I watched Arlington Road last night and I hated it (open spoilers)

Cafe Society
1

Oh, so the crazy conspiracy theory guy was right all along? Disgusting.

After the first conversation that Jeff Bridges had with his class the whole plot was laid out in front of me. Of course the neighbors would really be terrorists, and of course he would be RIGHT, DAMMIT.

I read Ebert’s reviews on it and he pointed out a couple of more things that I didn’t catch on the first viewing, mainly because I was irritated. The entire last 30 minutes revolves around strong coincidences! The car crash, the pay phone.

I’d heard of this movie and put it on my Netflix because I heard it was a good thriller. It was terrible, and stupid to boot. And insulting to my intelligence. Sometimes it really is just one kooky guy and not some vast conspiracy blowing up buildings.

2

Sorry you didn’t like it. I enjoyed it (despite the plot holes you referred to), because it captures the “what’s up with my neighbor?” vibe we’re all familiar with better than most films of its ilk, and because the moment of realization just before the big bang is exquisite: “Everyone has a reason to be here…except you.”

3

I can’t say I didn’t like the movie, but it’s left a bad taste in my forebrain ever since I watched it. Something about it was… off. I’m not willing to watch it again to figure out what.