Star Trek Into Darkness

I'm really struggling with a rating for this film. There was a lot that was good. The acting was good as always, the first two-thirds of the story was good, and I actually really enjoyed Cumberbatch's version of Khan. What I find utterly unforgivable, however, was the last third of the film. How can Abrams get "Star Wars" so right and this film so badly wrong? Without spoiling anything, the changes he made to the end of this story I felt betrayed the characters he is attempting to honor with these films. I so strongly disagree with these choices that I have to condemn this film. And, as a bonus, Abrams' lens flare penchant was worse than I've ever seen it before. It's not a bad movie, but it's a terrible Star Trek movie. I'm going to give it three stars and call it a day. 3/5

Star Trek Into Darkness on Netflix

Takers

Now, I love a good heist film, but this is only a barely adequate heist film. The plot is surface at best, there's not much character development, and the acting was surprisingly weak given the caliber of the cast. The heists themselves were pretty good, but overall I was disappointed by this. 3/5

Takers on Netflix

Infinitely Polar Bear

This tender dramedy takes a serious subject and makes it relatable & endearing - Ruffalo was lovely. 3.5/5

Infinitely Polar Bear on Netflix

Guardians of the Galaxy

This was genuinely fun & funny with great action throughout. The cast NAILED it, I really liked this! 4/5

Guardians of the Galaxy 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

The Words

The layers of this intricate, insightful & ambiguous drama are perfectly structure & the acting is impeccable. I absolutely loved the end. Loved. It could not have ended better or any other way. A brave and noble choice. 4.5/5

The Words on Netflix

Blackout

A potentially interesting story about the '03 blackout got marred by preaching & a problematic ending. Shame. 2.5/5

Blackout on Netflix

Burning Palms

This is a dark, black, biting & disturbing "comedy" that straddles the line between interesting & repelling. I really don't know what to make of this one. 3/5

Burning Palms on Netflix