Sunday, May 31, 2020

In the Mood for Love (2000) **

A visual feast but the stylistic approach leads to confusion and unresolved questions.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Irma Vep (1996) **

A pleasant enough time with Ms. Cheung even if the flick is slight.

Monday, May 25, 2020

Fat City (1972) ***

Searing look at small time boxers and their struggles. Well cast and directed by Mr. Huston.

The Go-Between (1971) **

Lovingly mounted period drama let down by a less than satisfying ending.

The Promoter (1952) *

The sort of English comedy that was hilarious in 1952 but is just bewildering now. Watchable as a document of its time.

Saturday, May 23, 2020

The Browning Version (1951) ***

Lovely production of the oft-filmed play featuring a terrific Michael Redgrave.

Aniara (2018) **

Hard sci-fi look at human nature and how lost we are without Earth.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

The Passionate Friends (1949) **

Romantic melodrama with a fine trio of leads and some interesting shots by Mr. Lean.

Green for Danger (1946) ***

Sharply written whodunit with some interesting blitz-era English touches, nicely produced.

Screwed (2000) **

Decent dumbbell comedy with plenty of laughs if you don't try to think it through.

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Hobson's Choice (1954) **

John Mills steals the show in this period romcom.

Madeleine (1950) ***

Fascinating look at social dynamics in Victorian Scotland and one determined woman. The casting seems a bit off but well directed by Mr. Lean.

Monday, May 11, 2020

Golden Salamander (1950) **

Nifty noir, sort of a poor man's Casablanca. Early lead for the lovely Anouk.

Saturday, May 09, 2020

This Happy Breed (1944) **

Well cast and acted look at an English family between the wars. A little too idealized.

Thursday, May 07, 2020

Lovely & Amazing (2001) ***

I enjoy Ms. Holofcener's films because they give their characters space to be human and if they change it is very subtle.

Monday, May 04, 2020

Separate Tables (1958) ***

Solid drama with an all star cast marred by an overbearing score.

Blithe Spirit (1945) *

This sort of thing is better on the stage. A waste of Ms. Rutherford.

Sunday, May 03, 2020