Collateral Beauty

It's interesting to watch this after seeing "Manchester by the Sea". Both films tackle the difficult subject of how a father grieves the loss of his child or children. I would argue that what we see from Will Smith in this film is the "typical" depiction of grief. Not that that's bad - Smith is excellent here. The way he allows grief to flow through his eyes without a word is tremendous and very heartbreaking. However, if one studies grief in men, one will find that, in fact, how Affleck portrayed grief is far closer to the truth for most fathers who have lost children. Knowing that, and having recently seen Affleck give that amazing performance, I had a hard time falling into this film. The plot was very banal - I saw nearly all the turns in it a mile away. The acting outside of Smith was only above average, and the dialogue forced. Maybe if Casey Affleck weren't still living in my head I would have reacted differently, but that's why Affleck won the Oscar and Smith wasn't even nominated I think. For me, this was just okay. 3/5

Collateral Beauty on Netflix

The Martian

What can I say? This is a brilliant movie from start to finish. Damon is wonderful, the script flows evenly, and it doesn't feel two hours and twenty minutes long at all. There's no question this is indeed an Oscar film - it's bold and brilliantly executed from start to finish. Here's to hoping I see more films like this. 5/5

The Martian on Netflix

Ant-Man

This installment in the Marvel franchise is witty & pithy but terribly thin on plot and continuity. Good, not great. 3/5

Ant-Man on Netflix

Fury

I thought I had seen every variation on WWII movies, but I've not seen this. Stunning film with perfect acting. Amazing. 4.5/5

Fury on Netflix

Observe and Report

This older Rogen comedy is lackluster in every respect, it just didn't make a lot of sense. Disappointing. 2/5

Observe and Report on Netflix

Battle: Los Angeles

This is about as perfect as an action/disaster flick gets - slick direction, great pacing, great acting. 5/5

Battle: Los Angeles on Netflix

Gangster Squad

I was completely surprised at how good this action thriller was - I was totally captured from minute one. Nice. 4/5

Gangster Squad on Netflix

End of Watch

The acting is tremendous but the inconsistent found-footage direction is utterly distracting in this thriller. 3.5/5

End of Watch on Netflix

The Good Doctor

Orlando Bloom was superb in this subtle, understated & cerebral drama with a great ending. Very well done. 4/5

The Good Doctor on Netflix

Tower Heist

The cast is superb & the comic timing outstanding in this comedic heist film - I had a lot of fun watching this. 4/5

Tower Heist on Netflix

30 Minutes or Less

The entire cast, but especially Eisenberg & McBride - were fantastic in this raucous action-comedy. 3.5/5

30 Minutes or Less on Netflix

Everything Must Go

Will Ferrell is surprisingly earnest & sensitive in this rather poignant drama with a good heart. Well done 4/5

Everything Must Go on Netflix