Kongens nei (The King's Choice) (2016)
Exposed (2016)
Operation Mincemeat (2022)
A Town Like Alice (1956)
Young Adult (2011)
Score! (2017)
The African Queen (1951)
House Of Sand And Fog (2003)
Haeundae (Tidal Wave) (2009) //
Kongens nei (The King's Choice) (2016) Controlled and persuasively told, cleanly established 1940 German invasion of Norway mirrors national psyche through emotion of royal family. King's central decision is gripping and character psychology moving, highlighted by fine score.
Exposed (2016) Initially intriguing, told with keen visuals, story quickly comes off the rails, lost in confusing emphasis as dour cop Keanu Reeves investigates murder of corrupt colleague. More vital psychology of Ana de Armas, with the mystical and the gritty, messily lost.
Operation Mincemeat (2022) Intrinsic fascination and tension within outlandish World War II plot to fool Germans about Allied invasion, hampered by sprawling, dry style and redundant romantic sub-plot. Nicely detailed, personably performed, sparks of humour pierce stoic British atmosphere.
A Town Like Alice (1956) Told with blunt immediacy and growing tension and despair, Virginia McKenna is among group of women and children forced to walk through Malaya after 1942 Japanese invasion. Emotive and effective, Peter Finch and titular refuge provides hope from suffering.
Young Adult (2011) Trading in a tart, cruel sense of character misanthropy, and driven by unrepentant YA author Charlize Theron's return to her hometown, an often funny tale of insular life and self-centered desires. Patton Oswalt sparks twisted memories and alcoholic realities.
Score! (2017) Introduction to history and art of film composition features admirable array of industry interviews even if the view is more narrowly modern Hollywood and rapid pace never allows thoughts to fully develop. Well produced documentary remains engaging, if not rousing.
The African Queen (1951) Set amid luminous, evocative Technicolor jungle settings, bickering love story between unrepentant steamer captain Humphrey Bogart and stubborn missionary Katherine Hepburn is hugely enjoyable adventure. Star chemistry adeptly balances humor and suspense.
House Of Sand And Fog (2003) Immaculately produced and convincingly performed, yet scratchy pacing and structure dampens effect as broken Jennifer Connolly battles to reclaim family home from conflicted Iranian immigrant Ben Kingsley. Tragedy maintains interest without engendering involvement.
Haeundae (Tidal Wave) (2009) Firm production values and blistering action of promised disaster barely compensate for sketchy relationships established in summer coastal city. Some appealing performances, others tend to the hysterical. Tragedy and occasional visuals grab attention.
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