The Hill (1965) ****

Terrific existential drama about the complicity of the powerful and the powerless. Top notch direction, lighting, acting and a sharp script. Tough to watch but rewarding.

Damn the Defiant! (1962) ***

Better than that other mutiny flick from 1962. Beautifully filmed, produced, acted and efficiently directed.

Black Bag (2025) **

Loved everything about this sleek, stylish spy-vs-spy flick except the unfathomable way Soderbergh chose to film the interiors.

The Last Waltz (1978) **

Unfortunately not as much of a lasting influence on how to film a live rock concert as one would have hoped. Scorsese deftly directs but it helps to be a fan of "classic rock".

Dead Ringer (1963) ***

A large amount of disbelief must be suspended in watching this convoluted flick but the rewards are the iconic Ms Davis and some fine b/w cinematography. Pete Lawford is a hoot.

Crossing Delancey (1988) ***

Peak Amy Irving in a mostly sensible rom-com. Well cast and smartly shot.

Murder by Contract (1958) ***

Vince Edwards is terrific as the enigmatic assassin in this stylish low budget noir. Unusual, interesting script.

Port of Shadows (1938) ***

Boffo last third saves the picture from becoming a parody of itself. Michelle Morgan and Jean Gabin make an iconic screen pairing.

Odds Against Tomorrow (1959) ****

Bob Wise directs yet another top notch flick, this time a tough, gritty, hard-hitting heist-noir. Stellar cast and superb script.