Secret in Their Eyes

I must confess I didn't remember the plot of the Spanish original, but based on my 5 star review I clearly loved it. To refresh my memory, I reread the plot on Wikipedia, and it all came flooding back like a roaring river - I could feel the emotion of the film washing over me again as it did when I first saw it. This remake is actually a fairly faithful (in tone if not detail) to the original, and the acting was excellent across the board. Julia Roberts was outstanding, and Chiwetel Ejiofor is always wonderful to watch. My one main problem was that I felt a large emotional gap between me and the characters - I never felt sucked into their world, and that made the movie falter some for me. But, overall, this was an ambitious project that was handled respectfully and well by director and writer Billy Ray. 4/5

Secret in Their Eyes on Netflix

Strangerland

Kidman is wonderful in this tense drama that offers no easy answers. The ending was brave, I liked this film. 3.5/5

Strangerland on Netflix

Before I Go to Sleep

As I continue my sojourn through the films of 2014, I am becoming more and more upset at the choices the Academy made this last year. This film is no exception. First off, Nicole Kidman well deserved an Oscar nomination for this masterful performance. I haven't seen her this good in many years, and perhaps never this nuanced and mature in a role. Second off, the script of this psych thriller was stronger and more fulfilling than most of the clear Oscar bait that got nominated. Like "Gone Girl", this thriller starts from a terrifying ending and builds backward until the truth is revealed, layer by layer. It's a strong story expertly told by the three leads and beautifully lensed by the director. So why wasn't this film given the nods it deserved? Because it wasn't "safe"? Because it was done open the Hollywood system? Because we've stopped caring about excellent performances outside the mainstream? Whatever the reason, "Before I Go to Sleep" is an excellent thriller that deserved far more. Watch it. Trust me. 4.5/5

Before I Go to Sleep on Netflix

The Railway Man

Firth is wonderful in this disquieting drama about the power of forgiveness. I cried at the end - moving. 3.5/5

The Railway Man on Netflix

Just Go With It

This ridiculous rom-com is just barely watchable & utterly unbelievable from beginning to end. Bah humbug. 2/5

Just Go With It on Netflix

The Paperboy

I thought the cast might elevate this but the script is so poorly held together that nothing would save it. 2.5/5

The Paperboy on Netflix

Rabbit Hole

I believed Eckhart. I didn't believe Kidman - therefore, this suffered. Surprisingly average - I expected more. 3/5

Rabbit Hole on Netflix