Forgotten Gem: Murder By Death (****) is about the punchline
If you like Knives Out, this film is at least a spiritual predecessor to that comic mystery masterpiece. Absurdity is a journey in an of itself. The mystery is a bonus.
Forgotten Gem: Coupe de Ville (****) rises above formula with good performances
The treat of the film both then and now is the chemistry of Taggart and Arkin as the parents. Their part of the plot is window dressing, but it’s done so well, it lifts the rest of the material.
Forgotten Gem: Insomnia (****) still resonates
So if you haven’t watched Insomnia for a while, or even if you’ve never watched it, take the opportunity. It’s anything but wasted time. It’s excellent filmmaking.
Forgotten Gem: Catch Me If You Can is looking for home (*****)
It’s a glamorization, but it is a damn good one.
Forgotten Gem: About A Boy (*****) He’s Expressing You
The list of movies I have been putting off is shrinking by the day. Add another classic to the list.
Forgotten Gem: Hud (*****) Horseman, pass by
Hud may take liberties with the original material, but the greatness of the story shines through. It’s a remarkable story that feels timeless. If you want to understand humans a bit more, you should give it a try.
Forgotten Gem: Slap Shot (*****) is as good as it gets
The real surprise and the definite treat of the film are the Hansons. They have such an innocence and exuberance for the game of hockey, they carry whatever portion of the film that is not being driven by Newman.
Forgotten Gem: Superbad (*****) became a classic and we all moved on…
There are so few comedies that are rewatchable. Ethical or not, this is a funny film about people we all knew in high school. None of them possess any sort of genius. Most of them are decent. Each of them were have a series of delightful failures with little victories along the way.
Criterion: Drunken Angel (****) is a stunning look at postwar Japan
Drunken Angel is a flawed, but brilliant first film by one of the world’s greatest directors. Knowing he is this good when he started out makes me hopeful for a future I already know.
Criterion: Local Hero absorbs its surroundings
If we could keep it all within the confines of Ferness, life would be perfect. Even if the town is open to another deal.
Hoosiers vs. The Way Back (****1/2)
Two basketball movies that seem similar, but couldn’t be farther apart.
Forgotten Gem – Queen of Katwe (*****) Mira Nair elevates Disney with some help
This pawn knows its own potential, but also realizes it takes the sacrifice and support of other pieces to help her reach her goal.
Forgotten Gem: Hush (****) fills the air with tension
Hush is a definite must for those who enjoy effective scares with minimum carnage. That doesn’t mean there is none. Just remember to turn out the lights and draw all of the shades.
Forgotten Gem: Jackie Brown (*****) – Robert Forster lives on
The ending sends chills through me every time. Especially today, knowing that the end of El Camino is the last time I will ever see the deep story told within the eyes of Robert Forster.
Forgotten Gem: Heat Director’s Definitive Edition (****) Slick
If you watch one Michael Mann film, make it The Insider. If you want to see a second, try Heat.
Forgotten Gem: The Limey (*****)
“This is one of Soderbergh’s best. Coming directly from Out of Sight and just before Ocean’s 11, it’s easy for The Limey to get lost in the shuffle. Don’t let too this one pass you by. “
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 