Reviews

A man's wife is kidnapped and held for ransom in an isolated desert town. Overly familiar story about an ordinary man pushed to his limits is saved by low-key, realistic performances. Holes in the plot are less numerous than many action-suspense films. (Rating: B+)

Television network executives exploit an emotionally disturbed anchorman to improve ratings. Depressing satire features first rate characters, knife-edge script and fine story. All the cruelty, cynicism and shallowness of the industry captured on a single film. (Rating: A)

A cop investigates the murder of corporate executive in a nightmarish New York of the future. Low production values, holes in the plot are salvaged by sterling performances and plot concepts (global overpopulation and environmental disaster) that remain relevant today. Somewhat similar in feel to the superior "Bladerunner" (1982). (Rating: B+)

A wealthy widow psychologically terrorizes her sons to gain control over their lives. Dark comedy with searing performance by main character, however, supporting roles are reduced to mere props. Viewers who enjoy this film may like "Lion in Winter" (1968). (Rating: A-minus)

In 1799, an eccentric police constable employs scientific methods to investigate apparently supernatural murders. Adaptation of Washington Irving story succeeds with quirky, interesting main character, reasonable script and intense atmosphere to distract from pedestrian plot. (Rating: B+)

An clever but emotionally disturbed man manipulates friends to better his social position. Crafted film works well as murder-mystery and psychological thriller. Characters evolve with increasingly complex plot and spiraling tension. One of the better movies with Best Laid Plans theme. (Rating: A)

A lawyer assists a skeptical police inspector in an investigation to prove his client's innocence. Hackneyed plot and mediocre main character saved (barely) by supporting performances and mildly interesting twists. (Rating: B+)

A murdered man returns to life to avenge his and his wife's death with the help of a supernatural bird. Cinematic style and atmosphere cannot disguise essentially a martial arts flick with television-show plot, script and character development. (Rating: B)

Three student documentary film makers are stalked by unseen assailants when they lose their way in a forest. Very low budget suspense film fails to generate tension due to unsympathetic main characters, paper-thin plot and foul-mouthed script. (Rating: B)

A drifter manipulates two rival gangs in a small town during the Depression. Reasonable remake of Kurosawa's "Yojimbo" and Leone's "A Fist Full of Dollars". Bland main character and moderate supporting performances somewhat salvaged by cinematic style and good pace. (Rating: B+)

A group of soldiers decides to winter in a peaceful valley during the Thirty Years War (1618-48). Well acted, scripted and directed epic drama encapsulates a religious war that devastated and depopulated central Europe. "Cromwell", which concerns the events in England during this time, is also recommended. (Rating: A)

A somewhat naive university student becomes involved with anti-establishment counter-culture in the late 1960's. Episodic, uneven film barely holds together but provides honest performances and impressively detailed look at its subject matter. (Rating: A-minus)

A television cameraman becomes romantically involved with a widow during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Rather ordinary plot and bland acting is merely a vehicle for a look at the 60's anti-war culture. Actual footage from the events gives the film a realistic, documentary feel and impact. Viewers who like this film should also see "Strawberry Statement" (Rating A-minus)

An emotionally backward girl falls for a local gypsy. Coming-of-age film relies on setting (1960s British countryside) and strong character development for charm. Sure direction steers away from sappiness and holds interest despite the thin plot. A fine companion to "Railway Children". (Rating: A-minus)

A computer hacker attempts to destroy a seemingly invincible artificial intelligence that is controlling human life. Potentially intelligent, philosophical plot and some fine supporting acting sunk by comic book script, undeveloped main character and excessive special effects. (Rating: B)

Four bank robbers attempt to recover money from a previous heist. Action film nicely weaves comic moments with violence, plot twists and a brisk pace. Animosity between convincing characters adds to the tension. (Rating: A-minus)

An ambitious young lawyer in an important law firm is mentored by a boss who is more than he appears to be. Devil film invites comparison to the more current "End of Days" but is much better. Well acted and scripted, fewer shocks in favor of more suspense and sinister atmosphere. (Rating: A-minus)

Shipwreck survivors are rescued by an authoritarian ruler of a secret underwater city during the 19th century. Family film features nice underwater photography, enough action and special effects to offset wooden acting and less-than-sublime script. (Rating B+)

A group of desperate chickens on a brutal farm enlist the aid of a visiting rooster to escape. Claymation movie sends up 50's and 60's escape films but has plenty of original material. Clever script and plot, non-stop action and remarkable cinematography. Similar to Toy Story, both adults and kids can enjoy the fun. (Rating: B+)

An unseen psychotic killer stalks the residents of a sorority house. Horror film that rises above most of its brethren has decent script, creepy atmosphere, reasonable acting and some evidence of character development. (Rating: B+)

A mysterious new owner of a Scottish countryside mansion is linked to the disappearance of local people. Erotic horror-comedy that doesn't take itself too seriously. Occasionally dull dialog, lukewarm acting and poor special effects offset by imaginative story elements and cinematic style. (Rating: B+)

A woman is haunted by the spirit of her husband's former lover. Ghost flick with television-quality script, forgettable performances and inexpensive special effects. Major sub plot at the beginning is strangely abandoned part way through the story. (Rating: B)

A group of high school students reflect upon the past year and their future on the last day of school in 1976. Details the activities and interrelationships of several high school cliques. Uneven, with indifferent acting, script. None of the directorial style and sound track integration of American Graffiti. (Rating: B)

An unscrupulous bookseller tracks down three volumes of a Renaissance text that will unleash Satanic power upon the world. Thriller-suspense spends time developing characters, creating atmosphere and building suspense with a nice twist at finish. Unpleasant main character adds credibility. However, too long for its lightweight story. (Rating: A-minus)

An orphan is trained by a resident physician as he grows to adulthood in an orphanage during the 1940's. Drama with fine supporting cast, decent script but indifferent main character and plot. Nice story all-to-frequently descends into preachyness and sentimentality. (Rating: A-minus)