That Thing You Do! (1996)
King Of The Khyber Rifles (1953)
Et Ta Soeur (Half Sister, Full Love) (2015)
The Turning Point (1952)
Sahara (1943)
Sometimes They Come Back (1991)
The Housekeeper's Daughter (1939)
EXmas (2023) ///
That Thing You Do! (1996) Affection for 60s setting as bright and infectious as hit song that propels local Erie band to national stardom for flickering moment. Friendship and romance infuse relationships destined for breakup, soft tension more than compensated by charm of storytelling and performers.
King Of The Khyber Rifles (1953) Widescreen heroics sees daring captain Tyrone Power confront heritage and duty as mixed parentage provokes British prejudice and Indian doubts in battle against merciless Guy Rolfe's rebel tribes. Colorful imperialistic action spurred by Bernard Herrmann score with spirited Terry Moore providing love interest.
Et Ta Soeur (Half Sister, Full Love) (2015) Even when plot mechanics threaten to snap dramatic naturalism, bright, accessible cast manage to sell laughs and character conflict as discouraged Gregoire Ludig is stuck between half-sisters Virginie Efira and Geraldine Nakache in remote coastal home. Grounded visuals give atmosphere edge. [Faithful remake of Your Sister's Sister (2011)]
The Turning Point (1952) Family and friendship dragged into dark city corruption when enthusiastic new prosecutor Edmund O'Brien vows to break up crime syndicate. Cynical reporter William Holden, bright girlfriend Alexis Scott and wily crime boss Ed Begley among solid cast in tautly told, bleakly twisting violence.
Sahara (1943) Intense wartime adventure sees brusque tank commander Humphrey Bogart inadvertently pick up allied soldiers and make last stand against overwhelming German forces. Terrific package of pointed dialog, gritty performances and snappy pace results in punchy action and rousing climax.
Sometimes They Come Back (1991) Unfussy, effectively straightforward Stephen King adaptation sends edgy teacher Tim Matheson to his hometown and confronts childhood horror of brother's death, as the killers return from the grave. Tangible sense of unease even if thrills are minor.
The Housekeeper's Daughter (1939) Spirited comedy sends up newspaper and gangster genres with scattershot success. Appealing cast indulges in energetically convoluted excess as knowing Joan Bennett tries to ditch mob connections until she becomes involved with confused, wealthy John Hubbard and mocking reporter Adolphe Menjou.
EXmas (2023) Despite plot's predictable romantic contrivance, conceit of confident Leighton Meester spending Christmas with absorbed ex Robbie Amell's family is elevated by easy charm and wounding meanness of central couple. Dysfunctional support helps punch home laughs and energy, even if ending fizzles.
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