Crimson Peak

I had high hopes for this horror film but I was rather disappointed by it. It was all style and no substance, devoid of any emotional content or impact. So many of the concept and cinematography of it were derivative and things I've seen before. Even the acting felt lackluster - it's not often that Tom Hiddleston gives so flat a performance. The only actor in the film delivering true substance was Chastain, who was unrecognizable to me without her trademark hair. This film was not great for me, a bit less than average actually. 2.5/5

Crimson Peak on Netflix

Maps to the Stars

I've been way off Cronenberg's films for a while, but I decided to give this one a try on a whim. It was simply brilliant with truly tremendous acting from all the leads. Truly stunning. 4/5

Maps to the Stars on Netflix

The Double

Ayoade's fantastical & sensory-rich black dramedy is unique & so refreshing. I adored everything about this. 4.5/5

The Double on Netflix

Only Lovers Left Alive

This was just pretension for pretension sake, but the acting was quite good in spite of the weak plot. 3/5

Only Lovers Left Alive on Netflix

Lawless

The second of Nick Cave's features is also very gritty, seedy, dark, & explores morality in an interesting way. Well done. Incidentally, Cave's first film, "The Proposition", remains one of my very favorite films in in the last decade, which is very high praise indeed. 3.5/5

Lawless on Netflix

Restless

Van Sant's indies always feel hollow, as if their heart were missing. Despite great acting, this is no exception. 2.5/5

Restless on Netflix

Albert Nobbs

Close & Waisikowska are just spectacular in this drama, but the plot was loosely threaded a bit often for me. 3.5/5

Albert Nobbs on Netflix