Mudbound

This moralistic mosaic doesn’t shy away from getting dirty and, despite sprawling story-telling and poetic imagery, never feels watered down. Resourcefully makes the most of every frame, lending further empathy to remarkably genuine performances of entire cast. Ultimately, despite intense tragedy and brutal social commentary, positivity cannot be bound down.

Inside Llewyn Davis

Barton Fink’s tone, A Serious-ly deep and narratively ambiguous character study, and O Brother, what folk music.  Perhaps the most Coen-y Coen brothers film yet, blending the quips of their comedies with the depth of their dramas.  Oscar Isaac helms his meandering odyssey majestically amidst questionably relevant supporting bit parts.

The Great Gatsby

The Michael Bay of epic romance transforms another classic into a gaudy zoom-fest that substitutes editorial flair for narrative pacing.  Random rap samples compliment the flashy collage like cheddar on ice cream while Maguire and diCaprio are edged out by Edgerton who delivers an alarmingly fitting yet still decent performance.

Drive

Winding Refn revs up for the gold after Bronson’s disappointing bronze. Gosling proves you can’t judge a notebook by its cover in a film that’s crazy and lovely but far from stupid. Brooks and Hellboy have their careers resurrected. Unbelievably beautiful and not because of Mulligan and the frozen strippers.

Pride and Prejudice

So bland it makes book look interesting by comparison, almost interesting enough to justify non-BBC non-Firth version. Beautiful cinematography distracts from dialogue that makes other actors speak as awkwardly as Knightley. Sutherland must’ve enjoyed working with all of Britain’s soon-to be leading ladies. To make this right, Wright must atone.

Brothers (2009)

About time Donnie Darko and Peter Parker played ‘title.’ Inferior to older Danish brother, and somehow felt cold despite deep performances. Shepard and Portman fill out family adequately but eldest daughter steals the show. “Do you know what I did with these hands?” Yeah, Tobey, we know. You shot web.

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

Ex-sitcom Labaeiouf replaces current sitcomer Sheen (cameo, duh) and becomes an actor. Mulligan shines but the Gekko seems twisted out of character. Starts well but crashes midway through and Even Steven just rides the oddly edited rollercoaster till the anti-climactic end. Current affairs familiarity can’t save this Stone from sinking.

An Education

Sarsgaard resumes his frequent creepy guy role, this time enhanced by being convincingly British and in pursuit of impressively talented Carey Mulligan. A peppering of bigger stars in smaller roles support the story excellently, and beautifully written, witty dialogue prevents an otherwise endearing script from becoming too clichéd or preachy.