Friends with Benefits

So I actually rented this before realizing I had already seen it and given it a really nasty review back in January of 2012. But the thing was I couldn't remember the movie at all or why I gave it a nasty review, so when it showed up I watched it again. And loved it. I laughed really hard at most of it. The only thing I wrote in my old review was that I hated the acting, which is ridiculous because Kunis and Timberlake were both so great I genuinely have crushes on them both. Well, with Justin anyway, but I had one of those already. I really don't get why I originally didn't like it, because I really enjoyed it and actually would watch it again, which actually seems to be a theme in the Netflix review. So, in sum, don't know why I didn't like it the first time, I love it now, go watch it if you haven't. 4/5

Friends with Benefits

The Hollars

I only vaguely remember John Krasinski's first feature, "Brief Interviews with Hideous Men". I remember disliking it quite a bit, but I honestly can't remember why other than feeling that this was just another case of bad people behaving terribly to each other for no damn reason, and it irked me. I also remember that I felt his direction was very promising, and I hoped that his next film would show a maturing of style. This second film of Krasinski's is a definitely step up, but possibly because he didn't write it as well, as he did his first film. The writing was very solid and showed a deep understanding of family, love, and relationships. The acting was strong from all parties, and the direction was impactful and well-paced. I really enjoyed this, and I hope to see more from Krasinski along these lines in the future. 4/5

The Hollars on Netflix

Lullaby

I hadn't know much about Garrett Hedlund before watching "Mojave" recently, and, on the strength of that performance, I wanted to seek out more of his work. This was a beautifully tragic story made near perfect by Hedlund's acting in the lead role. I loved all the nuance between the characters, and the whole cast gave tremendous performances. I had to take a star off for a really odd subplot with a dying 17-year-old girl and the inane subplot with Hedlund's girlfriend, who might as well have been a lamp for all the worth her character brought to the plot. Still, a strong story with a really solid performance by Hedlund. I think I'll seek out more work by this talented actor. 4/5

Lullaby on Netflix

God's Pocket

Slattery directs PSH in his last film - a gritty, no nonsense drama with a great pace & strong acting. 3.5/5

God's Pocket on Netflix

A.C.O.D.

This dramedy had tremendous acting & a tightly strung plot that works well & communicated a message. Well done. 4/5

A.C.O.D. on Netflix

White House Down

Finally the true inheritor of Die Hard emerges! Great action, Tatum was excellent, seriously fun. Loved it. 4.5/5

White House Down on Netflix

Liberal Arts

This rom-com is slightly more savvy than I expected but still more on the trite side - Radnor has better in him. 3/5

Liberal Arts on Netflix