The Childhood of a Leader

I don't even know how this film ended up in my queue, but I'm so glad it did, because it just blew me away. This is the actor Brady Corbet's directorial debut, but it felt like the polished hand of Kubrick more than the the first work of a new director. It was lush and beautifully framed throughout in impressive fashion. But I have to talk about the score for this, because that was the real star. The moment the credits started and the overture began, I was captured. The music is bombastic and cacophonous and just perfect in every way. I was utterly entranced by it, so imagine how stunned I was when I saw that it was none other than Scott Walker who composed it. I only recently discovered Walker in a documentary called "Scoot Walker: 30th Century Man" about his life and career, and, when I saw it, I really disliked his work, rather immensely so in fact. Clearly I need to listen again, because this was amazing. This movie won't be for everyone. It's brash and intense and stylistic and nebulous, and I will say I didn't get the very very end at all, which is why I deducted a half star. But I loved it, really. Highly recommended. 4.5/5

The Childhood of a Leader on Netflix

Maps to the Stars

I've been way off Cronenberg's films for a while, but I decided to give this one a try on a whim. It was simply brilliant with truly tremendous acting from all the leads. Truly stunning. 4/5

Maps to the Stars on Netflix

The Rover

Pierce & Pattinson are magnetic in this post-apocalyptic thriller that is tensely written & beautifully shot. 4/5

The Rover on Netflix

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 2

A surprisingly satisfying conclusion to a messy wreck of a series. I can live with that. 3/5

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 2 on Netflix

Cosmopolis

On one hand, I really truly hated this. On the other, I was mesmerized the whole film. I hated but liked it? 3/5

Cosmopolis on Netflix

Bel Ami

Pattinson is AMAZING in this perfect period drama that reminded me of "Vanity Fair" and "Dangerous Liasons". Seriously, I cannot state enough how astonishing Pattinson was in this. He blew my mind and that's not easy to do. Wow. Wonderful! 4.5/5

Bel Ami on Netflix

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1

Why do I keep torturing myself with these terrible movies again? I must be a masochist. 2/5

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1 on Netflix

Water for Elephants

Christopher Waltz is deliciously demonic in this poignant & passionate period drama. Darkly lovely. 4/5

Water for Elephants on Netflix

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

What kind of idiot chooses Edward after all that? Team Jacob, y0. Still pretty average for my taste 3/5

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse on Netflix

Love & Distrust

Horrible. Just horrible. Pretentious, pointless, and amateur hour all the way around. Don't even bother. 1/5

Love & Distrust on Netflix