The Mist (2007)

 

 

A freak storm unleashes a species of bloodthirsty creatures on a small town, where a small band of citizens hole up in a supermarket and fight for their lives. 

A monster movie executed as a psychological drama with a simple message ("We've seen the enemy, and he is us"), but with an extraordinary and downbeat ending.

On rewatching: A great monster movie for our times; the social analysis is even more virulent nowadays. 

Maltin***: "Suspenseful and graced with very good effects, this is a monster movie in the classic mode. It also has some social commentary...Controversial ending is changed from the story." 

 

1922 (2017)

A simple yet proud farmer in the year 1922 conspires to murder his wife for financial gain, convincing his teenage son to assist, but their actions have unintended consequences.

This superb Stephen King adaptation is less a horror story, but rather a period tragedy about guilt, loyalty and human frailty; enhanced by top-notch performances and good atmospheric cinematography.

Standoff (2016)

A troubled veteran gets a chance at redemption by protecting a 12-year-old girl from an assassin after she witnesses a murder.

Fairly professionally made, but not too inspired thriller with a few lengths; wisely, it doesn't outstay its welcome and keeps it short with its 80 minutes length.

Killshot (2008)

A couple, despite being in a witness protection program, are being chased and confronted by the criminals they outed.

Thoroughly clichéd thriller tries hard to be more than it is, exemplified by Mickey Rourke playing a laughably incompetent hitman as a super-cool wiseguy.

Maltin**: "Routine crime thriller...Quintessential B-movie material is drained of action and suspense via pretentious treatment..., although interesting cast keeps it watchable."

Under Suspicion (2000)

 

 

A lawyer is asked to come to the police station to clear up a few loose ends in his witness report of a foul murder.

 

Remake of Garde a vue: a murder mystery staged as a closed-room drama with the two male leads playing at their best, but still can't make the ending more believable - the original managed that much better.

 

On renewed viewing: I still agree with my initial opinion, the performances make it quite watchable.

 

Halliwell (no star): "Disappointing duel between two fine actors, who are not helped by the hyperkinetic style of the director. The result is much less compelling than the French original The Inquisitor/Garde a vue."

 

Maltin**1/2: "Hopkins uses some imaginative techniques, and the two leads are excellent, as usual, but overall it's routine and familiar."