Films: October 14 - 20

Civil War (2024) 
Swimming Pool (2002) 
Baramnan Gajok ( A Good Lawyer's Wife) (2003) 
Ready Or Not (202
The Gathering (2001) 
The Meg (2018)
Meg 2 The Trench (202
The Break-Up (2006)
The Thin Man (1934) 
After The Thin Man (1936) 
The Perfect Date (2019) ///

Civil War (2024) Robustly produced vision of contemporary U.S. ripped apart by violent conflict, visceral approach follows hardened photojournalist Kirsten Dunst on road to fall of government with initially ingenuous Cailee Spaney. Powerful, broken episodes of random, prejudiced violence deliver impact though lack political resonance.


Swimming Pool (2002) Escaping to her publisher's French retreat to rediscover creative inspiration, staid crime novelist Charlotte Rampling is disturbed by appearance of his breezy daughter Ludivine Sagnier. Controlled atmosphere and playful score springboard deliciously sensual and artful mystery.


Baramnan Gajok (A Good Lawyer's Wife) (2003) Seriously dysfunctional relationship and serial affairs consume unsatisfied Moon So-ri and her cold husband Hwang Jung-min. Bleak social reflections, abundant sex scenes and bitter, final tragedy remain confronting amid intriguing ideas.


Ready Or Not (2019) Production juggles dark humor and pacey suspense with playful skill, as resourceful bride Samara Wearing is physical prey to privileged family whose devilish deal for continuing fortune depends on hunting her down on wedding night. Blunt social themes still deliver potent punch.


The Gathering (2003) Bewildering 1970s horror vibe hangs over supernatural suspenser that takes on themes of theology and determinism without establishing vital dramatic thread. Just as ancient, buried church is discovered in rural England, amnesiac traveler Christina Ricci suffers visions with limp twists.


The Meg (2018) Technical polish and game cast fail to either elevate genre beats or embrace B-movie excess as giant shark escapes from Pacific depths to wreak havoc and allows taciturn Jason Statham to find redemption. Resolute Li Bingbing provides able support, yet prominent VFX prove only momentarily diverting.


Meg 2 The Trench (2023) Sequel amps up mammoth shark content and throws in various additional creatures, yet loses action and impact amid convoluted sub-plot concerning personal betrayal and corporate greed. Eco-protector Jason Statham fights fish and humans with equal vigor. Everyone stares wide-eyed.


The Break-Up (2006) Effort to portray relationship fracture which descends into desperate hostility, and material need for valued Chicago apartment, never quite balances humorous intent despite efforts of exasperated Jennifer Aniston and self-absorbed Vince Vaughan. Fitfully involving.


The Thin Man (1934) Carefree attraction between heiress Myrna Loy and private eye William Powell proves irresistible combination, playful and sophisticated as they solve crime in between martinis. Case of missing scientist and money less important than brisk staging and crisp laughs.


After The Thin Man (1936) Affectionate spark and winning charm between always inquisitive Myrna Low and casually intuitive William Powell feeds comic confusion of social and family events while solving murder that involves anxious James Stewart. Nimble pace benefits humor and shifting plot line.


The Perfect Date (2019) Raising money for Yale dream, eager Noah Centineo is encouraged by rebellious Laura Marano to sell himself as innocent partner via app. Endearing chemistry of leads overcomes improbability and character flaws, with predictable life-lessons learned for final romantic sweep.


No comments:

Post a Comment

Films: October 28 - November 3

IF (2024)  Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning (2023)  The Deep (1977)  La Piscine (1967)  The Trials of Cate McCall (2013)  The Three M...