The Free World

This gritty drama is a complete gutwrencher. Boyd Holbrook and Elizabeth Moss are at the tops of their games in this. They were both absolutely genuine, down to the smallest little tics that give away chronic trauma. The connection between them was so intense I could almost feel it myself. The story is sparingly told, which was the right call in my book. I didn't want to know much more - it was far better to let me paint the details in my head. The direction was beautiful as well. This was a total home run on all fronts. Loved this. 4.5/5

The Free World 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

Get On Up

Chadwick Boseman was amazing, but the script was hard to follow & full of holes, I wanted more information. 3/5

Get On Up on Netflix

Snowpiercer

This was AMAZING. The South Korean direction blended with top-notch American/English acting was sublime. Perfect. 5/5

Snowpiercer on Netflix

Fruitvale Station

This recounting of the tragedy at Fruitvale is powerfully told, wonderfully acted & heartbreaking to watch. 4/5

Fruitvale Station on Netflix

Smashed

Winstead & Paul are convincing & very real in this poignantly written portrait of a woman battling alcoholism. 3.5/5

Smashed on Netflix

Flypaper

This patently ridiculous comedic heist film is only watchable because of the decent acting. The plot, not so much. 2/5

Flypaper on Netflix