Films: October 13 - 19

Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade (1989)

Operation Mad Ball (1957)

Scandal Sheet (1952)

The Silver Fleet (1943)

A Tale Of Two Cities (1958)

Kate (2021)

Drag Me To Hell (2009) /// 

Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade (1989) Father and son adventurer scholars Sean Connery and Harrison Ford provide playful heart to quest for Holy Grail. Fluid pacing and exciting set pieces balance humor and thrills, including origins prolog, told with immaculate visuals and score.

Operation Mad Ball (1957) Amiably disposable, some snappy dialog and spirited performances make most of minimal setup as cunning soldier Jack Lemmon conspires to throw a party in post-war France, deceive captain Ernie Kovacs and win affection of nurse Kathryn Grant. Polished delivery. 

Scandal Sheet (1952) Brisk, acidic noir with sleazy tabloid editor Broderick Crawford chasing readers with trashy news, before finding own past catching up. Generous Donna Reed provides principles, cynical John Derek finally grows a conscience. Efficiently made and grittily absorbing.

The Silver Fleet (1943) Story and characters distilled to compelling production, shipbuilder Ralph Richardson treated as traitor working on German U-boats, but actually is Dutch legend undermining enemy efforts. Crisp pacing, effective visuals and Allan Gray score combine for potent conclusion.

A Tale Of Two Cities (1958) Solidly adapted and produced, story of sacrifice sees dissolute lawyer Dirk Bogarde falls for resolute Dorothy Tutin amidst violence of French Revolution. Unfussy visuals match basic approach, maintaining suitable intimacy without quite piercing emotional heart.

Kate (2021) Relentlessly derivative and violent, clinical assassin Mary Elizabeth Winstead has 24 hours to seek blood-soaked revenge on whoever poisoned her. Neon blasted images provide moments of interest and heroine is compelling, yet action is tiresome and story drained of tension.

Drag Me To Hell (2009) Made with playful verve and a visceral knowingness, insecure bank officer Alison Lohman turns down an old woman's loan and receives titular curse. Stylish shocks accentuate humor, social context and psychological depth jettisoned in favor of stacked thrills.