Netflix Instant: 8 Micro Movie Reviews - May 2017 Edition

There are a lot of movies on Netflix, which means there are a lot of good films and a lot of bad ones. Since there is only so much time in a day, here are micro-reviews of 8 movies, currently streaming on Netflix as of May 2017 to help you decide which ones are your best bets.

Best Bet on Netflix: "The Lighthouse of the Orcas" aka "El Faro De Las Orcas" (2016)

A stirring drama with romantic nuances, "The Lighthouse of the Orcas," is a beautifully romantic film. "Lighthouse…" tells the tale of a resolute single mom (Maribel Verdú) who travels from Spain to Argentina with her young autistic son, hoping a lighthouse keeper's work with orcas can help him. 

Moody lightkeeper, Beto (Joaquín Furriel), is hesitant to aid her at first before he reconsiders. While some of the developments are expected, such as Beto's change of heart, the way it all unfolds is downright magical. What sets "The Lighthouse of the Orcas" apart is that it is a film about how this trio becomes a family, an emphasis usually lost, or looked over in similar movies.

As for the film's romantic portion, the chemistry between Furriel and Verdú shines as brightly as the towering lighthouse featured in the movie. Expertly directed by Gerardo Olivares, "The Lighthouse of The Orcas" is packed with memorable performances and moments. Given the way it ends, one can only hope there is a sequel in the works. Rating: 8.5/10 

"A Kind of Murder" (2016)

"A Kind of Murder" is an odd and offbeat movie that never quite finds its rhythm. The story follows Walter (Patrick Wilson), an aspiring crime novelist, whose fascination with a case ends up intersecting with his miserable marriage. Without Wilson's watchable performance, there is not a lot of redemptive quality to "A Kind of Murder." Rating: 5.5/10

"The Salvation" (2014)

Westerns have a formula, and "The Salvation" rides it to and through its darkest conclusion. Mads Mikkelsen stars as Jon Jensen, a Danish farmer trying to make a life for him and his family in pioneer America. When his family finally arrives, their reunion is interrupted by pure evil. In the aftermath, Jon takes up arms to avenge his family.

"The Salvation" is unrelentingly grim and unflinchingly violent. "The Salvation" is also a prime example of what happens when the revenge genre is done wrong. 

Mikkelsen's character suffers immeasurably without ever getting the upper hand, and that is because his enemies have dug him in too deep a grave. There is no way for him to settle the score, and he does not. As always, Mikkelsen's performance is top drawer. The movie just doesn't rise to meet his skill set. Rating: 6/10

“To Steal from a Thief” aka “Cien años de perdón” (2016)

"To Steal from a Thief" is a sharp crime thriller and diligent heist film. Set amidst a torrential downpour in Spain, a group of thieves robs a bank to get something that is not initially obvious. 

The mystery of what they want and how they plan to get it takes center stage as the story unravels. A sturdy cast and Daniel Calparsoro's stylish direction make "To Steal from a Thief" a crafty caper worth the time. Rating: 7/10

"Preservation" (2014)

For some unknown reason, this enrapturing thriller has a low user-rating on Netflix. Do not let it scare you off. "Preservation" is a survival movie about a couple who go to the woods with the husband's brother to camp out. Unfortunately, masked crazies are not far behind. 

"Preservation" calls to mind "The Strangers" by hitting several scary beats. Superior to "Eden Lake" by leaps and bounds, "Preservation" deserves to have a spot reserved on your Netflix queue. Rating: 7.7/10

"It Follows" (2014)

Maika Monroe brilliantly leads this strange horror indie about a young woman (Monroe), who contracts a sexually transmitted apparition. The rules are simple. The thought is terrifying. 

What makes "It Follows" work is the savvy double entendre that comprises its plot. Unlike most horror flicks, there is a deeper meaning to it and a warning that needs to be heeded by its target audience. Rating: 6.5/10, Full Review, HERE

"The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun" (2015)

Freya Mavor of "The White Queen" leads this methodical dramatic thriller about a lady, who wears glasses, drives a car, and winds up with a gun. Slower than it should be, the most impressive feat of "The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun" is that it provides a strong showcase for a riveting Mavor. Rating: 5/10, Full Review, HERE

"Indiscretion" (2016)

When a politician's wife (Mira Sorvino) has an affair with an artist, the result is one of the best guilty pleasures on Netflix. "Indiscretion" is a peak Saturday night movie, escapism. Promisingly directed by John Stewart Muller, "Indiscretion" is a movie that sneaks up on you, and leaves an interesting ending wrinkle in its wake. For those who enjoy the erotic thriller genre, "Indiscretion" should prove satisfying. Rating: 6.8/10

[Featured Image by Netflix]