Manchester by the Sea

Gripping, but a complete downer from beginning to end.

The film's worst moments are when the music takes over, most notably when a cartoonishly bombastic score tells us what we are supposed to be feeling during an already clearly horrifying scene.



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Blue Valentine

The sweet & funny bits are great, but unfortunately in the minority here.

I don't care to watch dysfunction & mental illness-- and I think that those who DO, would prefer to see some hatcheting & bloodshed in the mix.