The Village. I'd heard it was among the better of Shyamalan's but I wasn't expecting such a... masterpiece? So very, very good. Imagery and structure and theme and camerawork and characterization is all dialed in and thoughtful.

Into the Wild. Man, this dude, as portrayed, was insufferable. Awesome cast.

Once Upon a Time in the West. Third viewing. (First, second.) I heard a snippet of Jill's Theme and there was no looking back. I had to watch it ASAP. One of my favorite movies, top 5 for sure. Filed under: Sergio Leone.

The Fountain. Second viewing. (The first.) I think I have to bump this up to my favorite Aronofsky. Izzy's lines drive me a little nuts. Thematic bludgeons. But the visuals, the score, acting, tone, mood, and everything else that's supporting the themes: on point. Filed under: Darren Aronofsky.

L.A. Confidential. I think I've re-watched this on accident two or three times. Somehow it just doesn't stick, slides right out of my memory.

Nightcrawler. Third viewing. (First, second.) What a creep. Not sure if it's coincidence or foresight, but this movie anticipated so many of today's headline issues – journalism and technology, display over discernment, race, class, economics, sexual misconduct in the workplace, narcissism, freelance desperation, moral compromise. It's all there. And Bill Paxton is so great. RIP.

Noah. I didn't know much going in (except for, you know, one of the most famous Bible stories). There was a good bit of fantasy-type and action-hero stuff that, uh, I wasn't anticipating. Overall, pretty darn good. The flood scene juxtaposing the Ark and the small spit of land – completely gutting. And I don't know how that Creation scene works so well, but it's such a genius interlude...

The Two Faces of January. I watched it the same day I finished the book. I should double-up like that more often. (I liked the movie more.)