The Beast (2023) *

2.5 hours, nearly every frame with the stupendous Ms. Seydoux, and this is the best you can do? Shameful.

Aftersun (2022) **

Well constructed melo makes you do some work (a good thing) but something is missing as the payoff is not that cathartic. In real life it seldom is but this is the movies.

A Woman's Tale (1991) ***

It's a bit over-written but has many scenes of bracing honesty about facing the inevitable. Splendid lead performance.

Amanda (2022) **

The art direction, photography and future star Benedetta Porcaroli are the standouts in this (probably) allegorical fable.

Anyone But You (2023) *

It's a well lit film. That's the best I can say about it.

Out of Sight (1998) ****

Superbly photographed heist/romcom elevated by the top notch cast and Soderbergh's editing.

God Told Me To (1976) ***

Well made thriller has a lot of influences but uses them in an original and intriguing way. Pretty sharp script and the cast goes all in.

Robert Towne Dead: 'Chinatown' Screenwriter Was 89

Prior to his death, Towne had collaborated with David Fincher on a “Chinatown” prequel series for Netflix, which would explore the police days of Jack Nicholson’s character Jake Gittes. In an interview with Variety one month before his death, Towne confirmed that all episodes of the project had been written.

Twentieth Century (1934) **

The leads try hard and there are enough sharp laughs in the script to make it watchable but I wish they had gone for a tiny bit of realism instead of amping up the screwball.

A Clockwork Orange (1971) ****

One of the finest films ever made. Superbly crafted with stand out performances from the entire cast. Noticed this time around the ubiquity of backlit shots only unlike contemporary films you can still see the actors. 136 minutes that go by like 70.

Love Is Love Is Love (2020) **

Portmanteau chick flick d'un certain âge showcases a plethora of terrific actresses including the always welcome Polly Draper. It's a shame the material is not up to the performers' high caliber. Still, it's well shot and there are worse ways to spend 90 minutes.

Desperately Seeking Susan (1985) ***

Well done uber-80's rom-com with a top cast including peak Madonna.

Bullitt (1968) ***

Steve is perfect as the good cop standing up to sleazy politicos in a surprisingly slow and, except for the acclaimed car chase, dull procedural. Beautifully shot and makes superb use of the SF location.

The Strange Monsieur Victor (1938) **

Interesting French noir meller has a little too much going on to be compelling. Well made though.

Nights and Weekends (2008) *

This is worse than a waste of Ms. Gerwig, it's exploitation.

The Chase (1946) ***

Strange noir has many oddball touches that make it feel modern along with a couple of terrific supporting turns. Fizzles out in the third act.

The Canyons (2013) **

Disappointing because it could have been a lot better but not the complete train wreck a lot of critics saw. The acting is fine and it is beautifully shot for the most part. The script and direction are just too pedestrian to make something resonant.

Hannah Takes the Stairs (2007) *

Non-scripted exercise is watchable only because of Greta.

Tenet (2020) ****

Terrific mind-bending actioner answers the question what if you combined Memento with Inception?

Daliland (2022) **

Yet another constantly, annoyingly backlit flick which really hampers some good performances. Also unfortunate that the lead does not seem up to it.