Allied

Brad Pitt is a better actor than this. I know he is. I've seen it. But, both in this and in his movie before this, "By the Sea", he was just wooden. I cut him slack for it in "By the Sea" because I thought it might be a stylistic choice, but there was no reason for it here. Cotillard was lovely in this, as she is in all things, but Pitt's wooden boy routine left her hanging and the whole picture stale. This could have been a real home run if Pitt had shown up for work. However, I do know that this was made during the active dissolution of his marriage, so I'm guessing that's why. Still, a shame - this could have been much better. 3/5

Allied on Netflix

Assassin's Creed

First off, sorry for the long absence, I've had a slew of life problems happening. I will try to return to my regular reviews.

My husband is an avid gamer, and I have watched him play the Assassin's Creed games many times over. The game is so stylized in its look and action that I thought no movie could ever capture that. I was wrong. This movie lives so well in the Assassin's Creed world it could be a game itself. The direction, sets, and motion of everything was so spot on it was eerie. The acting was far better than what you normally see in video game films, especially Fassbender, who is quite good. The ending was a bit too open and got a little off track, but I know they did that to leave place for a sequel. I was surprised at how good this was. If you know the game, it's worth a watch. 4/5

Assassin's Creed on Netflix

Macbeth

This most recent version of Macbeth isn't just bad, it's offensively bad. Fassbender and Cotillard drone their dialogue in near monotones - there is no intensity or emotion present. Indeed, apart from a few scenes, the entire film is devoid of emotional impact. There is no madness, no passion, nothing. The changes made to the text made little to no sense, and, were it not directed so beautifully, I would have one starred this. I actually started fast-forwarding after the banquet scene. So not good. 2/5

Macbeth on Netflix

Two Days, One Night

This French drama is so intriguing & subtle, it really makes you think about morality & reality. Bravo! 4/5

Two Days, One Night 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

Midnight in Paris

As I'm not an Allen fan I was surprised at how charming & witty I found this & great acting of course. 3.5/5

Midnight in Paris on Netflix

Rust and Bone

This simmering French drama is layered with meaning & complexity & acted impeccably by Cottiard & Schoenaerts. 4/5

Rust and Bone on Netflix

Contagion

This Soderbergh thriller is engrossing, suspenseful, well written & well executed - I've nothing bad to say. 4/5

Contagion on Netflix

La Vie En Rose

Cotillard was truly magnificent but the ever-jumping plot left me discombobulated & unconnected. 3.5/5

La Vie En Rose on Netflix

Inception

Absolutely brilliant - one of the most masterfully constructed films possibly ever made. I loved every minute. 5/5

JimK - 148 minutes. I loved it so much I wish it were LONGER. Also? I choose to believe. 5 stars.

Inception on Netflix