Rawhide (1951)
Mean Girls (2004)
Players (2024)
China (1943)
Lucky Jordan (1942)
Your Place Or Mine (2023)
Madame Web (2024) ///
Rawhide (1951) Crisply paced Western drama, tightly staged at titular stagecoach station where escaped four convicts keep reluctant Tyrone Power and spirited Susan Hayward (with young child in tow) captive until gold shipment rolls in. Well-drawn characters add to mounting tension.
Mean Girls (2004) Previously home-schooled, unaffected Lindsay Lohan is thrown into clique-driven world of high school, and seduced by social dominion of Rachel McAdams' 'Plastics'. Energetic cast and fluid pacing provide comic spark as story winds to predictably positive conclusion.
Players (2024) Unconvincing hook features close group of New Yorkers who execute elaborate 'plays' to achieve bar pickups, until sports journalist leader Gina Rodriguez decides to grow up and ensnare serious Tom Ellis. Friendship sparks fun dynamics and customary romantic realization with Damon Wayans Jr.
China (1943) Impressively and epically staged opening of city under attack, sets brutal, expansive approach for China-set war drama as profiteer Alan Ladd is persuaded by teacher Loretta Young to save her female students and make stand against Japanese invaders. Violent action contrasts with melodramatic redemption.
Lucky Jordan (1942) After confident titular gangster Alan Ladd can't avoid the draft, he goes AWOL and thrown between spies, assassins, secret military papers and disapproving WAC Helen Walker. Without quite the needed snap and energy, solid cast battles to sustain action and humor.
Your Place Or Mine (2023) Sturdy enough production leans on stars to breathe life into standard formula, with close friends safe Reese Witherspoon and uncommitted Ashton Kutcher swapping homes on opposite coasts. Life lessons and revealed love not told with enough comic zest or romantic sweep.
Madame Web (2024) Individual frames show colorful, technical polish, yet rarely connect to create a persuasive sequence let alone an involving narrative. After loner Dakota Johnson discovers clairvoyant ability, she must protect three teens destined for super-powers. Confused, ragged and confoundingly bland.
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