Saturday, 26 October 2019
Goin' South (1978)
Due to the lack of men after the Civil War, a small western town allows a bachelorette with ulterior motives to save a horse thief from the gallows by marrying him.
From memory: Imagine Jack Nicholson indulging himself in directing a humorous Western with himself in the lead role and you pretty well know what you're getting; entertaining, but very messy and overlong.
Halliwell (no star): "Curious semi-comic Western which might have made a good two-reeler."
Maltin***: "Amusing Western comedy, not for all tastes...Steenburgen is refreshingly offbeat and Belushi's disappointingly small role is a real hoot."
Friday, 25 October 2019
Still Alice (2014)
A linguistics professor and her family find their bonds tested when she is diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.
Good, but not very thorough look at the descent into Alzheimer's and its impact; great vehicle to showcase Julianne Moore's talent, together with a capable supporting cast.
Shed No Tears (1948)
A wife convinces her husband to fake his death so they can collect on the life insurance.
Above-average noir drama with an especially ruthless femme fatale; lively and entertaining for what its is.
Escape from Alcatraz (1979)
Three daring men make a possible successful attempt at escaping from one of the most infamous prisons in the world.
From memory: Upright, concise and dark reconstruction of a still mysterious escape also gives a realistic portrayal of prison life on the island.
Halliwell*: "A dour, terse, depressing prison movie which makes an uncomfortable star vehicle and not very much of an entertainment, but does preserve a certain integrity right to its ambiguous ending."
Maltin***: "Straightforward, methodical telling of true story...Vivid and credible throughout."
Thursday, 24 October 2019
Auf Einmal (2016)
Karsten apparently has it settled. However, in a provincial German town, a moment of weakness turns to disaster, disappointment soon fuels anger, justice hides behind hypocrisy, and evil gradually unfolds.
Intriguing, Chabrol-like plot is carefully told with good cast and stylish photographed, the ending, however, is slightly dissatisfying.
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