Films: July 12 - 18

Escape Plan (2013) 

Vengeance Valley (1951) 

October Gale (2014)

Fear (1990) 

The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir (2018)

Dream Horse (2020) 

The Catcher Was A Spy (2018) /// 

Escape Plan (2013) Efficiently tooled thriller places intuitive security expert Sylvester Stallone in high tech prison alongside calculating inmate Arnold Schwarzenegger, while Jim Caviezel rules with sadistic zeal. Action and narrative twists maintain interest, even if investment relies on performers rising above sketchy characters.

Vengeance Valley (1951) Solid production and cast keep unadventurous Western drama humming, as principled, adopted son Burt Lancaster struggles with corrupt brother Robert Walker's ambitions to take over family ranch. Joanne Dru and Sally Forrest provide able support. Shoot out simmers.

October Gale (2014) Character study in loss masquerades as thriller as consumed Patricia Clarkson faces memories of deceased husband in remote lakeside home until bleeding Scott Speedman appears with storm and vengeful Tim Roth closing in. Artfully serious, narrative finally crumbles without tension or resolution.

Fear (1990) Underwhelming blend of psychic mystery and serial killer thriller with jittery Ally Sheedy helping police by telepathically tapping into mind of murderers - until she finds one invading her own thoughts. Story potential undeveloped and flat visuals, though Henry Mancini score provides edge.

The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir (2018) Colourful design and energetic set pieces stand out from fractured, fantastical narrative as playful con artist Dhanush leaves Mumbai for Paris and meets rejuvenated Bérénice Bejo and insecure Erin Moriarty across Europe. Immigrant themes and musical numbers are more potent.

Dream Horse (2020) Both emotionally involving and entirely predictable, story of oppressed Toni Collette persuading neighbors to take chance on fledgling race horse never quite takes creative flight. Thematic restoration of small town Welsh social spirit equally diminished despite spirited performances.

The Catcher Was A Spy (2018) True-life adventure of professional baseball player turned wartime spy benefits from amiable Paul Rudd yet somehow makes fascinating character and tense situations devoid of real jeopardy. Solid cast stranded amid attractive design, without sense of resolution or bracing style.