Films: November 4 - 10

Diva (2020)

Timer (2009) 

Remember Sunday (2013) 

Uglies (2024) 

Stuber (2019) 

The Vault (2021) 

Angels And Demons (2009) ///

Diva (2020) Seductive visuals and compelling central performance pulls at psychological and physical scab as obsession and guilt tear at famous diver Shin Min-a after car accident leaves friend and colleague Lee Yoo-young dead. Twisting thrills sometimes blunt tension; intensity retains interest to dark conclusion.

Timer (2009) Loose romantic comedy flavored with sci-fi concept of implant that tells when true love will occur, sees anxious Emma Caulfield and cynical Michelle Borth as sister roommates dealing with romance even as they wait for fate's decision. For the most part deftly told with satisfying conclusion. 

Remember Sunday (2013) Preserving smart balance between playful and mournful romanticism, optimistic waitress Alexis Bledel reluctantly falls for eccentric scientist Zachary Levi, until discovering his short term memory loss means relationship starts again every day. Attractive leads sell sweet emotions.

Uglies (2024) Future world mandate of forced beautification at sixteen unsurprisingly also means bland conformity to authoritarian rule, as eager Joey King discovers dystopian truths. Dramatic potential of social identity amid sci-fi action is undone by clunky exposition and awkward staging. 

Stuber (2019) Placing bruising cop Dave Bautista on trail of killer in anxious Kumail Nanjiani's Uber provides predictably humorous sparks and enjoyably daft running gags. Yet storytelling never quite builds comic or action momentum and shoehorns emotional contrivance rather than enjoying the ride.

The Vault (2021) Enjoyably mounted production lessens impact with unpersuasive characters, as rebellious engineering student Freddie Highmore joins con artist Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey and gang to steal treasure from impregnable Spanish bank. Slick visuals and mechanics of heist maintain passing interest.

Angels And Demons (2009) Race around Vatican City to prevent killings and recover stolen antimatter teams problem-solving professor Tom Hanks with CERN scientist Ayelet Zurer, as overstuffed plot is overcome by kinetic style. Entertaining enough, though little makes sense, and tension is jettisoned along with character logic.