The Call of the Wild (2020) **

Apparently the filmmakers intended to show the film to 10 year olds only. Even so it does have impressive CGI and Harrison Ford is pretty good.

Cause for Alarm! (1951) **

Loretta Young keeps the picture together despite the crazy noir-ish contrivances.

Force Majeure (2014) **

Extremely subtle performances as well as extremely long scenes undermines the impact the film intends. Beautifully shot and well constructed.

Downhill (2020) **

Thankfully avoids Hollywood-izing the source material but the casting leads viewers to expect a laugh riot which it is certainly not.

Three on a Match (1932) **

Breakneck pacing helps this sordid melodrama of 3 grammar school chums and their varying paths in later life.

Red Desert (1964) ***

The lovely Ms. Vitti can't cope with reality after a brush with death. Welcome to the club. Beautifully shot.

Hardcore (1979) **

George C. is always an interesting actor and he's the best thing about the flick, another exploration of the Calvinist upbringing of Schrader as it clashes with modernity.

The Draughtsman's Contract (1982) *

Period snoozer is pretty to look at. Might have been better with the sound off?

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) ***

Beautifully shot period romance, not played as a weepie but as a melancholic remembrance.

Clear History (TV Movie 2013) **

An all star cast and excellent use of some great Chicago tunes help this enjoyable Curb-esque comedy.

Day for Night (1973) **

Enjoyable movie about movie making from a French perspective with a lovely Ms. Bisset.

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) **

Despite Damon being very wrong for Ripley and some significant deviations from the source novel, this is a well made, enjoyable romp through some lovely Mediterranean locales.

Dark Victory (1939) **

Intermittently successful weepie with a nonsense ending. The times when it hits are due to Ms. Davis.