Films: October 27 - November 2

The Rocketeer (1991)

The End Of The Affair (1999)

Notre-Dame brûle (Notre-Dame On Fire) (2022)

The Fog (1981)

Truth (2015)

Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1956)

Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1978) ///

The Rocketeer (1991) Evocative design conjures enticing comic book visuals of 1930s Hollywood while agreeable charm permeates Bill Campbell's discovery of jet pack and battle with Timothy Dalton's Nazi sympathizer. Yet execution lacks energy and wit, despite alluring Jennifer Connelly and sparkling James Horner score.

The End Of The Affair (1999) Soaked in the dread of finality, visually and psychologically, fragmented memories of Julianne Moore and Ralph Fiennes' wartime affair is always intriguing rather than emotionally gripping. Driven performances allied to spiritual release provide an edge.

Notre-Dame brûle (Notre-Dame On Fire) (2022) Meticulous blend of recreation and documentary, an absorbing and finally moving look at efforts to rescue the cathedral from total destruction. Though the personal stories of firefighters tend to the banal, technical skill conjures potent imagery.

The Fog (1981) Sins of the past return to haunt anniversary of a small Californian town in an elegant, highly effective ghost story that crafts sustained suspense. Polished visuals heighten the chills as the dead seek violent retribution and a solid cast are maneuvered into suitably unnerving situations.

Truth (2015) Generally absorbing and thoughtful, if sometimes didactic treatment of politics shaping American news when Robert Redford's famed broadcaster and award-winning producer Cate Blanchett are undone by detail rather than honesty. Grounded leads even if perspective feels forced.

Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1956) Small town California faces hysteria of belief family and friends are being replaced until practical doctor Kevin McCarthy discovers alien invasion. Off-kilter atmosphere adds to unnerving paranoia, bleakly resonant ending undercut by wrapup.

Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1978) Finely crafted adaptation takes pod invasion to urban San Francisco, as health inspectors Donald Sutherland and Brooke Adams flee alien takeover. Visuals and editing keep characters on edge, creeping anxiety and horror maintained until final image.