Films: March 31 - April 6

Outside The Wire (2021) 
Potiche (2010) 
Crawl (2019) 
Don't Move (2024)
Bumblebee (2018) 
Smile (2022) 
Margin Call (2011) 
The Good Guy (2009) 
So Proudly We Hail! (1943) ///

Outside The Wire (2021) Efficiently crafted action throws clinical drone operator Damson Idris into war-torn, near-future Ukraine, with regular army deployed beside androids, including next-gen captain Anthony Mackie. Twisting allegiances over old Russian nuclear missiles eventually loses potency, along with any philosophical edge.


Potiche (2010) Social and industrial revolution in the air as quietly emboldened Catherine Deneuve takes control of family umbrella business and reawakens relationship with local politician Gérard Depardieu. Enjoying leisurely pace, broad, embracing comedy is told against colourful, knowing 1970s designed settings by fine cast.


Crawl (2019) Stylish visuals and blistering sound mix highlight self-aware thrills as flesh-chomping gators trap gutsy Kaya Scodelario and her father Barry Pepper in flooded basement. Amping the action with impending Florida hurricane, furious action isn't remotely plausible, but gleefully entertaining.


Don't Move (2024) Suicidal after son's death, grieving Kelsey Asbille is drugged by serial killer Finn Wittrock and must somehow survive in wilderness until her body revives from paralysis. Slick visuals overcome minimal motivation and maintain effective, twisting if transitory suspense.


Bumblebee (2018) Despite requisite visual effects carnage between warring robots and imminent invasion of earth, narrative soul remains developing friendship between hurting teen Hailee Steinfeld and damaged titular VW Beetle. Warm balance of humor and emotion makes astute, nostalgic use of 80s setting.


Smile (2022) After witnessing graphic suicide, therapist Sosie Bacon's life unravels with disturbing visions and revelations of past trauma. Though derivative, an unsettling atmosphere is created by rigorously controlled imagery and precise staging, punctuated by effectively bracing shocks.


Margin Call (2011) Drily compelling drama of Wall Street duplicity at the onset of the 2008 financial crisis, as investment bank makes overnight decision to sell shares and precipitate meltdown. Tension of moral consequences constantly crackles beneath need to maintain power, invigorated by fine cast.


The Good Guy (2009) Seemingly affable Wall Street broker Scott Porter romances reliable conservationist Alexis Bledel and tutors withdrawn new colleague Bryan Greenberg, until his conceited, manipulative character is revealed and inadvertently pushes the two together. Personable cast flounders with lack of dramatic or comic insight.


So Proudly We Hail! (1943) Practical Claudette Colbert, spirited Paulette Goddard and vengeful Veronica Lake are among nurses deployed to wartime Pacific after Pear Harbor. Trading in patriotic sacrifice, story and technical skills powerfully reveal dark defeats and bloody suffering, proving resonant and affecting.


The Bad Lord Bryon / Fine And Dandy (T6)

The Bad Lord Bryon  (1949)  directed by  David Macdonald screenplay  Terence Young , Anthony Thorne , Peter Quennell , Paul Holt , Laurence...