Eden Lake

I really did not expect this to be as brutal as it was, but I appreciated the reality of the violence. Most films that depict human suffering tend to either show as little as possible, or go over the top with the gore. This film had the guts to show violence as it would truly be, and the realism of it made the film more impactful to watch. I also liked how the gang of teens weren't all massive sadists, because, in reality, that would be a truly rare occurrence. Instead, we saw how a brutal gang leader can take a flock of misguided sheep and lead them all to a slaughterhouse. The acting was solid, and the direction was tight and well-paced. I really liked this horror thriller. 4/5

Eden Lake 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

Steve Jobs

Having recently watched "Jobs" with Ashton Kutcher I was very curious about this film and how it would differentiate itself from "Jobs". I was especially curious to see Fassbender's performance, especially given his Oscar nod for it, and I wasn't disappointed in either respect. I'm not a huge Danny Boyle fan, as I tend to think he emphasizes style over substance, but this film was more solid in tone and pace than much of his past work. Fassbender did a marvelous job as well, and really took command of the screen as Jobs. But, if I'm being honest, I'll take Kutcher's performance any day of the week and twice on Sunday. While this was a slick film, I preferred the steady pace and scope of "Jobs" and thought Kutcher did a superior turn in the role. That may not be the predominant opinion, but it's mine. 3.5/5

Steve Jobs on Netflix

Slow West

This new Western is beautifully lensed but a bit short on content & consistency. Solid acting & good pacing. 3/5

Slow West on Netflix

Frank

This bizarre, surrealist, black comedy is strangely awesome with great acting - a great look at mental illness. 4/5

Frank on Netflix

The Counselor

What a disappointment! Terrible dialogue, incredibly weak acting & a totally unbelievable plot. Just plain bad. 2/5

The Counselor on Netflix

12 Years a Slave

It's hard to put into words what I'm feeling right now about this film. It is certainly one of the most powerful and affecting films I've ever seen, and I cried great, ugly tears throughout the end. It's hard for me to think objectively right now, since I still feel as I've been punched in the gut. What I will say - Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong'o were both astonishing and both deserved Oscars for their roles. The story is long but perfectly paced - I can think of nothing I would have cut save for perhaps the tail end of one long shot. I did find Brad Pitt's presence distracting - I wish they had used another actor for his small role. So far, this is definitely the best picture of the year, and I frankly don't see from where the hate for this incredible film stems. A worthy film, most worthy, and I think it will be a while before I forget the emotions I am feeling right now. 5/5

12 Years a Slave on Netflix

Prometheus

I didn't think this as bad as the rest of the world, merely average. But I did like the very end - interesting. 3/5

Prometheus on Netflix

Shame

For the 1st half I kept wondering why I was watching. For the 2nd I couldn't take my eyes off it. Mulligan was amazing. 3.5/5

Shame on Netflix

A Dangerous Method

The cast is marvelous in this decidedly un-Cronenberg-like film about the masters of psychoanalysis. 4/5

A Dangerous Method on Netflix

Centurion

Perfectly decent Romans vs. Picts battle movie, but it lacked proper handling of the epic Northern UK landscapes. 3 stars

Follow-up - Donna liked it more than me. I think I took a star away because I've seen so many Leone movies lately, and that man knows how to work the land into his story. This film had that opportunity, but just missed it often. Also overused the sweeping helicopter shot, I thought.


Centurion at Netflix