Films: May 3 - 9

Gorky Park (1983)

52 Pick-Up (1986) 

8 Million Ways To Die (1986) 

The Conjuring The Devil Made Me Do It (2022) 

Still Of The Night (1982) 

The Art Of The Steal (2013) 

The Revenant (2015)

Somebody I Used To Know (2023) ///

Gorky Park (1983) Gripping, Moscow-set detective thriller creates suitably gritty atmosphere in which to play out whirlpool of political and personal intrigue, as bitter William Hurt's murder investigation leads to frustrated romance with caustic Joanna Pacula. Persuasive detail aids taut pacing.

52 Pick-Up (1986)  Grungy, seedy blackmail and revenge melodrama piles on brutality as narrative twists Roy Scheider into clutches of depraved John Glover whose threat to expose affair soon spirals into murder. Wickedly exploitative and enjoyable, blunt staging and visuals maintain dark rhythm.

8 Million Ways To Die (1986) Unstable ex-cop Jeff Bridges collapses into noirish, alcohol descent before seeking redemption with revenge on snarling Andy Garcia and saving damaged Rosanna Arquette. Patchy action relies on character detail and sympathetic performances to maintain intensity.

The Conjuring The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) Polished visuals and atmospheric scares provide for paranormal investigators Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson's pursuit of transferred, demonic possession. Careful detail is persuasive, true story narrative line more confused as faltering tone loses grip.

Still Of The Night (1982) Narrative and visuals precisely honed to conjure cold Hitchcockian stylings without own distinctive identity and suspense as psychiatrist Roy Scheider deciphers murdered client's dreams to find if Meryl Streep is a killer. Intriguing rather than compelling.

The Art Of The Steal (2013) Appealing cast battle often frantic visuals and twisting narrative to maintain laughs if not tension, as aggrieved Kurt Russell reunites with swerving brother Matt Dillon for final, big heist at Niagara Falls border. Minor pleasures promote interest.

The Revenant (2015) Framed and executed with immersive, hyper-realism, burying audience along with Leonardo DiCaprio in desperate wilderness, traditional revenge drama unfolds. Brutality and beauty co-exist with startling clarity, a blistering, hollow sense of shared endurance.

Somebody I Used To Know (2023) Less a deconstruction, more a fuzzy reframing of romantic comedy situations and themes as consumed Alison Brie returns to her hometown and meets with old boyfriend Jay Ellis, just a few days before his wedding. Muted laughs and faltering emotions with appealing cast.