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

Foxcatcher

Bear with me, this will get long. I've literally been waiting for over a year to see this film. I remember the very early trailers last year, and telling everyone I knew that this film, "Foxcatcher", looked to be amazing. I remember when its release was delayed for several months because the film's producers wanted to make sure Steve Carrell was in contention for the Oscars. I remember all the talk about how amazing Carrell was, and how powerful the film was, and so I waited anxiously for this film to arrive in my mailbox, waiting for tonight. And the trouble is, I feel I'm still waiting. This movie never got off the ground for me. The plot felt sparse and full of holes. I never got a sense of character motivation, or growth, or why things took the turns they did. The script not only let me down, but it let down it's two main stars. Tatum was better than I've ever seen him, but the tragedy was with Carrell. He was transformative, no doubt about it. His performance was great, but the script left him with precious little screen time and not much in the way of meat to hang his hat on. Because of this, I felt this film wasted what perhaps was the performance of Carrell's life. There simply was not enough there there, and certainly not enough to deserve an Oscar nod. I would rather have seen that spot go to James McAvoy for "Filth", or maybe even to Miles Teller for "Whiplash" - certainly McAvoy's performance was better on every level than Carrell's was. All in all, it was an average film with one outstanding performance in Tatum and a very notable one in Carrell... but that's it. It's with sadness that I can only give this film 3 stars. I had hoped for so much more. 3/5

Foxcatcher on Netflix

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

I hated this with a fiery passion. It was awful & trite & had none of the original's magic. 1.5/5

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues on Netflix

Dinner for Schmucks

Surprisingly faithful to the French original, this remake is more absurdist with a blah end but still good. 3/5

Dinner for Schmucks on Netflix

The Way Way Back

This acting in this brooding dramedy is just wonderful & really elevates the film. Poignant & touching. 4/5

The Way Way Back on Netflix

Despicable Me

I really enjoyed this & loved the voice work but I felt it was missing that extra something that hits the heart. 4/5

Despicable Me on Netflix

Hope Springs

What an amazing movie this is! Poignant, thoughtful, truthful, inspiring, and very real. Really well done. 4.5/5

Hope Springs on Netflix

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

The premise is unbelievable but Carrell & Knightly sell it quite well - love the end 3/5

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World 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

Date Night

I really wanted to hate this but I swear I actually LOLed through the whole thing. Carrell & Fey are hilarious. 3.5/5

Date Night on Netflix

The 40-Year-Old Virgin

I love both Apatow & Carell so it's no surprise I loved this. Not as great as Pineapple Express, but funny w/ heart. 3.5/5

The 40-Year-Old Virgin on Netflix