Films: June 3 - 9

Operation Fortune Ruse de guerre (2023) 

Holidate (2020) 

To Keep The Light (2016) 

Red Rocket (2021) 

Dangerous Lies (2020) 

To Catch A Killer (2023) 

Double Indemnity (1944)

Vampire Academy (2014) ///

Operation Fortune Ruse de guerre (2023) Solidly scaled spy thriller is ponderously paced, floundering between action / suspense set pieces and self-aware comedy as mercenary unit led by bland Jason Statham is hired by British government to chase mystery AI device. Christopher Benstead's score adds fluid spice.

Holidate (2020) Concept of unattacheds pacting to be platonic couple for each social holiday mines interesting theme and benefits from appealingly hurt Emma Roberts and candid Luke Bracey, while trading in coarse humor and forced situations. Always predictable, tempo keeps feelings bright.

To Keep The Light (2016) Dramatically considered visuals evoke isolation of edgy lighthouse keeper Erica Fae, battling her sanity and prejudice of 19th century society. Arrival of seaswept survivor Antti Reini stirs revelations and her future determination; central character proves persuasively compelling.

Red Rocket (2021) Rich strain of humor mined from desperate characters in desolate situations, as broke adult film performer Simon Rex returns to ex-wife in barren Texas until he sees chance for LA revival by exploiting young Suzanna Son. Little empathy yet realized with poetic grime.

Dangerous Lies (2020) Technically and creatively anonymous, narrative twists leave too many holes without needed momentum to compensate, as dependable carer Camila Mendes inherits Elliott Gould's home and uncovers dark secrets. Mildly intriguing, blandly confusing, instantly forgettable.

To Catch A Killer (2023) Slickly realized thriller sees disturbed cop Shailene Woodley's intuitive talent teamed with hardened FBI Agent Ben Mendelsohn to chase down mass shooter. Austere atmosphere is unrelieved, and character detail remains unpersuasive, before story disintegrates during final act.

Double Indemnity (1944) Seductively realized, darkly ironic tale of noir seduction and murder, as frustrated Barbara Stanwyk ensnares insurance salesman Fred MacMurray to murder husband. Delightfully cynical dialogue and gleaming images see Edward G Robinson pick holes in the deception.

Vampire Academy (2014) Rebellious Zoey Deutch is athletic protector to poised vampire princess Lucy Fry and trying to uncover source of gossip and threats at supernatural school. Convoluted myth-building and simplistic story beats not helped by blunt visuals as intended comedy and thrills fall flat.