this week's netflix

It's actually last week's Netflix...I've been remiss. It's a sure sign that I've settled in some that I was able to sit still long enough to watch these films.

Red Lights a.k.a. Feux Rouges: I read somewhere that the viewer of this French suspense film was supposed to be initially unsettled by the fact that the husband and wife were so physically incompatible. That seems like a risky, somewhat elitist, proposition, but I suppose that's French cinema for you. The male lead (Jean-Pierre Darroussin) was quite compelling despite his inferior genetics.

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason: It seems like this film suffered from the same lack of self-esteem as Bridget Jones herself. Renee Zellweger's repeat portrayal of the charming klutz is actually endearing enough on its own that there was no need for Madonna sing-alongs in Thai prisons, silly parachuting scenes, and abrupt, irrelevant lesbian pronouncements.

The Mother: The characterization in this English film was so strong that I had to check out the writing credits midway, and sure enough, it was penned by Hanif Kureishi, known for such previous screenplays as Sammy and Rosie Get Laid and My Beautiful Laundrette, as well as many novels. This film is worth watching just to remind yourself that, despite what the media is trying to tell us, sex doesn't stop at the first wrinkle.