Flesh+Blood (1985)
Timebomb (1991)
Replicas (2018)
Bombshell (2019)
The Circle (2017)
Ni Hao, Zhihua (Last Letter) (2018)
The Rhythm Section (2020)
Flocken (Flocking) (2015)
Singin' In The Rain (1952)
Brooklyn (2015) ///
Basic Instinct (1992) Glossy, trashy thriller luxuriates in twisted brutality and sex, bordering on parody as bewitching, swirling Jerry Goldsmith score fuels broken detective Michael Douglas' obsession with elusive murder suspect Sharon Stone. Teasingly provocative with whiplash kicks.
Flesh+Blood (1985) Revelling in the dirt, blood and disease of Medieval Europe, Rutger Hauer leads a desperate band of mercenaries out for revenge and kidnapping curious Jennifer Jason Leigh. Plenty of nudity and violence though it feels strangely subdued, despite dynamic Basil Poledouris score.
Timebomb (1991) Some interesting twists, shoot outs and random sci-fi trappings see watchmaker Michael Biehn turn indoctrinated assassin, on the run with confused psychoanalyst Patsy Kensit. Limited by budget and creativity, only fitfully amusing, with over-acting Richard Jordan in pursuit.
Replicas (2018) Glistening design and fluid VFX can't compensate for lack of narrative and character substance, or thematic conscience, as scientist Keanu Reeves duplicates wife Alice Eve and children after they die in car crash. Without emotional connection, or ethical conflict, suspense flounders.
Bombshell (2019) Produced with admirable sense of purpose, and performed with intensity by Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie and extensive supporting cast. Yet tale of politics and abuse at Fox News never connects message with dramatic and comic effect, limiting appeal.
The Circle (2017) Anemic morality tale warning of the pervasive knowledge of social media as unknowing Emma Watson falls into the grasp of corruptive Tom Hanks. Soft on social commentary and unable to ground story in the personal, appealing performers have little to grasp amid minimal thrills.
Ni Hao, Zhihua (Last Letter) (2018) After conflicted Zhou Xun is mistaken for her recently died sister, feelings from the past reawaken and inform characters across the generations through a series of letters. Loosely, movingly structured, designed and performed, a delicate and human tale.
The Rhythm Section (2020) Shot and edited with distinctive style, mood is soaked with dread and action is often messily effective, as Blake Lively's seeks revenge for murdered family. Yet story and character feel undernourished and repetitive, with tired, fanciful developments lacking energy.
Flocken (Flocking) (2015) Unflinching, menacing view of prejudice and mob rule in a small Swedish village when the community refuses to believe a 14 year old girl who reports she was raped. Commendably bleak, austere visuals align with strong performances, an ending both hopeless and defiant.
Singin' In The Rain (1952) The years never diminish the energy, skill and pure joy that bursts from every image. A sublime combination of song, dance and comedy as Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor cope with the advent of the talkies. MGM production values shine.
Brooklyn (2015) Anchored by aching, riveting Saoirse Ronan, Irish immigration to 1950s New York is distilled into affectionate love story laced with humour. Particularly successful in poignant sense of family, of lost and future homes, third act contrivance diminishes effect. Solidly unadventurous.
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