WarGames (1983)
WarGames The Dead Code (2008)
F/X (1986)
F/X 2 (1991)
Sketch Artist (1992)
Sketch Artist II Hands That See (1994)
Invaders From Mars (1953)
Invaders From Mars (1986)
Strange Invaders (1983)
The Believers (1987)
De Bende van Oss (The Gang Of Oss) (2011) ///
WarGames The Dead Code (2008) Undernourished story mechanics and lack of style hamper jeopardy or involvement, as another US government computer threatens disaster and hunts down teen Matt Lanter as he tries to escape across Montreal. Subdued production values means minor action.
F/X (1986) Unfussy visuals and staging places emphasis on story and character, which accentuates twists and movie make believe without remotely touching plausibility. Bryan Brown is a special effects expert framed by shady FBI agents, Brian Dennehy a hardened cop. Briskly enjoyable.
F/X 2 (1991) Anonymous sequel, utilizing returning SFX expert Bryan Brown and retired cop Brian Dennehy, this time facing rotten cops. Story told with efficiency rather than imagination, piling on a succession of increasingly implausible set pieces. Distracting rather than involving.
Sketch Artist (1992) Sleek visuals permeate grungy tale of coincidence as eyewitness Drew Barrymore's description of wanted killer resembles paranoid police sketch artist Jeff Fahey's girlfriend Sean Young. Though twists are predictable, detail and atmosphere remain involving.
Sketch Artist II Hands That See (1994) Jeff Fahey's sleazy intensity as a police sketch artist collides with blind rape victim Courtney Cox who identifies through touch. Bland style subdues more interesting narrative elements and never builds needed energy for courtroom finale.
Invaders From Mars (1953) Some arresting visuals and design combat budget limitations which incorporates plenty of archive army footage, ropey effects and stiff performances. Dream-like atmosphere permeates alien takeover of human bodies, a fairy tale structure of youthful paranoia.
Invaders From Mars (1986) Curiously flat remake that squanders talent, imagination in as short supply as obviously strained budget. A young boy suspects aliens are taking over human bodies. Army blasts away. Monsters stumble. Style never achieves balance of potential comedy and thrills.
Strange Invaders (1983) Affectionately detailed and structured 50s alien invasion paranoia, as curious Paul LeMat and cynical Nancy Allen uncover invasion of a remote Midwest town and government conspiracy. Solid cast and visuals, uneasy balance between stiff satire and bland thrills.
The Believers (1987) Increasingly hysterical and grisly, polished production values accentuate the narrative descent into child murders and satanic sacrifice as bereaved psychologist Martin Sheen tries to protect his son while Helen Shaver sees spiders break out of face boils. Fitfully involving.
De Bende van Oss (The Gang Of Oss) (2011) Caught between violent gangs and corrupt politics, factory worker, prostitute and bar owner Sylvia Hoeks gradually asserts independence to dream of escape from 1930s poverty. Brutality and oppressive design grinds tension and audience hope.
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