Films: August 25 - 31

En man som heter Ove (A Man Called Ove) (2015)
Prince Avalanche (2013)
Escape Clause (1996)
The Strange Woman (1946)
Behave Yourself (1951)
Trucker (2008)
The Battle Of The Sexes (1960)
Boulevard (1994)
The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea (1976) ///

En man som heter Ove (A Man Called Ove) (2015) Outwardly cantankerous and intolerant, misanthropic Rolf Lassgård finds plans to commit suicide upended by new neighbour Bahar Pars and family. Tart humour balances broken emotions that reverberate from past. Observant and full of humanity.

Prince Avalanche (2013) Low key, affecting character study, as reluctant friendship develops between two roadworkers, disciplined Paul Rudd and impulsive Emile Hirsch, isolated in remnants of forgotten landscapes. Generously told, natural, brittle humor turns to earned feeling.

Escape Clause (1996) Convoluted if uncomplicated, blunt social message on iniquitous methods of medical insurance crowbarred into revenge tale as edgily superior Andrew McCarthy doubts fidelity and intentions of wife before suspected of her murder. Thriller without thrills.

The Strange Woman (1946) Noir-drenched period melodrama, as irresistible Hedy Lamarr tears her way through Maine society, broken emotions and bodies in her wake. Expressive visuals amp the over-heated narrative, Louis Hayward and George Sanders flailing behind dynamic, modern lead.

Behave Yourself (1951) Flat-footed screwball comedy never builds comic momentum, undermined by bland visuals and unconvincing Farley Granger, who accidentally brings home a dog chased by criminals. Killings and confusion mount, Shelley Winters and solid support cast provide energy.

Trucker (2008) Affecting low-key melodrama, as drifting Michelle Monaghan finds independence threatened when young son Jimmy Bennett comes to stay. Combative relationship is well pitched, though visuals feel too styled and story beats predictable. Fine cast inhabit their characters.

The Battle Of The Sexes (1960) Gently ironic clash of modern business strategies and obstinate tradition as mild accountant Peter Sellers clashes with assertive Constance Cummings when she advises Robert Morley on his inherited Scottish textiles company. Adroit mix of verbal and physical comedy.

Boulevard (1994) Queasy confusion of sisterhood independence and sleazy exploitation as battered Kari Wuhrer is taken in by streetwise prostitute Rae Dawn Chong. Lou Diamond Phillips and Lance Henriksen are among the men ready to exploit. Rough stylings match grim atmosphere.

The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea (1976) With its rigid formalism and attractive visuals, obscure story of Oedipal confusion is deliberately disquieting and confronting. Charismatic Kris Kristofferson is sailor who enters life of needy widow Sarah Miles. Brutally uncompromising.


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Films: November 11 - 17

Theater Camp (2023)  The Marvels  (2023) The Cheap Detective  (1978)  The Last Voyage Of The Demeter  (2023) Hot Tub Time Machine (2010) B...