The Intern

I was really apprehensive about this film, as I feared it would veer into rom-com territory, which would be supremely weird. I was refreshingly surprised - it was sweet and lovely and witty and tender. De Niro and Hathaway were both wonderful, and it was a nice surprise to see a friend of mine in a bit part as well. I enjoyed this more than I thought - a fine dramedy. 4/5

The Intern on Netflix

Joy

I really enjoyed this and felt this was Jennifer Lawrence's best acting job in a while. However, I have to say I'm getting really tired of seeing Cooper and Lawrence together in every movie, and particularly in every David O. Russell movie. It's starting to feel so repetitive to me, and it took something away from what was really a wonderful, well written, and heartfelt movie. Honestly, I think it was the difference between this being a very good movie to being an Oscar contender movie. Nonetheless, a very good film and worthy of the Oscar nod for Lawrence. 4/5

Joy on Netflix

Heist

Dave Bautista is actually a damn fine & natural actor. Gina Carano, however, is not. Good plot, solid action. 3.5/5

Heist on Netflix

The Deer Hunter

I first saw this film when I was about ten, maybe younger. I remember having nightmares for days afterwards, but, after a few years, I forgot this film almost completely. I remembered only the Russian Roulette, but that was all. The topic of this film has been coming up in reference to modern day PTSD, and I felt it was time I saw it again. I was not disappointed, and I can't understand how I ever could have forgotten the feeling of this film. I saw it last night and was so moved I couldn't write about it then. Still, today, it is haunting me. Yes, I think it needs editing. Yes, It could have been a half hour shorter, maybe more. Yes, the opening act is too long and the second act is too short. But it doesn't matter, because every note that needed to be hit was, and every feeling the filmmakers wanted to convey came through. I will not forgot "The Deer Hunter". Truly one of the finest films about combat PTSD ever made. 4.5/5

The Deer Hunter on Netflix

The Bag Man

This thriller had enough twists to keep me interested but not enough character development to make it great. 3/5

The Bag Man on Netflix

Last Vegas

A thoroughly engaging, charming, and genuinely laughable comedy with the best chemistry I've seen in a while. 4/5

Last Vegas on Netflix

Silver Linings Playbook

I can't explain it, I should have loved this, but I found it very average save for the amazing acting. David O. Russell's only truly astonishing film is "Spanking the Monkey" which is required viewing & just so amazing. This... honestly? Meh. 3/5

Silver Linings Playbook on Netflix

Red Lights

Yes the ending was remarkable & I hadn't seen it coming, but I'm not sure it was worth the hour forty wait for it. 3/5

Red Lights 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

Limitless

This high-tech "Flowers for Algernon" was engaging, well paced & finely acted - i would have changed the ending though. 4/5


Limitless on Netflix

Machete

OMG FUN & RIDICULOUS. Did you love the 2nd half of From Dusk Til Dawn? Then watch Machete. Complaint: not enough naked Lohan

Machete at Netflix

Stone

Edward Norton & Milla Jovovich are outstanding in this subtle psych thriller about guilt, innocence and spirituality. Intriguing. 3.5/5

Stone on Netflix