Wakefield

This is one of the more fascinating character studies I've seen in recent history. The character of Howard Wakefield suffers from a particular personality disorder, which he demonstrates throughout the film. But there's something else at work here, something explored in films like "Castaway" and "Into the Wild" (the true story of Christopher McCandless and his death). It is a separation from reality and the social mores by which we live, in order to embrace the lawlessness of being homeless or completely apart from human company. Cranston is utterly sublime at capturing the tension between these opposing personality forces and the destruction this conflict leaves in its wake. It is truly amazing, and I hope Cranston gets an Oscar nod for this. Loved this. 4.5/5

Wakefield on Netflix

Get a Job

This is pretty cute and funny in parts with solid acting from the whole cast, especially Kendrick and Teller. I have to roll my eyes at the premise of the film, but it's well executed. Good, not great. 3/5

Get a Job on Netflix

Trumbo

Once again, I find myself writing a derivation on a theme. This is a fine movie with a great performance by Bryan Cranston, but I simply cannot say it was good enough to warrant a Oscar nomination. A nomination should go to someone who has done something transcendent, who has totally lost themselves in a role and become someone else. Cranston was great, but I always knew it was Cranston. To me, that is not Oscar-worthy, and given how many performances were better last year - and I'm just getting started mind you - I really don't understand this trend. A very good film nonetheless. 3.5/5

Trumbo on Netflix

Total Recall

Absolute crap compared to the original with really wooden acting and bad action. Why remake this? I don't get it. 2/5

Total Recall on Netflix

Godzilla

OH MY GOD SO GOOD. The people who panned this have no clue why things are scary, and this was definitely scary. Easily one of the best action movies I've seen in recent history, no quick edits, no jump shots, relentless pace. AWESOME. 5/5

Godzilla on Netflix

Cold Comes the Night

This noir thriller has bad reviews on Netflix - I don't know why. Stylish, dark, violent & well acted. 4/5

Cold Comes the Night on Netflix

Argo

Was it a great film? Yes. Was is compelling & riveting? Sure. Was it the best film of the year? No, but I see why it won. 4.5/5

 Argo on Netflix

Contagion

This Soderbergh thriller is engrossing, suspenseful, well written & well executed - I've nothing bad to say. 4/5

Contagion on Netflix

Detachment

This film is dark, tragic, beautiful, cerebral, open-ended & perfectly acted. I love finding rare gems like these. 5/5

Detachment on Netflix

Drive

I don't get the hate - this tightly packed character melodrama was gripping & suspenseful with a wonderful cast. 4/5

Drive on Netflix

The Lincoln Lawyer

A terrible name for a rather stylish thriller that had enough plots twists to keep me very intrigued. 4/5

The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix