All the King's Men (2006)

In the 50's, in Louisiana, a smart populist, manipulative and wolf hick is elected governor with the support of the lower social classes and erects his own corrupt regime.

Great direction, visuals and performances add up to a good movie that still can't surpass Robert Rossen's 1949 classic adaptation of the same novel.

On rewatching: still a good movie - that could have been better, but Penn's excessive performance seems true, now that we have a similar person as US president.

Maltin**: "Penn's histrionics never ring true, and his talented costars are wasted in this disappointing production...Zaillian wrote the ineffectual screenplay."

Lonely Hearts (2006)

Two homicide detectives track  a murderous pair known as the "Lonely Hearts Killers" who lured their victims through the personals.

True crime story gets a slight neo-noir treatment in this well-made, but not quite exciting movie, though Salma Hayek surprises in a very unusual role; a far cry from The Honeymoon Killers, which is based on the same story.

Maltin**: "Uninspired treatment of acutely unpleasant material..."

Welcome to the Rileys (2010)

 

 

On a business trip to New Orleans, a damaged man seeks salvation by caring for a wayward young woman. 

 

Offbeat little indie drama with a far-fetched and not always convincing story, but the cast makes it work finely.

 

Maltin***: "Low-key drama may be a stretch if one takes it literally, but it works as a metaphor about people who need to reconnect with life. It's also a fine showcase for its three leading actors." 

Fallen (1998)

A homicide detective witnesses the execution of serial killer, but soon after the execution the killings start again in the style of the executed murderer.

A great cast of stars and good production value can't help to make the story less silly.

Halliwell (no star): "A supernatural thriller that offers little in the way of frisson: the Devil may have the best tunes, but he still has the worst films."

Maltin**: "Hybrid of supernatural and cop-thriller genre doesn't pay off, despite creepy atmosphere and solid performances. It takes much too long to get where it's going, and the finale subverts the film's own "ground rules.""