Color Out of Space (2019) **

Good adaptation of Lovecraft with a good cast and appropriately gross images as in other films. Tries too hard to explain things.

Ashes and Diamonds (1958) **

A handful of arresting sequences bookend a rather talky, esoteric and uninvolving look at Poland as it transitioned from Nazi rule to communist rule after the war.

The Farewell (2019) ***

Poignant slice of life examination of inter-familial relationships as old world ways conflict with new world attitudes. Well cast, acted.

Hamlet (1948) ***

Style and substance in this mostly terrific adaptation. First half is riveting, lags badly in the second half but finishes well.

Elevator to the Gallows (1958) **

Might have been better if we just watched Ms. Moreau walking around Paris at night. There is a lot of that but also a convoluted and drawn out series of events to prove that crime doesn't pay. Feels too long even at 90 minutes.

The Killers (1964) **

Beautifully shot with interesting actors but the cheesy soundtrack and matte work diminish the impact.

California Split (1974) ***

Well made character study of life amidst the sleazy world of low rent gamblers and prostitutes. Definitely not a "Hollywood" picture.

The Female Brain (2017) **

Beanie and some hilarious title sequences make for an enjoyable take on the rom-com.

Seberg (2019) **

Ms. Stewart is spectacular but the flick is simplistic and exploitive.

Throne of Blood (1957) **

Boffo ending saves this so-so Japanese version of The Scottish Play. Without the poetry and nuance it's just an action flick.

I'm Thinking of Ending Things (2020) ***

Some issues with the casting and the finale but mostly a marvelous adaptation of a difficult novel to film.

Blood on the Moon (1948) **

Quirky western noir with Mitchum's screen persona in full flower. Ends a little too neatly.

Safety Not Guaranteed (2012) ***

Well done sci-fi/rom-com that manages to avoid most of both genre's cliches. Very entertaining.

Seven Samurai (1954) **

Again too long and repetitive for my tastes but some nice sequences.

A Private Function (1984) ***

A cast of nearly every top British comedic actor available at the time elevates this droll Ealing-esque comedy about the severe food rationing in Britain after WWII. Witty script.

Drunken Angel (1948) **

Early Kurosawa is a Japanese noir featuring some nifty sequences. Could have been trimmed a bit.

Phantom Lady (1944) ***

Never mind the plot holes just enjoy this well paced, well shot hyper-noir.

The Rise of Catherine the Great (1934) **

Flora Robson, expectedly, steals the picture but she's only in the first half. Bergner is fine as Catherine but her look calls to mind Harpo Marx to a distracting degree. Fairbanks is just awful.

One Wonderful Sunday (1947) *

Not so wonderful. Repetitive, ploddingly paced tale of two lost souls drifting towards insanity.

Sullivan's Travels (1941) **

Preston Sturges was a very influential filmmaker (this one in particular) but his films just don't seem to gel for me. This one is no different.