This Must Be the Place

I rented this after being truly stunned by Paolo Sorrentino recent film "Youth", which still lingers in my memory as something very special. This film was also lovingly shot with beautiful visual textures and framing that I found very affecting. Sean Penn is simply outstanding in this very unusual role, but beyond that I'm afraid I don't have much praise to offer. The script for this is all over the road and nonsensical at times. I found myself drifting and not really caring what happened to the characters, and, after how profoundly "Youth" affected me, I was surprised by my lack of interest. This was just okay for me, but I will give Paolo Sorrentino another couple of tries. 3/5

This Must Be the Place on Netflix

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Stiller knocked this out of the park with gorgeous direction & a heartfelt story. Lovely. Bonus treat - I don't think Stiller's ever looked this good, not even in "Zoolander". 4/5

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty on Netflix

Into the Wild

I found this film far more disturbing & tragic than inspiring but I was surprised at how much I liked it. 4/5

Into the Wild 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

The Tree of Life

WOW. This is possibly the most overrated film I've seen in a long time, and that's saying something. Ponderous, tedious, and virtually without a point, this film drags on so slowly and endlessly I fast-forwarded most of it. The only reason it gets half a star is Brad Pitt was engrossing and it WAS beautiful, but, in this case, beauty is simply not even close to enough. Save yourself, don't rent this! 1.5/5

The Tree of Life on Netflix

Hugo Pool

This movie was so atrociously awful I actually turned it off. I can't believe how awful this was, truly. 1/5

ADDED: When Malcolm McDowell shot his hand-puppet up with a syringe of "Rang Dang Dooey" I just had to shut it off. I mean... REALLY. With this cast to see such horrific acting... I have no words.

Hugo Pool on Netflix