Carrie (1976)

 

Missing (1982)

 

When an idealistic American writer disappears during the Chilean coup d'état in September 1973, his wife and father try to find him.

From memory: Costa-Gavras, loyal to his devotion of making politically relevant and explosive thrillers, successfully aims to a larger audience with this more mainstream film two competent Hollywood stars; Jack Lemmon is especially good in performing a transition from a 'normal' average guy to becoming a engaged political activist.

Halliwell*: "A further link in the chain of political thrillers from this director; well-wrought and compulsive but finally disappointing in its mixture of fact and fiction." 

Maltin***1/2: "A carefully manipulated drama that works, because of Costa-Gavra's convincing direction and Lemmon's emphatic performance..."

 

 

Coal Miner's Daughter (1980)

Biographical story of Loretta Lynn,, a legendary country singer that came from poverty to worldwide fame.

From memory: Excellent musical biography with a superb Sissy Spacek plus a equally good cast especially gives an accurate picture of the Kentucky boondocks.

Halliwell***: "'With-it' version of the old show business story: gradual success, stardom, nervous breakdown, reconciliation. Based on the life of Loretta Lynn, but mainly notable for its depiction of backwoods Kentucky."

Maltin***1/2: "...among the best musical bios ever made, though final quarter does slideover some "down side" details. Spacek won well-deserved Oascar..., but Jones, D'Angelo, and Helm (drummer for The Band) are just as good."

The Straight Story (1999)

An old man makes a long journey by lawn-mover tractor to mend his relationship with an ill brother.

Another surprising masterpiece by David Lynch, unusual in its simplicity and obvious celebration of Americana, although there are still tinges of his typical images and soundscapes; this time around its and uplifting and touching story, and Richard Farnsworth's performance in itself is worth the watch.

Halliwell***: "A gentle, folksy road movie that takes its time but establishes a mood of quiet enjoyment of simple pleasures, mixed with a little regret for some past events; Farnsworth epitomises a man who knows his own worth and that of the others he meets on his journey."

Maltin***1/2: "Wonderful, deceptively simple slice of Americana...Its measured pace and episodic quality may not appeal to everyone, but its charm and belief in the basic decency of people make it very special indeed. Farnsworth shines in the leading role. Director Lynch's most benign film."

Deadfall (2012)

 

 

Two siblings decide to fend for themselves in the wake of a botched casino heist. 

 

Well-cast and suspenseful thriller marred by a quite unlikely plot. 

Maltin**: "Unpleasant characters propel this well-plotted but extremely violent crime thriller."

3 Women (1977)

The Help (2011)

An aspiring author during the civil rights movement of the 1960s decides to write a book detailing the African-American maids' point of view on the white families for which they work, and the hardships they go through on a daily basis.

Clearly anti-racist, but politically a bit naive period piece, which nevertheless satisfies with a brilliant all-female cast, all at the top of their art.

Maltin***: "Evocative portrayal...The white characters' plight almost seems trivial alongside the life-and-death struggles of the servants, but the performances are rich, especailly Davis, who is heartbreakingly real, and Spencer..."