This list will include both films viewed for the first time and those with previous multiple viewings. Anything on this list was seen via Netflix Watch It Now, DVD, in the theater or on cable - please assume that anything viewed on cable was not only watched in completion, but also without commercials. Movies weren't made with ads designed to fit into the plot narrative, I prefer it stays that way
Jan. 1 - Hugo (2011) directed by Martin Scorcese | 8/10 Brief Review
A beautiful children's adventure film that combines the classic tale of childhood wonder and adventure and mixes it with Paris in the 1920's and the dawn of of the cinematic arts. Theater Viewing
Jan, 2 - The Sicilian Girl (2008) directed by Marco Amenta | 5/10
A compelling, but somewhat melodramatic re-telling of the true story of Rita Atria who testified in the early 1990's against the Sicilian mafia. Veronica D'Agostino is powerful in the title role, but the Lifetime vibe of the storyline and sometimes crawling pace keep this from being a full on winner. Netflix Instant
Jan. 4 - Tell Me Do You Miss Me (2006) directed by Matthew Buzzell | 8/10
This documentary of the final tour of indie band Luna is a quiet and poignant peek into the world of life as a mid-level rock and roll band taking a quasi-victory lap. Being that I am a sucker both the music doc genre and the records of Luna, this was sort of a slam dunk like for me. DVD
Jan. 5 - Killer Instinct: Mesrine, Part One (2008) directed by Jean-Francois Richet | 6/10
Vincent Cassel is an enigmatic force as French gangster Jacques Mesrine. The style and visual flash combined with the terrific cinematic vision of 60s Europe through Richet's eyes makes this seem like a slam dunk success. However, the one note storyline and obvious bio-pic tendencies make this one add up to less than the sum of its parts. A very pretty disappointment. Netflix Instant
Jan. 7 - These Amazing Shadows (2011) directed by Paul Mariano and Ken Norton | 7/10
An intriguing documentary on the foundation and purpose of the National Film Registry. While the filmmaking here is not perfect, this is a real treat for cinephiles. Netflix Instant
Jan. 8 - Studs Terkel: Listening To America (2010) directed by Eric Simonson | 7/10
A short (45 min.) documentary on the great oral historian, writer, listener, provacateur, TV/radio host and true patriot featuring interviews with Terkel at the end of his life and those who knew him best. While it is a humble and brief film, it's also a well crafted reminder of the power of speech, the value of listening and the worth of the "ordinary" man. HBO
Jan. 8 - Chungking Express (1994) directed by Wong Kar Wai | 8/10
If there is someone out there making more remarkably simple and effective films about what love better than Wong Kar Wai, I haven't met them. Chungking Express is a dual tale of failed romances, broken hearts and the rewards of emotional survival. A clever, funny, endlessly charming and poignant movie that also just looks really, really cool. DVD
Jan. 9 - Tabloid (2011) directed by Errol Morris | 8/10
With Tabloid, America's foremost documentarian, Errol Morris brings us the real life tale of former Wyoming beauty queen, Joyce McKinney and her bizarre episode in the mid-1970's with an alleged kidnapping that was covered feverishly by the British tabloids. Morris uses the story to capture thedivide between our own truths and fictions and how our obsessions shape the people we become. This is a pretty fascinating peak into a driven and almost inexplicable lady. You must see it for yourself. DVD
Jan. 14 - Moneyball (2011) directed by Bennett Miller | 7/10
Brad Pitt's perfromance here as Oakland A's General Manager Billy Beane, is one of the most self assured of his career. Jonah Hill is understated and terrific as Pitt's right hand man. The relationship between Beane and his daughter lends a compassionate (read as non-baseball) element to the story. The usually great Phillip Seymour Hoffman is perfectly fine here, but it would have been nice if he'd had more to work with. This is a solid film that languishes a bit at times, but is an overall success. DVD
Jan. 15 - We Bought A Zoo (2011) directed by Cameron Crowe | 7/10
This seemed like a film that would be easy to hate: A holiday release of a feel good family film based on a well know book based on a true story. Somehow, in Cameron Crowe's hands, the film winds up being loveable most of the time. Sure, there are moments of manipulative, tearjerking sequences and there is little doubt that it will end happily, but for the most part, it just works. Theater Viewing
Jan. 16 - The Arbor (2010) directed by Paul Mariano and Ken Norton | 9/10
An experimental documentary about the life and work of the late English playwright, Andrea Dunbar. Told in the style of theater verbatim, actors lip-synch the audio of recorded interviews of Dunbar's family and friends to recreate her bleak life. In addition, Dunbar's gloomy existence and her erratic behavior towards her family are profiled in the effects laid upon her children, especially her daughter Lorraine who plays the pivotal figure in the film's narrative. This is a shatteringly difficult film to watch, but it's done with such style and deftness, that it's simply an amazing thing to see. Truly a one of a kind film. Netflix Instant
Jan. 24 - Sherlock Holmes: Game Of Shadows directed by Guy Ritchie | 6/10
There is no shame in having fun at the movies. Sure, many of the plot twists here are preposterous at best, but Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law are dashing and loads of fun. The additions of Jared Harris as the villainous Dr. Moriarty and Noomi Rapace as the gypsy at the aid of our heroes work wonderfully well. If anything, this feels like a Victorian version of James Bond. Which is just fine with me. Theater Viewing
Jan. 27 - The Way Back directed by Peter Weir | 5/10
The Way Back is based on the real life story of a group of men who escaped from a Siberian Gulag during WWII. All the pieces are there for a powerful film: interesting back-stories, prison breaks, man vs. nature and a clash of wills. The problem is the film's leaden pacing and extended running time. Add to that the nonsensical flip-flopping of native languages and use of English amongst primarily Eastern European characters and you're constantly reminded that you're watching a film. The performances are solid and the story is intriguing, but it just can't ever put all the pieces together. Netflix Instant
Jan. 28 - Terri directed by Azazel Jacobs | 5/10
In this coming of age film, we follow the trials and tribulations of Terri, an obese, orphaned teen who wears pajamas to school each day. Many of the high school film tropes are in full use here and at times, Terri's friendship with his assistant principal elevate the film above the usual fray. But still, this never really takes flight due to its inconsistencies and lack of focus. The ideas and the heart are there, but the execution falls short. DVD
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