection. 5/5

Inside Out on Netflix

Amy

Gutwrenching & bone-chilling, and yet so beautiful. Watching the life of Amy Winehouse through this lens is amazing. This is definitely one of the best documentaries I've ever seen, strong, compelling, and very intimate. So wonderful. 5/5\

Amy on Netflix

The Captive

This thriller is just spectacular with an amazingly constructed non-linear script. Honest perfection, I loved it. And the alternate ending is just bone-chilling. 5/5

The Captive on Netflix

Odd Thomas

The deadpan acting style threw me a bit, but Yelchin was wonderful & the plot very engaging. I enjoyed this. 3.5/5

Odd Thomas on Netflix

Wild Bill

I really expected this to be a grittier film, but it felt saccharine at times to me. Good acting throughout though. 3/5

Wild Bill on Netflix

Mr. Holmes

McKellen is marvelous in this very touching & well-plotted drama about the last years of Sherlock Holmes. 4/5

Mr. Holmes on Netflix

She's Funny That Way

Normally farcical romps like this aren't my thing but this was quick-moving & funny - Poots was great. 3/5

She's Funny That Way on Netflix

Z for Zachariah

This post-apocalyptic drama examines relationships in a subtle yet powerful way. Lovely acting by all. 4/5

Z for Zachariah on Netflix

Against the Sun

This is harrowing to watch in the way that "Alive" was, especially knowing it's true. Great acting as well. 3.5/5

Against the Sun on Netflix

The Voices

This is a very dark, very black comedy that still made me laugh - Reynolds was wonderful in the lead. Damn good. 4/5

The Voices on Netflix

Let's Be Cops

This is a funny idea that was well-acted throughout and made me laugh, even if the script was a bit shallow. 3/5

Let's Be Cops on Netflix

The Five Obstructions

This is two geniuses of film at their best, challenging & feeding of each other. Just brilliant. 5/5

The Five Obstructions on Netflix

Tracers

Pretty decent parkour, pretty lousy script and acting, so it kinda balances out. Lautner is better than this I think. 2.5/5

Tracers on Netflix

Outpost

There are more Nazi zombie movies than I thought there were. This was a decent one, good action for a small budget. 3/5

Outpost on Netflix

Trade

There have been a slew of movies about trafficking lately - this is one of the better ones, well acted throughout. 3.5/5

Trade on Netflix

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

A wonderful, funny, beautiful, heartbreaking drama that affected me more than "The Fault in Our Stars" ever could. 4.5/5

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl on Netflix

Vendetta

Instead of just stating the obvious about why this movie was so bad I'm actually going to take a minute and explain myself. "Vendetta" fancies itself a South Korean revenge thriller, but it's not. The reason Korean revenge thrillers work is because the main character must become as evil and sadistic as the person who harmed them, a process which tortures and disturbs them to their core. But, in this film, Dean Cain doesn't blink an eye when he rapidly turns into a raging psychopath. There is no character development and not a glimpse of remorse from him, and the film falls to pieces because of it. Cain acts terribly throughout this mess of a film, and between that and the shallowness of the story, nothing about it works. The ending is so patently ridiculous I was happy to see it end. Not good at all. 2/5

Vendetta on Netflix

San Andreas

This is enjoyable in the same way "Twister" was. It's a basic story graced with very good actors and regrettably bad CGI effects. The CGI was bad enough in spots that it took me right out of the film, but The Rock has come so far with his acting ability that he was a joy to watch as usual. It's good popcorn fun, and if you like popcorn action flicks, this is worth a rent. 3/5

San Andreas on Netflix

The Children's Hour

What an unbelievably brave movie for 1961! Tremendous acting, a superb plot, and so gutsy! Loved it. 5/5

The Children's Hour on Netflix

Woman in Gold

This is a lovely and powerful film about stolen art restitution - wonderful performances by Mirren & Reynolds. 4/5

Woman in Gold on Netflix

Magic Mike XXL

 If we're being real, "Magic Mike XXL" doesn't have as solid a plot as the first film. Hell, it barely has a plot at all. But that doesn't matter, because it's just so much fun. It's worth the price of admission to see Channing Tatum hang with Twitch. Amazeballs. 4/5

Magic Mike XXL on Netflix

Intruders

I am impressed that I didn't see that plot twist coming, but the ending was unsatisfying at best. Just okay for me. 3/5

Intruders on Netflix

Open Water

This horror film is like a nightmare come to life, made worse by knowing it's based on a true story. Eerie. 3/5

Open Water on Netflix

The Cottage

This horror flick managed to be campy, quirky & scary simultaneously, which is no easy feat. Serkis was wonderful. 3/5

The Cottage on Netflix

The Kingdom

Berg delivers another excellent thriller with expert acting, a sharp plot & exceptional direction. Solid work. 4/5

The Kingdom on Netflix

Citizen X

A fascinating plot but amateurishly told, although the ending was satisfying. It felt emotionally flat - just okay. 3/5

Citizen X on Netflix

South of Pico

This film was going for a "Crash" vibe but never got there - the end made little sense with no resolution. 3/5

South of Pico on Netflix

Bedevilled

I'm a big fan of Korean revenge thrillers, and this is one of the best I've seen in a long while, in a similar vein to "Lady Vengeance" and "I Saw the Devil". VERY brutal, very dark, very cohesive. I had to take off half a star for a really bizarre thing that happens in the second half of the film that's never explained though, a real "Texas Chainsaw Massacre what happened to the trucker" moment. Otherwise, truly wonderful. 4.5/5

Bedevilled on Netflix

The Ladykillers

This Coen brothers farce felt forced & utterly absurd - I didn't feel connected to it at all. Not good for me. 2/5

The Ladykillers on Netflix

Death of a President

This. Is. BRILLIANT. This historical fiction film discusses what happens in the wake of the assassination of George W. Bush in 2007. It seamlessly and beautiful weds newsreel and film footage together into a completely convincing whole. Perhaps the most amazing thing though is the film's plot, which presents as a suspense thriller and it executed to perfection. There wasn't a thing wrong in this film, I loved it and was totally captivated throughout. Highly recommended. 5/5

Death of a President on Netflix

Sugarhouse

The story of this taught drama unfolds slowly like a lotus but is worth the wait - tremendous acting as well. 3.5/5

Sugarhouse on Netflix

The Taking of Deborah Logan

This was one scary found-footage style film with a tremendous performance from Jill Larson. Nice. 4/5

The Taking of Deborah Logan on Netflix

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

This sequel is every bit as charming & lovely as the first, wonderful acting as always. 4/5

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel on Netflix

Particle Fever

This documentary about the Higgs boson is equal parts exciting & terrifying. It's a brave new world indeed. 4/5

Particle Fever on Netflix

Jarhead 2: Field of Fire

I loved "Jarhead". I thought it a gritty, realistic, and honest portrait of the life of a Marine. I went so far in my review to say I felt it to be the true inheritor of "Full Metal Jacket" in many regards. But this sequel? This has nothing whatsoever to do with the original film. It's nothing more than an empty popcorn action flick with no substance and a highly predictable plot. Why it's even called a sequel I don't know. At all. Don't go into this film thinking it will have a damn thing to do with the first and you'll be okay. But if you love the first film like me, maybe skip this. Very average. 3/5

Jarhead 2: Field of Fire on Netflix

Elite Squad: The Enemy Within

A truly worthy sequel, this thriller has a solid plot & tremendous acting. Can't wait for the end! 4/5

Elite Squad: The Enemy Within on Netflix

If I Stay

This made me cry more than most Nicolas Sparks films. Beautifully told, if a bit overly sentimental. Lovely. 3.5/5

If I Stay on Netflix

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

This sequel is just as strong as the first film with compelling characters and a solid plot. Great action film. 4/5

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes on Netflix

Dead Within

So the zombie apocalypse happens, and it's just you and your spouse, locked in a cabin, away from the world. Your spouse ventures out for food and supplies, but they insist you don't go, because it's safer inside. So they go out for long stretches of time and you wait, inside, listening to the noises of the end of the world. Days turn to weeks turn to months, and, most of the time, it's just you. You and the starvation and the lack of sleep and light and the nothing. How long until you begin to lose your mind, just a little? How long until you aren't quite sure what's real and what's not? How long until it's worse being inside than it would being out? How much can a mind take before it snaps? How long do you trust yourself, or your spouse, or anything you see or hear? Think about it for a while. You think you know what you'd do, we all would. We think, I would always know what was real. I would always know what to do. But how do you know that? And does being that sure of your own sanity leave that much more room for insanity to creep in? Think about all this, and then watch this film. You won't be disappointed. 4/5

Dead Within on Netflix

The Champ

Dear god, all the feels. I'm still weepy. The acting in this is excellent, especially Schroder, who was phenomenal. 4/5

The Champ on Netflix

Stonehearst Asylum

What an utterly intriguing thriller, I never saw most of it coming. Excellent acting all around as well. 4/5

Stonehearst Asylum on Netflix

12 Rounds 2: Reloaded

I'm shocked at what a poor actor Randy Orton was in this, and the plot was just as bad. Not good sir. 2/5

12 Rounds 2: Reloaded on Netflix

All About My Mother

This might be my favorite Almodovar yet - tragically dramatic yet still campy & funny. Very touching. 4/5

All About My Mother on Netflix

Automata

This post-apocalyptic thriller centers on AIs & the definition of life quite well, although the acting is rough. 3.5/5

Automata on Netflix

12 Rounds

John Cena hadn't found his acting chops quite yet in this bumpy thriller throwback to Die Hard. Good, not great. 3/5

12 Rounds on Netflix

The Deer Hunter

I first saw this film when I was about ten, maybe younger. I remember having nightmares for days afterwards, but, after a few years, I forgot this film almost completely. I remembered only the Russian Roulette, but that was all. The topic of this film has been coming up in reference to modern day PTSD, and I felt it was time I saw it again. I was not disappointed, and I can't understand how I ever could have forgotten the feeling of this film. I saw it last night and was so moved I couldn't write about it then. Still, today, it is haunting me. Yes, I think it needs editing. Yes, It could have been a half hour shorter, maybe more. Yes, the opening act is too long and the second act is too short. But it doesn't matter, because every note that needed to be hit was, and every feeling the filmmakers wanted to convey came through. I will not forgot "The Deer Hunter". Truly one of the finest films about combat PTSD ever made. 4.5/5

The Deer Hunter on Netflix

Get On Up

Chadwick Boseman was amazing, but the script was hard to follow & full of holes, I wanted more information. 3/5

Get On Up on Netflix

The Age of Adaline

This is a beautifully sweet & moving romantic drama in the vein of "Benjamin Button", lovely direction. 4/5

The Age of Adaline on Netflix

Every Secret Thing

I found this dark thriller intense with tremendous acting by Macdonald & Fanning, very compelling. 4/5

Every Secret Thing on Netflix

The Maze Runner

Of all the teen-centered dystopian thrillers in the past few years this is one of my favorites - riveting & unique. 4/5

The Maze Runner on Netflix

Heaven Knows What

This tense drama attempts to recapture the feel of "Requiem for a Dream" but misses the mark. Good not great. However, everyone remember the name Caleb Landry Jones. He's going to be the next Phillip Seymour Hoffman - he's amazing. I'm on record now. 3/5

Heaven Knows What on Netflix

Love & Mercy

Dano & Cusack are both Oscar-worthy in this powerhouse of a drama told in non-linear fashion. Just amazing. 4.5/5

Love & Mercy on Netflix

North Face

I don't think I've ever seen a mountain drama quite this intense & well directed before - brutally tense. 4/5

North Face on Netflix

Jarhead

I feel this is the true inheritor to "Full Metal Jacket", a dark, tense & blackly comic portrait of the state of war. 4.5/5

Jarhead on Netflix 

La Casa Muda (The Silent House)

I saw the 2012 American remake of this a while ago and had mixed feelings about it. I thought the plot was interesting engaging, with a twist I didn't see coming, but felt the pacing was slow and that Olsen overacted. I've been interested to see the Spanish original for a while to see if it was better. In some ways it is. The house itself is far creepier & I felt Colucci's acting was more believable at the beginning of the film. However, the ending just doesn't make any damn sense in the original film. I've just been reading Wikipedia entries to try and wrap my mind around it but it just doesn't make sense. On this front the American film is FAR superior as the entire ending makes far far more sense. However, I have to say the I think the Polaroid flash sequence in this film may be the most frightening scene ever caught on film. It's just marvelous, as is the entire long sequence after the credits, which I bet most viewers miss. I found both versions long continuous shot believable, although I do see where cuts can and were likely made in both version. All in all I'm even more mixed about this version, because the ending was so weak. I would end up recommending the American for that reason alone. 3/5

La Casa Muda (The Silent House) on Netflix

Unfriended

I have to start by saying I do NOT get all the negative reviews of this on Netflix. Due to the low ratings on this I went into it expecting very little and instead was blown away by the inventiveness of it. There are a lot of complaints that movies cannot be made without big budgets anymore, but this film proves that premise wrong. This little horror film probably cost next to nothing and yet was different and fresh and not like anything else I've ever seen. It's a fresh vision for a very modern age - give this one a chance people. 4/5

Unfriended on Netflix

Skin Trade

I would watch Tony Jaa read a phone book but this was painfully bad with horrid acting from everyone. Just bad. However, I honestly feel Jaa is the best martial artist of this generation, and if his English was better he could be such a star here. I hope he keeps at it. 2/5

Skin Trade on Netflix

G.I. Joe: Retaliation

I had no earthly idea what was going on for most of this - the Asia sequences felt like a different film. Now I don't know the source material, but this really felt like two movies jammed into one. Only watch it for The Rock and Channing Tatum. 2/5

G.I. Joe: Retaliation on Netflix

Unfinished Business

What a terrible, awful, unfunny mess this is. No sense of character or wit or timing at all. Hated it. 1.5/5

Unfinished Business on Netflix

The Signal

This horror film was half tense thriller & half super black comedy with a perfect balance of the two. Great film! 4/5

The Signal on Netflix

Soundless

It really felt there was nothing here - no compelling characters or plot, no great music or direction. Very average. 3/5

Soundless on Netflix

Nightcrawler

What a gem! This tense thriller kept me captivated from minute one & Gyllenhaal was astonishing. Amazing film! 5/5

Nightcrawler on Netflix

The DUFF

This is a pretty cute & witty high school coming-of-age flick with a good lead performance by Mae Whitman. 3/5

The DUFF on Netflix

Two Days, One Night

This French drama is so intriguing & subtle, it really makes you think about morality & reality. Bravo! 4/5

Two Days, One Night on Netflix

nbt: Never Been Thawed

This mockumentary is genuinely funny & different with interesting characters & irreverent humor. 4/5

nbt: Never Been Thawed on Netflix

The Trip to Italy

As a huge fan of British comedy, I am extremely familiar with the works of both Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. I felt "The Trip" captured these two wonderfully and I found the whole film charming, funny, and a poignant insight into their characters. But that magic I felt in the first film is strangely absent in this sequel. Gone were the long sequences of obviously ad-libbed scenes where the two gifted actors just riffed off each other, replaced instead by too much script and rehearsed moments. I also felt the actions of Brydon's character were in direct violation with what we know of him from the first film. I do acknowledge that there were attempts to deal with this breach of character, but not enough to repair the damage in my eyes. On the whole this film felt forced where the original felt fresh and vibrant. If I'd not seen the first film this might have fared better with me, but as it is, it feels stale and not representative of what these two can really do together. 3/5

The Trip to Italy on Netflix

Kidnapping Mr. Heineken

This was a fascinating picture but I wanted more information & character development. Good, not great. 3/5

Kidnapping Mr. Heineken on Netflix

CITIZENFOUR

Regardless of your views on Snowden, this documentary was fascinating and chilling to watch. Interesting. 4/5

CITIZENFOUR on Netflix

Kingsman: The Secret Service

This spy thriller is a fantastically good romp with great action and characters. Great fun to watch, I hope there's a sequel.

Kingsman: The Secret Service on Netflix

Strangerland

Kidman is wonderful in this tense drama that offers no easy answers. The ending was brave, I liked this film. 3.5/5

Strangerland on Netflix

Last Weekend

I kept expecting the plot of this drama to go somewhere, anywhere, but it just didn't. A non-eventful film. 3/5

Last Weekend on Netflix

Entrance

This thriller has an achingly slow & understated build, so when the last 20 minutes hit, they hit HARD. By the way, after viewing, I think the title of this film would not be pronounced "EN-trance" but rather "en-TRANCE", as in hypnotic. Intriguing film. 3.5/5

Entrance on Netflix

Soaked in Bleach

I still vividly remember the day we heard Kurt Cobain killed himself. I was shocked and spent most of that days and the days following in tears. I remember hearing Courtney read the note on TV, the vigils, and the copycat suicides all over the world. In the weeks that followed Kurt's death, I grew more and more suspicious that Kurt's death was in fact a suicide. It just seemed incredibly weird to me, the details and timelines never made sense, but I never had enough information to be more than suspicious. Well, that and the fact that I know enough about Courtney Love to believe she was capable of anything. After watching this film, I feel almost convinced Kurt Cobain was murdered. I wish that it was possible to reopen the investigation, but my guess is we'll never have the evidence from that day to ever know for sure. This documentary lays a lot of the facts for murder out, including damning recordings from Love and Frances Bean's godmother that are just awful to hear. Kurt, wherever you are, I wish you peace. 4/5

Soaked in Bleach on Netflix

McCanick

I found the structure of this film to be quite confusing but David Morse was excellent as was Cory Monteith. I just read a review on Netflix that said that there was no transitional cue to indicate the flashback sequences - that's spot on. I spent most of the movie confused about when this section of story occurred. 3/5

McCanick on Netflix

Bird People

The first half of this was intriguing & well done. The second was incomprehensible & vapid. Way to kill a film! 2/5

Bird People on Netflix

Love Streams

This overly long sappy drama featured characters I hated doing things that made no sense. Really disliked this 1.5/5

Love Streams on Netflix

Days and Nights

I think had I not seen a spectacular version of "The Seagull" just last summer I might have felt a bit lost in this. I knew the story and I thought the adaptation was brilliantly handled. The acting was stellar throughout and I thought the carefully slow pacing was just right. My only problem was with the ending, as the filmmaker did not make clear to whom the final scenes occur. Since I know the story I have a good guess, but without more clarity there I feel the film lost a star. 4/5

Days and Nights on Netflix

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

This is a dark film, far darker than I expected with solid acting throughout. Well done. 4/5

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 on Netflix

Children of Invention

With this plot this film should have been much darker - too cutesy & lighthearted for my taste. 2.5/5

Children of Invention on Netflix

Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse

This is a fascinating look into the making of "Apocalypse Now", something I knew little about. Remarkable. 4/5

Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse on Netflix

The Pact

There was so much missing information from this film that it's full of plot holes. Hokey & badly acted as well. 2/5

The Pact on Netflix

Greg Behrendt: Is That Guy from That Thing

Not as side-splittingly funny as "Uncool" but still pretty damn good stand-up. 4/5

Greg Behrendt: Is That Guy from That Thing on Netflix

What We Do in the Shadows

This mockumentary sets a perfect tone & follows through with a funny & outrageous story. Loved it! 4.5/5

What We Do in the Shadows on Netflix

Little Accidents

This low-key drama was short on the character & plot development that would have made it great. 3/5

Little Accidents on Netflix

1408: The Unrated Version

This movie has plot holes in it the size of Texas & I saw every twist coming a mile away. Not good for me. 2/5

1408: The Unrated Version on Netflix

Greg Behrendt Is Uncool

Seriously the funniest standup I've seen in a long while, I totally related. Couldn't stop laughing. 5/5

Greg Behrendt Is Uncool on Netflix

Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter

This Japanese drama smartly played for tragedy instead of humor but the ending should be darker. 3.5/5

Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter on Netflix

Guardians of the Galaxy

This was genuinely fun & funny with great action throughout. The cast NAILED it, I really liked this! 4/5

Guardians of the Galaxy on Netflix

The Forger

Sometimes Travolta remembers he can act & this was one of those times. Sadly, the plot is a bit thin so... meh. 3/5

The Forger on Netflix

Reclaim

This is your standard action thriller with a totally average plot & acting, nothing really to see here, move along. 3/5

Reclaim on Netflix

Boy Meets Girl

While I thought the story of this trans romance was genuine & lovely, the stilted acting was not great. 3.5/5

Boy Meets Girl on Netflix

Total Recall

Absolute crap compared to the original with really wooden acting and bad action. Why remake this? I don't get it. 2/5

Total Recall on Netflix

It Follows

The first review of this film on Netflix starts with the sentence 'this is horror'. And it is. This is what true horror is - the endless feeling of suspense, the music that becomes a character in and of itself and creeps you down to the bone, the achingly drawn out shots where you see the danger coming and no one else does, the feeling that you, as the viewer, are trapped in this world as well and will never escape. This is the feeling you got when you watched the first "Halloween", when you saw Hannibal Lecter speak in "Silence of the Lambs", when you stared into the static of the TV in "Poltergeist" and felt trapped yourself. This. This is horror, and it is wonderful. 5/5

It Follows on Netflix

Run All Night

Between the wooden acting & the inane cinematography this movie was a mess from start to finish. Ugh. 2/5

Run All Night on Netflix

Ex Machina

This sci-fi film is certainly intriguing & makes a poignant statement on the nature of god & man. Interesting. 4/5

Ex Machina on Netflix

Fury

I thought I had seen every variation on WWII movies, but I've not seen this. Stunning film with perfect acting. Amazing. 4.5/5

Fury on Netflix

Julia's Eyes

The direction was beautiful but the plot weak in this Spanish thriller, not much surprised me, not even the end. 3/5

Julia's Eyes on Netflix

The Wedding Video

Marvelously acted, charming & witty, this British romcom is so lovely - Punch, Hound & Webb were wonderful. 4/5

The Wedding Video on Netflix

Focus

I love a good heist/con film & this one has both good crime & a lot of great wit. Margot Robbie was excellent - bravo! 4/5

Focus on Netflix

Kill Me Three Times

I don't get the negative reviews - I thought this action comedy was smart, stylish & funny with good acting. 4/5

Kill Me Three Times on Netflix

Maggie

This is a new twist on zombie films for me that raised a lot of interesting questions. Well acted by Arnie & Breslin. 4/5

Maggie on Netflix

St. Vincent

This is perhaps the best performance I've ever seen from Bill Murray & a lovely movie from top to bottom. Bravo. 4/5

St. Vincent on Netflix

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

This is definitely one of the best installments of this series - good action & solid acting. 4/5

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol on Netflix

Cymbeline

This Shakespeare adaptation starring Ed Harris was just atrocious, they murdered the language & the plot. Just bad. 2/5

Cymbeline on Netflix

Kidnapped

If brutally violent horror films aren't your cup of tea, don't even think about renting this brilliantly brutal and sadistic Spanish horror fest. However, if you want to be taken on a terrifying roller coaster ride of suspense and utter terror, this is your film. The cinematography is truly amazing, with the best split screen work I've seen in years. There are no answers, no quick fixes, no white knights in shining armor. If ever there was a film to follow classics like "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" or "I Spit on Your Grave", this is it. Truly worthy of the horror pantheon. 4.5/5

Kidnapped on Netflix

Jupiter Ascending

#FTRQ "Jupiter Ascending" - Before I say anything, let me emphatically state that I could care less about political agendas in my films. Quite the contrary, I tend to hate massive political overtones in my films, so when I say that the makers of this film should be incredibly ashamed to put out this anti-feminist piece of garbage, that's it's REALLY bad. So bad that I could not help but marvel at what a helpless dim-witted fool Jupiter Jones was, and why she immediately fell in love with a man who needed to constantly save her from herself. This film is insulting to the senses in nearly every way, but if there was any way I could have felt anything but dismay and disgust at the helplessness of our heroine, perhaps I could deem this movie at least worth watching. As it is, it's pretty CGI with a terrible story. The only thing worth watching is Redmayne, but isn't he always? Terrible. Just terrible. 1/5/5

Jupiter Ascending on Netflix

While We're Young

For me Baumbach can do no wrong & that's doubly true for this sharp-edged comedy with great acting. 4/5

While We're Young on Netflix

Seventh Son

This action/adventure flick had great effects but average plot & characters. Hopefully the sequel will be better. 3/5

Seventh Son on Netflix

Killing Bono

This film based on true events is quirky & interesting with solid acting from the leads. I enjoyed this. 3.5/5

Killing Bono on Netflix

The Equalizer

Fuck Mad Max & fuck Furiosa. THIS is MY kind of action movie, one with a plot & characters & grittiness. YES. 4.5/5

The Equalizer on Netflix

The Homesman

This "western" is dark, bleak, & terribly tragic. The acting was top-notch & Tommy Lee Jones' direction was aces. 4/5

The Homesman on Netflix

The Loft

The plot of this thriller is interesting with a twist I didn't see but the acting is so bad it's jarring. Average. 2.5/5

The Loft on Netflix

What If

This charming romcom was both witty & sensitive - I thought it would end up with people behaving badly but it didn't. 3.5/5

What If on Netflix

Alan Partridge

Coogan will never get back the magic of Partridge's first series, but this was a fitting chapter, pretty funny. 3/5

Alan Partridge on Netflix

Black Sea

This claustrophobic thriller showcases more wonderful work from Jude Law who is at his best lately. Wonderful. 4/5

Black Sea on Netflix

Beyond the Reach

The entire movie hinges on the main character performing an action he'd never do. Silly story, bad execution. 2/5

Beyond the Reach on Netflix

The Day

This post-apocalyptic thriller was interesting - I like that we were given few details, but the characters were shaky. 3/5

The Day on Netflix

The Boy Next Door

What a terrible film - I liked this concept much better when it was Mark Wahlberg in "Fear". Not worth it. 2/5

The Boy Next Door on Netflix

Maps to the Stars

I've been way off Cronenberg's films for a while, but I decided to give this one a try on a whim. It was simply brilliant with truly tremendous acting from all the leads. Truly stunning. 4/5

Maps to the Stars on Netflix

Serena

This Cooper/Lawrence dud is sixteen kinds of wrong with zero chemistry between the two. What happened here? Strange. 2/5

Serena on Netflix

A Coffee in Berlin

This movie fascinated me with it's subtlety & very nuanced plot. The acting is also excellent. Well done! 4/5

A Coffee in Berlin on Netflix

50 Shades of Grey

This movie is as once totally ridiculous & patently offensive. There is nothing redeeming here. Ugh. 2/5

50 Shades of Grey on Netflix

Cut Bank

This twisty thriller has many great plot devices & really solid writing with outstanding acting for the cast. 4/5

Cut Bank on Netflix

Calvary

This Irish drama is at once darkly funny & terribly poignant, the ending really hit home with me. I loved this. 4.5/5

Calvary on Netflix

Dark Days

A fascinating look at the NYC homeless who live in subway tunnels - both harrowing & life-affirming at once. 3.5/5

Dark Days on Netflix

See No Evil

Your basic stalk-and-slash with the added bonus of Kane being generally monstrous. Really bad directions though. 3/5

See No Evil on Netflix

Leviathan

This bleak Russian drama is rife with symbolism & very open to the viewer's interpretation. Heavy & quiet yet lovely. 4/5

Leviathan on Netflix

Ballet 422

As a fan of dance I loved seeing the creation process but we never saw the finished product, which was a shame. 3/5

Ballet 422 on Netflix

Road to Paloma

Jason Momoa's writer/director debut is a solid piece of drama with strong acting throughout. A good debut. 3.5/5

Road to Paloma on Netflix

The Baxter

Michael Showalter created a quirky, romantic, and truly witty comedy with this wonderful tale. Well done! 4/5

The Baxter on Netflix

The Babadook

WOW. What an amazing and fresh feeling horror film, I'm going to have nightmares for weeks. So wonderful! 5/5

The Babadook on Netflix

Cake

Continuing the tradition of Oscar tragedies this year comes "Cake", a tragic yet darkly funny drama. The movie is excellent, but the Oscar travesty here is that Jennifer Ansiton, who will likely never get a richer, more complex, and meaty role as this, was utterly amazing, and, yet, was not nominated. I wish I knew what drugs the Academy was on this year, I truly do, because this was a truly life-changing performance by Aniston and it should have been recognized. A wonderful film. 4.5/5

Cake on Netflix

God Help the Girl

God I hated this - terrible music with nonsensical plot. I turned it off an hour in, which says a lot.  1/5

God Help the Girl on Netflix

In Your Eyes

A truly lovely & charming film, right up until the last unbelievable 15 minutes. Kazan is a vision though. 4/5

In Your Eyes on Netflix

Selma

So let me get this straight. In a year where Oscar bait films dominated the awards pictures, and lackluster films like "The Imitation Game" and "The Theory of Everything" got awards and nominations left, right, and center... no one nominated David Oyelowo for Best Actor? Really??? I thought his performance was superior to Carrell and Cumberbatch and equal to Redmayne, and "Selma" as a film was far more solid and nuanced that the two I previously mentioned. If you are going to nominate actors from Oscar bait films, David Oyelowo deserved a nomination. At least "Selma" got a nomination, which is comforting. 4/5

Selma on Netflix

We Own the Night

Joaquin Phoenix is marvelous in this, Wahlberg much less so. I wished for more character development. 3/5

We Own the Night on Netflix

The Human Centipede: First Sequence

This is just bad is nearly every way, I don't even know why it became a cult hit. Totally ridiculous. 1.5/5

The Human Centipede: First Sequence on Netflix

The Way He Looks

This romantic drama from Brazil is just lovely, I was rooting for the main characters throughout. Well done! 4/5

The Way He Looks on Netflix

Oculus

This is the best written and freakiest horror film I've seen in a while. Fantastic acting as well. Not going to sleep. 5/5

Oculus on Netflix

Wild

An unflinching & powerful portrait of a woman lost told in a wonderfully non-linear way. Witherspoon was perfect. 4/5

Wild on Netflix

Lila Says

This drama didn't take enough risks for me, I wanted to see much more develop plot-wise and with the characters. 3/5

Lila Says on Netflix

Night at the Museum

This family comedy was quite a bit funnier than I expected with some really good performances. Well done. 3/5

Night at the Museum on Netflix

Soul Men

Jackson & Bernie Mac were excellent in this witty comedy that made my laugh out loud a few times. Well worth a watch. 4/5

Soul Men on Netflix

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night

I've frankly never seen anything quite like this film. I have no idea how to even classify it or what genre it is. It is beautiful and moving and absolutely stunningly directed, in ways that no other film is. It is drama and thriller and romance and horror, all at once. It is the film "Only Lovers Left Alive" wishes it was. Highly recommended. 4.5/5

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night on Netflix

The Immigrant

Simply put, they don't write roles for women like this very often. But when they do write something this complex and mesmerizing, I'm so glad they got the always astonishing Marion Cotillard for it. She was absolute perfection in this, not a note out of place for the whole of the film, and she was in nearly every scene of it. Joaquin Phoenix is every bit as amazing, bringing incredible depth to his complicated role. I know Cotillard was nominated for another film this year, which is good, else I'd be on a rampage about how she could possibly be left out of contention with this fine of a part. The film itself is rich in plot, well paced in editing, and beautifully shot. Oscar bait? Perhaps, but far more interesting and well-told a story than the other fare I've seen this year. Highly recommended.  4/5

The Immigrant on Netflix

The Devil's Double

This chilling portrait of the man forced to be Uday Hussein's double is brilliantly acted by Dominic Cooper. 4/5

The Devil's Double on Netflix

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Not my favorite Almodóvar but very quick, witty, deadpan & well acted. I enjoyed it. 3/5

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown on Netflix

Before I Go to Sleep

As I continue my sojourn through the films of 2014, I am becoming more and more upset at the choices the Academy made this last year. This film is no exception. First off, Nicole Kidman well deserved an Oscar nomination for this masterful performance. I haven't seen her this good in many years, and perhaps never this nuanced and mature in a role. Second off, the script of this psych thriller was stronger and more fulfilling than most of the clear Oscar bait that got nominated. Like "Gone Girl", this thriller starts from a terrifying ending and builds backward until the truth is revealed, layer by layer. It's a strong story expertly told by the three leads and beautifully lensed by the director. So why wasn't this film given the nods it deserved? Because it wasn't "safe"? Because it was done open the Hollywood system? Because we've stopped caring about excellent performances outside the mainstream? Whatever the reason, "Before I Go to Sleep" is an excellent thriller that deserved far more. Watch it. Trust me. 4.5/5

Before I Go to Sleep on Netflix

5 Broken Cameras

One of the most powerful documentaries I've ever seen, unflinching & deeply emotional. A must see film. 5/5

5 Broken Cameras on Netflix

Dom Hemingway

THIS. THIS RIGHT HERE. This is what I've been talking about regarding Oscar nominations for actors.. "Dom Hemingway" is not a fantastic movie. It's full of plot holes and narrative drift. However, Jude Law gave the performance of his life in this. He achieved something I never thought he could, took his abilities to heights I had no idea he could reach. His portrayal of Dom was jaw-dropping in its intensity, verbosity, & wickedly black humor. This performance, and ones like it, are what should be getting Oscar nominations. This amazing, rich, darkly wonderful acting job should have given Jude Law a place at the Oscar table, and it's a crying shame that it didn't. 3.5/5

Dom Hemingway on Netflix

Jobs

If we're giving Oscar nods to exceptional performances in safe films, where was Kutcher's last year? He's AMAZING in this. 4/5

Jobs on Netflix

I'm So Excited

This Almodovar comedy is quite raunchy & funny, a real farcical delight of a film. I'm becoming a fan. 3.5/5

I'm So Excited on Netflix

Wadjda

Wow, what a wonderful & uplifting movie this is, full of joy & really great acting to boot. A real gem, really great. 4.5/5

Wadjda on Netflix

The Bitter Buddha

I had never heard of Eddie Pepitone before this but I found him really funny, a great documentary. 4/5

The Bitter Buddha on Netflix

Belle

This is a lovely period drama with exceptional acting from Gugu Mbatha-Raw in the lead, very poignant & a true story. 4/5

Belle on Netflix

The Imitation Game

While this will be longer than a simple tweet, it won't be an essay like some of my last Oscar reactions. It won't be because I've already written what I need to say in my review of "The Theory of Everything", wherein I discuss how Redmayne's performance was wonderful, but yet so safe and predictably Oscar-bait that I could not, in good conscience, reward it. The same is true here. Cumberbatch is lovely and all, but let's have some real talk here. He is playing a high-functioning Autistic Savant with a flat affect, and frankly there isn't much meat to a role like that. It doesn't require the complexity of skill that so many others showed, and the movie itself was, like "Theory", predictable and safe. I won't bother listing the three nominees I still think should have had these spots - I think I've drummed for them enough. Suffice it to say this was a good but terribly safe movie. 4/5

The Imitation Game on Netflix

Sinister

For a cheesy horror flick this was quite good with SO many good cat-scares. Good acting too, I'm a fan of this one. 4/5

Sinister on Netflix

A Mother's Courage: Talking Back to Autism

My mind is just blown after watching this, I never knew this type of learning was possible with autism. 5/5

A Mother's Courage: Talking Back to Autism on Netflix

Two Lives

This German/Norwegian drama is written wonderfully & acted extremely well all around - a poignant story. 4/5

Two Lives on Netflix

The Countess

Delphy's opus is interesting & tells a well rounded story but is weak in the acting department. Good, not great. 3/5

The Countess on Netflix

Eyes Without a Face

This classic French thriller is certainly creepy & eerie but not quite as potent as I had expected. 3/5

Eyes Without a Face on Netflix

Horrible Bosses 2

Like the first film, surprisingly LOL funny with great chemistry between the actors. I really love these. 4/5

Horrible Bosses 2 on Netflix

The Grand Budapest Hotel

It's simply actually. Either you like Wes Anderson movies or you don't. I liked early Anderson but have grown tired & very annoyed at his mid-to-late absurdist comedy. I don't enjoy it, I don't find it amusing or endearing, and I'm certainly tired of his directorial style. This latest film was wittier than most but still ludicrous in that way that simply annoys me. It gets a half a star for the humor though and for Fiennes' performance, which I truly enjoyed. 3.5/5

The Grand Budapest Hotel on Netflix

The Devil's Hand

A perfectly average horror flick/thriller although I did like the ending, which was exactly what I hoped for. 3/5

The Devil's Hand on Netflix

The Theory of Everything

I've still to write about "Birdman" and "Whiplash", but I'm finding this review considerably easier. If one sat down to design a movie to attract Oscar attention, if one tried to distill everything conventionally seen as "Oscar worthy", one would produce this movie. All of the tropes about what types of films win Oscars are present and accounted for here. They are all done exceptionally well, don't get me wrong. Redmayne is as exceptional as he's ever been, and Jones is positively luminous throughout. But it's just so expected, so ordinary a film, so utterly and completely Oscar bait that I found myself drifting. This is as safe of a film as one can make in Hollywood, and, in good conscience, I can no longer award such safety with glittery awards. And as good as Redmayne was (and he truly was exceptional, let's make no mistake there), I cannot see his performance being better or more tranformative than Scott Haze in "Child of God" or James McAvoy in "Filth". Neither of whom, of course, were nominated, because "Child of God" and "Filth" were most certainly not safe films. So my review of "The Theory of Everything" boils down to it's good, but far too safe and basic to garner award notice from me. 4/5

The Theory of Everything on Netflix

Talk to Her

I'm on the fence with this. It was interesting & provocative but not quite the showstopper I expected. 3/5

Talk to Her on Netflix

The Hollow Crown: 2 Henry IV

Magnificent as always, this series brings the text to life so perfectly with exquisite acting. 5/5

The Hollow Crown: 2 Henry IV on Netflix

Heatstroke

The acting in this action thriller was just terrible and the script was nearly as bad. A waste of time. 2/5

Heatstroke on Netflix

The Skin I Live In

This Pedro Almodóvar thriller is seriously disturbed, I love how the story is slowly revealed. Twisted. 4/5

The Skin I Live In on Netflix

The Broken Circle Breakdown

The non-linear structure of this film is perfection, it's tragedy is almost magical. And also, I am now desperate for the music in this film to be on my iPod. Loved this so much, I cried so hard. Exquisite. 5/5

The Broken Circle Breakdown on Netflix

What Richard Did

The great acting & interesting dilemma of the story is undermined by lack of development of character & plot. 3/5

What Richard Did on Netflix

Vernon, Florida

This Morris documentary is strange - there is no focus or story to it, it's just odd people telling tales. 2/5

Vernon, Florida on Netflix

The Lesser Blessed

This was a solid story but the acting by the leads was mediocre. With stronger acting it would be a 4. 3/5

The Lesser Blessed on Netflix

Freddy Got Fingered

I read an article not long ago urging people who had seen Tom Green's big screen debut when it was first released and didn't like it to give it another shot, that it really was a work of genius. And as I was a huge Tom Green fan, I decided to do just that. It's just as bad as I remembered. Save yourself the 90 minutes, it's exactly how you have it in your mind. 2/5

Freddy Got Fingered on Netflix

Starred Up

This dark & poignant drama about violent men in prison was just stunning - amazing acting by Jack O'Connell. 4/5

Starred Up on Netflix

Foxcatcher

Bear with me, this will get long. I've literally been waiting for over a year to see this film. I remember the very early trailers last year, and telling everyone I knew that this film, "Foxcatcher", looked to be amazing. I remember when its release was delayed for several months because the film's producers wanted to make sure Steve Carrell was in contention for the Oscars. I remember all the talk about how amazing Carrell was, and how powerful the film was, and so I waited anxiously for this film to arrive in my mailbox, waiting for tonight. And the trouble is, I feel I'm still waiting. This movie never got off the ground for me. The plot felt sparse and full of holes. I never got a sense of character motivation, or growth, or why things took the turns they did. The script not only let me down, but it let down it's two main stars. Tatum was better than I've ever seen him, but the tragedy was with Carrell. He was transformative, no doubt about it. His performance was great, but the script left him with precious little screen time and not much in the way of meat to hang his hat on. Because of this, I felt this film wasted what perhaps was the performance of Carrell's life. There simply was not enough there there, and certainly not enough to deserve an Oscar nod. I would rather have seen that spot go to James McAvoy for "Filth", or maybe even to Miles Teller for "Whiplash" - certainly McAvoy's performance was better on every level than Carrell's was. All in all, it was an average film with one outstanding performance in Tatum and a very notable one in Carrell... but that's it. It's with sadness that I can only give this film 3 stars. I had hoped for so much more. 3/5

Foxcatcher on Netflix

The Judge

Team Downey's first film is a well constructed drama with terrific performances from RDJ & Duvall. Well done. 3.5/5

The Judge on Netflix

Lee Daniels' The Butler

The best parts of this film are the actors they got to play the presidents - a good film, not great. 3/5

Lee Daniels' The Butler on Netflix

Force Majeure

A brilliantly understated and serious drama about who you are when catastrophe strikes. Great acting, well done. 4/5

Force Majeure on Netflix

The Horse's Mouth

This classic British comedy didn't really work for me, the plot was far too scattered & nonsensical. 2/5

The Horse's Mouth on Netflix

Life Itself

A beautiful, moving portrait of Roger Ebert that holds no punches. I grew up with Siskel & Ebert, this spoke to me. 5/5

Life Itself on Netflix

Dog Pound

This heartbreaking drama about youths in the penal system is excellently acted - a perfect match with "Short Term 12" 4/5

Dog Pound on Netflix

Gone Girl

This is just an awesome movie with note-perfect acting from Pike. Gorgeous direction & a great score, loved it. 5/5

Gone Girl on Netflix

Martyrs

First off, if any film should come with trigger warnings this one should, so be advised if brutality, imprisonment & torture disturb you. I will not spoil anything, but I will comment on what I just saw. "Martyrs" is touted as a new advent in horror, and in a way it is. There is an ambition to the plot that could have made the film truly surreal, almost magical. As it is, this film for me was a noble failure. The film is really two shorts only loosely connected together. The first half I found brilliant, compelling, and astonishingly well acted, which really sold it for me. But the second half, which gave birth to the revelatory concept behind all we had seen and will see, fell flat. I did not believe the premise, not did I believe how they achieved it. As for the brutality of it, I've honestly seen worse. It's hard to watch at times, but all in all everything that is done serves the story, so it is not gratuitous. I think "Irreversible" and "Visitor Q" disturbed me worse, and "Irreversible" is a brilliant, glorious, cerebral movie to boot. I wish I could say the same about "Martyrs", but, for me, it was just average. 3/5

Martyrs on Netflix

Ghost Team One

Totally not for me, I really don't do this kind of humor. If you're a frat kid then totally, but not for me. 1.5/5

Ghost Team One on Netflix

Lilting

What a beautiful, almost evanescent film this is with gorgeous performances by Whishaw & Cheng. Truly lovely.  4/5

Lilting on Netflix

Safe

This is an exquisite, deeply pensive & cerebral film with a brilliant performance by Moore - a real gem. 4/5

Safe on Netflix

Laggies

I can't fault the acting in this relationship drama but the plot is pretty thin & saccharine. Just okay for me. 3/5

Laggies on Netflix

Predestination

Holy snot I didn't see any of this plot coming, it totally got me beginning to end. Very original & well done. 4/5

Predestination on Netflix

Lucy

Maybe it's because I'm a Jean Grey fan, but I didn't have the problems with this others did, I found it intriguing. Plus Choi Min-Sik is in it - can't really go wrong there! 3/5

 Lucy on Netflix

The Dynamiter

This understated drama didn't have enough meat on the bone for me, I wanted more character development & tension. 3/5

The Dynamiter on Netflix

Unaware

Silly premise, terrible acting, unbelievable character motivation, bad direction, and no shock factor - ugh. 2/5

Unaware on Netflix

Boys

This gay coming-of-age drama was sweet, sensitive & did service to the topic, but I wished for more depth overall. 3.5/5

Boys on Netflix

Child of God

Holy shit, why didn't Scott Haze get an Oscar nod for this & Franco a directing one? Outstanding film, loved it. 5/5

Child of God on Netflix

Slightly Single in LA

More "S" words to describe this - silly, saccharine & superficial. Not worth watching unless you're 14. 2/5

Slightly Single in LA on Netflix

Better This World

This documentary takes an interesting look at 2008 RNC case from the POV of McKay & Crowder. Fascinating. 4/5

Better This World on Netflix

Coherence

HOLY SHIT Y'ALL. Totally awesome sci-fi film that will wrap your brain around a tree. Very awesome, a must see. 4.5/5

Coherence on Netflix

Frank

This bizarre, surrealist, black comedy is strangely awesome with great acting - a great look at mental illness. 4/5

Frank on Netflix

Honeymoon

Quite simply the very best indie horror film I've seen in a long while. This is near perfect, a must see. Watch the trailer and rent it - you won't be sorry. 5/5

Honeymoon on Netflix

Sno On Tha Bluff

I have no idea what was real and what wasn't & that's exactly how it should be. Genius, loved this. 4.5/5

Snow On Tha Bluff on Netflix

The Company Men

A solid drama with good performances all around, although it was a bit predictable. Good, not great. 3/5

The Company Men on Netflix

White Bird in a Blizzard

This thriller is gorgeously shot & very well acted - I did not see the end coming at all. Well done. 4/5

White Bird in a Blizzard on Netflix

Love is Strange

Molina & Lithgow are transcendent in this lovely understated drama. I did not expect the end, touching. 3.5/5

Love is Strange on Netflix

Crazy Kind of Love

The acting was very rich but the plot rather stale in this relationship drama- Crew & Rogers were wonderful 3/5

Crazy Kind of Love on Netflix

The Hollow Crown: 1 Henry IV

Hiddleston is magnificent at Hal in this wonderful production. Can't wait to finish the series! 5/5

The Hollow Crown:  1 Henry IV on Netflix

Fort Bliss

The story of women in combat is rarely told & Monaghan did a great job with this understated drama. Compelling. 3.5/5

Fort Bliss on Netflix

Devil's Pass

This found-footage horror film genuinely freaked me out, loved the twist at the end. Worth the watch. 3.5/5

Devil's Pass on Netflix

Some Girl(s)

LaBute is the master of cruelty & this film is no exception although the end reveal was one of his weaker ones. 3.5/5

Some Girl(s) on Netflix

The Skeleton Twins

This is a wonderful, poignant, darkly funny & perfectly acted dramedy - Wiig & Hader are beautiful. Love. 4.5/5

The Skeleton Twins on Netflix

Left Behind

I thought this was a supernatural thriller, but it was a Christian faith film. Boo Nicolas Cage! Terrible. 2/5

Left Behind on Netflix

His Girl Friday

This classic comedy was damn funny with snappy acting - now I know where "The Hudsucker Proxy" came from! 4/5

His Girl Friday on Netflix

Shelter Me

This touching documentary reinforces why rescue pets are the best pets - the veteran's stories are really special. 5/5

Shelter Me on Netflix

As Above, So Below

This found-footage horror flick is well plotted & careful with its camera work with a satisfying ending. 3/5

As Above, So Below on Netflix