Nocturnal Animals

Tom afFords more time to source novel’s frame than to its story, but opts for the title of the latter, indicating narrative confusion that pervades this picturesque piece. Stellar performances from distractingly star-studded cast cut through the gray muddled night, but the structure fails to rise up the evolutionary ladder.

Sully

Flight 2 manages to milk just enough thrust from its solitary two-minute action sequence to coast through a feature-length film and ultimately nail a smooth and satisfying landing. Linney’s storyline feels like an artificial addition but Hanks delivers both passengers and performance while Eckhart supports more than just his mustache.

Love Actually

Sprawling romantic comedy set on the corner of Magnolia and Notting Hill. Basically a fictionalized account of every single person in England on and around Christmas. Beautiful editing and writing create sublime mix of sincere sadness and hilarity. Easier to name British actors excluded rather than included. Uh… John Cleese?

Mystic River

Eastwood proves that he’s a better director than he ever was an actor. Perfect performances from everyone in an enormous cast, all in service of expertly crafted story, create absolutely incredible drama. With possible exception of one fade-to-white gunshot, every frame of the film adds to the suspense and emotion.