Life

Okay, I'm just going to address the very mixed reviews for this right away. I see both sides of the issue. Yes, the acting is very strong. The direction was engaging and excting, and I was incredibly intrigued by the life form. I was completely into the film from minute one. However, I see the point of the naysayers. This movie really was cliche after cliche after cliche. And, ultimately, given the parameters of the film, most of the choices made were idiotic and contradicted by the way the film draws to a close. Yes, I'm being really vague here to avoid spoilers, but I think readers will get my meaning regardless. I did have to give it an extra half star for the last two minutes of the film though, because WOW. That alone was worth the price of admission. I did like this. It was enjoyable and fun in every way it needed to be, but "Alien" it was not. 3.5/5

Life on Netflix

Mississippi Grind

Reynolds & Mendelsohn give tour-de-force performances in this gritty drama, just spectacular. Loved it. 4.5/5

Mississippi Grind on Netflix

The Captive

This thriller is just spectacular with an amazingly constructed non-linear script. Honest perfection, I loved it. And the alternate ending is just bone-chilling. 5/5

The Captive on Netflix

The Voices

This is a very dark, very black comedy that still made me laugh - Reynolds was wonderful in the lead. Damn good. 4/5

The Voices on Netflix

Woman in Gold

This is a lovely and powerful film about stolen art restitution - wonderful performances by Mirren & Reynolds. 4/5

Woman in Gold on Netflix

Safe House

Reynolds & Washington deliver solid performances in this action packed spy thriller with a shaky ending. 3/5

Safe House on Netflix

Fireflies in the Garden

This was a well acted compelling story but it needed more fleshing out & more time. Good, not great. 3/5

Fireflies in the Garden on Netflix

Paper Man

This poignant drama starts out slowly & subtly but builds to equal parts loveliness & heartbreak. Special shout-out to Ryan Reynolds who, as Captain Excellent, really made this work. Beautifully done. 4/5

Paper Man on Netflix