Collateral Beauty

It's interesting to watch this after seeing "Manchester by the Sea". Both films tackle the difficult subject of how a father grieves the loss of his child or children. I would argue that what we see from Will Smith in this film is the "typical" depiction of grief. Not that that's bad - Smith is excellent here. The way he allows grief to flow through his eyes without a word is tremendous and very heartbreaking. However, if one studies grief in men, one will find that, in fact, how Affleck portrayed grief is far closer to the truth for most fathers who have lost children. Knowing that, and having recently seen Affleck give that amazing performance, I had a hard time falling into this film. The plot was very banal - I saw nearly all the turns in it a mile away. The acting outside of Smith was only above average, and the dialogue forced. Maybe if Casey Affleck weren't still living in my head I would have reacted differently, but that's why Affleck won the Oscar and Smith wasn't even nominated I think. For me, this was just okay. 3/5

Collateral Beauty on Netflix

Trumbo

Once again, I find myself writing a derivation on a theme. This is a fine movie with a great performance by Bryan Cranston, but I simply cannot say it was good enough to warrant a Oscar nomination. A nomination should go to someone who has done something transcendent, who has totally lost themselves in a role and become someone else. Cranston was great, but I always knew it was Cranston. To me, that is not Oscar-worthy, and given how many performances were better last year - and I'm just getting started mind you - I really don't understand this trend. A very good film nonetheless. 3.5/5

Trumbo on Netflix

Woman in Gold

This is a lovely and powerful film about stolen art restitution - wonderful performances by Mirren & Reynolds. 4/5

Woman in Gold on Netflix

The Tempest

Julie Taymor missed the mark ever so slightly with this retelling but tremendous acting truly saved it. Djimon Hounsou was perfection as Caliban but Mirren not nearly as evil as she should have been. Interesting take. 3.5/5

The Tempest on Netflix

Arthur

Oh dear, another novel. I need to explain this one much more so than the last. I hated the original Arthur. Despised it really. I found it nearly impossible to sympathize with the characters, particularly Arthur himself who I loathed. And yet, I always recognized that Dudley Moore is nothing short of genius in that role and that it should stand as a classic for all time. When I head it was being remade I said for the record it should never be touched, but, if anyone were to try it, Brand was the only one to attempt it. I said that long before becoming smitten with Brand, which is the only reason I watched this TBH. I had the same problem with the remake as I did the original - the plot & characters are shit. However I was right - Brand gave an honest & emotional portrayal that Dudley would have loved. The weakest part was Gertler who was awful - Mirren however was amazing. So... just not my cup of tea. 3/5

Arthur on Netflix

The Debt

The performances in this thriller were top notch, but I felt the story was a bit over-focused on the past. I'm mixed. 3/5

The Debt on Netflix

Red

This is a totally fun, well acted & even decently scripted action flick. Good popcorn film with a REALLY great cast. 4/5

Red on Netflix