House at the End of the Street

There was something here with this suspense thriller, but it just wasn't developed enough for me. The first half of the film was completely predictable and by-the-numbers. The second half had real promise as the details of the plot begin to unfold, but, ultimately, it failed to have the impact it should have had. I never cared about the characters enough to get invested in them, and the detail that would have made the "twist" really great was missing. This movie needed to both show and tell more than it did. Just okay for me. 3/5

House at the End of the Street on Netflix

Passengers

I'm struggling to find words here to express how angry I am at this movie. From a purely filmmaking standpoint, this is a good film. The acting is strong, the script fairly well written, the direction tight and cohesive. But the story. Oh, gods, this story. I'm stunned this script made it past studio executives and test audiences without someone screaming how utterly, terribly, horridly violating and rapine this story truly is. I really don't think I've ever seen a movie that more glorified rape culture, or forced us to sympathize with a criminal, disturbed male oppressor and require us to thus thoroughly shame his victim. Pratt's character violates Lawrence's in pretty much every way possible, and yet he is portrayed as the hero and she the clumsy, harpy, shrill woman who doesn't appreciate her partner's abuse. It's like watching a cut of "Room" where Brie Larson's character was portrayed as a nasty, sullen, uncaring witch who just doesn't appreciate how wonderful she has it in this garden shed made for her by the man who "loves" her so much. I feel sick after seeing this, I really do. I normally forgive far more than I really should when it comes to the glorification of rape culture, but I can't condone this. Not this. 2.5/5

Passengers on Netflix

Joy

I really enjoyed this and felt this was Jennifer Lawrence's best acting job in a while. However, I have to say I'm getting really tired of seeing Cooper and Lawrence together in every movie, and particularly in every David O. Russell movie. It's starting to feel so repetitive to me, and it took something away from what was really a wonderful, well written, and heartfelt movie. Honestly, I think it was the difference between this being a very good movie to being an Oscar contender movie. Nonetheless, a very good film and worthy of the Oscar nod for Lawrence. 4/5

Joy on Netflix

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

This is a dark film, far darker than I expected with solid acting throughout. Well done. 4/5

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 on Netflix

Serena

This Cooper/Lawrence dud is sixteen kinds of wrong with zero chemistry between the two. What happened here? Strange. 2/5

Serena on Netflix

American Hustle

My 3rd 2014 Best Picture nominee & it was BY FAR the best with note-perfect acting all around. Fantastic! 5/5

American Hustle on Netflix

Silver Linings Playbook

I can't explain it, I should have loved this, but I found it very average save for the amazing acting. David O. Russell's only truly astonishing film is "Spanking the Monkey" which is required viewing & just so amazing. This... honestly? Meh. 3/5

Silver Linings Playbook on Netflix

The Beaver

This is one of the better portraits or mental illness & depression I've seen with a brilliant cast. Transforming. 5/5


The Beaver on Netflix

Like Crazy

This was the best acting I've seen in a long while, Yelchin & Jones were infinitely believably. The end was perfect. I think this film will resonate with me & haunt me for quite some time. I can't believe how brilliant the acting was. Wow. 5/5

Like Crazy on Netflix

Winter's Bone

This wonderful Southern noir film features a haunting performance by Jennifer Lawrence - simply stunning. 4.5/5

Winter's Bone on Netflix