Insomnia

I saw the American remake of this Norwegian thriller years ago, but even after all this time I remember the remake being tighter and more cohesive than the original. Certainly the characters in the remake were more fleshed out, and I even liked Pacino & Williams better than their Swedish counterparts. Just average for me. 3/5

Insomnia on Netflix

Frankie & Alice

Halle Berry is wonderful but the script a bit strained & barren in this drama about multiple personalities. For the record, the modernization of terms and understanding of the disorder really threw me out of the picture. Sloppy. 3/5

Frankie & Alice on Netflix

The Railway Man

Firth is wonderful in this disquieting drama about the power of forgiveness. I cried at the end - moving. 3.5/5

The Railway Man on Netflix

Thor: The Dark World

This was a better & more solid story than the first film but I did miss Loki's presence for most of it. 3/5

Thor: The Dark World on Netflix

King of Devil's Island

This Norwegian film based on true events was inspiring to me & quite well acted by all. Gritty & real. 4/5

King of Devil's Island on Netflix

Metropia

This fascinating animated feature is just gorgeous but suffers a bit from an overly ambiguous plot. Intriguing. 3.5/5

Metropia on Netflix

Melancholia

Von Trier redeems himself with this beautiful, hypnotic vision that dreamily captures the human condition. The comparisons to "Tree of Life" are endless - I found this vastly superior in every context 3.5/5

Melancholia on Netflix

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

What a pale & hollow version of those glorious Swedish thrillers! Doesn't hold a candle. Honestly, after just seeing the originals I wanted to give that a 2.5, but I'm trying to be generous. Mara was NOT good. 3/5

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo on Netflix

Thor

This may be pretty to look at but WOW is it weak in plot & acting. Iron Man is most certainly is not. Disappointing. 2/5

Thor on Netflix