Argo: very good

As a terrible American, I had no idea that this event ever happened or how it turned out in the end.  To my credit, it doesn't help that it is about a CIA covert op that never publicly claims credit.  Regardless, this is a well done film.  Consider Oceans 11 except the prize is American lives.  We get to watch the assembly of an "ace" but unconventional team of CIA and Hollywood, the pre-work to an outlandish cover to smuggle Americans back home, the unrest in Iran continue to build as the escaped Embassy workers hold their breathe and wait it out.  Now there are some obviously glaring artistic liberties taken with this movie (the sheer number of narrow escapes-- I'm talking seconds away from all the good guys dying-- can only be fabricated), but it does help to make for a gripping tale.  Thank you Ben Affleck; from start to finish, it is a riveting story that you can't help but sincerely hope it all works out.
Verdict: Just do it (Buzzworthy)

The Master:...I got nothing

I will keep this brief. There is not much I can say, as I have no idea what I watched.  There was a story about two men who stumble upon each other and...and...I don't know actually what follows beyond that.  I think there was a real point of view here, but I am not of the right mind to decipher what it was.  The characters were good, I think, but without a sound storyline for me to contrast it with, I can't tell you if they really did a good job.  Honestly, I'd only see this as an intellectual challenge to prove to yourself that you are artistically refined enough and intelligent enough to get the point.
Verdict: if you dare (skip)

A brief note on simple crime movies

Color me simple, but I appreciate a straight forward crime story.  No high tech gadgets, no spies and government agencies, and no conspiracies.  That doesn't mean I don't like the Bond series, I just prefer a simple thug story that focuses on the people rather than the overarching plot a la Snatch.  A devout minimalist, this does not mean skimp on the story; it still needs to be clever and entertaining.  But if you need to spell out for me the entire plot, as no one in the audience would have ever pieced it together on their own, 10 minutes before the final showdown scene, then you are doing the most (and not in a good way).  It is an insult to my intelligence (not only can I not solve the puzzle on my own by design, but it completely ignores the fact that I might want to try).  I get that some people like it, but I think a far greater number of people appreciate a good old-fashioned heist.  In summary, when devising a good story, don't over think it.

Perks of Being a Wallflower: a little extra

Though I have gotten a lot better, I am definitely not one for reading.  So, the fact that this was a book for over a decade before becoming a film is almost of no consequence. I walked in, blind, hoping to see an uplifting coming-of-age story to put me in a good mood.  Note: that is a terrible expectation of this film.  It delves much deeper into the issues of the ever reserved and proper Charlie, as we go through his freshman year of high school with him.  Picture the Breakfast Club meets Girl Interrupted.  While the darker tone gives it a grittier and more realistic feel (and frankly makes it better), it was far more than I bargained for and completely overwhelming.  In short, it had a great cast  (props to Ms. Emma Watson) and was very well done.
Verdict: Only if you know what you're doing (worth it)

Looper: fantastically intense

I dare say this is one of the top 5 movies released this year.  It is a wonderfully inventive storyline, where the writer strikes a fine balance between plot development and the science.  Based on a premise that mercenaries in the present kill criminals (...and themselves evenually) from the future, the mechanics of it all are inessential  to the rest of the story.  It almost morphs into a "what can I change in the past to prevent the hellish future I just came from?"- Terminator type story, but way more engaging to watch.  After it ended, I noticed an acute pain in my shoulders-- from being hunched and tense for the previous 2 hours.With dazzling special effects (there is a scene in the living room of the farmhouse that was amazing!), and simple humor, I highly highly recommend.
Verdict: totally worth it (Buzzworthy)

The Words: morally interesting

This was an enjoyable watch.  Founded on a simple premise, it chronicles the life of a budding writer as he confronts the decisions he makes to be a prominent writer.  While I found the female roles in this film utterly useless, they come across as filler really, the central internal struggle of Bradley Cooper's character was really interesting to see. Not only do we watch from his perspective, but we also follow the fictional stories that were written as well.  Winding in literature and flashbacks to the present and reality is novel and keeps you engaged throughout.  As always, I appreciate when I can't predict what will happen in the end.  This story takes an interesting approach to a timeless story of guilt and success.
Verdict: Netflix/Amazon prime it (Rent it)

The Odd Life of Timothy Greene: mediocre at best

So, on the heels of watching an amazing family film, I watched this one, which may or may not be coloring my opinion.  In general, I found this movie confused.  We have this miraculous occurrence of a child growing from a garden, to a set of good-natured and hopeful parents.  But there is a learning curve on how to raise a child.  And so we watch these two bumble around like bats in the open afternoon air.  And in contrast, the focal point of the film, we have this sweet yet odd child who sprang from the ground one night.  Sometimes talented, sometimes not, this kid could test the patience of any parent. So, in the end, I still don't know if the lesson was about the perseverance of parenting or the need to "chillax" what it means to have a perfect kid.
Verdict: rent it if you really want to... (skip)