Films: August 16 - 22

Winter Passing (2005)
No Room For The Groom (1952) 
City Island (2009)
Deux jours, une nuit (Two Days, One Night) (2014) 
The Family Fang (2015) 
Lovelace (2013) 
Everybody Wins (1990) //

Winter Passing (2005) Though resolution affords a spring renewal, sacrifice of art through prism of dysfunctional family awkwardly balances loneliness and affection-starved characters with moments of quirky humor. Conflicted Zooey Deschanel and strong cast preserve interest; bleak atmosphere dampens lasting insight.

No Room For The Groom (1952) Perfunctory comedy sees constant Tony Curtis return from military service to find enthusiastic new wife Piper Laurie's extended family has taken over his home. Themes of changing post-war society and lost community values cling to the past; humor remains intermittent. 

City Island (2009) Affectionate mix of light farce and quirky melodrama sees prison guard and aspiring actor Andy Garcia unravel family secrets when he brings home son from long-ago affair. Generously drawn characters allow strong cast to keep story strands cohesive and lively.

Deux jours, une nuit (Two Days, Onep Night) (2014) After small workforce votes for annual bonus at expense of her job, insecure Marion Cottilard has weekend to convince them to change minds. Artfully simple observations on humanity and modern economic pressure compassionately realised; ending both fitting and liberating.

The Family Fang (2015) Art and life blur in dysfunctional haze as flailing actress Nicole Kidman and blocked novelist Jason Bateman return to controlling parents and humiliating conceptual artists Christopher Walken and Maryann Plunkett. Committed performances cloud dour palette and emotional artifice.

Lovelace (2013) While design and spirit tangibly conjure 1970s, and initial comic edge contrasts with sleazy Peter Sarsgaard's cruel manipulation of  Amanda Seyfried's era-defining porn star, approach lacks character and thematic clarity. Committed leads and fine support without final resonance.

Everybody Wins (1990) Curiously uninvolving noir drama, with principled private detective Nick Nolte persuaded by jumpy Debra Winger to prove young convict innocent of murder. Persuasive talent fails to elevate themes of corrupt system legal system and morally bankrupt individuals.