The Woman in the Window (2021)

 

An agoraphobic woman living alone in New York begins spying on her new neighbors, only to witness a disturbing act of violence. 

Despite all its credentials this well-produced thriller is thoroughly derivative and piles up so many plot options so that any possible twist ending would only disappoint.

Amy Adams

Arrival (2016)

 

When twelve mysterious spacecraft appear around the world, linguistics professor Louise Banks is tasked with interpreting the language of the apparent alien visitors.

Satisfyingly intelligent sci-fi drama with great production and a good cast of characters emphasizes the science aspect (linguistics) and avoids which otherwise would have been another alien invasion and even offers some food for thought. 

On re-watching: fully worth repeated viewing.

Sunshine Cleaning (2008)

In order to raise the tuition to send her young son to private school, a mom starts an unusual business -- a biohazard removal/crime scene clean-up service -- with her unreliable sister.

Fairly entertaining, if not too exciting family comedy-drama solidly directed and especially watchable for the good ensemble of characters.

Maltin***: "Likable comedy-drama...The two stars are perfectly cast and aided by a handpicked ensemble."

Vice (2018)

The story of Dick Cheney, an unassuming bureaucratic Washington insider, who quietly wielded immense power as Vice President to George W. Bush, reshaping the country and the globe in ways that we still feel today.

Political satire focused on a malicious historical politician is foremost successful with the extraordinary performances of its cast and with some biting moments, but generally is not very funny, has a haphazard script and - the reality was much worse than depicted here.

Nocturnal Animals (2016)

An art gallery owner is haunted by her ex-husband's novel, a violent thriller she interprets as a veiled threat and a symbolic revenge tale.

Nocturnal Animals (2016)

A wealthy art gallery owner receives a draft of her ex-husband's new novel, a violent thriller she interprets as a veiled threat and a symbolic revenge tale.

Brilliant direction and cinematography and an excellent cast can't quite conceal the inconsistency of embedding a fictitious thriller within a romantic revenge tale and making it its trigger; the ending therefore is more powerful than the novel and would work even without all the contrivance.

Amy Adams

Bio:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amy_Adams

The Fighter (2010)

Based on the story of Micky Ward, a fledgling boxer who tries to escape the shadow of his more famous but troubled older boxing brother and get his own shot at greatness.

Colourful and lively boxing drama is convincing - and entertaining - due to good ensemble performance.

Maltin***: "Flavorful potrait...this film has atmosphere to burn and showy performances - where did they find those women who play Micky's sisters - thought it peters out a bit in the final act."

Justice League (2017)

Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy.

Above-average superhero tohobohu entertains with good special effects, lots of action and, especially, a healthy amount of humour.

Man of Steel (2013)

Clark Kent, one of the last of an extinguished race disguised as an unremarkable human, is forced to reveal his identity when Earth is invaded by an army of survivors who threaten to bring the planet to the brink of destruction.

Good variation of the Superman saga thrills with great production and effects and a nicely assembled cast; alas, the final duel gives the term 'collateral damage' a whole new dimension.

Maltin**1/2: "...never quite soars, despite a promising start...the second half of the movie, a nonstop demolition derby that resembles a loud, raucous TRANSFORMERS movie and leaves its characters on the back burner. A good cast, led by the finely chiseled Cavill, can only do so much with this material."

Arrival (2016)

When twelve mysterious spacecraft appear around the world, linguistics professor Louise Banks is tasked with interpreting the language of the apparent alien visitors.

Satisfyingly intelligent sci-fi drama with great production and a good cast of characters emphasizes the science aspect (linguistics) and avoids which otherwise would have been another alien invasion and even offers some food for thought. 

Big Eyes (2014)

A drama about the awakening of the painter Margaret Keane, her phenomenal success in the 1950s, and the subsequent legal difficulties she had with her husband, who claimed credit for her works in the 1960s.

Adequately straightforward handling of an unusual and upsetting true story of artistic betrayal with a splendid cast.

Julie & Julia (2009)

Julia Child's story of her start in the cooking profession is intertwined with blogger Julie Powell's 2002 challenge to cook all the recipes in Child's first book.

Likable lightweight and mildy humorous account of the two protagonists' stories; Meryl Streep is, like ever, marvelous.

Maltin***: "Streep is a marvel to behold as the fabled chef (with Tucci a perfect partner as her loving husband), and Adams is well cast as her modern-day disciple. What might have been a great film goes on too long and doesn't provide a satisfying finale."