Films: February 17 - 23

Bbaengban (Hit-And-Run Squad) (2019) 
Passengers (2016) 
Man Of The West (1958) 
Deadline At Dawn (1946) 
Seungriho (Space Sweepers) (2021) 
Rebel Ridge (2024) 
I.S.S. (2023) 
Wynonna Earp Vengeance (2024) 
A Quiet Place Day One (2024) 

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes (2011) ///

Bbaengban (Hit-And-Run Squad) (2019) Screeching cars dominate tale of corruption as displeased officer Gong Hyo-jin is demoted to traffic work with instinctive Ryu Jun-yeol. Lengthy run time features glossy action and surface melodrama over character, though cruel villain Jo Jung-suk entertainingly chews scenery.

Passengers (2016) After meteor storm-caused malfunction awakes Chris Pratt from spacecraft hibernation ninety years early, provocative setup sees him revive fellow traveler Jennifer Lawrence out of suicidal loneliness. Solid design yet dramatic potential undermined by third act visual effects action heroics and unconvincing character resolve.

Man Of The West (1958) Attempting newly principled life, conflicted Gary Cooper is dragged back to violence of sadistic Lee J Cobb's gang, trapped in claustrophobic cabin before resolution in deserted town scorched with lost ghosts. Austere visuals accentuate tense, oppressive atmosphere, while cynical saloon singer Julie London finds future hope.

Deadline At Dawn (1946) Devilish noir setup finds sailor Bill Williams prime suspect for murder, relying on disillusioned dancer Susan Hayward and principled cabbie Paul Lukas to prove innocence before early bus. Studio atmosphere and sharp characters, yet narrative grip and pacing fails to build tension.

Seungriho (Space Sweepers) (2021) Expansive effects and fluidly staged action spice unremarkable narrative that sees scrappy crew of outsiders inadvertently rescue young android who holds key to future. Once rhythm is established, appealing, diverse characters provide solid humor and emotional connection.

Rebel Ridge (2024) Outsider in rural Southern town, and deliberate pace to unfolding prejudice and corruption that forces ex-Marine Aaron Pierre to fight back, conjures curious genre throwback. Solid support cast and muscular exposition heightens threat without quite delivering thrills.

I.S.S. (2023) Establishing familiar atmosphere in confines of orbiting space station, war on earth provokes progressively violent schism between US and Russians battling for control. Character definition and claustrophobic setting remain stilted rather than dynamic, stifling logic and thrills.

Wynonna Earp Vengeance (2024) Reunion from TV series sends snarky gunslinger Melanie Scrofano back home to battle supernatural threat and reconcile with sister and friends. Though takes time to find rhythm, engaging cast and stark locations remain diverting elements in vigorous narrative.

A Quiet Place Day One (2024) Keeping focus tight on struggles of terminally ill Lupita Nyong'o, her miraculously survivalist cat and unnerved Joseph Quinn, alien attack on New York sustains intensity, yet works best dealing with character emotion and final conviction. Feels like a slice of a larger story.

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes (2011) Compelling visual effects enrich central concept of urgent James Franco's quest to develop Alzheimer's cure that inadvertently enhances laboratory apes. Structure doesn't hold surprises, though narrative logic unwinds with purpose and builds to propulsive action.