Kingsman: The Secret Service

This spy thriller is a fantastically good romp with great action and characters. Great fun to watch, I hope there's a sequel.

Kingsman: The Secret Service on Netflix

Before I Go to Sleep

As I continue my sojourn through the films of 2014, I am becoming more and more upset at the choices the Academy made this last year. This film is no exception. First off, Nicole Kidman well deserved an Oscar nomination for this masterful performance. I haven't seen her this good in many years, and perhaps never this nuanced and mature in a role. Second off, the script of this psych thriller was stronger and more fulfilling than most of the clear Oscar bait that got nominated. Like "Gone Girl", this thriller starts from a terrifying ending and builds backward until the truth is revealed, layer by layer. It's a strong story expertly told by the three leads and beautifully lensed by the director. So why wasn't this film given the nods it deserved? Because it wasn't "safe"? Because it was done open the Hollywood system? Because we've stopped caring about excellent performances outside the mainstream? Whatever the reason, "Before I Go to Sleep" is an excellent thriller that deserved far more. Watch it. Trust me. 4.5/5

Before I Go to Sleep on Netflix

The Railway Man

Firth is wonderful in this disquieting drama about the power of forgiveness. I cried at the end - moving. 3.5/5

The Railway Man on Netflix

Fever Pitch

Colin Firth is far too good for this lazy, shallow & boring British rom-com based on the Hornsby book. Meh. 2/5

Fever Pitch on Netflix

Tinker Tailor Solider Spy

The acting in this spy thriller is fantastic, the direction lush & the plot deftly weaved. Well done! 4/5

Tinker Tailor Solider Spy on Netflix

St. Trinian's

I'm honestly shocked that I enjoyed this rompish farce with a star-studded cast as much as I did - quite funny. 3/5

St. Trinian's on Netflix

My Life So Far

This little film is both lovely & adorably charming but simply failed to pull me in & capture my full attention. 3/5

My Life So Far on Netflix

Trauma

This could have been splendid but instead it turned into a nonsensical, confusing, mixed-up mess. What a shame. 2.5/5

Trauma on Netflix

A Summer in Genoa

This film about family & loss never dives below the surface of things & thus remains only average. 3/5

A Summer in Genoa on Netflix

The King's Speech

What an immensely wonderful & inspiring film, with perfectly tuned acting by Firth & Rush at that. Splendid. 5/5

The King's Speech on Netflix

Conspiracy

This film about the meeting that decided the Final Solution is tragically horrifying, albeit a bit perfunctory. 3.5/5

Conspiracy on Netflix

Hope Springs

I can't believe I actually watched this entire piece of garbage. Do yourself a favor - never see this movie. 1/5

Hope Springs on Netflix