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Recently, I watched several movies on video from the library and Netflix:

Bottle Shock. Cute, but somewhat disappointing. The preview made the movie, based on a true story about the rise of the wine industry in the Napa Valley, seem breezy and whimsical, but the movie is slower and darker than promised. Great cast and performances, gorgeous photography, plus quite a terrific story, but the unmet expectations certainly reduced my enjoyment. Plus, you know how it ends. I would also complain that some of the side stories, especially the dopey romance between the vintner's son and the summer intern, are more of a distraction than a bonus. Worth seeing, but not going on my Best Ever list.

The Brothers Bloom, which was also good, but not great. Excellent performances, of course, especially by Adrien Brody, whose unmoored character is the key to the movie (although Rinko Kikuchi as Bang Bang is, in some ways, the best thing in the movie). It's very literary and intelligent, and there's some wonderful humor. But they had a hard time finding a tone - it bounced between breezy and maudlin. It could have been much better.

Gospel Hill, which was packed with great performances from Julia Stiles, Danny Glover, Samuel L Jackson and Angela Bassett, among others. Giancarlo Esposito's directorial debut, and a fine performance by him as well. It was so worthwhile - addressing racial issues in a small town. But the ending was so tidy, and everyone makes the ethical choice - admirable, but so fake - I think it diminished the dramatic impact. Yet another movie that was good, but not great.