Free Fire

Frankly, I'm not sure what to make of this film. There really is no plot. There are barely characters, and certainly no real character development. I actually don't think there's a single likeable character in this. On the other hand, it's directed really well and I had a lot of fun watching it. It's witty action comedy, but little else. If you'd like a bit of fun, this might be for you, but if you're looking for any real depth, look elsewhere. 3/5

Free Fire on Netflix

Damsels in Distress

I'm sorry, but this really didn't work for me at all. The whole thing felt like a badly adapted Jane Austen novel, which is strange because the director recently released a very good Austen adaptation in "Love and Friendship". Everything felt wooden and dead, and while I know that deadpan style was the point, it didn't connect for me. I didn't get the point of the story - what was this a commentary on? Satire needs a point, and I didn't get one in this film. Not for me. 2/5

Damsels in Distress on Netflix

American Ultra

As Jesse Eisenberg is a fantastic actor who makes great movie choices I will literally watch anything that he's in, and rarely be disappointed. This action comedy was no exception. It was witty, quirky, action packed, and had great performances from everyone. And yes, that includes Kristen Stewart, who was surprisingly effective in this. Definitely a good time. 4/5

American Ultra on Netflix

Death of a President

This. Is. BRILLIANT. This historical fiction film discusses what happens in the wake of the assassination of George W. Bush in 2007. It seamlessly and beautiful weds newsreel and film footage together into a completely convincing whole. Perhaps the most amazing thing though is the film's plot, which presents as a suspense thriller and it executed to perfection. There wasn't a thing wrong in this film, I loved it and was totally captivated throughout. Highly recommended. 5/5

Death of a President on Netflix

Maps to the Stars

I've been way off Cronenberg's films for a while, but I decided to give this one a try on a whim. It was simply brilliant with truly tremendous acting from all the leads. Truly stunning. 4/5

Maps to the Stars on Netflix

A Coffee in Berlin

This movie fascinated me with it's subtlety & very nuanced plot. The acting is also excellent. Well done! 4/5

A Coffee in Berlin on Netflix

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Not my favorite Almodóvar but very quick, witty, deadpan & well acted. I enjoyed it. 3/5

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown on Netflix

The Grand Budapest Hotel

It's simply actually. Either you like Wes Anderson movies or you don't. I liked early Anderson but have grown tired & very annoyed at his mid-to-late absurdist comedy. I don't enjoy it, I don't find it amusing or endearing, and I'm certainly tired of his directorial style. This latest film was wittier than most but still ludicrous in that way that simply annoys me. It gets a half a star for the humor though and for Fiennes' performance, which I truly enjoyed. 3.5/5

The Grand Budapest Hotel 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

Inside Llewyn Davis

It's a pretty film with good music & JT was great but this was a non-event for me - it never went anywhere. 3/5

Inside Llewyn Davis on Netflix

Somebody Up There Likes Me

I never got a handle on this - it's witty & very clever but so odd in its structure - interesting! 3/5

Somebody Up There Likes Me on Netflix

A Beginner's Guide to Endings

An endearing little dramedy with great acting - I loved the story & the resolution. Well done. 3.5/5

A Beginner's Guide to Endings on Netflix

I Give It A Year

On one hand, this was genuinely LOL funny, but on the other it was depressing to watch this behavior. Mixed. 3/5

I Give It A Year on Netflix

Boy

Taika Waititi is New Zealand's Wes Anderson except with stronger & more sympathetic characters. Understated but a bit cold. 3/5

Boy on Netflix

Spring Breakers

The visually stunning direction, great editing & Franco's stellar performance sell this steamy thriller. 3.5/5

Spring Breakers on Netflix

Kitchen Stories

This Norwegian comedy is dryly charming but I never really connected with it or its characters emotionally. 3/5

Kitchen Stories on Netflix

Punching the Clown

Henry Phillips is wonderful in this indie comedy with fantastic comedy music - very dark & edgy, well done. 4/5

Punching the Clown on Netflix

Simple Men

Dear sweet god this was awful - I turned it off less than an hour in. Atrocious acting, terrible script. Hal Hartley did great with "Henry Fool" but terrible with this - he has one tie breaking shot to impress me or I'm out. Bah. 1.5/5

Simple Men on Netflix

John Dies at the End

This bizarre sci-fi horror film is strangely engaging & compelling - I predict it going cult. 3.5/5

John Dies at the End on Netflix

The Comedy

If this film had just 5 minutes of exposition it would be a 4 star film - the plot is just too vague to make sense. It makes me angry actually - this was a potentially awesome & dark film. It reminded me of Shotgun Stories - no exposition. Bah. 2/5

The Comedy on Netflix