Film Friday: Five Reviews

Nocturnal Animals:  Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal.
Pro:  Adams isn't difficult on the eyes.  The story within the story was entertaining. Certain scenes stood out as particularly well-shot.   There was an occasional, and unexpected, funny line.
Con:  I didn't care about the characters in the base story.  There were a few plot points that seemed silly.  The opening scene just seemed to be there for shock value.  Adams spent much of her screen time reminding me of other actresses: Julianne Moore mostly, but also Jennifer Aniston.       

Videodrome:  James Woods, Deborah Harry.
Pro:  It's different.  I get the sense that Cronenberg was saying something serious, but he wrapped it in an entertaining blend of horror and thriller. Woods as a slightly sketchy, but still likeable guy.
Con:  It's a bit too weird.  Too depressing. Not thrilled with the violence - sex ratio.     

The Paperboy:  Zac Efron, Nicole Kidman.
Pro:  It's a well-developed plot (maybe because it's based on a novel).  It's not too predictable.  I liked seeing John Cusack play a different type of character than his usual.
Con:  It's not a happy movie. A bit discomforting.

Being John Malkovich:  John Cusack, John Malkovich.
Pro:  Catherine Keener.  It's unique.  Some funny moments.   The Sean Penn cameo.
Con:  The plot went in directions I did not appreciate.  The ending.

Whiplash:  Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons. 
Pro:  Simmons.  It's nice to see jazz get some attention. Not as simple as I thought it would be.
Con:  A couple scenes were a bit far-fetched.  The MC wasn't very likeable.