T2: Trainspotting

I was pretty terrified to watch this if I'm honest. For me, "Trainspotting" was one of those rare films that got everything right. The acting, the writing, the directing, the music... it was all so perfect and I felt there could be no way in hell this sequel could ever live up to that. But, the whole original cast, Danny Boyle back, even the same writers... how could I not watch it? The first 40 minutes were rough. Meeting everyone again, slowly bringing everyone together... something was off. The music wasn't quite right, the direction felt odd, the tone was too serious, because, let's remember, the original is a comedy. And then, exactly 40 minutes in, suddenly, like someone flipped a switch... it was right. Everything was right. It felt like "Trainspotting". It looked and sounded like "Trainspotting". It was truly blessed. Now, even after that magical turn, there were problems. Some things never quite turned around, but, wow... they really did it. They made a worthy sequel, one I laughed and cried at. And, as the gods are my witness, some of Boyle's best shots in his whole career are in this film. If you are a fan of the original, sit through the not-great first 40 minutes, and enjoy most of the rest. 4/5

T2: Trainspotting on Netflix

American Pastoral

I wanted to like this more than I did, but I really struggled with the acting. For such a fine cast everyone felt so wooden to me. McGregor's accent was really off, and the dialogue seemed so canned and fake. I realize that, as this is a book adaptation, the script might be largely composed of the words in the text, but even if that's so, it felt staged and not lived. The direction was lovely, and the plot interesting, but I wanted more from this. Just average for me. 3/5

American Pastoral on Netflix

Miles Ahead

I get what Cheadle was trying to do with this film, I do. I feel it's much in the same vein as Spacey's ode to Bobby Darin, "Beyond the Sea", in both style and form. And, like Spacey, Cheadle wrote, directed, starred, and played much of the music in this film. Cheadle's acting was strong, but the script.... not so much. It became cartoonish for the most part and never sat down to tell a coherent story. Cheadle let the direction get away from him quite a bit as well. There was one moment when Cheadle, as Davis, pushed the camera out of the way as he passed through the scene. I was so shocked out of the story I had to rewind it and see it again. It was egregious and just tore me out of the film. I was left not knowing what to think about Miles Davis, which I suspect is the opposite intention of the film. Not great for me. 2.5/5

Miles Ahead on Netflix

August: Osage County

This is a powerhouse of acting, just amazing performances. Should have been nominated for best picture. 4.5/5

August: Osage County on Netflix

The Impossible

This disaster tale is both epic and intimate, striking a wonderful balance between the two extremes. Wonderful. 4/5

The Impossible on Netflix

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

This comedy is charming, romantic & very sweet, if rather benign & predictable. Good, not great. 3/5

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen on Netflix

Perfect Sense

A sci-fi thriller in a non-sci-fi world, this darkly emotional film lives in a disturbing place. Incredible. 4/5

Perfect Sense on Netflix

Shallow Grave

This is an odd duck of a film that lacked the pacing & tension to be great, thus settling for merely good. 3/5

Shallow Grave on Netflix

Beginners

Plummer is magnificent and the writing wonderful in this raw, unflinchingly emotional indie drama. Striking. 4/5

Beginners on Netflix

I Love You Phillip Morris

This is Jim Carrey's bravest & most brilliant performance to date - amazing script, amazing film. 5/5

I Love You Phillip Morris on Netflix