"The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies"

Wow. This movie just blew me away. It's about an oddball, eccentric retired English professor. A murder is committed in his neighborhood, so everyone assumes he did it. The police drag him in and question him for three days without a bit of evidence. Then the press has a field-day, making all kinds of crazy accusations. He's basically guilty before he's had his day in court. I won't tell you the outcome, but it is based on a true story. Jason Watkins gives one of the most remarkable performances I've seen in years. His facial expressions and mannerisms are absolutely priceless.
4.5 out of 5 stars

(There are no previews for this movie, so you just have to trust me on this one.)

"All is Lost"

There are only a few words spoken in this movie. And one of them is the "F" word. You can see why. Robert Redford plays a sailor who's out at sea by himself and encounters a series of setbacks. He does a magnificent job, but like his role in "A Walk in the Woods." it should have been played by a younger actor. I know it's hard to give up, but some times you just have to do it. I have to say, he did a commendable job. To anyone who ever sailed, see this movie.
4 out of 5 stars

"Jack the Bear"

Excellent little film. How could it not be with Danny DeVito in the lead role? He plays a late night horror show movie host, a bit like the Ghoul. He's dealing with depression and heavy drinking, following the death of his wife. He's also raising two young boys on his own. The movie takes place in Oakland in the early 1970s and the score includes a lot of music from the time--which suites to movie perfectly. It's well written and well acted, especially his two kids. Not a lot happens in the movie, but the ending is really sweet. If you don't puddle up during the last scene, check your pulse.
4 out of 5 stars

"A Case of You".

Just a fun movie with a bunch of yuppies having fun. It's about a guy who cyber-stalks a woman on Facebook, and tries to fill her every dream, by doing everything she's into. It's sort of creepy, but in the end, it works out. His roommate is worth the price of admission. He's a total riot and has the best lines in the movie.
3.5 out of 5 stars.

"Phoenix"

What a powerful movie. If you're up for an action flick, fuggetaboutit! This is a very slow-paced, dramatic film. It's about a woman who is released  from a WW2 concentration  camp after having her face reconstructed. She reconnects with her husband who doesn't recognize her, and  begins  a plan  to receive her inheritance.  Excellent writing and storyline.  I thought it was pretty slow moving  until the last few seconds of the movie. Wonderful acting and story.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Crystal Fairy & the Magical Cactus

I know it sounds like an animated Disney film, but it's far from it. In fact, it's the polar opposite of a Disney film. The story revolves around Jamie, (Michael Cera), who plays a self-centered, abrasive jerk. He's living in Chile and teams up with a bunch of natives to go on a trek in search of a cactus that produces mescaline. Another road trip, I know. But this one's is a bit different. They hook up with Crystal Fairy ( Gaby Hoffman) who is a New Age, young hippie. She looks a lot like Freda Kahlo, and probably acts a lot like the way she'd act today. They end up camping on a beach where they plan on ingesting the drug. The group has several deep conversations and Crystal gets each of the boys to open up. Unfortunately, it's no longer streaming on Netflix, but it's worth looking out for as a rental.
4 out of 5 stars

"Human Capital"

This movie starts with a hit-and-run accident and what follows it. It's basically about the rich versus the poor. A common theme. But it gets a lot more complicated then than that. The main suspect is a kid from a wealthy family who leaves a party so drunk he doesn't remember how he got home. But did he actually do it? You'll have to watch it to find out. The title of the movie comes from a term insurance company's use for the price of a human life, based on age, potential earnings, etc. Very cold-blooded but that's the real world. It's a griping drama that keeps you hanging on right until the end.
4.5 stars out of 5