“A substance-addicted actress tries to look on the bright side even as she is forced to move back in with her mother to avoid unemployment.” I wouldn’t say this is her best movie, but this might be my favorite Meryl Streep performance. A fun showbiz drama with a fun supporting cast, especially Shirley MacLaine, who crushes it. Great musical numbers. Rented on Prime.

“A romantic anniversary trip to a secluded cabin turns sinister when a dark presence reveals itself, forcing a couple to confront the property’s haunting past.” This is fucking weird. I think Tatiana Maslany is great, and Oz Perkins is so good and creating a super dark atmosphere, but the reveals and payoffs just did not work for me. Check it out when it’s free and don’t watch any trailers.

“Experienced Green Beret sergeant Johnny Gallagher is escorting a prisoner, Airborne Ranger Thomas Boyette, back to the US, but Boyette escapes and Gallagher must risk life and limb to catch him.” This is an excellent thriller set toward the end of the Cold War. Underrated director Andrew Davis, The Fugitiive, Undersiege, Holes, this belongs right up there with those. Feels realistic and grounded with the help of Hackman and Tommy Lee Jones. On Prime.

“A broker of lucrative payoffs between corrupt corporations and the individuals who threaten them breaks his own rules when a new client seeks his protection to stay alive.” This was a genuinely great surprise and it shouldn’t have been. Directed by David Mackenzie, who made hell or high water, one of the best movies of the last decade. This is sleek and smart modern thriller. 2 great leads and some legit tension. Highly recommend this one. Rented on Prime.

“Two FBI agents with wildly different styles arrive in Mississippi to investigate the disappearance of three civil rights activists.” This falls into the category great, powerful, important movies that I never want to see again. Fantastic performances across the board but just so goddamn heavy. It really transports you to the south in the 60s. This is a should watch. On Tubi.

“A man joins a game show in which contestants, allowed to go anywhere in the world, are pursued by “hunters” hired to kill them.”Mixed feelings about this one. This is much more faithful adaptation than the Schwarzenegger version, and I think Glenn Powell does a solid job. I like the first 2 acts quite a bit, but the 3rd basically torpedoes the movie and is such a cop out. It also doesn’t really feel as gritty as it should, or show Edgar Wright’s skill set fully. Didn’t hate this by any means, but it should have been better.

“Facing a mid-life crisis, 50-year-old college dean Marion Post takes a sabbatical and rents an apartment next to a psychiatrist’s office to write a new book, then is drawn to the plight of a pregnant woman seeking that doctor’s help.” I can’t say this was super exciting, but it’s a deep character drama that seems like it could be relatable with a lot of people. Only 82 minutes, I’m not mad at it. Didn’t even realize this was Woody Allen until the opening credits. Rented on Prime.

“During the Vietnam War, Colonel Hambleton’s aircraft is shot down over enemy territory and a frantic rescue operation ensues.” Based on a true story and another solid Gene Hackman war thriller. It’s straight to the point and feels like a movie that isn’t made anymore. Streaming on the Roku Channel.

“Grace, a writer and young mother, is slowly slipping into madness. Locked away in an old house in and around Montana, we see her acting increasingly agitated and erratic, leaving her companion, Jackson, increasingly worried and helpless.” Postpartum Depression: The Movie. This is the best acting Jennifer Lawrence has ever done. I have a slight issue with what’s portrayed as being real or imagined, but entertaining regardless. Fascinating watch from the perspective of a new mom, dealing with the her changing life, and feeling like she’s in a cage.