Films: November 20 - 26

Casablanca (1942) 
Yigongsamchil (2037) (2022) 
The Eiger Sanction (1975) 
A Woman's Vengeance (1948) 
Wonder Woman (2017) 
Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) 
Aquaman (2018)
Black Adam (2022)
Shazam! Fury Of The Gods (2023) ///

Casablanca (1942) With dominant themes of sacrifice and identity, gorgeously rendered production accentuates intimacy and intensity of character, as damaged Ingrid Bergman walks into cynical Humphrey Bogart's club and reignites their love. Fueled by tight, witty script and populated with sharp, lost characters, a wartime resonance becomes gleaming entertainment.

Yigongsamchil (2037) (2022) Spirited Kim Ji-Young cares for deaf mother and maintains work and studies, until murder of rapist sends her to prison. Gradual relationship with disparate, damaged fellow inmates is manipulative yet undeniably effective, told with assured visuals, and a bittersweet resolution.

The Eiger Sanction (1975) Strikingly framed climbing sequences, both in arid desert and freezing ice, pack vertiginous punch and tension. as art professor and retired assassin Clint Eastwood seeks revenge and profit. Rooted in 70s attitude, characters and plot make little sense, though action games maintain energy.

A Woman's Vengeance (1948) Ponderous opening develops into enjoyably low-key drama with strong performances as philandering Charles Boyer's life disintegrates when he's accused of murdering neurotic wife. With innocent mistress Ann Blyth and scorned neighbor Jessica Tandy caught between, only Cedric Hardwicke doubtful of his guilt.

Wonder Woman (2017) Vigorous superhero tilt, with receptive Gal Gadot propelled into raw cruelty and generosity of human reality when engaging Chris Pine brings World War I violence to Amazonian haven. Well-judged balance of tones promotes character and humor amid customary colorful excess of VFX action.

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) Minor pleasures from 80s setting, buoyant score and vibrant, technical polish yet convoluted plotting and uneven characters flatten interest as concept of wishes coming true causes global chaos. Missing true sweep, Gal Gadot's lead flounders and spirited Kristen Wiig is unable to ground focus amid bloated action.

Aquaman (2018) Increasingly wild and densely created action sequences are accentuated by bold colors and momentum of flimsy narrative framework that rushes giddily between set pieces as half-Atlantean, half-human Jason Momoa battles evil brother Patrick Wilson and falls for warrior Amber Heard. Breathlessly enjoyable mess.

Black Adam (2022) Initial promise of sharp anti-superhero antidote fumbles with appeal of reawakened Dwayne Johnson learning empathetic reason to defend nation from oppression and defend son's legacy. Individual quirks and humor deflated by pummeling action that struggles to build tension or provide resolution.

Shazam! Fury Of The Gods (2023) Despite over-stuffed narrative and over-extended VFX confrontations, personality of kids transformed into superhero gang retains goofy innocence and manages moments of emotional family resonance. Energetic Zachary Levi maintains humor and charm even as mechanics of battling revived Helen Mirren loses steam.