Films: January 22 - 28

Stagecoach (1939) 
No Highway In The Sky (1951) 
This Above All (1942) 
Le Salaire de la peur (The Wages Of Fear) (1953) 
Wild Things (1998) 
Quick Change (1990) 
I Give It A Year (2013) ///

Stagecoach (1939) Charismatic, revenge-minded John Wayne joins disparaged Claire Trevor and diverse travelers on hostile trail, all with urgent motives to risk Apache territory. Despite some clunky exposition, evocative visuals and spirited action combine with fine cast for exciting, and dramatically charged adventure.

No Highway In The Sky (1951) Solidly cast, quietly suspenseful drama centres on sympathetic, eccentric mathematician James Stewart, convinced metal fatigue in plane tail will cause catastrophe. Careful, controlled characterization enhances support from Marlene Dietrich and Glynis Johns.

This Above All (1942) Richly designed visuals embrace love story between principled Joan Fontaine and damaged Tyrone Power, drawing on themes of class and duty in face of war's violent scars. Often schematic propaganda doesn't diminish appeal of leads and stirringly ambivalent resolutions.

Le Salaire de la peur (The Wages Of Fear) (1953) Parched, desperate Central American village provides background for four losers to seek financial salvation by driving trucks packed with insecure explosives across untamed land. Expertly tuned, sweaty suspense cranked up to bitter end.

Wild Things (1998) Enjoyably twisted and lurid, deceitful storyline makes potent use of manipulative quartet Neve Campbell, Denise Richards, Matt Dillon and Kevin Bacon waging charged power struggles amid Florida wealth. Devilish, unrepentant revelations continue through end credits.

Quick Change (1990) Spirited performances match story twists as Bill Murray, Geena Davis and Randy Quaid successfully rob New York bank but are unable to escape city. Plain telling allows situations to build comic momentum without personality or style to elevate overall material.

I Give It A Year (2013) Game cast enlivens slim characters as whirlwind marriage for polished Rose Byrne and casual Rafe Spall struggles to last first anniversary. Generous Anna Faris and smooth Simon Baker provide amorous distractions. Regular laughs even if emotion remains elusive.