The Sun Also Rises (1957)
The Salamander (1981)
The Mighty Macs (2009)
The Passage (1979)
The Quiet Hour (2014)
Rio Lobo (1970) ///
Hotel Artemis (2018) Riot torn, crime infested Los Angeles is home to the titular, membership only medical facility for killers, crooks and hoods, overseen by blunt, frayed Jodie Foster. Seedy visuals and characters mesh with self-aware humor, cruel violence and dearth of originality.
The Sun Also Rises (1957) As much as lush production values and sweeping European locations provide a hopeful background to title's new generation, bitterness and loss suffuse the drama of drifting Americans post WW1. Solid cast compensates for inert pacing and pervading sense of weighty suffering.
The Salamander (1981) Proficiently made conspiracy thriller sees intense Franco Nero investigating a series of murders that reveal corruption and a plot to overthrow the Italian government. Typically overstuffed, name driven Lew Grade production offers few surprises or tension, though Jerry Goldsmith's score is strong.
The Mighty Macs (2009) Though setup guarantees triumphant resolution and narrative beats are entirely predictable, a finely made sports underdog story that sparks resonant emotion. Spirited Carla Gugino leads a likeable cast, basketball sequences are lively and William Ross provides a warm score.
The Passage (1979) Brutal, blunt and slickly produced, James Mason and family are led across the mountains to safety by grizzled Anthony Quinn. Typical heroism replaced with gratuitous violence, personified by sadistic and comically overblown Nazi officer Malcolm McDowell. Scrappy narrative undermines tension.
The Quiet Hour (2014) Insular survival drama with society scavengers in aftermath of ongoing alien invasion. Intense Dakota Blue Richards faces off against human intruders, a slow burn build of violence to a less than cathartic conclusion. Technically pro, but more like a prolonged setup.
Rio Lobo (1970) After a wittily executed train robbery sets up principled John Wayne's need for revenge, piecemeal, languid sequences in titular Texan town root out post Civil War corruption. Sharp dialog and action alleviate struggle with stiff performances and stilted rythmns.
No comments:
Post a Comment