The Nice Guys

Shane Black penned another smash with this hilarious noir dramedy. Gosling and Crowe have amazing chemistry, and Gosling's comedy had me in stitches half the film. The script was snappy, the direction tight and well-paced, and the plot was intricate and well woven. There wasn't a thing wrong with this film - it hit on all cylinders. Loved it! 5/5

The Nice Guys on Netflix

The Big Short

I admit I wasn't expecting much from this Oscar nominated picture - it seemed on the surface to be pandering to the Oscar crowd far too much. I was shocked to be pulled into it's style and substance almost immediately. This is a tremendously good film, buoyed by truly exceptional acting all the way around. The direction was smart and sleek, and I even loved the fourth-wall breaks. This was a truly outstanding film worthy of the nomination it got, and that was rare last year in my opinion. A great film. 5/5

The Big Short on Netflix

Only God Forgives

This is going to need a longer review from me so pardon the length of this. People are very divided in their opinions about this film, and I can certainly see why. This looks and feels for all the world like a Kim Ki-Duk South Korean revenge thriller - lush cinematography, beautiful palettes, long slow shots, silent or mostly-silent characters, and intense violence. And if you aren't familiar with this type of film I'm sure this movie would feel utterly alien and overly violent. What's even more interesting about "Only God Forgives" is that it's penned by Danish writer Nicolas Winding Refn, the esteemed author of the "Pusher" trilogy. So, in addition to a South Korean visual feel it has a marvelous Danish sensibility about it in that doesn't feel the need to explain or explore any more than what's needed. It's a brilliant pairing that works together just fantastically to create an intensely gruesome yet poignantly beautiful film that I just loved. My one complaint would be that they had Ryan Gosling, who works so beautifully in silence, and they didn't give him a meatier role like we might have seen with Choi Min-Sik or Johnny Hallyday. With that complaint aside, I found this film utterly amazing, and if you are a fan of South Korean film and Scandinavian sensibility you will as well. Loved this very much. 4.5/5

Only God Forgives 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

Gangster Squad

I was completely surprised at how good this action thriller was - I was totally captured from minute one. Nice. 4/5

Gangster Squad on Netflix

Drive

I don't get the hate - this tightly packed character melodrama was gripping & suspenseful with a wonderful cast. 4/5

Drive on Netflix

The Ides of March

The acting in the compellingly written political thriller is stellar - Gosling is magnificent as always. 4/5

The Ides of March on Netflix

Crazy, Stupid, Love

Honest-to-god LOL funny & Gosling is amazing as always. I normally hate rom-coms but I loved this. 4/5

Crazy, Stupid, Love on Netflix

All Good Things

Only the brilliant acting of Gosling The Great saves this plodding & predictable movie from mediocrity. 3/5

All Good Things on Netflix

Blue Valentine

Williams is fantastic but Gosling is BRILLIANT in this slow & heart-wrenching film about a crumbling marriage. 4/5

Blue Valentine on Netflix