The Babadook (2014) - Thrillingly original and smart independent horror film. If only more films in the genre were like this. Well worth seeing. A-

Man on Wire (2008) - Wondrous documentary. The spirit of it all really soars. A-

Citizenfour (2014) - Frightening and exciting documentary political thriller. I sort of wish they went a little further into Snowden's motives, but perhaps they wanted to, you know, give him some privacy. A must see. A-

Femme Douce (1969) - Weird, weird, weird movie. It's an interesting and well made character study, but I can't help Bresson was a little bit up his own ass with this one. B

Chappie (2015) - What went wrong here? Blomkamp, you're better than this. The story and structure is almost as muddied as the characters. Die Arntwoord is so fucking annoying (but they do grow on you as the film goes on). This movie doesn't really know how funny it wants to be. And where's the social/political commentary that Blomkamp's known for? This could have been a great dark satire, but instead all the interesting ideas are barely touched upon. Thank god if you put the disappointments behind you the movie's a real fun ride. Action's great and Shallot Copley's titular robot is amazing and the best the film has to offer. A waste of potential, but enjoyable nonetheless. C

Citizen Kane (1941) - First time watching it with the Roger Ebert commentary and I must say viewing it this way is absolutely essential. Really makes me appreciate the genius of Welles (and Ebert) even more. A+

The Leopard (1963) - Very well made, influential epic drama. Maybe a little too slow for its own good? Frustrating that Lancaster is dubbed in the Italian cut. Kind of ruins the performance of the one character we're really invested in. Still, exceptionally crafted film. A-