Iceman (1984)
Candy Cane Lane (2023)
Venom (2018)
Retribution (2023)
The Dark Half (1993)
Maximum Overdrive (1986)
The Tall Target (1951)
Snowpiercer (2013)
An American Werewolf In London (1981) ///
Iceman (1984) Cleanly spun, always intriguing tale posits scientific team discovering prehistoric John Lone frozen in the ice and miraculously resuscitating him. Intelligently structured, strong cast elucidate debate over science examination against human understanding with satisfying drama.
Candy Cane Lane (2023) For a time, flashy laughs and energetic confusion of genres and story strands remains appealingly off-kilter, with fired exec Eddie Murphy suffering devious elf's 12 days of Christmas curse. Eventually, lack of cohesion and extended runtime proves wearisome.
Venom (2018) Despite Tom Hardy's manic efforts, his broken journalist's physical infiltration and transformation by alien species turns into chaotic, tonally confusing narrative, where technical skills only point up lack of dramatic tension. Sparks of comic character schizophrenia and Michelle Williams' conviction are minor diversions.
Retribution (2023) Neglectful family man and financial advisor Liam Neeson is forced to follow anonymous orders while on school run after threat to detonate bomb strapped beneath driver's seat. Efficiently handled chase around Berlin, without engaging beyond glossy, surface visuals and characters.
The Dark Half (1993) As much consideration of creative process as supernatural horror, writer Timothy Hutton decides to get rid of his commercial alter-ego, until fictional pen-name becomes violent reality. Cold visuals conjure enjoyably nasty atmosphere, aided by superior cast and bloody drama.
Maximum Overdrive (1986) Comet passing over earth triggers machinery to develop violent, sentient motives, with ex-con Emilio Estevez and drifter Laura Harrington among group surrounded by trucks at remote gas station. Fun concept undone by unconvincing development and bland style.
The Tall Target (1951) Atmospheric, vigorously staged thriller binds noir-tinged visuals to tightly constructed plot, as intuitive Dick Powell suspects Abraham Lincoln assassination plot on train to Washington inauguration. Themes of slavery and impending Civil War provide depth as companion Ruby Dee confronts ingenuous Paula Raymond.
Snowpiercer (2013) After climate engineering provokes global arctic apocalypse, remnants of humanity are socially separated on always moving train, until Chris Evans leads revolution of abused from rear carriages. Bold design and violent action create darkly humorous momentum fused, satisfying both thematically and dramatically.
An American Werewolf In London (1981) Winning combination of knowing humor and bloody horror as cynical tourists David Naughton and Griffin Dunne encounter mythical beast on Yorkshire moors. Bone crunching SFX complement visceral approach while supportive nurse Jenny Agutter provides emotional honesty, while credits even celebrate Royal Wedding.
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