Kursk (2018)

The film follows the 2000 K-141 Kursk submarine disaster and the governmental negligence that followed. As the sailors fight for survival, their families desperately battle political obstacles and impossible odds to save them.

Fairly solid dramatization of the actual catastrophe with good production value and a capable cast is more focused on the personal tragedies and less on the political scandal, dubiously omitting Vladimir Putin's role in it completely.

Genius (2016)

A chronicle of Max Perkins's time as the book editor at Scribner and his relationship with Thomas Wolfe.

Muddled attempt of recreating a historical literary episode has some good period detail, but most figures are portrayed unsympathetically (especially Jude Law's Thomas Wolfe) and hardly manages to give an impression what the fuss is all about.

A Christmas Carol (2009)

An animated retelling of Charles Dickens' classic novel about a Victorian-era miser taken on a journey of self-redemption, courtesy of several mysterious Christmas apparitions.

Unnecessary adaptation of the Charles Dickens' classic is very showy with lots of flashy action and visuals, but hardly conveys the heart of the tale.

Maltin**1/2: "...this hybrid of animation and live action serves no apparent purpose except go flying over and around the streets of Victorian London. The story is still effective but it's been told much better before."

Before I Go to Sleep (2014)

A woman wakes up every day, remembering nothing as a result of a traumatic accident in her past, but one day, new terrifying truths emerge that force her to question everyone around her.

Memento-like psychological thriller with no depth, but with a disappointing ending;  Nicole Kidman, however, is very good in the lead role.

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)

A spy organization recruits an unrefined, but promising street kid into the agency's ultra-competitive training program, just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius.

Entertaining homage/parody of the James Bond spy spectacles is very well produced, but definitely a bit too long.

A Single Man (2009)

An English professor, one year after the sudden death of his boyfriend, is unable to cope with his typical days in 1960s Los Angeles.

Intense psychological study, the professor's homsexuality just one aspect of his person, has a timeless quality to it (you hardly notice that it is set in the 60s) and offers Colin Firth one of his best roles.

On rewatching: the story appears a bit silly and maybe it's satirical; visually, the movie is a joy to watch.

Maltin***: "Flawlessly detailed visualization of Christopher Isherwood's landmark novel benefits from a superb performance by Firth, but its resolute restraint also keeps it a bit aloof at times. Impressive directorial debut by fashion designer Ford..."

Devil's Knot (2013)

The savage murders of three young children sparks a controversial trial of three teenagers accused of killing the kids as part of a satanic ritual.

Well produced and well cast true crime story only hints undecidedly at the upsetting aspects of this case and somehow ends in mid-air.

Maltin**1/2: "Straightforward (if arguably unnecessary) dramatization...Witherspoon and Nivola are especially good as the heartbroken mother and aloof stepfather of a young victim. If you've seen the three PARADISE LOST documentaries or WEST OF MEMPHIS this will all be familiar, though it's only the first chapter of the saga. This film ends in 1994 and provides terse postscripts for all that's occurred since then."

Then She Found Me (2007)

A 39-year-old woman's childish husband and school teacher colleague leaves her, but with her biological clock ticking ever more loudly.

A comedy drama that pretty much piles up the problems a single woman can have (which limits the humor), but has its merits with a competent and lively cast.

Maltin***: "There's nary a false move in this smart, funny, timely comedy-drama, a notable feature directorial debut for Hunt..."

A Single Man (2009)

An English professor, one year after the sudden death of his boyfriend, is unable to cope with his typical days in 1960s Los Angeles.

Intense psychological study, the professor's homsexuality just one aspect of his person, has a timeless quality to it (you hardly notice that it is set in the 60s) and offers Colin Firth one of his best roles.

Maltin***: "Flawlessly detailed visualization of Christopher Isherwood's landmark novel benefits from a superb performance by Firth, but its resolute restraint also keeps it a bit aloof at times. Impressive directorial debut by fashion designer Ford..."

 

Dorian Gray (2009)

A corrupt young man somehow keeps his youthful beauty eternally, but a special painting gradually reveals his inner ugliness to all.

Docile adaptation of the Oscar Wilde novel with some emphasis on the goth elements; despite good production value and a worthy cast not particularly stirring.

Maltin**: "Glum, often ghastly rendering of Oscar Wilde's novel...Director Parker did well by Wilde in AN IDEAL HUSBAND, but this adaptation removes all the wit from the source material and substitutes gore and gloom."