Born to Be Blue

Wow, I really loved this film. It was written and directed by Robert Budreau, whose work I've never seen before. I truly hope he gets much more work in the future, as this was really inventive and imaginative. I really loved the non-linear moments, and the direction had such lovely texture and a great palette. I have to give it up to Ethan Hawke, who pulled out all the stops for this role. The last twenty minutes of this film is perhaps the best twenty minutes of film Hawke has ever produced, and it's a marvel to watch. Especially in contrast to the similarly themed "Miles Away", this is a truly great film. 4.5/5

Born to Be Blue on Netflix

Maggie's Plan

Watching this dramedy I would have sworn to you it was a Noah Baumbach movie, which, from me, is a very high compliment. The script was crisply written, the characters well shaped, and the direction very clean and modern. It lacked the emotional resonance of a Baumbach film, for which I deducted half a star, but this was a fine film. I enjoyed it. 3.5/5

Maggie's Plan on Netflix

Seymour: An Introduction

Ethan Hawke is clearly having some kind of existential crisis these days, but if it leads him to create loving & wonderful artist portraits like this I won't complain. This documentary about classical pianist Seymour Bernstein is punctuated by some of the most beautiful piano playing I've ever heard, which is saying a lot. A lovely, special film about a lovely, special man. 4/5

Seymour: An Introduction 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

Sinister

For a cheesy horror flick this was quite good with SO many good cat-scares. Good acting too, I'm a fan of this one. 4/5

Sinister on Netflix

Predestination

Holy snot I didn't see any of this plot coming, it totally got me beginning to end. Very original & well done. 4/5

Predestination on Netflix

Before Midnight

I loved "Sunrise" but have strongly disliked most things about "Sunset" & now "Midnight". I don't get the adoration. 3/5

Before Midnight on Netflix

Daybreakers

Another interesting sci-fi idea, like "I, Frankenstein", that I never thought of. Well acted & executed. 3/5

Daybreakers on Netflix

The Woman in the Fifth

I appreciated the subtlety but a little more information would have helped a great deal. I'm mixed. 2.5/5

The Woman in the Fifth on Netflix

The Purge

A good idea very poorly executed - very predictable & preachy throughout with weak acting as well. Disappointing. 2.5/5

The Purge on Netflix