Films: February 22 - 28

Meet Cute (2022) 

Jurassic World Dominion (2022)

The Manor (2021)

Gloria (1980)

Lethal Weapon (1987) 

Algiers (1938) 

Movie, Movie (1978) ///

Meet Cute (2022) Enjoyable playfulness of leads and easy feel becomes rapidly wearying as desperate Kaley Cuoco relentlessly time travels to repeat the same night and win affection of Pete Davidson. Concept strains character rather than illuminates, coasting on amusing segments and lacking resonance to deliver dramatic punch.

Jurassic World Dominion (2022) Luxuriating in visual effects expertise and expansive production values, leaden pace only accentuates reliance on set pieces rather than compelling narrative. Character reunions feel crow-barred into customary escape from unleashed dinosaurs and scientific naivety, without needed sense of awe and invention.

The Manor (2021) Caught between social relevance of care for the elderly (and personal fears of aging) while delivering moody Gothic scares and genre horror of witches' covens, narrative never sets a compelling tone. Barbara Hershey keeps interest bubbling though twists feel subdued.

Gloria (1980) Gritty New York locations provide tense backdrop as unrepentent Gena Rowlands goes on the run with 6-year old when the mob kills his family. Messy melodrama and gangster face offs make for riveting action, plausability on hold through powerhouse and humane star turn. 

Lethal Weapon (1987) Increasingly preposterous action retains fresh energy tinged with dark character edge as suicidal maverick Mel Gibson and weary family man Danny Glover are mismatched cops on trail of mercenaries smuggling drugs. Casual humor adds appeal to kinetic polish.

Algiers (1938) Lively, atmospheric tale set in the shadowy backstreets and shady clubs of the Casbah, where imperious thief Charles Boyer finds his French exile spin out of control when he falls for Parisienne tourist Hedy Lamarr. Minimal exposition and characterization in favor of menacing set pieces. 

Movie, Movie (1978) Love letter to 30s Hollywood sees boxing melodrama and Broadway musical (and wartime aviation preview) told with affection, indulging in gentle parody and energetic wordplay. Attractive design and spirited performers though knowing tone misses on innocent conviction.