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My recent Netflix viewings:

The Lovely Bones: Not as bad as reviews said but not up to par with what I expect from Peter Jackson. Heaven/in-between looks cheesy though, but I think that's the book's fault - isn't it? Susan Sarandon's character completely throws off the tone of movie. And the way Stanley Tucci's character meets his maker is kinda lame and not satisfying at all. B-

Leap Year: Best thing - Ireland scenery. Don't get how Amy Adams is a lead. She's more of a supporting actress to me. Very shrill in this and has no leading lady quality. No chemistry with Matthew Goode. Story is tedious. Not how rom-coms should be done. Compare to The Proposal, which works charmingly on that very formulaic level. C

Hot Tub Time Machine: I should have loved it - I love all things Eighties. But was disappointed in how not funny/touching it is. Was supposed to be both - at least reviews led me to think this. I thought it was going to be like Role Models or Pineapple Express or something. When was the last time John Cusack was in a good movie? I love Cusack but this is not gonna cut it. C+

Up In The Air: Really good. Sucker-punched in the gut at what happened towards the end. I won't say more, but Clooney and Farmiga were everything they should be in this movie. B+

Broken Embraces: Not Almodovar's best. But his work is infinitely watchable, so is Penelope Cruz when she speaks Spanish. I liked Volver and Bad Education a lot more. B-

Skins Seasons 1 & 2: Wow. I think my two-months of Netflix so far this summer is made worthwhile just for watching this. Initially I was quite turned off by Tony and Sid's characters, but then it all came together and these kids became fully drawn people who are funny, heartbreaking, and full of life. Sure they can do all the wrong things and make all the wrong decisions, but in the end, everyone is human and life is messy and all you can do is to try to make less of a mess than the mess you made yesterday. I just love how brave they are in the way they live. A