Un amour impossible (An Impossible Love) (2018)
Striptease (1996)
The Hunger Games (2012)
The Hunger Games Catching Fire (2013)
Control (2004)
The Killing Of A Chinese Bookie (1976)
L'Autre monde (Black Heaven) (2010)
Memory (2022) ///
Un amour impossible (An Impossible Love) (2018) Intensely felt, tenderly told, moving Virginie Efira deals with emotional abuse from absorbed Niels Schneider & messy closeness with daughter. Visually refined, dark elements engulf. Character resolution provide affecting conclusion.
Striptease (1996) Unfocused plot developments and tonal shifts create strange dichotomy between earnest stripper Demi Moore's efforts to get child back and satiric parade of corrupt lowlifes and Burt Reynold's political caricature pursuing her. Fitfully amusing, yet blandly unsexy and sapped of energy.
The Hunger Games (2012) Creation and portrayal of Jennifer Lawrence's bow-wielding warrior, forced into authoritarian survival contest, is a winning blend of athleticism, vulnerability and gritty intelligence. Sci-fi cruelty and social / political themes unforced, jittery visuals more distracting than energizing.
The Hunger Games Catching Fire (2013) Assured visuals and design accentuate narrative's thematic development and growth of Jennifer Lawrence's accidental rebel hero despite vicious manipulation of dystopian leader Donald Sutherland. Expansive feel benefits political and character unrest and intrigue.
Control (2004) Briskly paced thriller with sci-fi shading as damaged Ray Liotta is transformed from cruelly violent to passively sensitive by dedicated Willem Dafoe's experimental drug. Intense leads, including empathetic Michelle Rodriguez, keep interest despite undercooked narrative and undecided visuals.
The Killing Of A Chinese Bookie (1976) Challenging drama of messy relationships and strip club owner Ben Gazarra's sentimental principles, exposed beneath grimy crime framework of paying off gambling debt with mob hit. Alternately infuriating and gripping, disposing of plot with fuzzy visuals and off-kilter voice.
L'Autre monde (Black Heaven) (2010) Sinister mystery of identity in the real world entwines with dark fantasies of artificial game world, as intoxicating Louise Bourgoin leads teen into deadly obsession. Cool visuals and soundscape create initially edgy atmosphere, though narrative strands finally unravel.
Memory (2022) Lumbering Liam Neeson is hitman with increasing signs of dementia who draws the line over cold Monica Bellucci's order to kill child, while confused cop Guy Pearce is on the trail. Solidly produced, bloody narrative limps along standard action lines, with occasional bursts of energy.
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