Mini Movie Review: The Butler

The Butler (2013)

This film was sort of the opposite of Forest Gump in that it replaced feel-good nostalgia with some heavily emphasized moral and political messages. In turns I enjoyed it, was disturbed by it, and was moved by it.

✓✓✓ (⊗)

3 out of 5 (glad I saw it but don't need to see it again)

Mini Movie Review: The Loft

The Loft (2014)

A well made mystery hampered by characters that are all jerks. Every time you think you know who the murderer is a new twist is revealed, but sadly it's hard to care about anyone who is falsely accused.

✓✓✓ (∅)

3 out of 5 (not sorry I saw it, but I won't remember seeing it either)

Mini Movie Review: Stardust

Stardust (2007)

A quirky, romantic fantasy film full of fun characters. It's only real shortcoming is that it sometimes edges into just plain silly (but still enjoyable).

✭✭✭✭ (☺)

4 out of 5 (I liked it and will very likely watch it again)

Mini Movie Review: Hot Fuzz

Hot Fuzz (2007)

An off-beat action comedy with elements of satire, this film had a lot of quirky humor along with a bit of intentionally over-the-top gross-out gore. 

✓✓✓ (⊗)

3 out of 5 (glad I saw it but don't need to see it again)

Mini Movie Review: Spectre

Spectre (2015)

A well-made, beautifully directed movie  that was a throwback to the old Bond films, but without all the cheese.

✭✭✭✭ (☺)

4 out of 5 (I liked it and will probably watch it again)

Mini Movie Review: The Butcher's Wife

The Butcher's Wife (1991)

A romantic comedy with a predictable plot, it starts off pretty schmaltzy (to the point where the syrupy music was almost comical) but manages to save itself with some fun side characters and a bit of smart dialog.

✓✓✓ (∅)
3 out of 5 (I enjoyed watching it but will probably forget all about it next month)

Mini Movie Review: Before I Go to Sleep

Before I Go to Sleep (2014)

A psychological thriller full of mental twists and turns, it's a bit disturbing and violent at times, but still enjoyable and well made.

✓✓✓ (⊗)

3 out of 5 (glad I saw it but don't need to see it again)

Mini Movie Review: Gosford Park

Gosford Park (2001)

Part murder mystery, part social commentary, part period piece, there is so much going on in this film that I am still finding new things despite having seen it hundreds of times ... and the soundtrack is beautiful.

✭✭✭✭✭ (♥)
5 out of 5 (I can watch this over and over again)

Mini Movie Review: The Lazarus Effect

The Lazarus Effect (2015)

A decent premise and promising start ruined by writers who seemed to think that the best way to make a used story idea fresh is to throw in as many horror tropes as possible.

☠☠ (☹)

2 out of 5 (I'll remember seeing it, but not for any good reasons)