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) ///
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment