Saturday, December 31, 2016

The Descent: Part 2

This horror sequel managed to be even more claustrophobic than the original, which is a hard feat. The direction is tight and , utilizing very little light at times to achieve a true buried-alive feel. The acting was very uneven - a few of the ensemble stood out while others were ridiculously hammy. I was very unclear about the very end of the film, and can only assume another sequel will follow. All in all, a very solid film with a great atmosphere. 3.5/5

The Descent: Part 2 on Netflix

Friday, December 30, 2016

The Human Race

This psych thriller/horror film is pretty ingenious with it's plot. The characters didn't have a ton of depth, but they didn't really need much. The twists of this story are really good, and the ending was something I never expected. Recommended. 4/5

The Human Race on Netflix

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Four

I became completely invested in these characters and their stories very early on in this film. I was intrigued by all the questions asked and glad not all of them got answered. I really enjoyed how this film dealt with notions of togetherness and what it means to be connected to someone in the modern age. The acting was very solid and the direction tight. Two thumbs up for this intimate drama. 4/5

Four on Netflix

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

The Brothers Grimsby

Oh dear gods I hated this so much. It is honestly one of the stupidest and most unfunny comedies I've ever seen in my life. Just vulgarity for no real point and utterly absurd. I realize this might be right up some people's alley, but it definitely wasn't up mine. I can't believe I finished it honestly. Awful. 1/5

The Brothers Grimsby on Netflix

The Machine

This hard sci-fi film is exquisite. The plot is simple but effective, and delves into some really intriguing questions that have no easy answers. The acting was wonderful, particularly Caity Lotz, who does an superb job throughout the film's development. The direction was really picturesque, with lovely use of lighting. I found myself transfixed to this and very interested in all the questions posed by the it. Highly recommended for sci-fi fans. 4/5

The Machine on Netflix

Monday, December 26, 2016

Saint Laurent

This movie is way too long - I could have done without the last forty minutes and with serious trimming before that. The timelines are a mess in the last half of the film and I honestly have no idea what the hell happened for most of that time. The two saving graces are the performances by Gaspard Ulliel and Louis Garrel, which is why the movie gets two stars. Really a muddled mess. 2/5

Saint Laurent on Netflix

Saturday, December 24, 2016

10,000 km

I adored this movie. It's so rare that a film can truly capture all the intimacy and nuance of a true, loving, long-term relationship. The first twenty minutes of this film were so crucial in establishing the depth of the relationship between these two characters, so that the events of the next 70 minutes had real meaning. The two leads (the only two people in the film in fact) are absolutely perfect - one would think they had been a couple for years. This film gets a bad rap by Netflix reviewers, but I wonder how many of those who pan this film have been in a long-term relationship. This is a beautiful, tragic, romantic, tearful, and wonderful movie. I loved it. 5/5

10,000 km on Netflix

Thursday, December 22, 2016

The Resident

This is pretty much your generic stalker film. It's everything you'd expect from this type of film, except with better acting as Hilary Swank and Jeffrey Dean Morgan are the leads. There is a cool little plot device about 20 minutes in that I really liked, but it would have been far more effective had they been able to delay it until about 40 minutes in. Good, not great. 3/5

The Resident on Netflix

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Southbound

Generally, horror films that market themselves as intersecting anthologies are anything but, or the individual elements are so uneven in quality that the film suffers. I was pleasantly surprised by this movie, which, in fact, had five stories that actually all intersected in ways that made sense. I was also pleased that each of the stories were relatively solid with interesting plots. Given that each short was less than twenty minutes long, there were a lot of holes in plots and characters, but that's to be expected with films like this. The lack of budget was apparent, but I ended up rather enjoying this film. If you like weird horror, you might like this odd but enjoyable film. 3.5/5

Southbound on Netflix

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Zoolander 2

I absolutely adored the first "Zoolander" film and I had high hopes for this sequel, but it received such a clubbing by fans and critics I waited until now to see it. The critics were right - this was pretty painful to watch. The whole spirit of the first film was lost, and the plot was needlessly complicated and muddy. When I saw how many writers worked on this I was kind of stunned. This really didn't work for me. 2/5

Zoolander 2 on Netflix

Sunday, December 18, 2016

The Invitation

This tense thriller is the very definition of the word "ominous". It unravels the plot very slowly, carefully, and deliberately, all the while allowing the viewer to feel that something is very wrong, but not to know exactly what. The soundscape of the film is just glorious, and it aids the growing tension quite well. The cinematography is thoughtful and allows the viewer to feel caught in the same house as the characters are. But, for me, the crowning glory of this film is the last sixty seconds, which are just perfection. I really enjoyed this film. 4/5

Invitation on Netflix

Friday, December 16, 2016

Romance

I think the only reason people talk about this movie is because it has scenes of actual sex in it. In reality, it's a piss poor film with very little in the way of plot, acting, or character development. If that wasn't bad enough, this movie manages to be one of the most un-erotic films I've ever seen. The sex is so bad and mechanical and passionless it's repelling, not exciting. To top it off, the film unexpectedly shows a live birth at the end, which I was in no way prepared to see. This film was built up to me as a truly great erotic drama, but it was a huge letdown in every way. 1.5/5

Romance on Netflix

Thursday, December 15, 2016

The Hollars

I only vaguely remember John Krasinski's first feature, "Brief Interviews with Hideous Men". I remember disliking it quite a bit, but I honestly can't remember why other than feeling that this was just another case of bad people behaving terribly to each other for no damn reason, and it irked me. I also remember that I felt his direction was very promising, and I hoped that his next film would show a maturing of style. This second film of Krasinski's is a definitely step up, but possibly because he didn't write it as well, as he did his first film. The writing was very solid and showed a deep understanding of family, love, and relationships. The acting was strong from all parties, and the direction was impactful and well-paced. I really enjoyed this, and I hope to see more from Krasinski along these lines in the future. 4/5

The Hollars on Netflix

Equity

This is the best film of 2016 that I've seen so far. The script is extremely well-written with a plot arc that flows and moves the characters along very well. The direction is solid with good cinematography and a great palette. But it's the three female stars - Anna Gunn, Susan Megan Thomas, and Alysia Reiner - that make this movie so amazing. It's exceptional to see a business-based thriller led by females, and this was much like "Wall Street" run by women. Each woman gave the performance of a lifetime, and I can't imagine Anna Gunn not getting nominated for Best Actress. I was so impressed by this film I applauded at the end. Spectacular. 5/5

Equity on Netflix

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

The Purge: Election Year

It's rare that the sequels of a series are better than the first film, and even more so when they are markedly superior. However, the "Purge" sequels are so markedly better than the original as to be in a different league. The first film was wrongly made as a horror film, but the second and third films were far more violent action thrillers than they were horror, and that was an excellent decision. This third film was beautifully shot with gorgeous lighting and cinematography. The acting was strong, and it was good to see to see Frank Grillo reprising his role from the second film. I really enjoyed the second and third "Purge" films, and I hope they make more in this thriller series. 3.5/5

The Purge: Election Year on Netflix

Monday, December 12, 2016

The Duel

I feel like this tense drama missed the mark a bit. There was no real roundness to the characters - they all felt like roughly drawn caricatures to me. This was most true of Harrelson's character, which was a shame because so much could have been done, especially given the quality of actor Harrelson is. I knew where this film was going from the beginning, and it would have been nice to have a turn or two in the plot. It was beautifully directed and well acted, but lacked the depth to be a truly great film. 3/5

The Duel on Netflix

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Somm: Into the Bottle

I really loved the intimacy and story of the first "Somm" documentary, and I was hoping this sequel of sorts would continue the story of the somms we met in the first film. While all of them appear in this film, this isn't a film about somms, but rather the story of wine itself. I found it intriguing and very informative, but a sequel to "Somm" it is not, and I wish it hadn't been marketed as such. Still, a fine and interesting film 4/5

Somm: Into the Bottle on Netflix

Saturday, December 10, 2016

The Purge: Anarchy

This movie is so far and away better than the first in this series it's astonishing. I found the first "Purge" rather insipid and full of plot holes, but this is a tightly written, very well directed, and well scored film. The acting was solid and I appreciated the wider view of what the Purge event would be like for urban America. What was strange to me was realizing this film was released in 2014, but how almost prescient it was given the recent elections. Think about it - in this films, the Purge was instituted by our New Founding Fathers, who were elected in 2016. The first Purge was in 2017, started by a white male leader whose first name is Donald and has a last name that begins with T. And this future is what fully half the country truly believes is coming after these elections, so make of that what you will. Me, I'm just happy this film was leaps and bounds better than the first, and I'm now anxious to see the third. 4.5/5

The Purge: Anarchy on Netflix

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping

Straight up, this is laugh-out-loud for real material. I really loved this - the acting was spot on and the script was tight and really witty. I am usually very hit or miss with this type of film, but this was all hit for me. Loved it. 5/5

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping on Netflix

10 Cloverfield Lane

What a truly excellent film! I loved how it wasn't a sequel to "Cloverfield" at all... until suddenly it was. The set-up and delivery of the plot was perfectly handled. The acting was really solid, and Bear McCreary's score was just top-notch. This was one of the best films I've seen so far this year - a truly solid film top to bottom. 5/5

10 Cloverfield Lane on Netflix

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Song of Lahore

This joyful documentary about the music of Lahore, Pakistan, is just so lovely and life-affirming. The background about the musicians and the history of the region is really interesting, but the whole movie is worth the last twenty minutes, when we get to here chunks of a concert in America that is just breathtaking. I so loved the music in this, it's just stunning. An amazing movie. 5/5

Song of Lahore on Netflix

Monday, December 5, 2016

Batman: The Killing Joke

It's been a long time since I read this graphic novel, so my memories of the actual story are shady at best. However, I sure don't remember there being two separate and distinct stories going on, with the first half of the movie all about Batgirl and the second half being all about The Joker. I feel like this film played very fast and loose with Batgirl's story, and that whole part of the movie just doesn't fit with the second half. I wasn't a fan of the animation, and I felt the horrors the Joker puts Gordon through could have been done much better. And the ending..... what? I'm very confused. This is not the film I was hoping for, that's for sure. 2/5

Batman: The Killing Joke on Netflix

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Hell or High Water

This is one of the most solid and well-executed films I've seen this year. The acting is exceptional. Foster is a neon light of talent, and I'm glad the world is paying more attention to him these days. Bridges was also exceptional and held a level of gravitas that was a joy to watch. The score was perfectly done, and the direction quite good. I hope this little film gets a lot of attention this awards season. 4.5/5

Hell or High Water on Netflix

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Star Trek Into Darkness

I'm really struggling with a rating for this film. There was a lot that was good. The acting was good as always, the first two-thirds of the story was good, and I actually really enjoyed Cumberbatch's version of Khan. What I find utterly unforgivable, however, was the last third of the film. How can Abrams get "Star Wars" so right and this film so badly wrong? Without spoiling anything, the changes he made to the end of this story I felt betrayed the characters he is attempting to honor with these films. I so strongly disagree with these choices that I have to condemn this film. And, as a bonus, Abrams' lens flare penchant was worse than I've ever seen it before. It's not a bad movie, but it's a terrible Star Trek movie. I'm going to give it three stars and call it a day. 3/5

Star Trek Into Darkness on Netflix

Thursday, December 1, 2016

The Lovers

I wasn't really sure about the gimmick of this adventure flick but I ended up liking it in thew end. Pretty decent acting, good flow to the script, and stunning scenery made this an enjoyable watch, if a little hokey. 3/5

The Lovers on Netflix

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

400 Days

I was worried about watching this sci fi thriller right on the heels of "Approaching the Unknown", which I felt was a very successful and impactful movie, and I was right. This film was overshadowed in every way by "Approaching", and I think my opinion of it suffered because of it. I felt the acting was weak, the plot stale, and the last half hour of the film very strange. I did like the ambiguity of the ending - that much was done right, but not much else. All in all, this really didn't work for me. 2/5

400 Days on Netflix

Monday, November 28, 2016

[REC] 2

This was a worthy sequel to a great original first film. While the first film was one continuous recording, this film found creative ways to splice footage from different camera and areas together in a way that made sense and was true to the original intent. I liked the resolution and will be interested to see the third installment. 3.5/5

[REC] 2 on Netflix

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Approaching the Unknown

This is a difficult movie to watch at times. As the utter hopelessness of the situation settles in, the sense of dread becomes palpable and claustrophobic. The direction and acting were kept very minimalist, which I felt enhanced the growing feelings isolation and loneliness. The ending was both triumphant and filled with absolute despair, which was really the only way this film could end. It's a good film, but I'm not sure how fun it was to watch. 3.5/5

Approaching the Unknown on Netflix

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Holding the Man

I was extremely moved by this film. The acting was spectacular, and, overall, the story was well-told. However, I was a bit put off by some of the holes in the plot - there were several years in the story that simply weren't mentioned at all, which contained information that was vital to my understanding of the story. I wish we could have learned more ab out those missing years, but the love story was very powerful and moving nonetheless. 3.5/5

Holding the Man on Netflix

Friday, November 25, 2016

Uno

A few months back I watched the Norwegian film "Buddy", and was impressed enough by it that I was interested to see the writing and directorial debut of "Buddy" costar Aksel Hennie. I'm so glad I did, because this is a truly exceptional film. Watching Hennie's character David fall further and further down a well of misfortune and despair was absolutely captivating. I felt for him so strongly for the length of the film, and the tendrils of the plot spooled themselves out to perfection. The direction was deft with a strong use of music to highlight key moments. The acting was really solid, and the ending very appropriate and strong. I really loved this and will be actively searching for more films by Hennie - he's a talent to watch. 4.5/5

Uno on Netflix

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Ma Mere

This French erotica was billed as a festival of the taboo - I imagined something of a cross between "Spanking the Monkey" and "The Piano Teacher". Sadly, it was entirely tame until the last ten minutes. Huppert, who I've liked in the past, failed to bring the  subtle sizzle to this role, but Louis Garrel delivered a tortured and striking performance as her son. There was potential here, but it was never realized to my eye. 2/5

Ma Mere on Netflix

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Insidious: Chapter 3

Now this is the "Insidious" film I've been hoping for! Leigh Whannell made his directorial debut with this film he also wrote, and it turns out he's as gifted a director as he is a writer. The flow and feel of this film was deft and well-paced. I loved seeing Elise as a total badass, and filling in all the holes with this prequel was a genius stroke. The acting was very strong, and the palette dark and brooding. I really enjoyed this - a wonderful end to a series that only got stronger with each film. 4/5

Insidious: Chapter 3 on Netflix

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Independence Day: Resurgence

I don't know about the rest of the world, but I liked this. It had a more cohesive plot than the original (not hard to do) and the acting was very solid. The effects were really outstanding, and the flow of the film was solid and strong. It's a better film than the first one, and it had enough nostalgia factors that I really liked it. A strong showing, and it certainly opened the way for a third film in the future. 4/5

Independence Day: Resurgence on Netflix

Monday, November 21, 2016

Blood Father

The plot of this wasn't bad, but the acting sure was. Gibson had two notes - monotone and furiously angry, and we didn't see him angry nearly enough. If the script had been more fleshed out and had more room for the characters to breathe I think it could have been special. As is, it was just okay for me. 3/5

Blood Father on Netflix

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Insidious: Chapter 2

I watched the first "Insidious" film before my massive "Saw" marathon, so I didn't realize that Leigh Whannell, the writer of the first three "Saw" films, was also the author of the "Insidious" films. I felt Whannell's presence as a writer in this second film, which I felt was more cohesive and had more plot twists to it than the first in the series. Wan has definitely grown as a director in the last several years, and I thought the style and palette of this film was grainy and mealy as it should be. I liked this second film more than the first - I will be interested to see the third. 3.5/5

Insidious: Chapter 2 on Netflix

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Jessabelle

This Southern Gothic thriller is deliciously creepy and atmospheric. I felt the heat and damp of the bayou throughout the film, and the palette was perfect for the setting. Sarah Snook was just perfect in the lead role, and the plot doled it's surprises out slowly and carefully, which built the suspense. I enjoyed this thriller quite a bit. 4/5

Jessabelle on Netflix

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

High Tension

Whoever thinks that American horror has a corner on the gore and brutality market hasn't been watching what the French have been doing. I've seen some French horror films that have pushed all the boundaries of gore and taste directly out the window, and this fright fest is no exception. The direction and effects of the film are quite good, and the two lead actresses really sell the feelings of being trapped with a madman marvelously. However, it's the end twist that I have to take issue with. As interesting as it is, I don't believe it holds up to scrutiny. If you think about it for more than a few seconds, the entire film starts to unravel badly. I'm sorry, but that really ruined what was a strong showing in French horror for me. I'm keeping it at three stars, but just barely. 3/5

High Tension on Netflix

Monday, November 14, 2016

I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House

Reviewers of this Netflix original psych thriller are heavily divided about it. Half feel this is a work of brilliance, and the other half feel it's a terrible waste of time. Surprisingly, I find myself in the former camp - I thought this film was stunning. I don't mind slow-moving films, but the pace of this is glacial at best, and normally that annoys me quickly. But I could have watched this for hours, I really could have. The tone and atmosphere of it is just breathtaking, and the scenes are interwoven with poetry that is so haunting and lovely that I was mesmerized. I tried to find the opening monologue somewhere online, but it seems no one has capped or transcribed it. I absolutely feel that there are symbolic layers to this I didn't pick up on in this viewing - I'll have to watch it again to get it all I think. Ruth Wilson was captivating in this - I really enjoyed it. I certainly won't forget it. 4/5

I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House on Netflix

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Wetlands

I have no earthly idea how this German sex comedy wound up on my queue, but it was completely strange and utterly fun. I found myself cringing in disbelief quite a bit, but, even though it had it's gross moments, it also had heart and depth and a soul to it. Carla Juri was wonderful in the lead as well. I'm surprised I liked this a lot, but I did. 3.5/5

Wetlands on Netflix

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Ricki and the Flash

This is truly lovely movie with a lot of heart and soul. Meryl Streep was dynamic and real in the lead role, and DAYUM she sings her heart out in this. As soon as the movie was finished I grabbed my tablet to see if the movie's soundtrack was on Spotify, and thankfully it is. I really enjoyed this, it was quite moving. 4/5

Ricki and the Flash on Netflix

Friday, November 11, 2016

Sausage Party

This movie had its moments. There were some really funny things, and a lot of the voice acting was really quite good. However, in an effort to be like "South Park: The Movie" this film tried to push the envelope as far as it could. Unlike "South Park", they largely failed. This is just crudeness for crudeness' sake, and the thin plot didn't really support it all. I wanted to like this more, but I ended up rolling my eyes as much as I laughed, so it was just okay for me. 3/5

Sausage Party on Netflix

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Saw: The Final Chapter

It's a rare feat for any franchise with seven films to have as strong a seventh chapter as they had a first, but that is what the "Saw" franchise managed to accomplish. To my eye, there is only one small, insignificant question left unanswered from the whole of the series - all else was developed and realized fully and completely. I have been careful not to list cast members or give character names, as I want to preserve the secrets of these films for those who haven't seen them. And, if you haven't seen them and you are a horror fan as I am, you really really need to, as they are truly excellent. I didn't even mind the extra gore in this, as there is a perfect reason for that too. But there's a reason for everything in this series, if you give it long enough. Magnificent job, and bravo to the team who kept this franchise going so well. 3.5/5

Saw: The Final Chapter on Netflix

Monday, November 7, 2016

Saw VI

Well, when I'm wrong I'll say it, and I was wrong when I thought the "Saw" team was moving too far from its origins in "Saw V", because this film is right back in the pocket. In my review of "Saw V" I mentioned the one big question from the series, one from the end of film three, that hadn't been answered and I thought never would. Well, they answered it in the sixth film in brilliant fashion. I am completely stunned by the seamless nature of this franchise. There are no holes, no mistakes, no gaping problems, no hiccups in the plot or the characters. It's impossible for me to believe this whole story wasn't scripted from the beginning, but, were that true, there would be a "story by Leigh Whannell" credit and there isn't. I have read that they planned to go to eight films but ended at seven, so I'm just dying to see how this ends. Only after I watch the last film will I search out to see if this was all plotted from the beginning. As it is, I truly understand why this is such a beloved horror franchise, because it's just brilliant. 4/5

Saw VI on Netflix

Me Before You

I believe this movie gets a bad rap because of it's very controversial stance on ending life. Many people object morally to the notion that a quadriplegic person could and should have the right to end their life. I get that, I do, and, as a mental health professional, I would want to do everything I could to help change this character's mind. However, as a mental health professional, I also know that, if someone is determined to end their life, there really isn't anything you can do about it, and I would want it to happen in as kind and loving a manner as possible. I think the characters in this film were well scripted, the acting was lovely, and the direction solid. It's a tough movie on some levels, but I enjoyed it all the same. 3.5/5

Me Before You on Netflix

Sunday, November 6, 2016

King Georges

This profile of French chef Georges Perrier is fascinating. He has the temper one expects from a master chef, but, by the end, he shows such grace and humility that I was honestly surprised by it. Also, I am very, very hungry right now! A good and short documentary. 4/5

King Georges on Netflix

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Edge of Winter

I wanted to like this movie more but I just couldn't connect with the character motivations. It seemed so strange to me that a father who had been as distant and unconnected to his kids as Kinnaman's character was would suddenly become so desperate to keep them that he would resort to the actions in this film. The acting was great, especially the two young boys, and Kinnaman was very believable, but the plot had enough holes for me that I had a hard time getting from good to great. 3/5

Edge of Winter on Netflix

Friday, November 4, 2016

Saw V

This installment of the "Saw" franchise was a bit of a let-down for me, especially after the rather exceptional fourth film. This film was neither directed by Bousman nor written by Whannell and I felt the lack of their input. The plot of this was limited in scope and tenuous at best. It relied very heavily on flashbacks that reinterpreted past films instead of filling in the questions left behind as every previous "Saw" film has done. There are still two elements - a small question from the second film and a huge one from the third - that I hope get answered, but I'm now a bit worried this team is moving too far away from the original vision of the films. It was even in the little details that should have been simple to get right. For example, Jigsaw always ends his tapes with "Live or die. Make your choice" - but in this film he altered those crucial few words for no apparent reason. I do love how Tobin Bell's character died in the third film but the team always finds ways to bring him back like an omnipresent ghost. This is the weakest "Saw" film so far, and I really hope they can pull it together for "Saw VI". 3/5


Saw V on Netflix

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Saw IV

Well now, things just got interesting, didn't they? This is the first "Saw" film I haven't already seen, so it was all new to me. I admit I spent the first half of the film rather confused. The ending of "Saw III" was so ripe for an immediate sequel that I couldn't understand why we were seeing the story we were. And then, as they always do, the pieces started falling into place, and it was absolutely amazing how all of the first three films were tied in together for this installment. I was shocked that Whannell didn't write this, but it's clear that those who did paid a great deal of attention to his details. Director Darren Lynn Bousman, who has directed all but the first film, has really come into his own in this film. And the excessive gore problem I had with "Saw III" is gone here - this went right back to the thriller roots. I really enjoyed this and am in wonder at the ending. Well done, and I just got "Saw V" today, so onward! 4/5

Saw Iv on Netflix

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Amanda Knox

 I admit I only knew some of the more sensational details about the Amanda Knox story, so I was very interested in learning more in this documentary. I wasn't disappointed - this film gave a thorough accounting from the views of Knox and Sollecito, the police, and the press. I can see how Knox's demeanor must have seemed strange to many, but it is so important to remember that trauma affects everyone in very different ways. Coming out of this film, I am inclined to believe Knox is innocent, but, as with most true crime, we'll never truly know. A fascinating film. 4.5/5

Amanda Knox on Netflix

Yakuza Apocalypse

I have no bleeding idea what I just watched. I knew I was getting a movie about Yakuza vampires, but the trailer made this seem like a pretty straightforward thriller. But it was about the time when the head Yakuza vampire was fighting a dude in a big plushy green frog suit, and the dude in the suit took the suit off to reveal a man with a frog head and hands, who then grew to be 200 feet tall and started breathing fire on the world.... well..... that was when they lost me. So... yeah. 2/5

Yakuza Apocalypse on Netflix

Monday, October 31, 2016

Aloha

Wow, I remember when Cameron Crowe made good films. Hell, the man wrote "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and directed "Singles" and "Jerry Maguire". He was my god for a while. However, his last few films have been bad, and this was downright awful. Everything you've read about how offensive it is to native Hawaiians is absolutely true, and I have no idea why Emma Stone was cast in the role she was in. This was really a miss for me, and I wish Cameron Crowe could just find his way again. 2/5

Aloha on Netflix

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Saw III

In many ways, this movie is just a solid and well thought out as the original. That's not a surprise when you note that Leigh Whannell and James Wan wrote it together, just as they did the first film. The plot is very tight and well controlled, with twists coming quickly throughout the film. I didn't remember the ending, and I was at the edge of my seat with it. The problem for me with this film is that the amount of violence and sheer gore rose dramatically from the first two films. The first two were violent, but you didn't see a ton of the violence on camera, just the aftermath of it. This film was gore-tastic the whole way through, and it added nothing. I hope the filmmakers remember that, at its heart, "Saw" was as much of a psych thriller as a horror film, if not more so. This was the last "Saw" film I watched, so I'm moving into uncharted territory next week. 4/5

Saw III on Netflix

Friday, October 28, 2016

Saw II

According to Netflix, I originally gave this film only three stars - I'm going to bump that up to three and a half. This was not directed by James Wan and it shows - the feel of the film was more superficial and generic than the first film. However, the acting is definitely superior to the first film, and the plot held together extremely well even on second viewing. Of the three main twists at the end I only remembered two of them, and even knowing the other two didn't diminish the flourish of the reveals. I think this film is a worthy successor to the original in nearly every way. I'm glad Leigh Whannell was around to co-write this script - he really kept it on track. "Saw III" coming up this weekend. 3.5/5

Saw II on Netflix

This Must Be the Place

I rented this after being truly stunned by Paolo Sorrentino recent film "Youth", which still lingers in my memory as something very special. This film was also lovingly shot with beautiful visual textures and framing that I found very affecting. Sean Penn is simply outstanding in this very unusual role, but beyond that I'm afraid I don't have much praise to offer. The script for this is all over the road and nonsensical at times. I found myself drifting and not really caring what happened to the characters, and, after how profoundly "Youth" affected me, I was surprised by my lack of interest. This was just okay for me, but I will give Paolo Sorrentino another couple of tries. 3/5

This Must Be the Place on Netflix

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Saw

My regular readers will know I recently declared my intention to finally watch the entire "Saw" series in my effort to catch up on many of the horror franchises I have been missing. I have only seen the first three installments of the "Saw" series, and I remember none of them well enough, so I'm starting from scratch with the first film. I remembered many of the twists of this rather ingenious plot, in particular the dramatic ending, so I was curious if the film would hold up even knowing what I did. Surprisingly it did. I remember being substantially confused when I first saw the film as the narrative changes and plot twists had me rather confused at times. It was much easier to follow this time through, and I found there were so many small details I had missed originally that jumped out at me now. I still found the acting to be pretty awful, and Wan has grown a lot as a director since this film, but it's a solid piece with suspenseful elements that weren't present in much of the horror of the day. I enjoyed this reviewing and am looking forward to the rest of the series. 4/5

Saw on Netflix

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Nerve

This thriller is just an internet version of "Would You Rather?", which was a superior movie in most ways. The ending really didn't work for me, but I enjoyed the cinematography and the music a lot. Good acting from Dave Franco and Emma Roberts as well. 3/5

Nerve on Netflix

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Sundown

This movie tried so hard to be the "Risky Business" for this generation, right down to the Porsche, but they got all the important things wrong. It's popcorn fun with good music, but nothing more than that. 2.5/5

Sundown on Netflix

Monday, October 24, 2016

Wide Awake

There's a reason no one has ever heard of this early M. Night Shyamalan film. Because it's horrid. It's family dramedy that is Hallmark quality and faith-based. I couldn't make it past the halfway point without turning it off. Not good at all for me! 1.5/5

Wide Awake on Netflix

Sunday, October 23, 2016

The Perfect Guy

This thriller was very paint-by-the-numbers, no real detail or motivation given at all. There were strange moments when characters were clearing referencing material cut out of the film, which made things all the more confusing. The acting was just average - there was nothing special about this for me. 2.5/5

The Perfect Guy on Netflix

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Insidious

I've realized lately that I seem to have missed a big swath of popular horror in the last several years, so I've been attempting to remedy that as of late. I just finished the two "Conjuring" films, and now I've moved on to the "Insidious" franchise. You can't miss a James Wan film. He has a particular eye and color palette that is just unmistakable. This film is visually beautiful, but I felt the script lacked focus and the characters were weakly drawn. This was just average for me. I will say this has also inspired me to watch the whole of the "Saw" franchise as well, so that should be an interesting few weeks! 3/5

Insidious on Netflix

Friday, October 21, 2016

A Ballerina's Tale

This documentary about Misty was both beautiful and a bit frustrating. It was beautiful because I had never seen Misty dance for extended periods of time and she's just breathtaking to watch. She has such a gift, it's amazing. But it was also frustrating because I wanted to know more about Misty the woman and less about the issue of Black women in classical dance. This would have been a five star film if I could have learned more about what really made Misty the amazing dancer she is. 4/5

A Ballerina's Tale on Netflix

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Anguish

I am so blown away by the cinematography in this film. Every frame was like a piece of fine art. It was lush and framed so perfectly it was just breathtaking. Ryan Simpkins was magical in the lead, which was not an easy part to play in the least. I don't know why the complaints about the ending - I adored it. It was the perfect way to end this film. I loved this. 4.5/5

Anguish on Netflix

The Meddler

I admit I'm not a big fan of Sarandon but she was really great in this. It reminded me of "Hello, My Name is Doris" in feel and tone, although I connected more with the message of "Doris". A solid feel-good comedy with good performances. 3.5/5

The Meddler on Netflix

Monday, October 17, 2016

The Double

This twisty thriller reminded me of "No Way Out", but with a couple of extra twists. I didn't see the final ones coming, although in retrospect I should have. Decent acting, engaging plot, I just wish there was a bit more character development. 3/5

The Double on Netflix

Friday, October 14, 2016

A Bigger Splash

This arty drama had promise and a strong lead performance from Tilda Swinton, who managed to deliver poignant emotion with virtually no dialogue and never speaking above a whisper. The plot built slowly to its inevitable conclusion, buoyed by another strong performance by Fiennes. Unfortunately, my praise ends there, as the rest of the characters were derivative and the plot slow and clumsy. I had expected it to be more daring, but it never seemed to get going for me. Just average I'm afraid. 3/5

A Bigger Splash on Netflix

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Joshy

I thought I knew what type of movie I was getting when I read this Netflix description, but the first four minutes of the movie over the opening credits stunned me so much I had to rewind and watch them again. This is a black comedy ith a big dark underbelly, but it's also sweet and funny and really laugh-worthy. It's hard to straddle that kind of divide, but this film does it beautifully. Loved this. 4/5

Joshy on Netflix

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

A Perfect Day

This drama is actually pretty witty and clever - I'm not sure why the label "dark" is attached to it. Well, yes, there are dark elements, but I wouldn't call the film dark in tone. Del Toro and Robbins are both excellent, and the plot is interesting and concise. I liked this. 3.5/5

A Perfect Day on Netflix

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Slow Learners

This was a genuinely sweet, laughably funny, and very endearing comedy. Yes, it was predictable, but it really didn't matter. The two leads were excellent and I really enjoyed it. 4/5

Slow Learners on Netflix

Saturday, October 8, 2016

The Conjuring

Yes, this was a pretty straightforward no-frills basic possession/haunting story. But it was acted quite well by Farmiga and Taylor, and it did legitimately freak me out at times, so it's definitely worth a watch. I'm interested to see the sequel. 3.5/5

The Conjuring on Netflix

Friday, October 7, 2016

Weiner

This documentary was really difficult for me to watch. Weiner gave this documentary crew tremendous access to his life and his campaign. I was honestly stunned with how much he allowed them to film. But what was was most shocking was the relationship between Weiner and Abedin. Speaking very frankly, Weiner seemed abusive and awful to Abedin throughout most of the film. A reporter commented, after watching them together, that Huma looked like an abused spouse, and I totally agree with that assessment. Weiner was a bully, not just to her, but to people on the street, to reporters, and to everyone who dared stand up to him. Knowing the most recent scandal that has broken from his camp, I feel sickened by everything that has transpired. This is a brilliant documentary about a subject that, for me, was just very difficult to watch. 5/5

Weiner on Netflix

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Into the Forest

This is one of those rare post-apocalyptic movies where you never get to see the apocalypse, just humans in the aftermath. Wood and Page were both excellent - the movie wouldn't have worked without both of them firing on all cylinders. Lovely direction, haunting story. I enjoyed this. 4/5

Into the Forest on Netflix

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Swiss Army Man

This film was, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the absolute best films I have ever seen in my entire life. It is also the most wholly original film I have ever seen in my life. It's going to take a long time to fully wrap my head around what I just saw. It's so rare to see a film that is, at its heart, a comedy, but also a deeply tragic and poignant questioning of humanity and what we hold dear. The performances by Dano and Radcliffe were just astonishing. There is no doubt in my mind that Radcliffe deserves a Best Supporting Actor nomination for this. And the music was just perfectly sublime and fit the film so well. This is such a good film, it's just beyond anything I had hoped for. If you do nothing else, please watch this. Just amazing. 5/5

Swiss Army Man on Netflix

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Cell

I didn't hate this like most of the reviewers on Netflix, but it wasn't great either. The premise reminded me a bit of "Pulse", the Japanese horror film form several years back, with the same basic meta-commentary about the evils of reliance on technology. The acting in this was clunky, the story full of plot holes and leaps of logic, and I really didn't get a sense of the Big Bad Guy at the center of everything. Boiled down, this is just a zombie movie, and if you take it as just that, it's okay, but just. I would have three-starred it but the ending really disappointed me. 2.5/5

Cell on Netflix

Sunday, October 2, 2016

City of Gold

I admit I've never been adventurous when it comes to food, but watching Jonathan Gold eat what, to me, were exotic cuisines out of food trucks and strip mall restaurants all over LA made me really hungry and want to try new things. A very loving portrait of a man and his legacy of food. 4/5

City of Gold on Netflix

Saturday, October 1, 2016

In the Name of My Daughter

This is certainly an interesting story, and I'm going to look up the real case to see what truth there is in this movie. I was struck by the acting, but, even at two hours, I didn't feel I learned enough to really make a judgment about the fate of Agnes Le Roux. It all felt very surface to me. Good, not great. 3/5

In the Name of My Daughter on Netflix

Thursday, September 29, 2016

The Shallows

Many reviews said this was the best shark movie they've seen in years. I'm saying this is one of the best shark movies ever. Not even "Jaws" made me as afraid of a shark as this film did, in enormous part due to the stellar direction. Jaume Collet-Serra made me feel a part of the environment and as if I was in the water with Blake Lively and the shark. Riveting and scary as hell. 4.5/5

The Shallows on Netflix

The Neon Demon

I never thought I'd say this, but I've finally seen a Nicolas Winding Refn film I didn't like. I'm shocked, I've been so in tune with his style and his narrative that I've loved everything he's done, but this? Not this. It's beautiful, but of course it's beautiful. Refn has an eye that no one else in cinema has, so "The Neon Demon" has all the style in the world. But there is no substance here at all. There's barely a plot, the acting is stilted, and the story banal. So many things were inserted just for shock value alone, such as the necrophilia sequence, and for me it just detracted from what could have been a probative look into what constitutes beauty. I know he was trying to push the envelope with this film, but he could have done so without sacrificing the plot. So, for me, not good, and I'm super disappointed to say that. 2/5

The Neon Demon on Netflix

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

By the Sea

After the news of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie splitting up, it seemed only fitting to rent this, their last film together. I admit I wasn't having it for the first hour. Pitt and Jolie were awkward and strained in their dialogue, and I felt estranged from the story they were trying to tell. But as the second hour unfolded, I found I grew more invested in their characters and the story, although I will say the secret was not what I expected. All in all I felt unfulfilled by this, but it was interesting to watch in light of recent events. I suspect the characterizations in this aren't far off from the truth. 3.5/5

By the Sea on Netflix

Youth

I did not see this film coming. From the trailer I thought this would be a light-hearted dramedy, but it was far more impactful and metaphorical than that. I have never seen a Paolo Sorrentino film before, so I certainly didn't expect the gorgeousness of the direction, and how every scene moved and felt alive. I was so moved by the music that I watched through most of the end credits to get the name of the person who composed some of the tracks, a man named David Lang. I am amazed by this film and deeply moved by it, far more so than I thought I might be. A true gem. 4.5/5

Youth on Netflix

Friday, September 23, 2016

Anomalisa

It's been a long time since I've seen anything by Charlie Kaufman. The last film of his I saw was "Synecdoche, New York", which I found altogether too strange and off-putting. But this film, this Kaufman let unfold slowly like a rose, one perfect petal at a time. It took a full hour for the true nature of the plot to be revealed, and I was stunned and very affected by it. It's wholly original in the way that his first film "Being John Malkovich" was. It's amazing and tremendously tragic and I will remember this one for a long long time. If you've given up on Kaufman, please do watch this one - you will not be sorry. 5/5

Anomalisa on Netflix

Thursday, September 22, 2016

The Last Exorcism Part II

The problem with this second installment in "The Last Exorcism" series is there is very little exorcising going on. I feel like so many opportunities to deal with demons in creative ways were lost here due to an uncreative script. The shining light that saves this movie from utter banality is the acting of Ashley Bell, who is just amazing in this role. Her physical acting really sells me on her possession, particularly her work with her hands. Only because she's in this and knocking it out of the park did this get a three star rating - other than that it's really not good. 3/5

The Last Exorcism Part II on Netflix

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

The Nice Guys

Shane Black penned another smash with this hilarious noir dramedy. Gosling and Crowe have amazing chemistry, and Gosling's comedy had me in stitches half the film. The script was snappy, the direction tight and well-paced, and the plot was intricate and well woven. There wasn't a thing wrong with this film - it hit on all cylinders. Loved it! 5/5

The Nice Guys on Netflix

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Camp X-Ray

I've said it before and I'm going to keep saying it until everyone is hearing me. Kristen Stewart is a far better actress than what was seen in the "Twilight" movies. Her performance in this was subtle, emotional, and extremely nuanced. There's a scene right at the end where she's fighting with herself not to cry, and it was so poignant and eloquent I exclaimed to myself. The plot of this is very solid, and the direction is tightly wound and well-paced. A good film. 4/5

Camp X-Ray on Netflix

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Knock Knock

I think Eli Roth lost it some years back. I can't remember the last time he made a movie with a coherent plot and a meaningful story line. This movie falls apart when the change occurs a half hour in. Without saying much, Keanu Reeve's character simply wouldn't do what he did. It's not in the character that we meet a the beginning of the film. Furthermore, even had he done what he did, what happens over the last half hour of the film makes anything he did pale in comparison. I'm sorry, but I'm not buying what Roth is selling here. Yeah, maybe people eat free pizza, but it's not really the same thing, is it? Add to this that Keanu did his usually terrible acting job, and this was over before it started. 2.5/5

Knock Knock on Netflix

Friday, September 16, 2016

The Last Exorcism

#FTRQ "The Last Exorcism" - I steered clear of this film for a long while, mostly because I heard bad things about it. Bu the other day I saw a trailer for "The Last Exorcism 2", and I was intrigued enough to rent this first installment. I was very pleasantly surprised to see a young Caleb Landry Jones in this, as faithful readers will know I try to watch everything he's in. This isn't nearly as bad as I'd heard or feared. It was a well acted horror show, found footage style, which I admit I have a penchant for. The script was interesting and I really enjoyed Patrick Fabian and Ashley Bell in this. I'm happy I saw it, and will now queue up the sequel for next week. 3/5

EDITED TO ADD: I'm glad I hadn't hit send on this yet, because I remembered seeing a song credit for Caleb Landry Jones in the credits. I just did a Google search, and just discovered he makes music too! I'm stunned. Now I'm grateful to have rented this film all the more!

The Last Exorcism on Netflix

Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Ones Below

I saw every twist of this thriller coming, but I found it still engaging enough to never look away from it. The acting was nothing to write home about, but I still liked watching the plot unspool. Good, not great. 3/5

The Ones Below on Netflix

Pink Ribbons, Inc

I have dear friends who are very invested in the Pink Ribbon movement, and I don't blame them. Cancer is a scary thing, and, on the surface, it seems like many of these campaigns could be of help. Sadly, this documentary discusses something I already had some familiarity with - that many of these pink ribbon campaigns do precious little to actually research, prevent or cure breast cancer. The bottom line is, if you really want to help do something about cancer, do your research and donate to funds that are actually doing quality work in the area of research. That's the only way we're really going to make serious headway into finding out what causes cancers such as this. Bravo to this documentary for bring that to light and really talking about it. 4/5

Pink Ribbons, Inc. on Netflix

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Clouds of Sils Maria

I don't know how I wound up renting so many movies with Kristen Stewart in them so close together, but this is another one. Again, I protest that anyone who still believes Stewart can't act needs to watch her in something like this, which is essentially a two woman powerhouse drama with her and Juliette Binoche. I maintain that anyone who can stand up to Binoche as Stewart does for nearly two hours is one heck of an actress, because Binoche is magical in this, as in all things. The problem with this movie and the reason it only has three and a half stars is the ending, which is... nonexistent. After investing so much time and energy into these two women, the ending we are given is, quite frankly, insulting. I understand the metaphors at play, I really do, but it is so unsatisfying that I docked a half star for having to suffer through the last fifteen minutes of this. A great movie for one and three quarter hours, but be prepared to hate the end. 3.5/5

Clouds of Sils Maria on Netflix

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Dixieland

What a gem this was! This film is directed and framed so well I nearly cried. It's lush and picturesque and unexpected in its angles and palette. Honestly, it was so beautiful that, if the script had been garbage, I would have watched it for days. However, the script was as beautiful as the cinematography. It was layered and subtle and had an end that caught my breath in my throat. To top it off, Chris Zylka and Riley Keough were both just perfect in the lead roles. This is a truly gorgeous film that is affecting in every way. This is Hank Bedford's first feature film, and I can't wait to see what he writes and directs next. A true tragic joy. 5/5

Dixieland on Netflix

Monday, September 12, 2016

Backtrack

I really enjoyed this twisty thriller, even more so because, unlike many in this genre, it made a fair amount of psychological sense. Brody is excellent as always, and I was always one step behind the plot twists, which kept me guessing. A very solid film. 4/5

Backtrack on Netflix

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Anesthesia

I wonder if the public at large is aware of the incredibly impactful films Tim Blake Nelson has been creating for the past several years. I realize he's just that funny looking actor-guy to many, but he has grown into an amazing writer and director in these last years. This new work of his is a deftly penned non-linear drama with full-bodied characters, a well woven plot, and an ending that socked me in the gut. A wonderful film, very potent and affecting. 4/5

Anesthesia on Netflix

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Equals

I'm not sure why there are so many negative reviews of this on Netflix. I found this to be a very interesting and engaging film. Kristen Stewart was tremendous in this - anyone who still labors under the assumption that she can't act need look no further than this film. Nicholas Hoult was also marvelous, the script was solid and engaging, and the direction quite lovely. I really loved the ending to this film - unexpected and very moving. I recommend this one for soft sci-fi fans. 4/5

Equals on Netflix

Friday, September 9, 2016

Money Monster

Jodie Foster's newest directorial foray is a smashing one. Clooney and Roberts are totally on their game, and Jack O'Connell gives a star performance as well. The action was tightly written and tautly directed, and I enjoyed the unspooling of the plot. Very well done and extremely engaging - even with a bad migraine I couldn't look away. I highly recommend this taut thriller. 4/5

Money Monster on Netflix

Thursday, September 8, 2016

King Creole

This is now my fourth Elvis film, and I liked this one more than I expected. I wasn't fond of the last drama I saw Elvis in, and this was a more serious role than "Viva Las Vegas", which was the first Elvis I liked. They gave Elvis a lot to chew on in this film and he did it quite well and with conviction. I enjoyed the songs and didn't feel they overshadowed the plot. It did drag a bit at the end, but overall I really liked this one. Not sure what I'll try next, but this was a winner for me. 4/5

King Creole on Netflix

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

The Hunting Ground

There's no easy way to put this. This is a devastating documentary to watch. What these brave women and men have been through is just horrifying, and to watch them tell their tales hurt me in a place deep in my gut. The problem of college rape is a very real one, and I don't know what it will take to finally get the changes we so desperately need. I hope films like this keep getting made, and survivors keep telling their stories, and, maybe then, we will finally see and end to this horrible crime. An extremely well done documentary on a very difficult topic. Well done once again, Kirby Dick 5/5

The Hunting Ground on Netflix

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Chappie

I'm not going to lie - I was expecting precious little out of this film. It feels much like "RoboCop" had a illegitimate baby with "Short Circuit", which I thought would be off putting as all hell. But, surprisingly, it wasn't off putting at all, but sweet and thoughtful and scratch-your-head cerebral all at once. I found it ultimately a rewarding and tender film that had an interesting message about the nature of humanity. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I really enjoyed this. 4/5

Chappie on Netflix

Monday, September 5, 2016

Dark Horse

This documentary about a small Welsh town who banded together to raise a champion racehorse was tender, witty, and heartfelt. I really enjoyed this - it had real heart, and I felt inspired watching it. 4/5

Dark Horse on Netflix

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Flight 7500

For a simple horror flick this was actually quite good. Lots of quick hits of character development, an interesting plot, and a strong ending. Even the acting was better than average. Well done! 3.5/5

Flight 7500 on Netflix

Saturday, September 3, 2016

Every Thing Will Be Fine

Straight up, this was a bad movie. The acting was absolutely leaden. Franco's been coasting through roles lately, but in this he was barely a cardboard cutout. I would fault him except the rest of the cast was as well, so it had to be a directorial decision. The direction was also really off, with a weird score that distracted me throughout. This was not a good film. 2/5

Every Thing Will Be Fine on Netflix

Friday, September 2, 2016

Takers

Now, I love a good heist film, but this is only a barely adequate heist film. The plot is surface at best, there's not much character development, and the acting was surprisingly weak given the caliber of the cast. The heists themselves were pretty good, but overall I was disappointed by this. 3/5

Takers on Netflix

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Private Peaceful

I felt fairly ambiguously about this WWI period British drama - I wasn't really taken by it or particularly drawn to its characters. However, there is a really deft piece of direction at the end that really turned things on its head for me. Those few minutes really hit me and saved it its three star rating. 3/5

Private Peaceful on Netflix

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

The Intern

I was really apprehensive about this film, as I feared it would veer into rom-com territory, which would be supremely weird. I was refreshingly surprised - it was sweet and lovely and witty and tender. De Niro and Hathaway were both wonderful, and it was a nice surprise to see a friend of mine in a bit part as well. I enjoyed this more than I thought - a fine dramedy. 4/5

The Intern on Netflix

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Contraband

Seriously, when did Mark Wahlberg decide he was going to actually act again? I've been disliking and avoiding his films for so long that I apparently missed when he discovered he really liked acting and wanted to do it well. This 2012 heist film had a snappy script and great acting across the board, including Wahlberg. Of course, I had to see it, because Caleb Landry Jones is in it, but it was definitely worth the watch. Solid film, I enjoyed it. 4/5

Contaband on Netflix

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Born to Be Blue

Wow, I really loved this film. It was written and directed by Robert Budreau, whose work I've never seen before. I truly hope he gets much more work in the future, as this was really inventive and imaginative. I really loved the non-linear moments, and the direction had such lovely texture and a great palette. I have to give it up to Ethan Hawke, who pulled out all the stops for this role. The last twenty minutes of this film is perhaps the best twenty minutes of film Hawke has ever produced, and it's a marvel to watch. Especially in contrast to the similarly themed "Miles Away", this is a truly great film. 4.5/5

Born to Be Blue on Netflix

Friday, August 26, 2016

Flowers in the Attic

The "Flowers" series of books by V.C. Andrews were a huge part of my childhood. I read and reread them dozens of times - they really affected me. I have been waiting my whole life for someone to make a decent film adaptation of this book, as it truly deserves one. Well, I'm still waiting. This was better than the 1987 version, but it doesn't do the desperateness of the plot justice at all, and the acting was terrible, save for Burstyn. This is not a good or fair version of this book - if you are a fan just stay away. 2/5

Flowers in the Attic on Netflix

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Maggie's Plan

Watching this dramedy I would have sworn to you it was a Noah Baumbach movie, which, from me, is a very high compliment. The script was crisply written, the characters well shaped, and the direction very clean and modern. It lacked the emotional resonance of a Baumbach film, for which I deducted half a star, but this was a fine film. I enjoyed it. 3.5/5

Maggie's Plan on Netflix

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Labyrinth of Lies

This German drama about the generation after the Nazis attempting to reconcile the actions of their parents and their country is truly affecting and quite well written. The acting is solid and I was thoroughly engaged throughout. This was a period of time for Germany I really didn't know much about - I was pleasantly surprised by this. 4/5

Labyrinth of Lies on Netflix

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Sky

I'm a bit conflicted about this film. We get thrown into a story in medius res, which normally doesn't bother me, but much of it was in French without subtitles. I speak enough French to understand some of it, but not all of it, which left me wondering why these things were happening. The movie takes a sudden transition half way through and becomes a largely different film. I liked the second part of the film much better, and I really wish the whole film had been that story. The acting was very solid and I love the angles of the direction. This end strong, but the weak opening earned a demotion in rating. 3.5/5

Sky on Netflix

Monday, August 22, 2016

To Write Love on Her Arms

This story is about the real life struggle of Renee Yohe, whose story inspired the charity To Write Love on Her Arms. The problem with this movie is that it never actually tells us the story of Renee Yohe. We get maybe fifteen minutes of brief flashes of her past life, but no real idea how she struggled or what she went through. We never even hear her tell any of her life story to the man who eventually founded the charity, so there is really no way to know why this woman's story is inspiring at all. It all felt much like a Lifetime movie, except not even as deep as many Lifetime movies can be. I was disappointed by this - it could have been so much more. 2.5/5

To Write Love on Her Arms on Netflix

Friday, August 19, 2016

Get a Job

This is pretty cute and funny in parts with solid acting from the whole cast, especially Kendrick and Teller. I have to roll my eyes at the premise of the film, but it's well executed. Good, not great. 3/5

Get a Job on Netflix

Thursday, August 18, 2016

The Intruders

An exceedingly boring, predictable, and very average thriller that was filled with bad acting and a plot I saw coming a mile away. Ugh. 2.5/5

The Intruders on Netflix

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Demolition

Jake Gyllenhaall has really been picking great scripts these days. This tragic and poignant drama both tests Gyllenhaall's reach and use of subtlety, and his very quiet breakdowns that escalate throughout the film are really affecting. The script was a bit scattered at times, but the overall tone and direction was really beautiful. I really enjoyed this. 4/5

Demolition on Netflix

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

The Road Within

I don't know when or how, but about twenty minutes into this I realized I'd seen it before and vaguely remembered it. However, it was funny enough that I watched it again. It's more than a little bothersome how the various mental illnesses are portrayed, but it is a pretty laugh-worthy picture nonetheless. 3.5/5

The Road Within on Netflix

Monday, August 15, 2016

Being Evel

Growing up as a kid in the 70's I knew and loved Evel Knievel. I had his toys, I thought he was a god. This documentary did a good job of separating the man, the myth, and the legend. I enjoyed this. 4/5

Being Evel on Netflix

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Gloria

When we first meet Gloria, played by the 54-year-old Paulina Garcia, she is dancing alone in a club with sexy abandon. This is a woman confident in herself and her sexuality, and it is truly glorious (pun fully intended) to behold. Funny that it takes a Spanish import to make a film with such a strong, capable, sensual older woman as the lead, but it's just marvelous. I really enjoyed this film, and the ending? Superb. Highly recommended if you like good character studies. 4.5/5

Gloria on Netflix

Saturday, August 13, 2016

The Lobster

This is an utterly unique movie, which, in this day and age, is no mean feat. It's hyper-stylized, but in a way I found intriguing, not off-putting. The choice of dialogue delivery confused me for a little while, until the allegorical layer of *why* everyone spoke as they did occurred to me. When I began to realize that nearly everything in this movie was layered with meaning, I became ever more intrigued. I could spend a year analyzing this and probably still miss things, but I really was totally enthralled by it. Very daring. 4/5

The Lobster on Netflix

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Evil Dead

In my eyes, there were three things that made the installments in "The Evil Dead" franchise iconic and memorable. One, a strong leading man presence in the character of Ash, played by Bruce Campbell. Two, a strong vein of black comedy to take the edge off the gore. And three, innovative, never-before-seen camera usage by Sam Raimi. This remake has none of these three things. Hell, Ash isn't even a character in the film! This is a very standard demon-and-gore fest with nothing special or memorable. It didn't even need to be called "Evil Dead", as it departs so much from the original that I don't know why they even named it that. As an unrelated horror flick it's decent enough, but it's no "Evil Dead", not even close. Hell, they didn't even have the card premonition scene, which is one of the most iconic moments in the first film. Disappointing. 3/5

Evil Dead on Netflix

Queen and Country

In my quest to watch every film Caleb Landry Jones is in I found this period British dramedy. I almost didn't recognize Jones without his glorious ginger locks, but he was captivating as ever even without them. I wish I had known this was a sequel to "Hope and Glory", which I have never seen, as it might have made the seemingly disjointed plot a bit more clear. I found the story jumped around too much and couldn't seem to settle between drama and comedy for more than a few minutes, which was off-putting to me. However, the acting was superb all around, and the film kept my attention throughout. All in all, good, but not great. 3/5

Queen and Country on Netflix

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

After Earth

Well, this wasn't good at all. However, it wasn't quite as bad as I was expecting. Let's start with the positives. The effects were decent. The plot wasn't overly complicated. And, for once, there was no big twist to screw up the end of a Shyamalan movie. I've certainly seen worse Shyamalan films before. However, that's where the praise has to end. The acting in this is awful, just awful. Jaden has a bizarre way of speaking that made him extremely difficult to understand. Many of his lines just seemed garbled, and I felt that the other actors in the film were almost trying to copy his "accent". Will Smith was bad, but Jaden was *really* bad. But perhaps the thing that bothered me the most was the central point of the film, that fear is a choice. Well, Mr. Smith, since you wrote this garbage, I would like to invite you to live in the body of anyone with an anxiety disorder and tell me fear is a choice. It's not, everything we know about biology and psychology says it's not, and I couldn't get past that to actually enjoy the film. It was just poor writing and there was no real way through it. Unless you're a Shyamalan completist, skip this one. 2/5

After Earth on Netflix

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

Because I know I have readers of all kinds of political stripes, I am not going to comment on the political or factual accounts of this film, but rather only discuss the quality of the filmmaking itself. This is perhaps one of the best action thrillers I have ever seen. I never thought Michael Bay would be able to pull of both the sweeping broad strokes of the action as well as the simple intimacies of the relationships, but he did so beautifully. The acting was superb, the pace taut and compelling, and I never felt the film too long or drawn out. I admit I was so caught up in everything that I cried through the end - it was that good. A wonderful film. 4.5/5

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

Monday, August 8, 2016

Sands of Iwo Jima

In my quest to see more films by John Wayne, this seemed the logical next step. I really enjoyed this wartime classic. Wayne showed a lot of heart, character, and subtely in his acting that I hadn't yet seen from him. It was a nice departure from the bravado of the last couple of westerns I've seen him in. The script was really solid, and I appreciated the attempts at realism of the director. This was a fine film I enjoyed a lot. 4/5

Sands of Iwo Jima on Netflix

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Sagrada: The Mystery of Creation

I had never heard of this cathedral before, so I was interested in this film. This is honestly the most beautiful architectural structure I've ever seen, and the story behind it is amazing. We wroth a watch. 4/5

Sagrada: The Mystery of Creation on Netflix

Friday, August 5, 2016

Home Invasion

When I saw that David Tennant had directed this thriller I got very interested. I reasoned since he was so accomplished as an actor that, as a director, he might also be very gifted. Sadly, this movie fell flat for me in a lot of ways. The acting was barely passable, particularly the young boy. The script was bland an uninspiring, and Tennant's direction was utterly ordinary. This was your basic thriller, nothing more, with no resolution at the end at all, which was a real shame for me. 2.5/5

Home Invasion on Netflix

In Secret

This is a dark, depressing, tragic drama, there's no doubt about that. The innate misery of the plot seems to have turned off most reviewers, but I appreciated the tragedy of this film. Isaac, Olsen, Lange, and Felton all did magnificent jobs in the lead roles - you could almost feel their collective pain melting off the screen. I have always loved Olsen, but I'm a new fan of Isaac, who was a marvel in this. i really enjoyed this film, pay no attention to the naysayers. 4/5

In Secret on Netflix

Thursday, August 4, 2016

The Bronze

Long time readers of this blog will know that I have precious little patience for crude comedies as they often are raunchy simply for the sake of being so. It was with great trepidation that I rented this, feeling it would fall squarely into this category, but, since the Duplass brothers' backed it, I thought I would give it a try. Boy, am I glad I did, because this was genuinely hilarious and full of heart. Melissa Rauch of Big Bang Theory fame wrote and stared in this, and her script was absolutely on point. Her characters were well rounded, her language only as crude as it needed to be, and her plot well thought out. I was really impressed by this and I truly hope Rauch makes more films - she has a gift for it. Very well done! 4/5

The Bronze on Netflix

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

High-Rise

This surrealistic thriller definitely got in my head. I can't even pretend that I understood it all - hell, I'd be lucky if I got half of it. I definitely feel a second watching will illuminate more of the subtleties in the plot. The direction was magnificent, and I should have guessed the music was by Clint Mansell when it began to haunt me so early on in the film. The score also features a brilliant cover of Abba's "SOS" by Portishead that left me speechless. I was captivated by this, I will need to see it again. 4/5

High-Rise on Netflix

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Hail, Caesar!

I've been sort-of hate-watching the Coen brothers' comedies for a while now in the same way I hate-watch anything by Wes Anderson. A long time ago the Coens and Anderson made movies I absolutely loved, but they've been coming up short for so long I'm beginning to question why I keep coming back. For once, I was very pleasantly surprised by the Coens, because I really enjoyed this. It was an odd plot, that's for sure, but the acting and pacing were top-notch. I was intrigued and engaged thoroughly, and there were moments that really sizzled for me. Channing Tatum's dance number was divine, as was every scene with  Alden Ehrenreich, who I just loved in this. Really entertaining, and enough to keep me watching for another few films. 3.5/5

Hail, Caesar! on Netflix

Monday, August 1, 2016

Choose Conor

I have no idea why I though this was a comedy, but it most certainly is not. It's in fact quite dark and disturbing in a very understated way. What develops throughout the film is obvious very quickly, but we aren't watching this through our eyes, but the eyes of protagonist, who doesn't see what we do. The whole then becomes an exercise in Chekov's gun - we've all seen it, but how long will it take before someone uses it? The ambiguous ending is really perfect. I enjoyed this. 3.5/5

Choose Conor on Netflix

Saturday, July 30, 2016

Four Brothers

I don't know about this one. Singleton usually delivers real substance in his films, but this felt very surface level to me. A lot of the acting seemed hammy, and the music was really distracting. This was just okay for me. 3/5

Four Brothers on Netflix

Countdown

This WWE action movie is bad. Pretty damn bad. Ziggler is not believable at all as a police detective, although Kane surprisingly is as his captain. Neither of them look the part though, so I was feeling this seemed ridiculous from the start. There's this long extended section of the film that actually takes place at a WWE event, complete with an inside joke at Ziggler's current feud at the time. This whole plot was lame from beginning to end, with a little decent action along the way, but not much even of that. I don't know who's been doling out these writing assignments lately, but they need to be fired. I certainly hope "Marine 5" is better than this, because I enjoy The Miz in those roles. But this? Don't waste your time with this. 2/5

Countdown on Netflix

Friday, July 29, 2016

The Divergent Series: Allegiant

I have mixed feelings about this movie and this series as a whole. I enjoyed the first film, but I felt the second veered too far into the "main character as a Christ-child" trope. This last film in the series doubled down on the Christ-child imagery and didn't give me enough of the people and city in which I had developed an interest. I appreciate knowing more of the story, but I felt it was at the expense of everything this series had worked so hard to build up. I saw every turn coming and every plot point the script was going to hit way before it did. However, in spite of that, I was engaged by the film and did enjoy it on some level. I would be interested in seeing the fourth installment if it ever gets made, as this really wasn't a satisfying ending for me. Overall, it was okay, but nothing spectacular. 3/5

The Divergent Series: Allegiant on Netflix

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Lullaby

I hadn't know much about Garrett Hedlund before watching "Mojave" recently, and, on the strength of that performance, I wanted to seek out more of his work. This was a beautifully tragic story made near perfect by Hedlund's acting in the lead role. I loved all the nuance between the characters, and the whole cast gave tremendous performances. I had to take a star off for a really odd subplot with a dying 17-year-old girl and the inane subplot with Hedlund's girlfriend, who might as well have been a lamp for all the worth her character brought to the plot. Still, a strong story with a really solid performance by Hedlund. I think I'll seek out more work by this talented actor. 4/5

Lullaby on Netflix

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Midnight Special

This sci-fi thriller was not your average fare. It was thoughtfully composed and never obvious in its intent. We are never given easy answers to the questions being asked, which was refreshing. The tone and feel of the film was very modern, but the direction felt a throwback to movies like "Close Encounters", which was, again, very thoughtfully done. The script was a bit barren at times, and there was no character development to speak of, which is why this isn't getting a higher rating. Still, a solid sci-fi film - I enjoyed it. 3.5/5

Midnight Special on Netflix

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

In the Realm of the Senses

I had heard many tales about this film and finally decided to watch it. I was frankly stunned by the explicit nature of it, given it was shot in 1976 in Japan. I found the first half hour somewhat erotic, but the movie quickly took on very disturbing tones. The intensely graphic sex lasted for virtually the entire film, which dulled the effect of it in my view. The ending was just profoundly disturbing. I had no idea how accurately this film displayed details of a true incident that happened in Japan until a couple of minutes ago when I read the article in Wikipedia. If you don't mind really explicit sex, this is an interesting film to see, and certainly an important one in the history of Japanese cinema, but be prepared to be disturbed by much of it. 3/5

In the Realm of the Senses on Netflix

Monday, July 25, 2016

Light and the Sufferer

I have no idea how this oddball, no budget, shot on video, arthouse, genre-bending film got on my queue, but I'm glad it did, because it was different. There was no money at all here, but oddly I didn't end up minding, even when it was important. Paul Dano looked all of sixteen or so, but gave a solid performance as per usual. I'm going to think about this for a bit. 3/5

Light and the Sufferer on Netflix

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Miles Ahead

I get what Cheadle was trying to do with this film, I do. I feel it's much in the same vein as Spacey's ode to Bobby Darin, "Beyond the Sea", in both style and form. And, like Spacey, Cheadle wrote, directed, starred, and played much of the music in this film. Cheadle's acting was strong, but the script.... not so much. It became cartoonish for the most part and never sat down to tell a coherent story. Cheadle let the direction get away from him quite a bit as well. There was one moment when Cheadle, as Davis, pushed the camera out of the way as he passed through the scene. I was so shocked out of the story I had to rewind it and see it again. It was egregious and just tore me out of the film. I was left not knowing what to think about Miles Davis, which I suspect is the opposite intention of the film. Not great for me. 2.5/5

Miles Ahead on Netflix

Saturday, July 23, 2016

No Way Jose

This mid-life-crisis comedy was funny enough with strong acting from the entire cast, but was a little to surface level and gimmicky for me. I did really like the ending though, so that was a nice touch. 3/5

No Way Jose on Netflix

Friday, July 22, 2016

7 Boxes

This Paraguayan action thriller is tautly paced and quite well directed. The acting was quite solid as well. I was thoroughly engaged throughout - I enjoyed this. 4/5

7 Boxes on Netflix

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Mojave

The weight of this movie and whether it succeeds or fails rest entirely on the two lead actors, Garrett Hedlund and Oscar Isaac. If these two fell down on the job, this movie would have been an utter disaster, but it surely was not. Hedlund is smoldering and unerringly fallible as Tom. However, the revelation for me was Isaac as the drifter. He was simply astounding in this. He delivered his dialogue as poetry, and he burned so brightly in his intensity that I couldn't look away. It was an amazing performance that totally sold the film. This is a solid piece of work by two actors in their prime - I recommend this one.  4/5

Mojave on Netflix

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Unbranded

I wasn't sure about the direction of this movie at the outset, but it morphed into a really nice buddy film with some great information about the state of wild horses in America to boot. I enjoyed this. 4/5

Unbranded on Netflix

Monday, July 18, 2016

The Way Back

This extraordinary tale of survival is in the legacy of films like "Papillon" and "Midnight Express", but focuses almost entirely on the escape rather than the gulag. Breathtakingly directed and solidly acted throughout. Well done! 4/5

The Way Back on Netflix

Sunday, July 17, 2016

I Saw the Light

So, here's the thing. I don't know anything at all about Hank Williams, so I was looking forward to seeing this film so I might learn. But I've just finished it, and I'm sorry to say I still don't know anything about Hank Williams. He seemed to be a mess of a man, but there's no indication why, or what happened, or how he moved from point A to point B in his life. There's no character development at all, so, if, like me, you know nothing about Hank Williams, you'll be left scratching your head after this. I also felt that Olsen and Hiddleston's accents were a bit unbelievable, which didn't help me in immersing myself in this film. This just didn't work for me. 2.5/5

I Saw the Light on Netflix

Saturday, July 16, 2016

Ratter

I liked the camera work and the fact that we know very little going in and leaving this story. However, it's a short movie that felt loooong. It dragged a lot, and the acting was shaky at best, and I'm being somewhat kind. Decent premise, but the execution was off. 2.5/5

Ratter on Netflix

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Twinsters

I ran across this title on a list of great documentaries, and I wasn't disappointed. It's both a heartwarming and, at time, emotionally complex and heartbreaking story, that I found captivating. I was glad the documentary was captured as the events occurred, it brought an immediacy to the emotional content that was needed. Well done. 4/5

Twinsters on Netflix

Terminator: Genisys

Let's get this straight. I'm a Terminator fan. I grew up on The Terminator. T2 was a total game-changer for me. This franchise is a large part of why I'm a sci-fi geek. And I *HATED* "Terminator: Salvation" so bloody much that I thought there would be no coming back from that. I was wrong. This movie is everything I could have wanted in a Terminator sequel. I saw a lot of people reviewing it at Netflix had problems following it, but if you're a true Terminator fan it will all make perfect sense. I honestly didn't find a single flaw in the logic or a hole in the plot. Everything I could have wanted to see was there, every reference, every location, every line of dialogue. I'm so happy and excited right now - I feel ten again. Thank you Alan Taylor for making this film. You made this fangirl very happy tonight. 5/5

Terminator: Genisys on Netflix

Monday, July 11, 2016

Dear Eleanor

On the one hand, a lot of the dialogue in this comedy is snappy and smart. All the leads show great comic timing and do solid acting jobs. One the other hand, the plot to this is ridiculous, overly sugary, and, at times, eye-roll worthy. So I'm torn - it's okay, but nothing special. 3/5

Dear Eleanor on Netflix

Sunday, July 10, 2016

The Odd Way Home

I had never heard of Chris Marquette before his wonderful turn in "Broken Horses", where he managed to outshine Yelchin and D'onofrio, no means feat. He was equally astonishing in this, and I can't believe someone with such astonishing control over his facial emotions doesn't get bigger and loftier work. The other takeaway from this film is that, any time anyone thinks they need Kristen Stewart for a movie they should hire Rumer Willis instead. She was just lovely, with another full-bodied range of emotion to match Marquette. I really loved this film, a definite recommendation. 4/5

The Odd Way Home on Netflix

Saturday, July 9, 2016

Extinction

The apocalypse, three people, and ice age, and zombies. That's really all you need to know to enter the world of "Extinction", and it's an interesting world at that. How we got where we are and what caused the world to spin so far off its axis we never learn, and that's okay. It's refreshing not to be spoon-fed all the details of a plot for once, and we learn enough as the movie builds to grow with it. The effects are great, the acting is solid, and I was engaged throughout. A solid film. 3.5/5

Extinction on Netflix

Friday, July 8, 2016

The Adderall Diaries

I wanted to love this film, but I only liked it. The script was strong and well-crafted, and I appreciated the direction as well. Most of the cast is very solid, with a standout performance from Amber Heard that really held the story together. The weakest link was Franco, which surprised me quite a bit, as I usually like his roles and choices. His acting felt hollow, staged, more a performance than an authentic representation of the character. Ultimately, that feeling of emptiness dropped my estimation of this film into feeling it was okay, good maybe, but certainly not great. 3/5

The Adderall Diaries on Netflix

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Bullitt

Yes, the car chase scene is iconic. Yes, the airport chase scene was incredible. Yes, there are many great things about this classic action film. But, for me, it just felt wooden and hollow. I didn't feel anything really there, no emotion to back up the action. Maybe I'm asking too much, but this was just okay for me. 3/5

Bullitt on Netflix

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

A Walk Among the Tombstones

This thriller is pretty by the books with pretty generic characters. It's effective though, and I was engaged throughout. Bonus points for have the most amazing cover of "Black Hole Sun" by Swann over the end credits - I couldn't turn it off. 3/5

A Walk Among the Tombstones on Netflix

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

The Hateful Eight

Oh dear. If I hadn't seen "Inglourious" or "Django" I might be tempted to be done with Tarantino after this god awful mess. This was needlessly long, gory for no real point, crass, and just plain annoying. I lost count of how many times I heard the "n" word, most of the time just for shock value and not to further the plot. By the end of the first hour I was rolling my eyes at how ridiculous a story this was. By the end of the second, I was exclaiming out loud. By the end I was just cursing Tarantino for being so utterly self-indulgent at the sake of what could have been a decent movie if it had an editor and a much better writer. The actors were all great, but that's to be expected. Oh, and only Kim Ki-Duk gets to write things like "The 8th film by" before the title. Tarantino gets maybe one more shot from me before i toss him on the same pile I threw Malick a while back. Ugh. 2/5

The Hateful Eight on Netflix

Monday, July 4, 2016

No Escape

I feared this action thriller would be very by-the-numbers and thus boring, but it actually had some bite to it. There are two scenes in particular, both involving the children of the family, that really had me shaking and holding back a scream. It was well-paced, well directed, and avoided most of the preaching I also feared might happen. I enjoyed this, well done. 4/5

No Escape on Netflix

Sunday, July 3, 2016

Men, Women & Children

This reminded me of a Todd Solondz film, very edgy and interesting. I liked the various explorations of how each character used the Internet to define or find themselves. Solid acting as well, good film. 3.5/5

Men, Women & Children on Netflix

Saturday, July 2, 2016

Air

The apocalypse. Two men. One bunker. Very little air. That's all I can tell you about this fantastic thriller without ruining this plot, but hopefully it's enough to peak your interest. The plot is a simple story well told, something I love to find. The set and direction are sparse, almost naked. There wasn't much of a budget for this, but it didn't need one, and it works all the same. There are a few moments of character development I found odd, and I'm not sure about the last few minutes of the film, but it certainly left an impact on me. Recommended. 4/5


Air on Netflix

Friday, July 1, 2016

A War

This Danish drama asks interesting questions about the nature and realities of war without passing judgment on any of the sides. I appreciated the honesty of the acting and the visceral nature of the story itself. Well done and an interesting morality drama. 4/5

A War on Netflix

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Broken Horses

This is one of those rare movies that dares to take chances that could spell disaster, but instead rises to the challenge in amazing ways. The style of this film could only be described as magical realism. It's almost the real world, but just a bit beyond, hyper-realistic in a glorious way. The direction is inspired and very different from any other film I can think of. The likely reason for this is the movie was written and directed by Indian filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and his style veers far away from American tropes. The acting was awe-inspiring, particularly Chris Marquette, who was utterly mesmerizing. Anton Yelchin is, as always, breathtakingly real, and he serves to ground this film in a very human and touching way. I really loved this, it's like nothing else I've seen in recent memory. Take a chance with this one, you will not regret it. 5/5

Broken Horses on Netflix

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Pain & Gain

I almost didn't rent this, as I gave up on Mark Wahlberg a lot of years ago. However, I do love The Rock, so I took a chance and rented this. I was not sorry. This was a smart, stylish, well directed action thriller with really standout performances from all the leads, including Wahlberg. The Rock was, as usual, hilarious, and the script was tight and well written. I really enjoyed this, a I recommend it. 4/5

Pain & Gain on Netflix

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

The Driftless Area

This was one of Yelchin's last films, so obviously required viewing. The direction is lush with an organic palette, and the shot composition is just gorgeous. The script is interesting, but lacks some needed character direction and enhancement. However, my biggest problem was the very unnatural way the director seemed to have all the actor speaking. It was deliberate and punctuated in strange ways, and it really threw me out of the film. Had the director matches his luscious direction with matching soft and layered acting, this would have been a home run. As such, a noble failure. 3/5

The Driftless Area on Netflix