Toy Story 2

Am I weird? I must be weird, because I wasn't a huge fan of this. I liked the characters and their development, especially all the new folk from Woody's Roundup. I liked the sense of adventure and the moral of the story. But, honestly, the plot got a little much for me. Okay, I know this is an animated story about toys that come to life when no one is watching, but it got a bit ridiculous. For example - Woody's arm tears from gentle play, but he can handle the air velocity of a plane taking off without injury. RIIIIIIGHT. The whole film is filled with these types of gaffes, where we're given a rule of the world one minute and it's broken the next. It really bothered me after a bit, if I'm being honest. I'll be interested to see the third one now. 3/5

Toy Story 2 on Netflix

Sully

This was a good movie that could have been a great one. Hanks' Sully was acted to perfection, and Eastwood's direction, particularly in the action sequences, was very good. However, I think one Netflix reviewer put it perfectly when they said it felt like the plot was continually circling itself in a holding pattern. That's very accurate - it feels like the story is going nowhere for most of the film. We see a couple of flashbacks to Sully's youth, but we learn nothing. We see the crash a few ways, and the same sets of reactions from the same sets of people over and over again. The repetition got to me, and the lack of forward motion in the plot felt stagnant. I really felt the film should have been longer, taken more time to explore Sully's character, and to get a sense of how he managed to be so calm in the face of such peril. In my mind I keep comparing this film to "Flight" with Denzel Washington. I will remember "Flight" for the rest of my life, but I think I won't remember much about "Sully" six months from now, which is sad to me. 3.5/5

Sully on Netflix

Bridge of Spies

This was a very solid drama that felt both expansive and intimate at once, which is no easy feat. The acting was very solid, the plot well paced and well executed, and the direction was engaging. I was pulled into the story and remaining completely entrenched through the end. A solid movie, and not out of place in the Best Picture nominees I think. I was surprised to note the Coen brothers wrote this (at least in part) but Spielberg directed. I think that was a smart choice - this film could have been mishandled easily and, honestly, the Coen's would likely have done so. A fine film. 4/5

Bridge of Spies on Netflix

The Ladykillers

This Coen brothers farce felt forced & utterly absurd - I didn't feel connected to it at all. Not good for me. 2/5

The Ladykillers on Netflix

Captain Phillips

Compared to "A Hijacking" this was average slick Hollywood action. Only Hanks made this film special for me. Compared to "A Hijacking" this was average slick Hollywood action. Only Hanks made this film special for me. 3.5/5 3.5/5

Captain Phillips on Netflix

Cloud Atlas

This picture is just magnificent - I was mesmerized by every frame of it. Marvelous acting & a beautiful story. 5/5

Cloud Atlas on Netflix

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

This is a devastatingly powerful film with a brilliant performance by Thomas Horn. Wow. 4.5/5


Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close on Netflix