Black Mass was a decent movie however with this cast lineup and an interesting figure in the history of mobsters, I didn’t find it terribly compelling and as good of a performance Depp gives, his look was distracting.
Gold was something of a missed opportunity. The story in itself was interesting while the theme presented by director Stephen Gaghan has a familiar feel that we’ve seen numerous times before.
Café Society is perhaps one of Woody Allen’s weaker films though it is at least watchable if only for Jesse Eisenberg who now appears to be Allen’s pick to play the neurotic Jewish character he perfected back in the day. This might be worth a rental particularly if you generally like most of Allen’s works.
Anesthesia is a bit uneven in its storytelling with some elements not quite coming together as others, but the performances by Sam Waterston and Kristen Stewart, with honorable mention to Gretchen Mol, makes for a more than watchable drama particularly for those who enjoy ensemble pictures.
Black Mass, although decent enough, is a disappointment considering the subject and a well rounded and respected cast headlined by the versatile Johnny Depp. However, in the end it felt underwhelming and pedestrian which is a shame as filmmaker Scott Cooper could be a respectable director.
Far from perfect, and not nearly on the level of “The Walking Dead”, “The Strain”: The Complete First Season is still a well made, nicely shot series with, for the most part, good and engaging performances led by Corey Stoll and David Bradley. This Collector’s Edition Blu-ray release offers some more features as well as a bust though honestly, unless you can nab this on sale, I’m not so sure if it’s worth the upgrade.
This is Where I Leave You is a bit uneven where the comedy seemed to work far better than the overindulgent dramatic areas. Jason Bateman and Tina Fey are both great but by far Adam Driver steals the show to the point I kind of wish his character got his own movie, a dark comedy in the vein of Bad Santa perhaps.
The Good Lie is perhaps one of the more overlooked films of 2014 and unfortunately the studio for whatever reason dumped it for a limited release in less than 500 screens in early October.