Oxygen (****) is high tension
If you can handle a story with real tension and digital countdowns, start here.
Another Look: The Odd Couple (****) gives our first date with Lemmon and Matthau
Ultimately, what works best is the chemistry of the two leads, as everyone else appears to be along for the same ride as the viewers.
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.
Wrong Turn (****) backwoods Rashomon
In this Wrong Turn, if you’re looking for woke, you got it. You want several traps and gory death, you will get that too.
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.
Let Him Go (****) Moves the old fashioned way
Diane Lane has had a remarkable career. She has aged gracefully in a field that does not usually allow women to grow old on camera.
The Little Things (****): Lonesome road home
I appreciate ambiguity of the ending and actors willing to be shepherds with their frailty revealed while they seek to defend the rest of the herd.
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.
Wonder Woman 1984 (****) – Deserves a bigger stage
WW84 soars and falls like a bird that just discovered its wings.
The Photograph (****) Things that go to make up a life
In this time of endless Hallmark style romances, it’s nice to see two beautiful people fall in something that looks, feels and hurts like real love. The Photograph is a lesson from one generation to another.
Color Out of Space (****) They’re not my family
If you ever wanted to see what Stanley has in his mind in any given moment, give this a try.
Shudder’s Host (****) possession for the Zoom generation
This is the perfect film for teenagers who see the world through a Tik Tok lens.
Netflix’ The Call (****) is a nice thriller
Park and Jeon do an excellent job of shifting the emotional landscape.
Netflix’ Mank (****) – The wins of the father
If they had found a way to at least make the case for the opposition seem plausible, there might be less of a Smokey and the Bandit feel to it all.
Criterion: Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? – Idols lost to time (****)
This is not a brilliant film. It’s a great film for its time, and it has a sobering message for those wondering how great entertainers have it when the limelight fades and the jealousy has time to grow.
3 Turns of the Screw: The Nightcomers, The Turning and Netflix’ The Haunting of Bly Manor
Of the three James’ inspired works, The Haunting of Bly Manor is the one that is truly inspired, even if it’s not as scary as we’d hope.
