Lion

This was, undoubtedly, one of the best pictures of last year. In my mind, it's nearly tied with "Manchester by the Sea" as possibly the best picture nominated for the top honor at the Oscars (the best picture of last year in my mind, "Swiss Army Man", wasn't nominated). The movie is sheer poetry to watch. The direction is graceful and lush, with an almost musical quality to the movement. Dev Patel has grown into a serious actor, and, for me, he should have won Best Supporting hands down for his tour de force performance here. There really is no flaw to this film. It's so moving and I doubt I will ever forget it. A definitely must-see. 5/5

Lion on Netflix

Fathers & Daughters

Maybe if I wasn't a mental health professional I would have liked this film, but I hated it. I hated it because the writers didn't have the common sense to even look up the basic facts and symptoms of the disorders they were describing. The inaccuracies were simply astounding. In what world is a seizure disorder a symptom of psychosis? And since when is psychosis "an inability to control one's impulses"? And no, the credentials "psychologist" and "social worker" are not interchangeable, thank you. Don't even get me started on the care and treatment of the young girl in the film. I nearly screamed at most of that. There were SO SO SO many things like this that I had to cringe or curse at the TV everyone five minutes or so. Nothing about this film was real or accurate in any possible way, and it was just painful to watch. I couldn't stand it, but, as I said, that could be my perspective, so take that as you will. 2/5

Fathers & Daughters on Netflix

Papa: Hemingway in Cuba

This was a good story that could have been great. The acting was very solid - Ribisi is as marvelous as ever. The direction was also solid and compelling. The problem was that I felt the script lacked depth in both story and character. I wanted more roundness to the people I was invested in and more insight into their motivations. I feel like many things may have gotten lost on a cutting room floor that would have made this picture much stronger. Still, a good film that tells a true tale. 3/5

Papa: Hemingway in Cuba on Netflix

The Sea of Trees

I have to start this review by noting something. When "The Forest" was released, there was a lot of backlash against the film, saying it didn't do justice to Japan's "suicide forest" and Japanese culture. I think that if we, as a culture, are going to point out when a film does something wrong, as was the case with "The Forest", we should also be ready to point out when one does it right. "The Sea of Trees" is the film that those bashing "The Forest" wanted to see. It is a reverent, dark, tragic, and yet ultimately uplifting and magical film about the culture of suicide, both in Japan and in America. It is some of the best work Gus Van Sant has done of late, and one of the most powerful performances McConaughey has given in a while. It is thoughtful, slow paced, and very packed with emotions. I went from weeping to laughing to weeping again before it was over. "The Sea of Trees" should be celebrated as the film many wanted to see made. I know I very much loved it. 4.5/5

The Sea of Trees on Netflix

Hacksaw Ridge

I don't know what I can say about this film other than it's without a doubt one of the finest WWII movies ever made. Gibson's direction was nothing short of transcendent. There is a stylization to the movie that seemed a bit strange in the pre-war first hour, but that blossomed in the second, creating a world so tangible I felt I was there. The violence was extreme and very real, shot in an unflinching way that was very honest and more than a little disturbing. There are so many outstanding visual sequences that I was breathtaken by them. Andrew Garfield is simply outstanding in this role, and all the supporting actors were marvelous. The story is incredibly real and very true to reality. It's a stunning story of bravery, and one that humbled me incredibly. This is a fantastic film, worthy of being nominated for everything it was and more. 5/5

Hacksaw Ridge on Netflix

I Origins

This sci-fi film is really engaging. The premise unfolded slowly, allowing the viewer to become invested in the world before upending it. The direction was very solid and well paced. I have to say that I was less impressed by the acting of Pitt and Marling, which really surprised me given that I am a fan of both of their work. Their acting felt flat to me, and I think that's why I ended up connecting with the story but not the people in it. Still, a solid film with a great premise. 3.5/5

I Origins on Netflix

Owl and the Sparrow

This is a beautiful movie that made me cry real tears all through the end. It's full of heart and is in the spirit of "Amelie" with a ten-year old Vietnamese girl as the matchmaker. The acting is quite good, and little Han Thi Pham is adorable. I really enjoyed this, it's a very special film. 4/5

Owl and the Sparrow on Netflix

The Meddler

I admit I'm not a big fan of Sarandon but she was really great in this. It reminded me of "Hello, My Name is Doris" in feel and tone, although I connected more with the message of "Doris". A solid feel-good comedy with good performances. 3.5/5

The Meddler on Netflix

Dark Horse

This documentary about a small Welsh town who banded together to raise a champion racehorse was tender, witty, and heartfelt. I really enjoyed this - it had real heart, and I felt inspired watching it. 4/5

Dark Horse on Netflix

The Intern

I was really apprehensive about this film, as I feared it would veer into rom-com territory, which would be supremely weird. I was refreshingly surprised - it was sweet and lovely and witty and tender. De Niro and Hathaway were both wonderful, and it was a nice surprise to see a friend of mine in a bit part as well. I enjoyed this more than I thought - a fine dramedy. 4/5

The Intern on Netflix

Twinsters

I ran across this title on a list of great documentaries, and I wasn't disappointed. It's both a heartwarming and, at time, emotionally complex and heartbreaking story, that I found captivating. I was glad the documentary was captured as the events occurred, it brought an immediacy to the emotional content that was needed. Well done. 4/5

Twinsters on Netflix

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

A wonderful, funny, beautiful, heartbreaking drama that affected me more than "The Fault in Our Stars" ever could. 4.5/5

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl on Netflix

Two Days, One Night

This French drama is so intriguing & subtle, it really makes you think about morality & reality. Bravo! 4/5

Two Days, One Night on Netflix

St. Vincent

This is perhaps the best performance I've ever seen from Bill Murray & a lovely movie from top to bottom. Bravo. 4/5

St. Vincent on Netflix

Wadjda

Wow, what a wonderful & uplifting movie this is, full of joy & really great acting to boot. A real gem, really great. 4.5/5

Wadjda on Netflix

A Mother's Courage: Talking Back to Autism

My mind is just blown after watching this, I never knew this type of learning was possible with autism. 5/5

A Mother's Courage: Talking Back to Autism on Netflix

The Broken Circle Breakdown

The non-linear structure of this film is perfection, it's tragedy is almost magical. And also, I am now desperate for the music in this film to be on my iPod. Loved this so much, I cried so hard. Exquisite. 5/5

The Broken Circle Breakdown on Netflix

Shelter Me

This touching documentary reinforces why rescue pets are the best pets - the veteran's stories are really special. 5/5

Shelter Me on Netflix

Serving Life

This poignant documentary is heartbreaking at times & gives a raw and unfiltered look at dying. Very moving. 4.5/5

Serving Life on Netflix

So Much, So Fast

An extraordinary documentary about an extraordinary family & a good message for all of us on bravery. 4/5

So Much, So Fast on Netflix