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

The Danish Girl

Let's start this review by stating the obvious. This is the best Eddie Redmayne has ever given, far better than the role his won the Oscar for last year. He was beautiful and poignant and tragic and shy and delicate and courageous and transformative. He was a revelation and I will be stunned if I see much better from this year's crop. However, the movie itself was Oscar-bait at best. It was shallow and vapid and hung entirely on the performances of Redmayne and Vikander, who was also outstanding and rightfully deserving of her awards. I understand the acclaim for Redmayne but not for the movie itself. I continue to be amazed at the actions of the Academy. 3.5/5

The Danish Girl on Netflix

In the Heart of the Sea

This action/adventure film is bold, to be sure, but it truly works. The tale is epic, and the scope of the sets, CGI, and direction are equally epic. It feels a touch saccharine at times, and at others very dark and tragic. The rather masterful acting really holds this story together and makes for compelling viewing. Better than I expected. 3.5/5

In the Heart of the Sea on Netflix

Days and Nights

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

Days and Nights on Netflix

Cloud Atlas

This picture is just magnificent - I was mesmerized by every frame of it. Marvelous acting & a beautiful story. 5/5

Cloud Atlas on Netflix