Jackie

Honestly, this was barely a 3-star movie. The plot was very scattered, the characters lacked depth, the direction felt canned and stale. In my mind, it was the acting that pushed it barely over to 3 stars. Portman was quite compelling - she looked and sounded as I remember Jackie Kennedy, albeit a bit colder. Billy Crudup and Peter Sarsgaard were both quite good as well. I just never felt pulled into the story or feeling deeply for the characters, which is why this fell flat for me. 3/5

Jackie on Netflix

20th Century Women

I wasn't sure how I would feel about this film coming in, as I feared it might get preachy and forced. I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was more of a celebration of life, coming of age, and what it means to be alive and free. The acting was very strong across the board, and the script was witty and clever whilst still being deep and meaningful. I found myself very drawn into the story and I loved the way it ended. Very moving, I recommend it. 4/5

20th Century Women 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

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

The Dish & The Spoon

Gerwig was so authentic in this she brought tears to my eyes - a perfect slice of a pair of lives. 3.5/5

The Dish & The Spoon on Netflix

Nights and Weekends

Swanberg & Gertwig are lovely in this tender drama but I really wanted more of the story & a longer film. 3/5

Nights and Weekends on Netflix

Frances Ha

I love Noah Baumbach & this clever, witty & charming film is not exception. Greta Gerwig is wonderful - bravo. 4/5

Frances Ha on Netflix

Lola Versus

I had much hope for this indie romcom but, once again, it was just people behaving badly. I miss Meg Ryan about now 2/5

Lola Versus on Netflix

No Strings Attached

Wow! Another rom-com that was LOL funny with good acting & people NOT behaving badly! More like this plz! 4/5

No Strings Attached on Netflix