Allied

Brad Pitt is a better actor than this. I know he is. I've seen it. But, both in this and in his movie before this, "By the Sea", he was just wooden. I cut him slack for it in "By the Sea" because I thought it might be a stylistic choice, but there was no reason for it here. Cotillard was lovely in this, as she is in all things, but Pitt's wooden boy routine left her hanging and the whole picture stale. This could have been a real home run if Pitt had shown up for work. However, I do know that this was made during the active dissolution of his marriage, so I'm guessing that's why. Still, a shame - this could have been much better. 3/5

Allied on Netflix

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

The Big Short

I admit I wasn't expecting much from this Oscar nominated picture - it seemed on the surface to be pandering to the Oscar crowd far too much. I was shocked to be pulled into it's style and substance almost immediately. This is a tremendously good film, buoyed by truly exceptional acting all the way around. The direction was smart and sleek, and I even loved the fourth-wall breaks. This was a truly outstanding film worthy of the nomination it got, and that was rare last year in my opinion. A great film. 5/5

The Big Short on Netflix

Fury

I thought I had seen every variation on WWII movies, but I've not seen this. Stunning film with perfect acting. Amazing. 4.5/5

Fury on Netflix

World War Z

I don't know the book, but the plot was implausible but the action was good in this zombie apocalyptic horror. 3/5

World War Z on Netflix

The Counselor

What a disappointment! Terrible dialogue, incredibly weak acting & a totally unbelievable plot. Just plain bad. 2/5

The Counselor on Netflix

12 Years a Slave

It's hard to put into words what I'm feeling right now about this film. It is certainly one of the most powerful and affecting films I've ever seen, and I cried great, ugly tears throughout the end. It's hard for me to think objectively right now, since I still feel as I've been punched in the gut. What I will say - Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong'o were both astonishing and both deserved Oscars for their roles. The story is long but perfectly paced - I can think of nothing I would have cut save for perhaps the tail end of one long shot. I did find Brad Pitt's presence distracting - I wish they had used another actor for his small role. So far, this is definitely the best picture of the year, and I frankly don't see from where the hate for this incredible film stems. A worthy film, most worthy, and I think it will be a while before I forget the emotions I am feeling right now. 5/5

12 Years a Slave on Netflix

Moneyball

I love it when movies are both fun & good this one was - totally awesome & Pitt was note-perfect in the lead. 4/5

Moneyball on Netflix

The Tree of Life

WOW. This is possibly the most overrated film I've seen in a long time, and that's saying something. Ponderous, tedious, and virtually without a point, this film drags on so slowly and endlessly I fast-forwarded most of it. The only reason it gets half a star is Brad Pitt was engrossing and it WAS beautiful, but, in this case, beauty is simply not even close to enough. Save yourself, don't rent this! 1.5/5

The Tree of Life on Netflix

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Wonderful, beautiful, magical, transforming, amazing in every way. A truly moving film in every way. 5/5

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button on Netflix