Swiss Army Man

This film was, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the absolute best films I have ever seen in my entire life. It is also the most wholly original film I have ever seen in my life. It's going to take a long time to fully wrap my head around what I just saw. It's so rare to see a film that is, at its heart, a comedy, but also a deeply tragic and poignant questioning of humanity and what we hold dear. The performances by Dano and Radcliffe were just astonishing. There is no doubt in my mind that Radcliffe deserves a Best Supporting Actor nomination for this. And the music was just perfectly sublime and fit the film so well. This is such a good film, it's just beyond anything I had hoped for. If you do nothing else, please watch this. Just amazing. 5/5

Swiss Army Man on Netflix

Youth

I did not see this film coming. From the trailer I thought this would be a light-hearted dramedy, but it was far more impactful and metaphorical than that. I have never seen a Paolo Sorrentino film before, so I certainly didn't expect the gorgeousness of the direction, and how every scene moved and felt alive. I was so moved by the music that I watched through most of the end credits to get the name of the person who composed some of the tracks, a man named David Lang. I am amazed by this film and deeply moved by it, far more so than I thought I might be. A true gem. 4.5/5

Youth on Netflix

Light and the Sufferer

I have no idea how this oddball, no budget, shot on video, arthouse, genre-bending film got on my queue, but I'm glad it did, because it was different. There was no money at all here, but oddly I didn't end up minding, even when it was important. Paul Dano looked all of sixteen or so, but gave a solid performance as per usual. I'm going to think about this for a bit. 3/5

Light and the Sufferer on Netflix

Love & Mercy

Dano & Cusack are both Oscar-worthy in this powerhouse of a drama told in non-linear fashion. Just amazing. 4.5/5

Love & Mercy 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

Prisoners

A truly spectacular thriller with a perfectly constructed plot, brilliant acting & wonderful direction. Loved this! 4.5/5

Prisoners on Netflix

For Ellen

Paul Dano is divine in this heart-breaking indie drama that totally captured me from minute one. Perfectly done. Seriously, why isn't Paul Dano a MUCH bigger star? The last 3 things I've seen he was transcendent - he needs to get more love. 4/5

For Ellen on Netflix

Ruby Sparks

Zoe Kazan's wonderful script takes risks & dark turns & is worth every moment. She & Dano are magical in this. I continue to maintain that Paul Dano is the most underrated actor of his generation - far too few realize how talented he is. 4/5

Ruby Sparks on Netflix

Being Flynn

De Niro is magnificent but Paul Dano is just stellar in this dark, tragic, & very bittersweet drama. Amazing. 4.5/5

Being Flynn on Netflix

The Extra Man

Kevin Kline is magical in this but, aside from his wondrous performance, it falls flat both plot and character-wise. 3/5

The Extra Man on Netflix