The Glass Castle

I remember reading this memoir when it came out and being incredibly moved by it. When I saw they were making it into a film I was leery, but, when I saw the casting, I knew it would be a thing of beauty, and it was. Brie Larson and Woody Harrelson should both get nominations this year for their work in this film. In fact, the entire cast, including the youngest children, were all amazing and excelled in bringing the emotion of the story to life. Cretton's screenplay and direction was very intimate and moving. He had such a handle on the small nuances of the story, and it was really beautiful how it all came together. I was really affected by this, and I hope they remember this film during award season. 4.5/5

The Glass Castle on Netflix

Friends with Benefits

So I actually rented this before realizing I had already seen it and given it a really nasty review back in January of 2012. But the thing was I couldn't remember the movie at all or why I gave it a nasty review, so when it showed up I watched it again. And loved it. I laughed really hard at most of it. The only thing I wrote in my old review was that I hated the acting, which is ridiculous because Kunis and Timberlake were both so great I genuinely have crushes on them both. Well, with Justin anyway, but I had one of those already. I really don't get why I originally didn't like it, because I really enjoyed it and actually would watch it again, which actually seems to be a theme in the Netflix review. So, in sum, don't know why I didn't like it the first time, I love it now, go watch it if you haven't. 4/5

Friends with Benefits

The Edge of Seventeen

This is a wonderful, sweet, laugh out loud funny, endearing, and sometimes dark coming of age story. I really loved it - it had a heart and a humor that blended so well together. I went between laughing loudly, cringing, sighing with relief, and tragically sad throughout the film. The acting was wonderful, the direction very good. I highly enjoyed this film. 4.5/5

The Edge of Seventeen on Netflix

The Duel

I feel like this tense drama missed the mark a bit. There was no real roundness to the characters - they all felt like roughly drawn caricatures to me. This was most true of Harrelson's character, which was a shame because so much could have been done, especially given the quality of actor Harrelson is. I knew where this film was going from the beginning, and it would have been nice to have a turn or two in the plot. It was beautifully directed and well acted, but lacked the depth to be a truly great film. 3/5

The Duel on Netflix

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

This is a dark film, far darker than I expected with solid acting throughout. Well done. 4/5

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 on Netflix

EDtv

An extraordinarily average script with extraordinarily amazing actors. An odd dichotomy - the actors deserved more meat. 3/5

EDtv on Netflix

Out of the Furnace

All the acting in this, especially that by Bale, was top-notched & the plot kept at a slow boil. Well done! 4/5

Out of the Furnace on Netflix

Now You See Me

This action thriller with a magical edge is great fun & well acted - I didn't guess a thing. Highly enjoyable. 4/5

Now You See Me on Netflix

Seven Psychopaths

The acting was great but the plot very weak in this rather bland thriller - Rockwell was amazing though. 3/5

Seven Psychopaths on Netflix

Defendor

There's nothing wrong with this film but nothing that stood out either, particularly with so many of this type out. 3/5

Defendor on Netflix

Rampart

Woody Harrelson is breathtaking in this dark & intense character portrait of a dangerous man. Deeply mesmerizing. 4/5

Rampart on Netflix

Friends with Benefits

Wow this was just a really horrible movie. I expected WAAAY better acting from these two. Just bad. 2/5

Friends with Benefits on Netflix

The Messenger

A wonderfully crafted & beautifully acted film about the pain of loss & grief from all sides. It's rare to see a film paint such a magnificent portrait of the armed forces. This is such a film. Humbling and emotional.

The Messenger on Netflix

Battle in Seattle

Filled with top-notch performances, this powerful film puts human faces on the 1999 WTO catastrophe. 4/5

Battle in Seattle on Netflix