The Big Sick (2017)
Luckiest Girl Alive (2022)
Foul Play (1978)
Shampoo (1975)
The Union (2024)
Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)
Match Point (2005)
21 Jump Street (2012)
22 Jump Street (2014)
Management (2008)
Nikki And Nora Sister Sleuths (2022) ///
The Big Sick (2017) Loose, appealing romantic comedy mines true-life origins and cultural confusions, as aspiring standup Kumail Nanijani realizes he cares for uncomplicated Zoe Kazan when she falls into a coma. Brisk storytelling and sterling support create sympathetic characters, even if end feels rushed.
The Big Sick (2017) Loose, appealing romantic comedy mines true-life origins and cultural confusions, as aspiring standup Kumail Nanijani realizes he cares for uncomplicated Zoe Kazan when she falls into a coma. Brisk storytelling and sterling support create sympathetic characters, even if end feels rushed.
Foul Play (1978) Breezy slapstick and light action keeps plot points spinning, as appealing Goldie Hawn is caught up in Hitchcockian-styled murder conspiracy and mistaken identity climaxing with suitably frantic race against clock. Solidly undemanding with bright score and energetic Dudley More; clumsy detective Chevy Chase more subdued.
Shampoo (1975) Acute satire on late 1960s sexual politics and Los Angeles social vacuum features sharp cast and bright comedy as popular hairdresser Warren Beatty is irresistible to series of women including Goldie Hawn, Lee Grant and lost love Julie Christie. Tragic character resolve provides dramatic heft.
The Union (2024) Flatly staged action comedy imagines titular spy operation comprised of blue collar operatives with bemused Mark Wahlberg whisked from New Jersey to London by old sweetheart and international agent Halle Berry as new recruit. Critical lack of invention and unpersuasive characters undermine involvement.
Peggy Sue Got Married (1986) Attending 25th high school reunion, vulnerable Kathleen Turner returns in time to graduating year at high school, with chance to redefine relationship with future husband, cartoon-like Nicolas Cage. Uneven tones never quite coalesce, despite generously open lead.
Match Point (2005) Sharply devised storytelling and refined visuals capture potent thriller of bitter ex-tennis pro Jonathan Rhys Meyer's infiltration of needy Emily Mortimer's wealthy family and unraveling affair with elusive Scarlett Johansson. Themes of class and morality lead to darkly appropriate finish.
21 Jump Street (2012) With a whipsmart energy as affectionate as it is satiric, improbable, incompetent cop duo Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum are assigned undercover to bust high school drug ring. Raucous humor and spirited, appealing cast complete inventively dumb package. Enormously enjoyable.
22 Jump Street (2014) Essentially repeating first film's formula, double-act of neurotic Jonah Hill and unaffected Channing Tatum amps up the meta inside jokes and creatively coarse stupidity, this time sending the two cops undercover at college. Though it flags, maintains barrage of jokes and visuals peppered with comic detail.
Management (2008) Selling generic art on the road, dissatisfied company exec Jennifer Aniston stays in motel owned by obsessed Steve Zahn's parents, kick-starting oddball relationship of loneliness and self-awareness. While still conforming to genre, leads provide persuasive appeal.
Nikki And Nora Sister Sleuths (2022) Flailing actress Hunter King and rising lawyer Rhiannon Fish are estranged sisters brought together by mysterious inheritance of detective agency and murder of legal firm's boss. Soft dramatic arcs and investigation works best when bickering duo are center.
