Money Monster

Jodie Foster's newest directorial foray is a smashing one. Clooney and Roberts are totally on their game, and Jack O'Connell gives a star performance as well. The action was tightly written and tautly directed, and I enjoyed the unspooling of the plot. Very well done and extremely engaging - even with a bad migraine I couldn't look away. I highly recommend this taut thriller. 4/5

Money Monster on Netflix

Hail, Caesar!

I've been sort-of hate-watching the Coen brothers' comedies for a while now in the same way I hate-watch anything by Wes Anderson. A long time ago the Coens and Anderson made movies I absolutely loved, but they've been coming up short for so long I'm beginning to question why I keep coming back. For once, I was very pleasantly surprised by the Coens, because I really enjoyed this. It was an odd plot, that's for sure, but the acting and pacing were top-notch. I was intrigued and engaged thoroughly, and there were moments that really sizzled for me. Channing Tatum's dance number was divine, as was every scene with  Alden Ehrenreich, who I just loved in this. Really entertaining, and enough to keep me watching for another few films. 3.5/5

Hail, Caesar! on Netflix

The Monuments Men

A solid Clooney drama that hits all the notes I expected with a nice lot of comedy to boot. Well done. 4/5

The Monuments Men on Netflix

Gravity

WOW. I don't know what else to say - this is just mind-blowing in every way, visually & emotionally stunning. Amazing. 5/5

Gravity on Netflix

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Wes Anderson delivers in this whimsical & morally ambiguous tale - very witty & well acted. Well done! 4.5

Fantastic  Mr. Fox on Netflix

The Descendants

The scarcity of character development or backstory here left this film lacking - this was very average for me. 3/5

The Descendants on Netflix

The Ides of March

The acting in the compellingly written political thriller is stellar - Gosling is magnificent as always. 4/5

The Ides of March on Netflix