River's Edge (1986) ****

Perfectly cast and well scripted youth noir that often gets to unexpected depths. Keanu actually helps here.

Forbidden Planet (1956) ***

Unfortunately quite dated script mars the overall production which is very well done. Probably the first sci-fi flick that a studio took seriously and produced it seriously. Beautifully made.

Suzanne Vega brings 'Old Songs, New Songs and Other Songs' tour to Ithaca for sold-out show

Q: At this point in your career you have a bunch of songs that could be considered your greatest hits, which you’re sort of obligated to play at your shows. But what are your thoughts on playing some of those older songs, some of which are almost 40 years old? Do you relate to them any differently? Do you still like playing them? Or are you tempted to change them up and do them differently?

SV: Oh, no, I'm not. Who needs to reinterpret the old material? That thing that Bob Dylan does is not for me. I like doing the old ones, and I do them sincerely, each time. A song like “Gypsy,” which I wrote when I was in my teens, I still feel it every time I sing it. It's about young love and first love and that's the reason to keep singing it because it sort of brings you back to that moment in time. So I love it.

Never Open That Door (1952) **

Argentinian portmanteau noir is well made but the effect is like watching a couple of good episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents.

Chilly Scenes of Winter (1979) **

Hard to watch but well made drama about a one way love affair and its effects. Nice to see Gloria Grahame in one of her final roles.

To Live and Die in L.A. (1985) ***

Starts off as almost a parody of an 80's cop actioner but gradually sucks you into its orbit and wallops you in the end. Terrific cast, beautifully shot.

The Outfit (1973) **

Top cast helps this gritty hoods v. hoods 70's revenge noir.

Maria (2024) ***

Angie Jolie is riveting in a riff on Maria Callas' last week alive. Beautifully filmed and produced.