Wakefield

This is one of the more fascinating character studies I've seen in recent history. The character of Howard Wakefield suffers from a particular personality disorder, which he demonstrates throughout the film. But there's something else at work here, something explored in films like "Castaway" and "Into the Wild" (the true story of Christopher McCandless and his death). It is a separation from reality and the social mores by which we live, in order to embrace the lawlessness of being homeless or completely apart from human company. Cranston is utterly sublime at capturing the tension between these opposing personality forces and the destruction this conflict leaves in its wake. It is truly amazing, and I hope Cranston gets an Oscar nod for this. Loved this. 4.5/5

Wakefield on Netflix

Men, Women & Children

This reminded me of a Todd Solondz film, very edgy and interesting. I liked the various explorations of how each character used the Internet to define or find themselves. Solid acting as well, good film. 3.5/5

Men, Women & Children on Netflix

The Kingdom

Berg delivers another excellent thriller with expert acting, a sharp plot & exceptional direction. Solid work. 4/5

The Kingdom on Netflix

Dallas Buyers Club

I've been waiting to see this film for a very long time. To be on-the-table from the start - I'm a HUGE fan of anything Jared Leto does and I'm very much a fan of Matthew McConaughey as well. I walked into this hoping both would be as amazing as all the awards would suggest. However, I also walked into this expecting things I wouldn't like, or things I thought could have been better, or anything that would justify the trans communities backlash against Leto. I found none of those things. I always knew Leto had this performance in him - anyone who has followed his career closely would have known it. I think that most people think of Leto as Jordan Catalano and not much more, so the sweetness and subtlety of this truly transformative performance simply shocked many. On the other hand, Matthew McConaughey has been knocking it out of the park in every film he's been in for the last three years, so how utterly outstanding he was should have been no surprise. This film is borne by it's two stars - without them it would have fallen apart. The plot is not rich, the direction nothing special, but the acting? Well, that's worth everything, and it is truly outstanding from beginning to end. I loved this. 4/5

Dallas Buyers Club on Netflix

Butter

I was surprised at how solid & witty this farcical film was. I do however wish they had shown more of the carving. 3/5

Butter 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