Charade (1963) ***

Audrey, Cary and Paris would be more than enough for any flick but this one also has a sharp script and a deft directorial touch.

The Whistle Blower (1986) **

Paranoid spy procedural is well made but gets a bit heavy handed in the final act.

Dream Lover (1993) **

Not so successful noir but it's beautifully shot and has the spectacular Ms. Amick as the femme fatale.

The Suspect (1944) **

Top notch cast in a tight, well directed noir that leans more toward character study. The great Henry Daniell shines in support.

Filming 'Othello' (1978) ***

80 minutes listening to Orson Welles is 80 minutes well spent.

The Bedroom Window (1987) **

For the first two thirds it's a well shot and well designed Hitchcock homage. Unfortunately it goes off the rails in that last third and that is where Hitch would have worked his magic.

Three in the Attic (1968) *

Nicely shot but this slice of late 60's pseudo counter culture doesn't hold up even as satire.

Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957) **

Heavy handed satire is lushly photographed, the leads are terrific and the script has some nifty dialogue and genuine laughs. That heavy hand becomes oppressive as the flick wears on however and ends up being insufferable.

The Misfits (1961) **

Star power to burn here but only Marilyn comes out shining. But I guess if you can buy Monty Clift and Clark Gable as cowboys, well then you'll get what you deserve.

Preparations to Be Together for an Unknown Period of Time (2020) ***

An obsessive love affair from a brain surgeon's POV. Beautifully shot with a magnificent performance by Natasa Stork. Ambitious but doesn't quite get there.

Before I Go (2021) *

The first 20 minutes are terrific but the script can't sustain it and descends into drivel. What's worse is it wastes a fearless Ms. Sciorra and a criminally underused Robert Klein. Major sins.

Donkey Skin (1970) **

Stunning cinematography and production design but the songs are mediocre at best and it's dragged out for too long.

La Cérémonie (1995) ***

Isabelle, Sandrine, Jacqueline and Virginie shine in a bizarre chracter study turned thriller, a la Highsmith.

Welcome to Collinwood (2002) **

Top cast and a brisk pace help a lot but not enough. This reboot of an Italian neo-realist dramedy just doesn't translate well.

Mighty Aphrodite (1995) **

Well deserved accolades for Ms. Sorvino in this intermittently hilarious send up of Greek tragedies.

Sour Grapes (1998) **

Just a tad too far-fetched, but a pretty good little comedy with a terrific performance by Mr. Bierko.

Orpheus (1950) ****

Imagination and creativity on abundant display. So many audacious scenes that work. A masterpiece of cinema.

Everyone Says I Love You (1996) **

The musical numbers are worth the price of admission which is fortunate because the script isn't.

Runaway Train (1985) **

Brutal actioner with mythical aspirations doesn't quite make it. The effort and enthusiasm are laudable for the most part, laughable in other parts.

Seduced and Abandoned (2013) ***

Top-notch doc in the manner of Welles about movies and how to get the money to make them. Entertaining and surprisingly poignant.