The Neon Demon

I never thought I'd say this, but I've finally seen a Nicolas Winding Refn film I didn't like. I'm shocked, I've been so in tune with his style and his narrative that I've loved everything he's done, but this? Not this. It's beautiful, but of course it's beautiful. Refn has an eye that no one else in cinema has, so "The Neon Demon" has all the style in the world. But there is no substance here at all. There's barely a plot, the acting is stilted, and the story banal. So many things were inserted just for shock value alone, such as the necrophilia sequence, and for me it just detracted from what could have been a probative look into what constitutes beauty. I know he was trying to push the envelope with this film, but he could have done so without sacrificing the plot. So, for me, not good, and I'm super disappointed to say that. 2/5

The Neon Demon on Netflix

Dark Places

The plot of this psych thriller is well-told & kept me engaged throughout, very solid acting as well. 3.5/5

Dark Places on Netflix

South of Pico

This film was going for a "Crash" vibe but never got there - the end made little sense with no resolution. 3/5

South of Pico on Netflix

God's Pocket

Slattery directs PSH in his last film - a gritty, no nonsense drama with a great pace & strong acting. 3.5/5

God's Pocket on Netflix

Struck by Lightning

Chris Colfer's adaptation of this book left much to be desired for me - it felt flat & dull throughout. 3/5

Struck by Lightning 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