Thief (1981)

Coming closer to his dream of leading a normal life, a professional safecracker agrees to do a job for the Mafia, who has other plans for him.

From memory: Michael Mann's debut already shows his unnerving preference for style over substance, but it's nevertheless an above-average drama, and James Caan makes it worthwhile to watch.

Halliwell (no star): "And at far too great a length, with the additional problem that few people are really interested. A slick but empty melodrama."

Maltin***: "Arresting drama...inventively realized by writer-director Mann (in his feature debut). Caan is excellent as the man with one drive: survival."

Swing Vote (2008)

In a remarkable turn-of-events, the result of the presidential election comes down to one man's vote.

Surprisingly entertaining and humorous satire with a good cast, and Madeline Carroll is the true star of the movie.

Maltin***: "Sharp, funny, relevant comedy...Genuinely Capraesque movie has a terrific cast that makes the most of the screenplay..."

Stagecoach (1986)

A group of people traveling on a stagecoach find their journey complicated by the threat of Geronimo and learn something about each other in the process.

Competent and loyal TV remake of the Western classic from 1939 is well-intentioned, but adds nothing to justify why it was done.