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

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

The Program

I'm a big fan of professional cycling and I was very aware of Lance Armstrong and the controversy surrounding him for many years before his confession. Having seen so much of Lance, cycling, and all the people involved with the Tour throughout the years, it was positively amazing to see how perfectly these actors captured the essence of their subjects. Ben Foster as Armstrong was breathtaking. He nailed every aspect of Lance, from his physical ticks when he speaks to his EXACT posture on the bike. Stephen Frears smartly got David Millar to advise the racing portions of the film, and Millar's oversight brought such an authenticity to the filming that I often could not tell the difference between racing footage and the actors themselves. This film is a tour-de-force job by everyone involved - if you are a fan of cycling you cannot miss this. 4.5/5

The Program on Netflix

Lone Survivor

Amazing & so powerful to watch - one of the best movies about the Afghan war I've seen. Totally astonishing. 5/5

Lone Survivor on Netflix

Kill Your Darlings

The entire cast is brilliant in this marvelously decadent drama about Ginsberg's early life. Wonderful. 4.5/5

Kill Your Darlings on Netflix

Ain't Them Bodies Saints

Mara & Affleck are wonderful in this Southern gothic drama that mixed poetry & violence perfectly. 3.5/5

Ain't Them Bodies Saints on Netflix

The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Else

This disturbing, bizarre drama is really hard to watch but ultimately worth it all. And yes, this is a very flawed piece, but it's honest in its art and that makes all the difference. 3.5/5

The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Else on Netflix

360

I love interconnected storyline films and this was exceptionally well written. Plus no one plays creepy like Ben Foster. 4/5

360 on Netflix

Rampart

Woody Harrelson is breathtaking in this dark & intense character portrait of a dangerous man. Deeply mesmerizing. 4/5

Rampart on Netflix

The Messenger

A wonderfully crafted & beautifully acted film about the pain of loss & grief from all sides. It's rare to see a film paint such a magnificent portrait of the armed forces. This is such a film. Humbling and emotional.

The Messenger on Netflix