Films: July 8 - 14

A Little Princess (1995) 
Trigger Warning (2024) 
Botany Bay (1952) 
Broken Arrow (1950) 
The Battle At Apache Pass (1952) 
Murder Mystery 2 (2023) 
Horrible Bosses (2011) 
Horrible Bosses 2 (20 ///

A Little Princess (1995) Gorgeously conceived design and Patrick Doyle's sublime score elevate and support emotional tale that celebrates the imagination, as generous young Liesel Matthews is made servant at strict Eleanor Bron's boarding school. Pitched with consummate mix of comic and life-affirming drama.

Trigger Warning (2024) Muscular style concentrates on stripped down characters and blunt action as taciturn, brutal military operative Jessica Alba returns home to avenge father's death and clean up corrupt community. Dramatically anemic results resemble low budget 1970s genre effort.

Botany Bay (1952) Colorfully produced adventure sees unjustly prosecuted medical student Alan Ladd confronting sadistic captain James Mason on convict ship to Australia while sparring amorously with fellow prisoner Patricia Medina. Engaging studio-bound drama lacks romantic sweep.

Broken Arrow (1950) Learning human side of Apache enemy, retired army captain James Stewart strives to make peace with leader Jeff Chandler and finds love with Debra Paget. Robust staging highlights both politics and action, while committed leads provide intensity for final tragedy.

The Battle At Apache Pass (1952) Resilient Apache chief Jeff Chandler contends with government duplicity and tribal conflict while attempting to keep peace with cavalry captain John Lund. Stolidly staged on expansive locations, uncomplicated narrative and characters benefit from brisk running time.

Murder Mystery 2 (2023) Glossy locations provide static backgrounds for sequel that replicates sporadic comic appeal as now failed private detectives Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler return to Europe as body count builds. Colorless staging and lack of tension makes it instantly forgettable. 

Horrible Bosses (2011) Genial cast manages to sell broad, coarse  humor with generally amenable results as put upon friends Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudekis plan murder with suitably chaotic results. Unaffected style keeps steady pace and allows predatory Jennifer Aniston to shine.

Horrible Bosses 2 (2014) Diminishing returns for sequel that apes original tone while marooning Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudekis as putative entrepreneurs planning kidnap to save business. Conceited Chris Pine adds spark and a few set pieces win, while comedy skews cruder.