The Glass Castle

I remember reading this memoir when it came out and being incredibly moved by it. When I saw they were making it into a film I was leery, but, when I saw the casting, I knew it would be a thing of beauty, and it was. Brie Larson and Woody Harrelson should both get nominations this year for their work in this film. In fact, the entire cast, including the youngest children, were all amazing and excelled in bringing the emotion of the story to life. Cretton's screenplay and direction was very intimate and moving. He had such a handle on the small nuances of the story, and it was really beautiful how it all came together. I was really affected by this, and I hope they remember this film during award season. 4.5/5

The Glass Castle on Netflix

The Sea of Trees

I have to start this review by noting something. When "The Forest" was released, there was a lot of backlash against the film, saying it didn't do justice to Japan's "suicide forest" and Japanese culture. I think that if we, as a culture, are going to point out when a film does something wrong, as was the case with "The Forest", we should also be ready to point out when one does it right. "The Sea of Trees" is the film that those bashing "The Forest" wanted to see. It is a reverent, dark, tragic, and yet ultimately uplifting and magical film about the culture of suicide, both in Japan and in America. It is some of the best work Gus Van Sant has done of late, and one of the most powerful performances McConaughey has given in a while. It is thoughtful, slow paced, and very packed with emotions. I went from weeping to laughing to weeping again before it was over. "The Sea of Trees" should be celebrated as the film many wanted to see made. I know I very much loved it. 4.5/5

The Sea of Trees on Netflix

Demolition

Jake Gyllenhaall has really been picking great scripts these days. This tragic and poignant drama both tests Gyllenhaall's reach and use of subtlety, and his very quiet breakdowns that escalate throughout the film are really affecting. The script was a bit scattered at times, but the overall tone and direction was really beautiful. I really enjoyed this. 4/5

Demolition on Netflix

The Divergent Series: Allegiant

I have mixed feelings about this movie and this series as a whole. I enjoyed the first film, but I felt the second veered too far into the "main character as a Christ-child" trope. This last film in the series doubled down on the Christ-child imagery and didn't give me enough of the people and city in which I had developed an interest. I appreciate knowing more of the story, but I felt it was at the expense of everything this series had worked so hard to build up. I saw every turn coming and every plot point the script was going to hit way before it did. However, in spite of that, I was engaged by the film and did enjoy it on some level. I would be interested in seeing the fourth installment if it ever gets made, as this really wasn't a satisfying ending for me. Overall, it was okay, but nothing spectacular. 3/5

The Divergent Series: Allegiant on Netflix

St. Vincent

This is perhaps the best performance I've ever seen from Bill Murray & a lovely movie from top to bottom. Bravo. 4/5

St. Vincent on Netflix

While We're Young

For me Baumbach can do no wrong & that's doubly true for this sharp-edged comedy with great acting. 4/5

While We're Young on Netflix

Adore

This drama is a complex tapestry of human emotions & their failings, beautifully told & acted throughout. Lovely. 4/5

Adore on Netflix

Diana

Watts is luminescent is this wonderfully tender biopic about the most famous woman in the world - sweetly told. 4/5

Diana on Netflix

The Impossible

This disaster tale is both epic and intimate, striking a wonderful balance between the two extremes. Wonderful. 4/5

The Impossible on Netflix

J. Edgar

I actually found this "bio pic" of Hoover & DiCaprio's acting in it quite solid & interesting throughout. 3.5/5


J. Edgar on Netflix

Mother And Child

This thought-provoking & tragic drama has exemplary acting, direction & writing. Truly moving & heartfelt. 4/5

Mother And Child on Netflix