The Border (1982)

 

A corrupt border Agent decides to clean up his act when an impoverished woman's baby is put up for sale on the black market.

Adequate thriller is tough and suspenseful exposing police corruption and the downfalls of lower middle-class American life; once again, Jack Nicholson delivers a strong performance.

Halliwell (no star): "A rather solemn elaboration on a well-worn theme,with nothing very memorable except its excesses." 

Maltin**1/2: "Cast and story-line beg for Sam Peckinpah in his prime; mildly interesting, but never really takes off."

Slaughterhouse-Five (1972)

 

 

A man tells his story of how he became unstuck in time and abducted by aliens.

 

An unusual, but effective adaptation of a complex novel, at heart an anti-war movie, but wandering through various time zones (including a world beyond the realm of earth), sometimes a bit bewildering.

Halliwell*: "Interesting but infuriating anti-war fantasy for intellectuals."

Maltin***: "Sometimes draggy,sometimes on-target, sprawling view of life...Big-budget adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut's bizarre fantasy novel is hard going for those unfamiliar with author's point of view, , gains through repeat viewings."