195 - The Tourist

This movie was...elegant, and I didn't lose interest watching it.... However it still felt like reading a book and skipping some chapters. I was never a big fan of Angelina...but can't help notice....she was really beautiful in this film.

194 - Never Let Me Go

Helplessness is a terrible thing. While we commonly find ourselves in the situation through our own means, there is a very specific pain when it is brought to you with deception, betrayal, and deprivation. I really liked how Ishiguro wrote this story. Its very subtle weave of science fiction didn' take away from the heart of the matter. One thing that I couldn't help myself thinking though, was temptation every time I saw Kathy in her car, whether it be with Ruth and Tommy, or by herself...to keep driving....and drive away. While that would have lead to an uncertain future...the way the story ended wasn't at all too different. 

193 - Cyrus

About a third through the film I was wondering what the twist was going to be...so far it looked like everyone was acting as civil as can be...and that of course lead me to realize...well, this can't be?....then Cyrus began to unravel and the turn finally came. It's the subtleness of this film that I think took a while for me to appreciate. The dialogue was real and I think that was a risk considering how people sometimes go for accentuation.

192 - The American

I like the story, but I just don't see George Clooney filling the contract assassin mold. I enjoyed the Italian location and the supporting cast featured two strong women (Violante Placido and Thekla Reuten) and  priest (Paolo Bonacelli).

191 - The Kids are All Right

All families are dysfunctional no matter how they get formed. Nuff said about that. Let me tell ya, Julianne Moore can really carry those aviators! I can't remember the last time I really saw a film where the crying was so true. Mia Wasikowska's was best...and saved for last...that really caught me.

190 - Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

Ok let's get this out of the way first...I had been waiting to see where Bud Fox would make an appearance and it wasn't were I would have hoped it to be....and to assume that Gekko never knew what Bud did while he was in prison (while knowing about everything else) didn't make sense to me. I was wishing for a few more cameos...perhaps Marvin (John C. McGinley) or Harold (Saul Rubinek), but I guess that's wishing too much. Anyway, the film was ok, but a but too predictable. The little bit of closure in the end was actually nice. I'm not sure why they decided to kill Rudy's character...he would have been a nice character to see surface in this sequel in some way...but I guess Shia's character needed his Darryl Hannah :).

189 - The Statement

It took two reported disc problems but I think I finally saw most of it (yes, the second replacement was defective as well). The story is a little flat.....but quite a cast with Michael Caine, Tilda Swinton, Charlotte Rampling, Jeremy Northan, and Ciaran Hinds.

188 - Predators

Plucking scum from the earth and plopping them on an alien game reserve planet. I like the idea. The movie was entertaining, but there wasn't much going for it...I don't know if its because of the saturation of Predator movies...or just the holes in the plot.

187 - The Road

While the miserable journey into what's left of the world was believable, the film was a bit of a drag and it just felt like there was nothing worth pursuing. Technically, though, I liked the cinematography.

186 - Winter's Bone

That calm yet tough demeanor that perhaps is a native southern characteristic was what made Jennifer Lawrence's performance truly worth watching. John Hawkes also shines in this film and I think it is well deserved after many years playing weak characters....he gets to turn it up this time.

185 - Chloe

I wondered if I was distracted by the casting. I love Julianne Moore but didnt think she fit the way her character was written in this film. Amanda Seyfried looks like she may have potential, but this movie is not the one that brings it out. Transitioning through different emotions or states still come out flat. For now, she does have those glassy eyes going for her...certainly dangerous.

184 - I Am Love

Magnificent. This is a film that will endure for a long time. You can watch it so many times and each time can focus on something different and be absolutely pleased. It's that rich. The Netflix description refers to it as an "atmospheric"...one observation worthy for one to explore, especially in the beginning of the film. One can also see layers of capitalism or class society. And, of course, you see love in all its forms, both good and bad...and its many tones. My favorite scene was the last minute or so...no dialogue, all expressions, and orchestral waterfall...watch it once and you feel numb...watch it a second time and a tear just might fall from your cheeks. Watch it a third time? I leave that to you.

182/183 - Orlando / Teknolust

It was a Tilda Swinton mini-marathon weekend...ok ok, I was not thrilled about Teknolust and couldnt write about it...so I guess bundling it with Orlando might do the trick. If there was anything I could say about Teknolust, it would have to be admiration for how Tilda inhabited and played with her characters. Orlando, while not comparable, also plays Tilda in different characters in its own way. The pauses to speak to the viewers in Orlando are what I enjoyed the most. Tilda simply has this haunting quality...and you can't turn away. If she were a vampire, I'd been bitten dry already ;).

181 - Harry Brown

Michael Caine can certainly pull it off as Clint Eastwood did in Gran Torino :).

180 - Greenburg

While I was able to finish watching this film, there was just something missing in Ben Stiller's performance. He had done serious turns before (Permanent Midnight is a personal favorite), but I just could not see him delivering on this one. Following up The Squid and the Whale was a tall order for Noah Baumbach and it continues to be a struggle from what I see.

179 - Green Zone

Ridley Scott just doesn't get enough credit....ever since he did Black Hawk Down everyone's tried to do some variation or form to get the same magic. Sadly, I think this whole thing has already become too saturated and I just couldn't enjoy it as much anymore. I think casting was off with Greg Kinnear. Anyway, it was nice to see Amy Ryan and Mad Eye Moody....er....I mean....Brendan Gleeson :).

178 - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

This film shows so much about life that it's sad to watch. I would say this is a rather interesting choice for David Fincher...perhaps one of his most wholesome? Anyway, it was an opportunity I couldn't miss....with Tilda Swinton and Cate Blanchett...I'd be a lunatic to miss it :).

177 - Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Impassioned Eye

It is simply inspiring to look at Henri Bresson's photos in this documentary. He shrugs off his genius with simplicity, luck, and persistence, but there is so much more to appreciate in his work.

176 - The Fantastic Mr. Fox

It's classic Wes Anderson and you feel it the minute it starts and you hear the xylophone. George Clooney and Meryl Streep are supported by Anderson's regular crew, with amusing performances by Willem Dafoe and Bill Murray.

175 - Crazy Heart

The formula was similar to The Wrestler, but this film had Jeff Bridges going for it and that was the difference maker. But lost a bit in all the fireworks is Colin Farrell who actually did a great job as well. The country songs were really good and I can see why this film easily gets your attention.