Arrival

This film reminded very much of "Contact" with Jodie Foster, and that's a compliment. Like "Contact", "Arrival" is not a sci-fi action flick, but rather a serious contemplation of life, time, language, and what it means to be sentient. There is so much going on in the slow moments of this film, things that only come together at the end, which is important in and of itself. The acting is excellent - Adams did an outstanding job in her lead role. I wish the direction had been clearer at points - it's very muddy and difficult to make out details on occasion, which I found frustrating. I really enjoyed this, it's definitely worth a watch or three. 4.5/5

Arrival on Netflix

Avengers: Age of Ultron

So, I seem to have radically different opinions than other Marvel fans. Most of the world thought the first Avengers film was amazing, equal to "The Dark Knight" even. I thought it was fairly average and kind of a waste of talent. This movie has gotten mostly average to bad reviews on Netflix. And I thought it was f'n AMAZING. THIS is the Avengers movie I was waiting for. I loved every moment of it and can see how it will lead perfectly into Civil War. Bravo Marvel for getting this one right. 5/5

Avengers: Age of Ultron on Netflix

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

This is definitely one of the best installments of this series - good action & solid acting. 4/5

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol on Netflix

The Immigrant

Simply put, they don't write roles for women like this very often. But when they do write something this complex and mesmerizing, I'm so glad they got the always astonishing Marion Cotillard for it. She was absolute perfection in this, not a note out of place for the whole of the film, and she was in nearly every scene of it. Joaquin Phoenix is every bit as amazing, bringing incredible depth to his complicated role. I know Cotillard was nominated for another film this year, which is good, else I'd be on a rampage about how she could possibly be left out of contention with this fine of a part. The film itself is rich in plot, well paced in editing, and beautifully shot. Oscar bait? Perhaps, but far more interesting and well-told a story than the other fare I've seen this year. Highly recommended.  4/5

The Immigrant 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

Ingenious

Jeremy Renner has questionable taste in films - an exceptionally average comedy only averagely acted. Meh. 2.5/5

Ingenious on Netflix

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters

This is just terrible - it only gets a star for the effects. Jeremy Renner isn't worth this. 2/5

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters on Netflix

The Bourne Legacy

Even with no memory of the Bourne universe I found this highly enjoyable despite plot holes. Fun. 3.5/5

The Bourne Legacy on Netflix

Love Comes to the Executioner

This very black comedy is far wittier than I expected & solidly acted as well - I'm surprised. 3.5/5

Love Comes to the Executioner on Netflix

The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Else

This disturbing, bizarre drama is really hard to watch but ultimately worth it all. And yes, this is a very flawed piece, but it's honest in its art and that makes all the difference. 3.5/5

The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Else on Netflix

Monkey Love

I thought I'd watch Jeremy Renner in anything but only got 30 minutes into this before killing it - just awful. 1/5

Monkey Love on Netflix

Neo Ned

The setting of this indie was so unrealistic it just put me off - not even Renner's awesomeness could save it for me 2.5/5

Neo Ned on Netflix