Dracula (1992)

 

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.

Mank (2020)

 

1930s Hollywood is reevaluated through the eyes of scathing wit and alcoholic screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz as he races to finish "Citizen Kane."

David Fincher has meticulously assembles a detailed, multilayered, maybe a bit overladen account of 
Mankiewicz' contribution to Citizen Kane, beautifully photographed in black-and-white, full of witty dialogue, enhanced by great performances, but probably can only only appreciated with some knowledge of Hollywood history - repeated viewing.

The Book of Eli (2010)

A lone man fights his way across America in order to protect a sacred book that holds the secrets to saving humankind.

Stylish and entertaining post-apocalyptic drama plays out like a spaghetti Western with Washington as the taciturn hero and Oldman as the sophisticated villain; big let-down when it's revealed what the "sacred book" is...

Maltin**1/2: "Washington does his best Clint Eastwood in this violent but entertaining postapocalyptic tale...Taking the "end of days" genre and wrapping it in the guise of a Sergio Leone spaghetti Western, the Hughes brothers create a lurid guilty pleasure, with a "message" thrown in for good measure."

Darkest Hour (2017)

In May 1940, the fate of Western Europe hangs on British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Adolf Hitler, or fight on knowing that it could mean a humiliating defeat for Britain and its empire.

Excellently staged with good period detail and a great cast (and Gary Oldman giving a stellar performance),  the movie isn't so exacting concerning historical accuracy - and Winston Churchill remains an enigmatic figure.

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."

Tau (2018)

A woman is held captive by a scientist in a futuristic smart house, and hopes to escape by reasoning with the Artificial Intelligence that controls the house.

An interesting premise gets an unimaginative treatment, especially missing in character development, and the discourse with the Artificial Intelligence lacks credibility.

Lost in Space (1998)

The Robinson family was going into space to fight for a chance for humanity. Now they are fighting to live long enough to find a way home.

Pumped-up screen adaptation of a beloved 60s TV series shows off its production value, but offers hardly any excitement and fully misses the original's campy appeal - and its humour.

Halliwell (no star): "Yet another doomed attempt to transfer a creaking 60s TV series to the big screen; its makers might have found a better script than the tired specimen on offer."

Maltin**: "The 1960s TV series is recreated on a lavish scale, but hurt by crudely episodic story, grim tone, and paper-thin characters. Oldman, curiously, underplays the role of Dr. Smith."

Child 44 (2015)

A disgraced member of the Russian military police investigates a series of child murders during the Stalin-era Soviet Union.

An interesting topic is spoilt by an overladen plot with a cop on the run from the government and at the same time investigating a suppressed serial killer murder series, romance and personal intrigues included.

RoboCop (2014)

In 2028 Detroit, when a man - a loving husband, father and good cop - is critically injured in the line of duty, the multinational conglomerate OmniCorp sees their chance for a part-man, part-robot police officer.

Not bad as a well-made sci-fi actioner, but lacking any of the original's biting satire and humor.

Maltin**: "Slick but hollow remake...Brazilian director Padilha's U.S. debut confirms that he can stage action scenes, but someone should have improved the superficial and humorless screenplay."

The Unborn (2009)

A young woman fights the spirit that is slowly taking possession of her.

Another exorcism horror 'shocker' below par, at times risible and quite forgettable, the ending is quite abrupt without any thrills.

Maltin*1/2: "Steeped in Jewish mysticism, and featuring one of the very few on-screen exorcisms performed by a rabbi (Oldman), writer-director's low-voltage shocker is often inadvertently comical enough to qualify as camp. Even so, some viewers may be seriously offended by this supernatural drama's exploitation of the Holocaust as a plot device."

Lawless (2012)

In Depression-era Franklin County, Virginia, a trio of bootlegging brothers are threatened by a new special deputy and other authorities angling for a cut of their profits.

Intense, well-staged and well-cast crime drama, has atmosphere, but is somewhat slow-paced.

Maltin**: "Vividly atmospheric period piece, filmed in Georgia, has fine actors, flavor to spare, and spurts of extreme violence, but Nick Cave's screenplay leaves some characters undeveloped (like Oldman, who vanishes after two scenes) and others merely improbable (Chastain, as a wordly Chicago woman who seeks refuge - in rural Virginia). Watchable throughout, but bears no scrutiny whatsoever."

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

In the wake of a disaster that changed the world, the growing and genetically evolving apes find themselves at a critical point with the human race.

Accurate continuation of the sage with great set pieces and effects, but the story drags along without suspense till the predictable finale finally gets started.

On second viewing: still agree with my first impression; though quite entertaining after all. 

Paranoia (2013)

An entry-level employee at a powerful corporation finds himself occupying a corner office, but at a dangerous price: he must spy on his boss's old mentor to secure for him a multi-billion dollar advantage.

A vacant pretty boy hardly can compete against the senior stars in this hollow and anaemic thriller; the makers certainly didn't consult a dictionary when choosing the title.

Maltin**: "Industrial espionage thriller...the chases, twists, and "accidents" are merely about the next big thing in phones. So what?"