Fifty Shades Darker

I really don't know why I watch these films except to have the information to tell someone who thinks this is was a true BD/SM relationship is like that these books and films have gotten it terribly, horribly wrong. This film isn't as abusive like the last was, but it's clearly the calm before whatever storm is about to erupt. The acting is just as terrible as last time. It's abundantly clear Johnson and Dornan don't like each other, so the chemistry just doesn't work. And the plot is asinine - how did we even get from the end of the last movie to the end of this film? It honestly makes no sense at all. Ugh. 2/5

Fifty Shades Darker on Netflix

Get a Job

This is pretty cute and funny in parts with solid acting from the whole cast, especially Kendrick and Teller. I have to roll my eyes at the premise of the film, but it's well executed. Good, not great. 3/5

Get a Job on Netflix

Grandma

I have a lot of mixed feelings about this film, much in the same way I had about "The Diary of a Teenage Girl". In the case of the latter, I'm still digesting the film, and will write about it. For "Grandma", I think I can write tonight. First, Tomlin is exquisite, and I'm not surprised she was nominated for this role. It was a tough role in a tough movie, and I commend her for her work. Having said that, I feel like many of her granddaughter's emotional issues got short shrift, and it *was* her story, not Tomlin's. I wish the writer could have added 15 minute to explore Sage's story in greater depth. However, good film, and solid work by all. 3.5/5

Grandma on Netflix

50 Shades of Grey

This movie is as once totally ridiculous & patently offensive. There is nothing redeeming here. Ugh. 2/5

50 Shades of Grey on Netflix

Someday This Pain Will Be Useful To You

This script was strong with some great lines and overall the acting was solid, but the lead, Toby Regbo, didn't have enough emotional depth to carry this. Good, not great. 3/5

Someday This Pain Will Be Useful To You on Netflix

The Mist

Not since "Earthquake" or "Treeless Mountain" have I cried this hard at the end of a film, not even "12 Years a Slave". Wow. 4/5

The Mist on Netflix

Parkland

A smartly written & well acted drama detailing the assassination of JFK that adds a great deal to the discussion. 4/5

Parkland on Netflix

Into the Wild

I found this film far more disturbing & tragic than inspiring but I was surprised at how much I liked it. 4/5

Into the Wild on Netflix

Detachment

This film is dark, tragic, beautiful, cerebral, open-ended & perfectly acted. I love finding rare gems like these. 5/5

Detachment on Netflix

The Daytrippers

What a disappointing mess of a "comedy" this cult indie film is - just more people behaving badly to me. Meh. 2/5

The Daytrippers on Netflix