The Way Back

This extraordinary tale of survival is in the legacy of films like "Papillon" and "Midnight Express", but focuses almost entirely on the escape rather than the gulag. Breathtakingly directed and solidly acted throughout. Well done! 4/5

The Way Back on Netflix

The Adderall Diaries

I wanted to love this film, but I only liked it. The script was strong and well-crafted, and I appreciated the direction as well. Most of the cast is very solid, with a standout performance from Amber Heard that really held the story together. The weakest link was Franco, which surprised me quite a bit, as I usually like his roles and choices. His acting felt hollow, staged, more a performance than an authentic representation of the character. Ultimately, that feeling of emptiness dropped my estimation of this film into feeling it was okay, good maybe, but certainly not great. 3/5

The Adderall Diaries on Netflix

Pain & Gain

I almost didn't rent this, as I gave up on Mark Wahlberg a lot of years ago. However, I do love The Rock, so I took a chance and rented this. I was not sorry. This was a smart, stylish, well directed action thriller with really standout performances from all the leads, including Wahlberg. The Rock was, as usual, hilarious, and the script was tight and well written. I really enjoyed this, a I recommend it. 4/5

Pain & Gain on Netflix

Run All Night

Between the wooden acting & the inane cinematography this movie was a mess from start to finish. Ugh. 2/5

Run All Night on Netflix

Cymbeline

This Shakespeare adaptation starring Ed Harris was just atrocious, they murdered the language & the plot. Just bad. 2/5

Cymbeline on Netflix

Snowpiercer

This was AMAZING. The South Korean direction blended with top-notch American/English acting was sublime. Perfect. 5/5

Snowpiercer on Netflix

The Face of Love

Maybe it's me, but I really got this, it spoke to me in a special way. Benning & Harris were so lovely. 3.5/5

The Face of Love on Netflix

Salvation Boulevard

This half black comedy & half mystery is intriguing & paced well but never really captured my interest. 3/5

Salvation Boulevard on Netflix

Virginia

The drama couldn't decided how seriously to take it subject matter so I found it wishy-washy with good acting. 3/5

Virginia on Netflix

Man on a Ledge

A perfectly serviceable heist film with good direction - just utterly predictable & non-believable. Good enough 3/5


Man on a Ledge on Netflix