Thirteen Lives (2022)
The Rains Came (1939)
The Tender Bar (2021)
A Quiet Place Part II (2021)
Terminator 2 Judgement Day (1991)
Tawny Pipit (1944)
The Aeronauts (2019)
The Last American Hero (1973) ///
Thirteen Lives (2022) Tightly paced and shot, a gripping account of the Thai rescue of teens from submerged cave system ratchets up the suspense and emotion. Terse Viggo Mortensen and methodical Colin Farrell are among the rescuers, sober style belies intelligent, claustrophobic construction.
The Rains Came (1939) Strikingly visualized melodrama features expansive, impressive centerpiece of floods and earthquake as self-centered Myrna Low finds redemption with Indian leader Tyrone Power. Thematic concern of transformation to modern world lacks bite and emotional depth.
The Tender Bar (2021) Gently observant coming of age drama, as Tye Sheridan is pushed by mother Lily Rabe's college expectation and his own creative ambition while finding relief through principled uncle and surrogate father Ben Affleck. Suffused with affectionate glow, carefully controlled and warmly sentimental.
A Quiet Place Part II (2021) Efficient rather than inspired, continuing story of gritty Emily Blunt and her children's survival from alien invasion feels more like a placeholder that neither adds to mythology nor expands on family themes. Technical skill provides periodic jump scares.
Terminator 2 Judgement Day (1991) Immensely entertaining, fast paced sequel expands on original's intensity as reprogrammed future cyborg Arnold Schwarzenegger to save mankind from upgraded assassin. Extravagantly designed set pieces and VFX allied to gripping narrative momentum.
Tawny Pipit (1944) At once embracing the virtues and tradition of bucolic English life as well as the protective wing shown to outsiders, a wryly affectionate look at villagers clashing with wartime bureaucracy when a pair of the titular birds nest nearby. Imbued with observational charm.
The Aeronauts (2019) Colourful spin on history as extrovert pilot Felicity Jones and ambitious scientist Eddle Redmayne ascend to record breaking heights with often vertiginous thrills. Potent performances and VFX, yet character resonance and transcendent exploration never quite soars.
The Last American Hero (1973) Brash driver Jeff Bridges uses skills honed evading police while delivering father's illegal whiskey to become a winning stock car racer. Lived-in, gritty feel accentuates sense of character with languid pace and blunt style. Story concerns remain in background.
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