Monday, October 14, 2024

The Maltese Falcon (1941) ****

Classic noir, superbly made.

Monday, October 07, 2024

Cold Turkey (1971) ****

Possibly the best satire on film thanks to a nonpareil ensemble cast of comedy legends, character actors and non-actors, sharp as nails script and superb editing, production design, you name it. One of the greats.

Sunday, October 06, 2024

Viy (1967) **

Superb visuals are the attraction in this well done Russian folk tale.

Tuesday, October 01, 2024

Night Shift (1982) **

Wildly uneven attempt at screwball succeeds only when Mike Keaton is on screen.

Friday, September 13, 2024

What Price Hollywood? (1932) **

Some clever dialog keeps this behind the scenes melo afloat but the denouement is a bit too pat.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) **

Disappointing to see Tim Burton succumb to the same photographic sins as other contemporary flicks (too dark, backlit) in a mainly underwhelming sequel save for the inspired extended musical sequence that uses almost the entire 7.5 minute original Macarthur Park intact.

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

The Tenth Man (1988) **

Strong cast and nice production values keep this strained fable afloat.

Monday, September 09, 2024

Midnight Mary (1933) **

Loretta Young, all of 20, shines in this hyper-paced melo.