Money Monster

Jodie Foster's newest directorial foray is a smashing one. Clooney and Roberts are totally on their game, and Jack O'Connell gives a star performance as well. The action was tightly written and tautly directed, and I enjoyed the unspooling of the plot. Very well done and extremely engaging - even with a bad migraine I couldn't look away. I highly recommend this taut thriller. 4/5

Money Monster on Netflix

The Normal Heart

I can't believe I'm saying this, but this would have been near perfect if a gay actor had replaced Ruffalo in the lead. I normally never feel that way, especially with an actor as talented as Ruffalo is, but his performance rang false to me, and I found myself frequently thinking that I wished someone else led this movie. There were so many strong performances that it just stuck out to me. He wasn't bad, not at all, just... not right. 4/5

The Normal Heart on Netflix

August: Osage County

This is a powerhouse of acting, just amazing performances. Should have been nominated for best picture. 4.5/5

August: Osage County on Netflix

Fireflies in the Garden

This was a well acted compelling story but it needed more fleshing out & more time. Good, not great. 3/5

Fireflies in the Garden on Netflix