Films: June 16 - 22

Ladyhawke (1985) 

Huan qian (Breaking And Re-Entering) (2024) 

Round And Round (2023) 

Always Amore (2022) 

Straw (2025) 

Abigail (2024)

Pickup On South Street (1953) 

Call Northside 777 (1948) 

This Is Christmas (2022) 

Boss Level (2020) 

Waitress (2007) ///

Huan qian (Breaking And Re-Entering) (2024) Snappy heist action with accent on comedy and playful narrative flips as confident Chen Bolin, with help of unforgiving old flame Cecilia Choi, needs to plot his gang's return of stolen bank money before theft is noticed. Polished and diverting.

Round And Round (2023) Endearingly off-beat book editor Vic Michaelis finds herself endlessly living out day of family Hanukkah party even as artistic Bryan Greenberg and fellow sci-fi nerds try to help figure her way out. Beyond self-aware references to other time loop films, romantic comedy exudes its own unaffected charm while delivering on laughs and heart.

Always Amore (2022) Harmless romantic drama is underpinned by pervading sense of loss, increasing emotional stakes as stubborn Autumn Reeser faces sincere consultant Tyler Hynes' ideas for failing restaurant and letting go of late husband's culinary legacy. Plainly structured, resolution remains pleasingly effective if entirely predictable.

Straw (2025) Blunt melodrama piles on stress for impoverished, single mother until abuse erupts in violence and accidental bank robbery that rapidly spirals out of control. Solid cast is led by Taraji P. Henson's intense focus and emotional howl, yet social concern and thriller plotting never quite coalesce and late twist confuses.

Abigail (2024) Efficient setup sees uneasy Melissa Barrera and misfit gang paid to kidnap 12-year old Alisha Weir, too late realizing they're now trapped with a vampire. Slathered with a murky tinge and indulged by visceral, bloody explosions of bodies, style maintains momentum without realizing dark humor or violent tension.

Pickup On South Street (1953) Fired with rough-hewn urgency and distinctive urban threat, arrogant pickpocket Richard Widmark finds corrupt opportunity when stealing from wearily resilient Jean Peters, who unknowingly carries secret government microfilm wanted by U.S. and communist agents. Raw telling stirs Cold War politics and personal morals in gritty thriller package.

Call Northside 777 (1948) Flavored with documentary styled directness, Chicago set crime drama details callous news reporter James Stewart's gradual conviction that imprisoned Richard Conte is innocent of murder. Rigorous structure builds trail of corruption with quiet, compelling tension.

This Is Christmas (2022) Wanting to remain optimistic, Alfred Enoch spontaneously breaks silence with fellow commuters to announce Christmas party. Relationship with questioning Kaya Scodelario leads to unremarkable conclusion, yet witty, bittersweet character arcs persuade and emotions resonate.

Boss Level (2020) Pulverized by comically styled, gratuitously realized violence, former soldier Frank Grillo is hunted by crack assassins and reboots to a new morning when he's killed, gradually uncovering loop relates to ex-wife Naomi Watts' experiments for brutal Mel Gibson. Blandly devoid of thrills or laughs.

Waitress (2007) While focus remains with developing empowerment of pie maker Keri Russell as she faces unwanted pregnancy, abusive husband, and new romance with doctor Nathan Fillion, sharply drawn support and small town atmosphere exude embracing charm. Affectionate humor and satisfying, emotive outcome.