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

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

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

Rudderless

Long time readers of this blog will know well that, for the last several years, I've been singing the praises of Anton Yelchin and have repeatedly stated he was one of the brightest young stars I've seen lately. When he died so tragically recently I was gutted, as we'd never get to see the fullness of his true potential. I rented this because because of Yelchin, and, as always, he shined brightly in in. I had no idea he could play guitar and sing like this, which made the pain of watching it doubly bad. But, without a doubt, the star of this picture is Billy Crudup, who I often overlook when thinking of truly talented actors. This was William H. Macy's directorial debut, and he picked a challenging and difficult script for it. It's impossible to discuss what transpires without spoilers, so I'll just say I was floored by the turn of events, and thought a lot about all the different responses to that turn. I will also say that I plan to hunt down the soundtrack to this film as it was truly amazing. I loved this film - it was beautifully told and acted throughout. A real gem. 4.5/5

Rudderless on Netflix

5 to 7

This wistfully romantic drama showcases another fine performance by Yelchin - tenderly sweet & witty in parts as well. 4/5

5 to 7 on Netflix

Odd Thomas

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

Odd Thomas on Netflix

Cymbeline

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

Cymbeline on Netflix

The Beaver

This is one of the better portraits or mental illness & depression I've seen with a brilliant cast. Transforming. 5/5


The Beaver on Netflix

Like Crazy

This was the best acting I've seen in a long while, Yelchin & Jones were infinitely believably. The end was perfect. I think this film will resonate with me & haunt me for quite some time. I can't believe how brilliant the acting was. Wow. 5/5

Like Crazy on Netflix

Middle of Nowhere

This sweet but unremarkable dramedy had some great acting, particularly from Yelchin but didn't grab me. 3/5

Middle of Nowhere on Netflix