Films: May 31 - June 6

Quigley Down Under (1990)

The Way (2010)

Sunshine On Leith (2013)

All We Had (2016)

Junior Bonner (1972)

Kipps (1941)

A Little Help (2010) /// 

Quigley Down Under (1990) Despite the clumsy title, an expansive, appealing western that sees sharpshooter Tom Selleck and scene-stealing Laura San Giacomo fight back against tyrannical Alan Rickman in the Australian outback. Solidly entertaining, with terrific Basil Poledouris score.

The Way (2010) Generous, wry and touching tale of strangers who find unexpected friendship and quiet revelations on a pilgrimage route in Spain.  Simple, unfussy visuals and leisurely pacing allow the characters room and the emotions to build. Martin Sheen leads the personable cast.

Sunshine On Leith (2013) Though The Proclaimers' songs often feel shoehorned into a basic structure and characters that never develop beyond narrative stereotypes, there's a charm and energy that's winning, especially an exuberant finale. Colourful style matches engaging performances.

All We Had (2016)  Facing demons of poverty and alcoholism, a desperate Katie Holmes attempts to look after her teenage daughter even as future dreams are crushed by the financial crisis. Carefully made, if lacking tension, glimmers of light draw us into the characters' lives.

Junior Bonner (1972) A languid, genial and typically rough-hewn Sam Peckinpah look at the end of the cowboy with a wearily charismatic Steve McQueen determined to best the rodeo bull. Robert Preston, Ben Johnson and Ida Lupino provide fine support amid memories of dust and sweat.

Kipps (1941) Frothy mix of gentle humour and sly social satire, a delightfully designed and visualized production with Michael Redgrave's appealing draper's clerk looking to improve himself. Some lively set pieces aside, the narrative tends to drift. Always enjoyable without being memorable.

A Little Help (2010) A convincing, relatable Jenna Fischer feels life spinning out after deceitful husband Chris O'Donnell dies and family and societal criticism squeezes in. The story tends to trowel on misfortune, leavened by caustic humor as she gradually emerges from the shadows.

Films: May 23 - May 30

West Side Story (1961)

Deep Impact (1998)

The Man Who Would Be King (1976)

42 (2013)

Hidden Figures (2016)

The Red Shoes (1948)

Wild Bill (1995) /// 

West Side Story (1961) With exuberant choreography and sublime musical score, Romeo And Juliet transposed to New York streets remains a dynamic, moving experience, even if design and studio settings are theatrical rather than opening up the locations. A joy nonetheless.

Deep Impact (1998) Despite disaster movie trappings, and final sequences of mass destruction, in many ways a more considered thriller and a narrative that leans towards family relationships. Beyond the wild contrivances, a solid cast sells the emotion even when pummelled with VFX.

The Man Who Would Be King (1976) John Huston's spirited, gritty adventure is framed by Christopher Plummer's Rudyard Kipling hearing the legend of Sean Connery and Michael Caine as kings of Kafiristan. Action, humour and star quality well balanced with expansive locations.

42 (2013) Chadwick Boseman conjures up the charismatic contradictions and conviction in the face of prejudice and racism in a sturdily constructed Jackie Robinson biopic that presses the right emotional buttons. Harrison Ford provides able support. The detail is provocative and moving.

Hidden Figures (2016) Immensely enjoyable and ultimately moving correction to the space race of the 1960s as key African American women prove the difference in deciphering needed mathematics. The issues of race and gender are ever present though not heavy-handed. Performances winning.

The Red Shoes (1948) A celebration of art and creativity, a dark tale of psychological abuse and control, a visually thrilling mix of dance and drama. Molded by Anton Walbrook's svengali-like promoter, Moira Shearer is torn between life and ballet. Designed and told with mastery.

Wild Bill (1995) Flimsily structured, memories and legends collide with the last days of the lawman in a stylistic mashup that doesn't really mesh to provide an involving narrative. Jeff Bridges leads a fine cast, the design is striking, the western reaches for a mythic meaning it never achieves.