Films: January 6 - 12

The Unforgivable (2021)

The House On Carroll Street (1987)

Les Aventures extraordinaires d'Adèle Blanc-Sec (The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec) (2010)

Bulletproof Heart (1994)

The Whole Town's Talking (1935)

Beauty And The Beast (2017)

The 39 Steps (1935)

The 39 Steps (1959)

The Great Train Robbery (1978) ///

The Unforgivable (2021) Distractingly worn and bruised Sandra Bullock provides the grim ballast for a tale of guilt, revenge and redemption, out of prison and attempting to reconnect with her younger sister. Strong cast struggles with narrative strains. Emotions build to moving conclusion.

The House On Carroll Street (1987) Polished production establishes Hitchcockian visual and narrative stylings, as principled Kelly McGillis, under McCarthy era pressure, stands up to FBI agent Jeff Daniels and uncovers government plot. Solidly involving yet pace never builds thrills.

Les Aventures extraordinaires d'Adèle Blanc-Sec (The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec) (2010) Buoyed by vibrant Louise Bourgoin's unapologetic, confident adventurer, a fluid fantasy comicbook with accent on period eccentricity and humour. Polished production, uneven storytelling.

Bulletproof Heart (1994) Unsettling, blackly comic chamber piece with weary hitman Anthony LaPlaggia accepting last job, until obsession with willing victim Mimi Rogers makes him reconsider. Effective cast includes edgy Peter Boyle. Intermittent entertainment suggests more than it delivers.

The Whole Town's Talking (1935) Swift pace, impressive scale and appealing cast ensure a story of mistaken identity coasts through a mix of light comedy, gangster drama and social commentary. As dual meek office worker and violent killer, Edward G Robinson convinces. Jean Arthur sparkles.

Beauty And The Beast (2017) A spirited and fluidly handled opening captures character and provides setup amid lush production values. Gorgeous Alan Menken score still prevails, though frenetic CGI visuals eventually dampen emotions for Emma Watson's initially progressive Belle.

The 39 Steps (1935) Told with flair and an infectious sense of fun, prototype chase thriller with enough sly wit and narrative twists to propel innocent Robert Donat and irritable Madeleine Carroll from London to Scotland and back. Unflagging pace combines with striking visuals.

The 39 Steps (1959) Polished, anonymous retread makes minor variations to original adaptation and relies on easy appeal of Kenneth More, accentuating lighthearted tone that strips away suspense. Attractive location photography, without visual identity. Taina Elg is a reluctant accomplice.

The Great Train Robbery (1978) Jerry Goldsmith's playful, memorable score provides an energy and cohesion even when stolid filmmaking veers in tone. Manipulative Sean Connery leads light-fingered Donald Sutherland and seductive Lesley-Ann Down to steal gold. Lush, burnished visuals.