The Way Back

This extraordinary tale of survival is in the legacy of films like "Papillon" and "Midnight Express", but focuses almost entirely on the escape rather than the gulag. Breathtakingly directed and solidly acted throughout. Well done! 4/5

The Way Back on Netflix

Byzantium

Although I figured out what kind of movie this was about ten minutes in, I was nonetheless hooked by it. Ronan was fabulous, perhaps even better than she was in "Brooklyn", which is saying a lot. And I would like to pass a law that mandates that Caleb Landry Jones must be in all films made, as he is so wonderful. I quite enjoyed this. 4/5

Byzantium on Netflix

Brooklyn

I feel about this film much like I felt about "Spotlight". It's a lovely film with tremendous acting. I was moved by it and drawn along by the story. It was directed and paced very well. But I'm just not sure this should be an Oscar nominee. Maybe I'm spoiled by independent film, but I would rather see a film attempt to be different and great and fall short than play everything safely. Safe is good and fine and lovely, but Best Film? Not quite, at least not for me. 4/5

Brooklyn on Netflix

How I Live Now

This is a visually stunning tapestry of a world on the brink of apocalypse - lovely acting by Ronan as usual. 3.5/5

How I Love Now on Netflix

The Host

The new Meyer film is just as preposterous as the last with the same character dynamics. Why do I watch them? 2.5/5

The Host on Netflix

Hanna

Saoirse Ronan is immaculate in this taut, well designed & perfectly paced action thriller. I really enjoyed this. 4/5

Hanna on Netflix