Lymelife (2008)

A family unit begins to bow under the pressure of a failing marriage.

A subtle slice of suburbian life on the verge of tragedy, well balanced with a superb cast.

On rewatching: Like I said, but maybe a bit pretentious.

Maltin***: "Coming-of age tale set in Long Island in 1979...covers familiar turf with some original touches and winning performaces. Lean, independent film..."

All the Money in the World (2017)

The story of the kidnapping of 16-year-old John Paul Getty III and the desperate attempt by his devoted mother to convince his billionaire grandfather Jean Paul Getty to pay the ransom.

A well-made movie with little suspense, since the actual events are so well-known; Christopher Plummer is excellent as the miserly and heartless billionaire.

Playing God (1997)

Stripped of his medical license after performing an operation while high on amphetamines, a famed LA surgeon abandons his former life only to find himself crossing paths with an infamous counterfeiter.

Despite the star cast and routine production this is a quite unoriginal and weary crime thriller.

Halliwell (no star): "A lugubrious central performance sinks this sluggish, predictable thriller."

Maltin*1/2: "Preposterous story...The improvised medical treatment is so completely laughable, it upstages the absurdity of the story line. Why this movie was made is truly a case for The X-Files."

The Falcon and the Snowman (1985)

The true story of a disillusioned military contractor employee and his drug pusher childhood friend who became walk-in spies for the Soviet Union.

An otherwise interesting story is treated mysteriously indifferent. It's not ever clear what the point's supposed to be.

On renewed viewing: Good performances, well-made, but one still wonders about the protagonists' (and the director's) motivations.

Halliwell (no star): "A true case is made to seem not merely impossible but uninteresting by flaccid cinematic treatment."

Maltin**1/2: "Much food for thought, but we never get to share Hutton's feelings, and that keeps this well-made film somewhat aloof. Standout: Penn's performance as a desperate, amoral, drugged-out kid."

The Good Shepherd (2006)

The tumultuous early history of the Central Intelligence Agency is viewed through the prism of one man's life.

A detailed history lesson exemplified through the biography of a tragic anti-hero.

On second view: subtle and atmospheric, and the cast is impressive.

Maltin***1/2: "Gripping story...De Niro's treatment uses THE GODFATHER as its dramatic template, quite successfully. Damon is excellent and surrounded by well-chosen actors in every part, no matter how small."

Ordinary People (1980)

The accidental death of the older son of an affluent family deeply strains the relationships among the bitter mother, the good-natured father, and the guilt-ridden younger son.

Fine analysis of a family on the verge of catastrophe, subtly and grippingly told with a great ensemble.

Halliwell***: "An actor's piece which on that level succeeds very well, and accurately pins down a certain species of modern American family."

Maltin****: "Superb adaptation...Intelligent, meticulously crafted film, an impressive directorial debut Redford..."