Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe? (1978)

 

One by one, the greatest Chefs in Europe are being killed. Each chef murdered in the same manner that their own special dish is prepared in. Food critics and the (many) self-proclaimed greatest Chefs in Europe demand the mystery be solved.

From memory: Fairly humorous, but quite silly crime mystery spoof is basically well-made and entertaining; Robert Morley, though, steals the show.

Halliwell*: "Unusual and lighthearted black comedy against the background of international gastronomy."

Maltin***: "Slick comedy whodunnit...has luscious views of Eurpean scenery and food, plus a magnificently funny role for Morley..." 

 

Uncommon Valor (1983)

Ten years after his son went M.I.A. in Vietnam, a U.S. Marine retired Colonel assembles a private rescue team to find Americans held in P.O.W. camps in Laos.

Run-of-the-mill war action drama wears its patriotism on its sleeve, the star cast do waht they can for the occasion.

Halliwell (no star): "Slam-bang action piece with the customary patriotic and personal sentiment."

Maltin**1/2: "Formula action film...Solid performances make this watchable."

Wake in Fright (1971)

After a bad gambling bet, a schoolteacher is marooned in a town full of crazy, drunk, violent men who threaten to make him just as crazy, drunk, and violent.

Bitter satire of life in Australia's outback is very convincing and realistic, especially considering the 'tragic' ending; well-played and with some good cinematography.

Halliwell*: "A convincingly brutal picture of a community whose interests range from homosexuality to a bloody kangaroo hunt."

Maltin***: "Intriguing film...Unlikely to be endorsed by Australian tourist commission."