Criminal

Honestly, I have never in my life seen Kevin Costner act this well. I didn't even know he had this kind of performance in him. And, given that this movie lives or dies on how much we believe and feel for his character, I'm so glad he did the job he did. This action thriller has a "Flowers for Algernon" flavor to it, and it's really well executed. All the supporting actors were quite good, and the direction was tight and well paced. I am really surprised I liked this so much - hats off to Costner for this great performance. 4/5

Criminal on Netflix

Mechanic: Resurrection

I don't know why this film is billed as a sequel to "The Mechanic", as it bears very little resemblance to the first film. "Mechanic" was a great action film because it was grounded in a reality you could believe and feel yourself in. The characters were rich and well rounded, and Ben Foster brought his always incredible presence to life perfectly in it. This sequel is far more like a bad chapter of the "Mission: Impossible" franchise. It's dull, there are no decent characters to speak of, the logic of the world makes no sense, and the globe trotting never allowed the viewer to settle into the story. I'm very disappointed in this, it could have been so much more. 2.5/5

Mechanic: Resurrection on Netflix

The Homesman

This "western" is dark, bleak, & terribly tragic. The acting was top-notch & Tommy Lee Jones' direction was aces. 4/5

The Homesman on Netflix

The Company Men

A solid drama with good performances all around, although it was a bit predictable. Good, not great. 3/5

The Company Men on Netflix

The Sunset Limited

Two men, one room, & a question that can't be answered - wonderful acting in this play-turned film. 3.5/5

The Sunset Limited on Netflix

Lincoln

The acting in this epic film is marvelous, the script quite good & reasonably edited, but best picture? No, sorry. 4/5

Lincoln 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

Captian America: The First Avenger

FINALLY! Marvel gets it shit together with this fun & action-packed thrill ride. I have hope again! 4.5/5

Captain America: The First Avenger on Netflix