To Have And Have Not (1944)
Temptation (1946)
Modern Romance (1981)
Elvis (2022)
Zwartboek (Black Book) (2006)
The Uninvited (1944)
The Lie (2020) //
To Have And Have Not (1944) Aided by pacy storytelling and tense sequences, weary, calculating fishing captain and smuggler Humphrey Bogart is drawn into aiding French resistance in German allied Martinique. Yet soul remains in chemistry with beguiling, husky Lauren Bacall, firing up a tangible passion amid the guns.
Temptation (1946) Brazen, calculating Merle Oberon ensnares wealthy archaeologist George Brent and escapes disreputable reputation to Egypt, until boredom and affair with Charles Covin turns thoughts to murder. Minor in concept and execution, lead maintains dramatic interest, though thrills are in short supply.
Modern Romance (1981) Often funny tale of neurotic obsession, told with keen eye for absurd and acute detail in relationships, as plot kicks off with self-absorbed film editor Albert Brooks finishing with suffering banker Kathryn Harrold, only to torture himself without her. Wryly, painfully observant as well as skewering pretension of low-budget film.
Elvis (2022) Glitzy biopic zips through Presley's life with dynamic Austin Butler selling musical soul, while technical skill provides energy. Less certain of and socio-political relevance and perspective of Tom Hanks' exploitative Colonel, clouding drama and subduing involvement. Music continues to shine.
Zwartboek (Black Book) (2006) Solid production values and smooth visuals anchor spy infiltration of German command by revenge-minded Carice van Houten, revealing messy politics amid brutality and bravery. Yet despite persuasive lead, action and melodrama lacks intensity, soberly ambivalent rather than inspired.
The Uninvited (1944) Carefully crafted atmosphere makes most of rugged clifftop location and haunted mansion's deep shadows as skeptical Ray Milland and sympathetic Ruth Hussey find new home's spooky presence is linked to young neighbor Gail Russell. As much mystery as nervy ghost story, tends to falter when more lighthearted.
The Lie (2020) As net tightens on estranged parents Mireille Enos and Peter Sarsgaard when they try to hide daughter Joey King's involvement in disappearance of her best friend, widescreen compositions tend to deflate rather than elevate tension. Able cast left stranded by minor dramatics and late twist is unfortunately predictable.
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