Films: July 1 - 7

Maggie (2015) 

The Campaign (2012) 

Little Pink House (2018) 

Thunder Rock (1942) 

Legend Of The Lost (1957) 

Jenny's Wedding (2015) 

The Jane Austen Book Club (2007) ///

Maggie (2015) A wearied, broken Arnold Schwarzenegger faces the anguish of watching daughter Abigail Breslin's physical and mental disintegration as she transforms into a zombie. Mix of horror and searing family drama is potent, storytelling uneven, despite the strong performances.

The Campaign (2012) Blunt comedy rather than smart satire as Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis are rivals for Congress going to increasingly desperate ends to win votes. Outrageous behavior feels the political norm now while the sentimental conciliation is the uncomfortable fantasy.

Little Pink House (2018) Based on the 2005 Supreme Court ruling about eminent domain, a convincing Catherine Keener is the solitary voice trying to keep her home from federal destruction. Though tone wavers between character study and vital docu-drama, an always absorbing tale.

Thunder Rock (1942) Intimately theatrical yet bracingly cinematic, a compelling individual drama that works equally as propaganda against isolationism. An intense Michael Redgrave is the physically and mentally isolated lighthouse keeper visited by ghosts of history and his own life. 

Legend Of The Lost (1957) Striking, richly textured visuals from Jack Cardiff make full use of the Sahara locations as grizzled John Wayne and hopeful Sophia Loren are stranded in the search for a lost city. Sedate pacing undermines adventure, though meandering scenes are not without interest.

Jenny's Wedding (2015) With its heart proudly out on its sleeve, the sincere approach results in too many speeches as dutiful daughter Katherine Heigl reveals to her family she's marrying longtime girlfriend Alexis Bledel. A fine cast persuasively sells the laughs and drama.

The Jane Austen Book Club (2007) The relationships engendered by the discussion group are well drawn and the ensemble cast appealing as their contemporary lives dovetail with the historical novels. Unfortunately, character arcs and emotional beats reveal no surprises or insights.