A Dog's Way Home (2019)
Backcountry (2014)
...and justice for all. (1979)
The Innocents (1961)
Kiss Me Kate (1953)
Act Naturally (2011)
Foxcatcher (2014) ///
Backcountry (2014) Brutally effective and handled with controlled visuals, a young couple find themselves lost in the wilderness and face a ferocious bear attack. After building an ominous atmosphere, survival mode kicks in with vicious gore while characterization remains minimal.
...and justice for all. (1979) A ragged collection of cynical, desperate and eccentric characters swirl around weary lawyer Al Pacino who finds himself defending a cruel judge and railing against the system. Disjointed shifts of tone overcome by dynamic star turn and lively individual scenes.
The Innocents (1961) Masterful design and lighting conjure visuals that burrow deep into the fragile psychology of governess Deborah Kerr as ghosts of illicit lovers haunt the shadows and the children in her charge. Pacing is deliberate, while the sense of unease is expertly created.
Kiss Me Kate (1953) Packed with a succession of Cole Porter hits and exuberant dance scenes, a colorful play on Shakespeare and behind the scenes theatrics. Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson provide the sexual sparring, Anne Miller and Bob Fosse the kicks, even without the 3D.
Act Naturally (2011) Two estranged step sisters are forced to get to know each other and themselves when they inherit a naturist resort. A predictable narrative is not helped by flat handling and undeveloped characters, though the spirited, game cast and casual approach is admirable.
Foxcatcher (2014) Edgy, oppressive, compelling real life drama of obsession and control as wealthy benefactor Steve Carell funds Olympic hopes of wrestling brothers Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo. The storytelling is harsh and impersonal despite the uniformly excellent cast.
No comments:
Post a Comment