Mr. Arkadin (aka Confidential Report) (1955) ***

Orson overdoes the Dutch angles, but otherwise an entertaining romp through Europe with one of the great directors having fun.

Time Without Pity (1957) **

Beat the clock thriller is thrown off by McKern's hammy performance. Nice to see Peter Cushing in a non-ghoulish role.

The Blue Gardenia (1953) **

Lukewarm noir still features a top cast and plenty of cigs, booze and misogynistic activity. Plus the great Nat Cole shows up.

Luca (2021) **

So-so Pixar still has the precise animation although the characters' look seems to be veering closer to Aardman style. No overt political/sociological message here other than be true to your friends.

Elyse (2020) *

Ms. Pepper has a certain screen presence but she doesn't have the chops to overcome the rest of the film's shortcomings. Should have been re-written to make Sir Anthony's character the lead.

Don't Think Twice (2016) **

Genial dramedy about the conflict between being an artist and a success. Trigger warning: annoying improv comedy bits.

Hollywoodland (2006) **

Very good cast, particularly Mr. Affleck, in an over-written, way too long depiction of the mystery surrounding the death of Superman.

Woman on the Run (1950) **

Lots of SF locales highlight this nifty noir. Witty script.

Stromboli (1950) ****

Italian realist minimalist masterpiece crystalizes the human predicament. Perhaps Ms. Bergman's best performance.