Days and Nights in the Forest (1970) ***

Subtle(?) examination of Indian social dynamics via a middle class weekend in the country scenario. Expertly paced, nuanced script, beautifully shot.

The Room (2003) **

It's not nearly as bad as it should be (or as this flick suggested) thanks to good cinematography and second unit work. Wiseau is at least interesting as an actor. Probably has the least erotic sex scenes in movie history.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains (1982) *

Seems exploitive of a very young Diane Lane as well as heavy handed with the script. Adds up to a not pleasant experience. Rock Follies did it better.

Blood from the Mummy's Tomb (1971) **

Typically well produced/shot Hammer production with a lovely Valerie Leon as the well preserved mummy.

Darker Than Amber (1970) **

Flawed but entertaining mystery-thriller is gritty and quite brutal at times. Rod Taylor carries the pic well though.

Zabriskie Point (1970) ***

Maybe the most conventional of Antonioni's films, still has stunning visuals and goofy experimental passages that don't always work. Great casting choice of Daria Halprin and boffo ending.

Moonlighting Mistress (1970) **

Loved the look and creepy early 70's Munich vibe. The lovely Ms. Vendell helps keep this noir watchable.

The House That Screamed (1969) *

Beautifully produced effort wasted by inept direction/editing. Ms. Palmer does her best and nearly rescues the flick.

Obsessions (1969) *

Feels too long at 90 minutes despite the efforts of the lovely Alexandra Stewart. Nicely shot but repetitive and unengaging.

The Master Touch (1972) **

Silly but entertaining heist flick shot in 70's Hamburg by Italians and featuring Kirk and a pretty nifty car chase. Unfortunately the copyright expired on the film so nobody wants to clean up the print.

City in the Sea (1965) **

Saturday matinee kiddie flick level but still shot and lit better than contemporary films. The script is just not up to the talents involved.

A Notorious Affair (1930) *

Seems like there's chunks of the story missing, not that putting them back would have helped much. Terrible script and a waste of a game Kay Francis.

Night Train to Lisbon (2013) *

All star cast and beautifully shot European locations all wasted due to an unconvincing premise.

The 39 Steps (2008) **

Re-do of the oft told tale looks good and is performed well but was it really necessary?

90 Degrees in the Shade (1965) ***

Totally enjoyed the look and vibe of this noir set in late 60's Prague. Anne Heywood should have been a major star.

Pascali's Island (1988) **

Well produced tale of intrigue and betrayal in the Greek islands, gorgeously shot by the great Roger Deakins. Needed more Helen.

Discussing Christopher Nolans' Odyssey with Daniel Mendelsohn

Having watched Mr. Mendelsohn's "seminar" on Nolan's film, I was surprised he made the very same criticisms, almost verbatim, that Emily Wilson made in her LRB review. Yet Ms. Wilson's review is called "scathing" by The Guardian and causes even Joyce Carol Oates, no less, to run to Nolan's defense. No one bats an eye at Mr. Mendelsohn's pan of the film nor when he himself mentions Ms. Wilson's review and ALSO calls it "scathing"!

So you have two people saying pretty much the same thing in the same way and one is characterized as "scathing" and "a take down" and the other is an even-handed critical assessment. Misogyny is not going away apparently, not for a long, long time.

Men Are Such Fools (1938) *

It's supposed to be a rom-com but it's more like a case study of toxic masculinity. I would hope that even in 1938 this kind of thing was at least looked down on. I have my doubts. Not a good flick.

A Kiss Before Dying (1956) **

Bizarre and beautiful thriller goes overboard with the soundtrack and somehow the men have longer hair than the women. Bob Wagner does a good job as the Ripley-esque killer but everybody else seems over the top.

The Intruder (1962) ***

Serious look at American racism is a necessary time capsule and reminder of how little things have changed in 65 years. The central premise that it's outside agitators that cause the trouble is faulty however. Bill Shatner is very good as the agitator. The ending is a nice fairy tale unfortunately.