Films: September 19 - 25

Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) 
Mortal Passions (1990)

Ten North Frederick (1958) 

The Covenant (2023)

Archive (2020) 

Nadine (1987) 

Moss Rose (1947) ///

Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) No doubting immaculate technical skill of glossily conceived visuals, and carnage of monster destruction remains mindlessly watchable, yet flimsy plot mechanics and human characters remain instantly forgettable. A touch of wit and awareness would help anonymous storytelling.

Mortal Passions (1990) Depressed Zach Galligan spends his days renovating family home, forcing wife Krista Errickson to work in sleazy bar and plan murder. Oddly stilted, low budget mirrors lack of creativity, with bored psychoanalyst David Warner equally confused by tired plot twists.

Ten North Frederick (1958) Polished production gives Cinemascope sheen to intimate drama of frustrated professional ambition and fractured family as Gary Cooper finds last emotional release with Suzy Parker affair. Finely textured lead, though bittersweet narrative feels undernourished.

The Covenant (2023) Gritty war tale benefits enormously from developed relationship between blunt American sergeant Jake Gyllenhaal and Afghan translator Dar Salim. Spare survival thriller deals with broken national promises, until thematic intrigue turns to bruising, over-blown action.

Archive (2020) Consumed with gleaming, clinical images, diverting setup sees Theo James in remote Japanese base developing future gen robotics with intention to reimagine wife Stacy Martin. Emotional echoes maintain interest though final outcome obscures thematic resonance rather than enhances.

Nadine (1987) Slight, 1950s-set comedy with occasional thriller shadings is carried by fine leads and easy atmosphere, as Kim Basinger's hopeful Austin hairdresser and amiable errant husband Jeff Bridges are on the run from police and Rip Torn's criminal real estate developer. Never builds needed momentum.

Moss Rose (1947) Class identity and blackmail infuse Gothic-tinged Victorian-set murder mystery, yet unravel with confused telling and awkward performances as chorus girl Peggy Cummins infiltrates Victor Mature's elevated world. Sly detective Vincent Price spars with matriarch Ethel Barrymore.