10 Cloverfield Lane

What a truly excellent film! I loved how it wasn't a sequel to "Cloverfield" at all... until suddenly it was. The set-up and delivery of the plot was perfectly handled. The acting was really solid, and Bear McCreary's score was just top-notch. This was one of the best films I've seen so far this year - a truly solid film top to bottom. 5/5

10 Cloverfield Lane 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

Inside Llewyn Davis

It's a pretty film with good music & JT was great but this was a non-event for me - it never went anywhere. 3/5

Inside Llewyn Davis on Netflix

The Monuments Men

A solid Clooney drama that hits all the notes I expected with a nice lot of comedy to boot. Well done. 4/5

The Monuments Men on Netflix

Flight

A powerful, insightful, realistic & ultimately redemptive portrayal of alcoholism wonderfully acted by Denzel. However, knowing what I know about the rooms, I feel very strongly that the very last line was a mistake, but I can forgive that. 4/5

Flight on Netflix

Argo

Was it a great film? Yes. Was is compelling & riveting? Sure. Was it the best film of the year? No, but I see why it won. 4.5/5

 Argo on Netflix

The Artist

This movie got in its own way far too often & turned it's hook into a gimmick too often. Very average for me. 3/5

The Artist on Netflix

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

This is a devastatingly powerful film with a brilliant performance by Thomas Horn. Wow. 4.5/5


Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close on Netflix

Red State

There is honestly nothing good or redeeming about this film whatsoever - it fails on all levels. Sad really. 1/5

Red State on Netflix