Eden Lake

I really did not expect this to be as brutal as it was, but I appreciated the reality of the violence. Most films that depict human suffering tend to either show as little as possible, or go over the top with the gore. This film had the guts to show violence as it would truly be, and the realism of it made the film more impactful to watch. I also liked how the gang of teens weren't all massive sadists, because, in reality, that would be a truly rare occurrence. Instead, we saw how a brutal gang leader can take a flock of misguided sheep and lead them all to a slaughterhouse. The acting was solid, and the direction was tight and well-paced. I really liked this horror thriller. 4/5

Eden Lake on Netflix

Boy A

This is a truly profound and powerful drama because it forces the viewer to try to reconcile the timid and peaceful young man we meet in the film with the horrific actions he committed in the past. It works so brilliantly, in part due to a compelling script, but mostly because Andrew Garfield gives a tour de force performance in the lead role. Garfield is so spot on with every little nuance of his delivery that it was hard at times to remember he was an actor and that I wasn't watching a documentary. It's a powerful film with a perfect ending. One of the best I've seen lately. 5/5

Boy A on Netflix

The Machine

This hard sci-fi film is exquisite. The plot is simple but effective, and delves into some really intriguing questions that have no easy answers. The acting was wonderful, particularly Caity Lotz, who does an superb job throughout the film's development. The direction was really picturesque, with lovely use of lighting. I found myself transfixed to this and very interested in all the questions posed by the it. Highly recommended for sci-fi fans. 4/5

The Machine on Netflix

Private Peaceful

I felt fairly ambiguously about this WWI period British drama - I wasn't really taken by it or particularly drawn to its characters. However, there is a really deft piece of direction at the end that really turned things on its head for me. Those few minutes really hit me and saved it its three star rating. 3/5

Private Peaceful on Netflix

Queen and Country

In my quest to watch every film Caleb Landry Jones is in I found this period British dramedy. I almost didn't recognize Jones without his glorious ginger locks, but he was captivating as ever even without them. I wish I had known this was a sequel to "Hope and Glory", which I have never seen, as it might have made the seemingly disjointed plot a bit more clear. I found the story jumped around too much and couldn't seem to settle between drama and comedy for more than a few minutes, which was off-putting to me. However, the acting was superb all around, and the film kept my attention throughout. All in all, good, but not great. 3/5

Queen and Country on Netflix

My Brother the Devil

This taught drama had good character development that helped sell the story and a moving plot. Solid. 3.5/5

My Brother the Devil on Netflix

What We Did on Our Holiday

This odd British comedy took a seriously dark turn half way through and lost me about then. However, the children's hilarious acting saved at least some of the film for me. Meh. 3/5

What We Did on Our Holiday on Netflix

The Riot Club

An interesting story with solid acting but told rather poorly & spottily. More character depth was needed. 3/5

The Riot Club on Netflix

Wild Bill

I really expected this to be a grittier film, but it felt saccharine at times to me. Good acting throughout though. 3/5

Wild Bill on Netflix

The Cottage

This horror flick managed to be campy, quirky & scary simultaneously, which is no easy feat. Serkis was wonderful. 3/5

The Cottage on Netflix

The Trip to Italy

As a huge fan of British comedy, I am extremely familiar with the works of both Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. I felt "The Trip" captured these two wonderfully and I found the whole film charming, funny, and a poignant insight into their characters. But that magic I felt in the first film is strangely absent in this sequel. Gone were the long sequences of obviously ad-libbed scenes where the two gifted actors just riffed off each other, replaced instead by too much script and rehearsed moments. I also felt the actions of Brydon's character were in direct violation with what we know of him from the first film. I do acknowledge that there were attempts to deal with this breach of character, but not enough to repair the damage in my eyes. On the whole this film felt forced where the original felt fresh and vibrant. If I'd not seen the first film this might have fared better with me, but as it is, it feels stale and not representative of what these two can really do together. 3/5

The Trip to Italy on Netflix

Kidnapping Mr. Heineken

This was a fascinating picture but I wanted more information & character development. Good, not great. 3/5

Kidnapping Mr. Heineken on Netflix

The Wedding Video

Marvelously acted, charming & witty, this British romcom is so lovely - Punch, Hound & Webb were wonderful. 4/5

The Wedding Video on Netflix

Dom Hemingway

THIS. THIS RIGHT HERE. This is what I've been talking about regarding Oscar nominations for actors.. "Dom Hemingway" is not a fantastic movie. It's full of plot holes and narrative drift. However, Jude Law gave the performance of his life in this. He achieved something I never thought he could, took his abilities to heights I had no idea he could reach. His portrayal of Dom was jaw-dropping in its intensity, verbosity, & wickedly black humor. This performance, and ones like it, are what should be getting Oscar nominations. This amazing, rich, darkly wonderful acting job should have given Jude Law a place at the Oscar table, and it's a crying shame that it didn't. 3.5/5

Dom Hemingway on Netflix

The Hollow Crown: 2 Henry IV

Magnificent as always, this series brings the text to life so perfectly with exquisite acting. 5/5

The Hollow Crown: 2 Henry IV on Netflix

Starred Up

This dark & poignant drama about violent men in prison was just stunning - amazing acting by Jack O'Connell. 4/5

Starred Up on Netflix

The Horse's Mouth

This classic British comedy didn't really work for me, the plot was far too scattered & nonsensical. 2/5

The Horse's Mouth on Netflix

Trap for Cinderella

I really liked this smart & stylish thriller and didn't guess a thing until the end. Well plotted. 4/5

Trap for Cinderella on Netflix

Broken

What a terribly and tragically beautiful film this is, blending beauty & heartbreak so seamlessly. Just divine. 4.5/5

Broken on Netflix

Locke

A brilliant, seamless, & innovative drama with a stunning performance from Tom Hardy. I've not seen anything like it. 5/5

Locke on Netflix