The Flash (2023)
Radioflash (2019)
13 Minutes (2021)
Twilight (1998)
Romero (1989)
Salvador (1984)
Sound Of Freedom (2023)
How I Live Now (2013) ///
The Flash (2023) Smartly paced humor and appealing performances from Ezra Miller's fumbling hero(es), Michael Keaton's weary Batman and Sasha Calle's spirited Supergirl atone for jumbled plotting and variable VFX. Multi-dimensional, nostalgic inserts tend to divert impact rather than elevate story or character.
Radioflash (2019) Intriguingly established and visually assured, tension of urban technology breakdown dissipates to rural survivalist thriller as resourceful Brighton Sharbino struggles to reach cranky grandfather Will Patton. Tone frustratingly muddled, narrative flounders to soft resolve.
13 Minutes (2021) Various melodramatic strands rather schematically encompass contemporary social concerns, including immigration and abortion, before tornado wipes away community. Without stylistic identity, events feel stitched together before jitterily effective storm and wasteland aftermath.
Twilight (1998) Formidable cast enlivens languid neo-noir as weary Paul Newman investigates blackmail and murder involving faded actors Susan Sarandon and Gene Hackman and ex-cop James Garner. Echoes of past provide thematic strength, though plotting remains distracted and thrills sparse.
Romero (1989) Plainly styled, effectively blunt true-life social and political awakening of El Salvador archbishop, facing up to government pressure and military violence. Raul Julia builds quiet intensity in finding strength to protest, even if character and story development remains rigidly on a minor note.
Salvador (1984) Compelling confusion of moods sends erratic photojournalist James Woods and unstable DJ Jim Belushi to turbulent El Salvador where US support fuels brutal oppression. Jittery immediacy spins ragged personal horrors and political rage with corrosive set pieces ripped from conflict.
Sound Of Freedom (2023) Slick, anonymously produced thriller layers glossy sheen to uncomfortable subject of child sex trafficking as committed Jim Caviezel resigns US agency to bust gangs and save stolen girl in Colombian jungle. Efficiently involving, dramatically awkward package.
How I Live Now (2013) Grounded with intense detail that weaves teen freedom with grim aftermath of terrorist nuclear attack, unsettled Saoirse Ronan sees love and family with British cousins torn apart by vicious warfare. Potent performances and technical effectiveness lacks satisfying resolution.
