Films: February 24 - March 2

Three Little Words (1950)

Last Christmas (2019)

Back To The Future Part III (1990)

Orage (A Stormy Summer Night) (2015)

The Hot Spot (1990)

Lore (2012)

The Suspect (1944)

Nightfall (1956) ///

Three Little Words (1950) Astute blend of comedy sketches, joyous dance numbers and succession of melodic songs, knitted around biopic of songwriters Kalmar (Fred Astaire) and Ruby (Red Skelton). Gorgeous Technicolor evocations of vaudeville and a high kicking Vera-Ellen add to the flavor.

Last Christmas (2019) Despite Emilia Clarke's elfish energy and isolated moments of charm, synthetically manufactured tale of self-realization never rings true even within own strange logic and character stunt plot twist. Concept driven George Michael song celebration lacks feeling.

Back To The Future Part III (1990) Rousing finale to the trilogy fuses time travel consequences with sweeping Western setting, celebrating genres as Michael J Fox seeks home and Christopher Lloyd finds romance with Mary Steenburgen. Exuberant mix of comedy, action and Alan Silvestri score.

Orage (A Stormy Summer Night) (2015) Atmospheric, strongly performed drama of identity and belonging never quite delivers emotional punch as conflicted Marina Foïs escapes stifling normality with murderer on the run Sami Bouajila. Social and narrative concerns remain unresolved.

The Hot Spot (1990) Bleached, small town noir, told with sweaty ease, as amoral and doomed Don Johnson plans bank job to run off with fragile Jennifer Connolly but can't escape clutches of designing Virginia Madsen. Gratuitous nudity, blackmail and murder unfolds with sleazy style.

Lore (2012) Unflinching, composed, lyrical, a sorrowful and awakening journey for indoctrinated teen Saskia Rosendahl and her siblings as they journey across the brutal remnants of Nazi Germany. Pain and artistry burn through images and narrative that reach beyond prejudice for compassion.

The Suspect (1944) Quietly involving, noirish drama with Charles Laughton driven to murder when he enjoys the company of innocent Ella Raines and is threatened by aggrieved wife Rosalind Ivan. Paced with evocative menace and dark humor, suspense and morality are finely balanced.

Nightfall (1956) Gritty performances, meandering narrative, suspense menacingly built, with tense Aldo Ray on the run to prove his innocence and escape vicious Brian Keith. Enjoyable twists, cynical motives and a persuasive Anne Bancroft combine with evocative sense of location.