Insidious: Chapter 2

I watched the first "Insidious" film before my massive "Saw" marathon, so I didn't realize that Leigh Whannell, the writer of the first three "Saw" films, was also the author of the "Insidious" films. I felt Whannell's presence as a writer in this second film, which I felt was more cohesive and had more plot twists to it than the first in the series. Wan has definitely grown as a director in the last several years, and I thought the style and palette of this film was grainy and mealy as it should be. I liked this second film more than the first - I will be interested to see the third. 3.5/5

Insidious: Chapter 2 on Netflix

Insidious

I've realized lately that I seem to have missed a big swath of popular horror in the last several years, so I've been attempting to remedy that as of late. I just finished the two "Conjuring" films, and now I've moved on to the "Insidious" franchise. You can't miss a James Wan film. He has a particular eye and color palette that is just unmistakable. This film is visually beautiful, but I felt the script lacked focus and the characters were weakly drawn. This was just average for me. I will say this has also inspired me to watch the whole of the "Saw" franchise as well, so that should be an interesting few weeks! 3/5

Insidious on Netflix

The Meddler

I admit I'm not a big fan of Sarandon but she was really great in this. It reminded me of "Hello, My Name is Doris" in feel and tone, although I connected more with the message of "Doris". A solid feel-good comedy with good performances. 3.5/5

The Meddler on Netflix

I Give It A Year

On one hand, this was genuinely LOL funny, but on the other it was depressing to watch this behavior. Mixed. 3/5

I Give It A Year on Netflix

The Place Beyond the Pines

This generational drama is told carefully & wonderfully with brilliant acting by Gosling & Cooper. 4/5

The Place Beyond the Pines on Netflix

Get Him to the Greek

Brand & Hill are absolutely perfect in 1 of the funniest, most laugh producing films I've seen in a while. 5/5

Get Him to the Greek on Netflix

Bridesmaids

This was way, way funnier than I expected it to be - very witty, smart, edgy & honestly LOL worthy. Really great. 4/5


Bridesmaids on Netflix