Altered States (1980)

 

A psycho-physiologist experiments with drugs and a sensory-deprivation tank and has visions he believes are genetic memories.

From memory: Audacious sci-fi horror film deliciously goes way over the top with wildly imaginative, bizarre and exciting psychedelic scenes that seem to emulate a hallucinogenic trip; William Hurt's overheated performance fully fits the bill.

Halliwell*: "Amusing elaboration of Jekyll and Hyde, not to mention the Karloff mad doctor second features of the forties. All very po-faced now, and certainly impeccably done."

Maltin**1/2: "Talky and cerebral at first, then turns into a cross between THE WOLF MAN and THE TIME MACHINE, using state-of-the-art special effects. More successful as an assault on the senses than as a film, with thoroughly unappealing protagonists and a ludicrous story resolution. Paddy Chayefsky disowned his adaptation of his novel..." 

Body Heat (1981)

 

In the midst of a searing Florida heat wave, a woman persuades her lover, a small-town lawyer, to murder her rich husband.

From memory: Steamy neo-noir thriller is heavily indebted and is probably meant as homage to Double Indemnity, so the plot itself is quite conventional, but it does convince with some highly energized erotic scenes and a spectacular debut by Kathleen Turner as the femme fatale.

Halliwell**: "Oversexed and superfluous, not to mention uncredited, revamp of Double Indemnity. Some evidence of flair does not relieve that 'I have been here before' feeling."

Maltin***: "Over-derivative of 1940s melodramas at first, then goes off on its own path and scores." 

 

Un divan à New York (1996)

When a successful psychoanalyst in New York City is near a nervous breakdown, he arranges to change his flat with a lady from France for a while.

A very mild (French) romantic comedy wih Juliette Binoche and William Hurt, good for when you have nothing better to do.

Mr. Brooks (2007)

A well-respected businessman is sometimes controlled by his murder and mayhem-loving alter ego.

Satirical in intent, this serial killer tale packs far too many subplots into the mix making it implausible in any direction you choose to understand it: at least, William Hurt is obviously enjoying his part as the cynical alter ego.

Maltin**1/2: "Interesting ingredients, but a lumpy stew; sometimes laughably absurd."

Lost in Space (1998)

The Robinson family was going into space to fight for a chance for humanity. Now they are fighting to live long enough to find a way home.

Pumped-up screen adaptation of a beloved 60s TV series shows off its production value, but offers hardly any excitement and fully misses the original's campy appeal - and its humour.

Halliwell (no star): "Yet another doomed attempt to transfer a creaking 60s TV series to the big screen; its makers might have found a better script than the tired specimen on offer."

Maltin**: "The 1960s TV series is recreated on a lavish scale, but hurt by crudely episodic story, grim tone, and paper-thin characters. Oldman, curiously, underplays the role of Dr. Smith."

The Host (2013)

When an unseen enemy threatens mankind by taking over their bodies and erasing their memories, a young woman will risk everything to protect the people she cares most about, proving that love can conquer all in a dangerous new world.

Despite a star cast and good production value this sci-fi drama risks a silly plot (two souls in one body - and their internal conversations!) and loses; an attempt to recreate Gattaca's atmosphere and quality, but rather appears like an artsy Red Dawn.

Maltin**: "...long, dreary adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's novel. Science fiction has rarely been so dull."

The Challenger (2013)

Richard Feynman participates in the Rogers Commission investigation into the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.

Excellent TV drama manages to hold one's attention while revealing the bureaucratic obstacles that marred the investigation William Hurt is perfectly as Richard Feynman.

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."