Films: June 10 - 16

Brightburn (2019)

Higher Ground (2011)

Frankenstein Unbound (1990)

Army Of The Dead (2021)

At Middleton (2013)

So Long At The Fair (1950)

Penguin Bloom (2021) /// 

Brightburn (2019) Origin story for an evil superhero with spiky, twisted potential that unfortunately is neither blackly comic enough nor stages its action and horror with enough style and energy. Instead the set pieces resolve in abundant gore, without delivering on the wildness of the concept.

Higher Ground (2011) Like her thoughtful, affecting performance, Vera Farmiga proves a clear, generous director, telling a 60s set tale of fundamentalism and cracks of religious doubt. Visuals are warm, characters presented without judgement, drama and humored etched with compassion and insight.

Frankenstein Unbound (1990) Bewildering mashup that propels time-traveling scientist John Hurt to 1817 Switzerland where Raul Julia's Frankenstein and Bridget Fonda's Mary Shelley are creating a myth. Lacking cohesion and Roger Corman's usually stylish visuals, only minor pleasures persist.

Army Of The Dead (2021) Exhausting, numbing zombie action collides with Las Vegas heist thriller, as a disparate group infiltrates the walled-in, flesh eating hordes to break open a vault. No doubting the visceral thrills, attempts at emotion fall flat, a riotous Matthias Schweighöfer steals the show.

At Middleton (2013) An instinctive Vera Farmiga and strait-laced Andy Garcia meet when taking their respective children to a prospective college tour. Though nothing surprises, script and stars provide sharp characterizations that peel back layers to reveal the melancholy and hurt. 

So Long At The Fair (1950) Sumptuous design and photography lend an enticing atmosphere as vibrant Jean Simmons' visit to the 1896 Paris Exhibition becomes a nightmare when her brother disappears. More a low-key mystery, enhanced by elegant background detail and spirited score.

Penguin Bloom (2021) After an accident in Thailand leaves a bitter, frustrated Naomi Watts paralysed, an injured magpie provokes a psychological healing and brings a fractured family together. Restrained approach and careful visuals are effective, even if the story beats feel predictable.