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

Aloft

Outside of one outstanding scene with Cillian Murphy at the end of this film, no attempt is made to forge any emotional connections between characters or between the film and the audience. Shame. 2.5/5

Aloft on Netflix

Winter's Tale

I didn't expect to like this so much - a sweetly sentiment tale told with beautiful direction. Lovely. 4/5

Winter's Tale on Netflix

Stuck in Love

This is one of the finest romantic dramas I've seen with amazing characters & a perfectly constructed plot. 4.5/5

Stuck in Love on Netflix

Salvation Boulevard

This half black comedy & half mystery is intriguing & paced well but never really captured my interest. 3/5

Salvation Boulevard on Netflix

Virginia

The drama couldn't decided how seriously to take it subject matter so I found it wishy-washy with good acting. 3/5

Virginia on Netflix

Warrior

This magnificently acted film allowed its characters to unfurl like dark roses. Absolutely stunning & amazing. There were 2 scenes that maybe 10 living actors in the world could have pulled off & Nolte NAILED both of them. Brilliant. 5/5

Warrior on Netflix

Dark City (Director's Cut)

You are what you remember, but also what you decide to be. Some rough acting, but still an amazing film. 4 stars.

Dark City: Director's Cut

I forgot how much I loved this film, but I guess it's been too long - couldn't spot the changes. It is a gorgeous film, though, just gorgeous. 4/5

Dark City: Director's Cut on Netflix

He's Just Not That Into You

This movie is insulting to my intelligence in every way. Can I have those 2 hours back please? 2/5

He's Just Not That Into You on Netflix