Trolls

This and "Moana" arrived together, and I have the worst food poisoning of my life and needed something funny. All I knew about "Trolls" going in is that most said it was damn funny and I liked the theme song. I didn't know it was a musical, so that caught me off guard, as I'm kind of meh on many musicals. This was really really funny though - the script was both snappy and witty. I'm absolutely awful as placing voices, so I was really surprised to see everyone who voiced this in the credits - they were all great, with special nods to Zooey Deshenel and Russell Brand, and obviously the two leads were awesome.. It really did make me laugh out loud quite a bit, so I'm happy I went with this tonight, I will watch Moana in a day or so. 4/5

Trolls on Netflix

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

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

Happy Christmas

I love Mumblecore, but even I couldn't get past how bad this was on every level. Not good at all. 2/5

Happy Christmas 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

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

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

Drinking Buddies

This dramedy is far richer & more complex than I anticipated with interesting atypical characters. Nice. 3.5/5

Drinking Buddies on Netflix

Pitch Perfect

This movie is largely insufferable but the music is good so I tolerated it. Not bad for a popcorn flick. 3/5

Pitch Perfect on Netflix

End of Watch

The acting is tremendous but the inconsistent found-footage direction is utterly distracting in this thriller. 3.5/5

End of Watch on Netflix

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

Given how I dislike Cera, I am utterly shocked at how much I liked this - it was great fun. 4/5

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World on Netflix