Films: April 5 - 11

Nothing But The Truth (2008) 

Rampage (2018) 

Run Silent, Run Deep (1958)

The Awakening (2011) 

Burn Your Maps (2016) 

After Dark, My Sweet (1990)

Son Of Paleface (1952) ///

Nothing But The Truth (2008) After reporter Kate Beckinsale scoops national security revelations and blows cover of CIA Operative Vera Farmiga, both lives spin out of control. Intelligent, lucid debate on legal and personal principles, as well as gripping drama illuminated by powerful leads and involving support.

Rampage (2018) Genetic experiment contaminates area near sensitive primatologist Dwayne Johnson's animal compound resulting in mutating, angry and giant ape, wolf and raptor who trample and chomp through Chicago. Technical ease and efficient action create breezy, disposable viewing, even if extended end runs of fumes.

Run Silent, Run Deep (1958) Gritty claustrophobia of wartime submarine plays on tension between Burt Lancaster and Clark Gable, who is obsessed with revenge on Japanese destroyer that sunk his previous command. Suffocating tension in enemy waters resolves themes of respect and redemption.

The Awakening (2011) Textured design and eerie atmospherics conjure suitably unnerving situation as cynical ghost-debunker Rebecca Hall is asked to investigate sightings at remote boarding school. Personal loss and hauntings reverberate from post-World War I setting. Resolution never quite delivers on thematic or dramatic promise.

Burn Your Maps (2016) Straining to make quirky setup of young Jacob Tremblay's conviction he's a Mongolian goat herder into linchpin for grieving family resolution, character focus remains fuzzy. Hurting Vera Farmiga provides pierced, messy soul amid creaking narrative strictures.

After Dark, My Sweet (1990) Off-kilter characters and story dynamics, suffused through arid visuals, sees unbalanced ex-boxer Jason Patric taken in by damaged Rachel Ward and dragged into kidnapping plot by abusive Bruce Dern. Terse, tense, pervading sense of doom relieved only by the salvation of sacrifice.

Son Of Paleface (1952) Riotous sequel ropes in Federal Agent Roy Rogers and Trigger to join mayhem caused by fumbling Bob Hope heading West to claim inheritance and getting mixed up with bandit and saloon singer Jane Russell. Piles on verbal and physical gags with anarchic energy.

Best Of British (81 - 85)

This Happy Breed (1944)

I Know Where I'm Going! (1945)

Trio (1950)

Jack Of All Trades (1936)

The Chiltern Hundreds (1949) ///

This Happy Breed (1944) Captivating domestic epic spanning 20 years in the lives of a London family between world wars. Deft mix of comedy and tragedy is moving, performers uniformly persuasive and subtle Technicolor luminescence. Both detail and spectacle perfectly pitched, as well as proof that Britain runs on tea.

I Know Where I'm Going! (1945) There's a genuine rush embodied by Wendy Hiller's independent heroine who collides with the poetry of Scottish legend in bursts of humour, emotion and music. Told with expressive visuals, packed with memorable characters, an enduring fable.

Trio (1950) Somerset Maugham stories provide unassuming portraits of characters facing turning points in their lives. Detail and subtlety deliver the most compelling strengths and gleaming visuals are evocative, yet individual moments remain more persuasive than the whole.

Jack Of All Trades (1936) Creaky theatrics see confident Jack Hulbert convince banking world his shoe factory plans are revolutionary, pausing only for song and dance with Gina Malo. Fitful comedy sketches bubble until last reel explodes into frantic slapstick as Europeans attempt sabotage.

The Chiltern Hundreds (1949) Breezy, amusing swipe at the tradition and prejudice of British politics and class that meanders through David Tomlinson's accidental attempt to become MP in opposition to butler Cecil Parker. A.E. Matthews' blustering, rabbit-shooting earl steals every scene.