The Circle - 2023 - UK

The Circle - 2023 - 6/10

 
After thirty years away, Lady Catherine returns to the family she abandoned for a lover.
She was ostracized, her lover, whom most predicted to be the next Prime Minister, saw his career ruined.
Lady Catherine returns to see her son, her ex-husband, and her daughter-in-law, dallying with a tennis player.
On surface, a morality play, this is funny and the plot twists and coils endlessly.
While you can predict how scenes will transpire, they follow their own logic.
Seldom performed Somerset Maugham play benefits from excellent cast and clockwork pacing.
Drawback:  the miking is poor.  Even at deafening volume, some actors are inaudible.

The Night Has Eyes - 1942 - UK

The Night Has Eyes - 1942 - 6/10

 
Doris and Marian head for a refreshing holiday on the moors.
After all, that was where their friend, and fellow teacher, Evelyn, disappeared!
Reaching their destination, they encounter howling gales and treacherous bogs.
Luckily, they find shelter at a gloomy house owned by a brooding gentleman.
All the elements for an excellent rainy night film.
The look is Noir and high Gothic.  There are mysteries and murders.
Above, the protective housekeeper, troubled male, imperiled heroine.

The Bullet Vanishes - 2012 - Hong Kong

The Bullet Vanishes - 2012 - 6/10
AKA - Xiao shi de zi dan // 消失的子弹

 
Recently transferred investigative detective aligns with a local cop and his partner.
A series of odd deaths plagues a munitions factory, and workers say it is a curse.
Their methods mix cerebral and gunplay, each man respecting the others abilities.
Mystery angles and deductions will please classic fans.
1900 era Shanghai street scenes are heavily populated and bustling.
Nicholas Tse and Ching Wan Lau have an understated rapport.

Any Number Can Win - 1963 - France

Any Number Can Win - 1963 - 6/10
AKA - Mélodie en Sous-sol

 
Charles returns home from five years in the slammer, his second stint now.
His wife wants him to settle down, move to the southern coast.
Only no, he’s had five years to work out the big heist – the last score!
Charles has the smarts, but he’s old and needs a young partner.
One who turns out to be a little too full of himself.
Outstanding caper film, methodical, assured, expertly shot.
The pairing of Jean Gabin and Alain Delon is classic.

Jon Richardson: Old Man Live - 2018 - UK

Jon Richardson: Old Man Live - 2018 - 6/10

 
Player on the standup circuit and popular guest on telly quiz shows.
Richardson shares his new marital experiences, his thoughts on encounters, personal phobias, likes, dislikes, aiming for what most can relate to.
He overshares his adventures navigating the perineum.  Perhaps I’m squeamish.
Still, he seems to go over well with a lubricated Blackpool audience.
From the couch, he went over fair.

Black Widow - 1987 - USA

Black Widow - 1987 - 6/10

 
A Federal agent pursues a secretive husband killer.
Both “sense” each other as adversaries, yet seem to form an uneasy bond nevertheless.
While they may not genuinely like each other, they share a rapport, and an element of respect.
Efficient thriller benefits from keen performances by Debra Winger and Theresa Russell.
Well shot, composed, good time killer.

The Grave - 2019 - Israel

The Grave - 2019 - 6/10
AKA - Graven

 
After an earthquake, three graves are revealed in an Israeli wildlife refuge.
Police arrive.  Medical exam provides the DNA.  DNA identical to three living individuals.
Investigations around three “survivors” yield more puzzles than solutions.
Promising SciFi is underwritten, and suffers a rushed conclusion.
Dual police work is the most entertaining aspect.
Concepts of slipstream and parallel universes poorly elaborated.
Alright attempt, should have been better.

Mystery Of The Wax Museum - 1933 - USA

Mystery Of The Wax Museum - 1933 - 6/10

 
So, you know and I know the mystery of how those wax figures are so lifelike.
Prime source material.
Pre-Code gem is packed with naughties.  From drug use to explicit innuendo,
Fay Wray doing floor exercises, leg splits and cycling.  When her boyfriend calls,  “Oh, I was just thinking about you.”
Best friend, Florence (tough talking Glenda Farrell) has bristling dialogue.
Early, and last, two-color Technicolor is the print to see, particularly the 2020 restoration.

Sleeping With The Enemy - 1991 - USA

Sleeping With The Enemy - 1991 - 6/10

 
Laura and Martin are the unhappily married couple.
Why?  Because he is a domineering control freak.  Possessive, jealous,
So how come she never saw that coming?  Most know the seeds are always there.
Did he have a head accident?  No.  Is she half-blind and dimwitted?  Hmm.
Terror / thriller vehicle goes full throttle into Melodrama, with looney plot twists.
A hit with audiences (go figure), and boosted sales for Berlioz.
I kid you not.  During its run, I worked at a record store where every week assertive females came in, dragging their subdued or bashful boyfriends, and requested Berlioz.
Symphonie Fantastique, in case you were wondering.

Jalouse - 2017 - France

Jalouse - 2017 - 6/10

 
Teacher Nathalie grows more toxic each passing day.
Her daughter, a slim ballet student, she envies, along with her own students.
Those possessing their youth and a future.
Her ex-husband has found a new partner.
Even toward her best friend, she makes snide comments.
The title and synopsis indicate jealously, yet it runs deeper.  Perhaps a mental illness.
An actual cause or explanation proves elusive, and the film frustrates.

Lisbon - 1956 - Portugal

Lisbon - 1956 - 6/10

 
Skipper John Evans is hired by Aristides Mavros.
Evans is a smuggler, Mavros is a cultured Greek criminal, highly connected.
Third part of the triangle is Sylvia Merrill, wife of a kidnapped millionaire.
She desperately wants her husband returned, though she stands to be wealthy if he dies.
Low-key adventure, bolstered with witty dialogue and beautiful Lisbon scenery.
Filmed in Trucolor, using Naturama lenses, this Republic movie (one of their last) still looks great.
Claude Rains perfect as the dapper mastermind.
Directed and produced by Ray Milland, who also plays the skipper, desired by two females.
I found that difficult to accept, but the scenery, Noir twists, and Nelson Riddle score made this enjoyable.

Girls Can’t Surf - 2020 - Australia

Girls Can’t Surf - 2020 - 6/10

 
Documentary charts the rise of women’s professional surfing from the 1980’s onward.
Several females profiled, interviewed, along with some footage.
For a surf documentary, however, this is light on “surf porn”.
Instead, finding sponsors, fighting to get acceptance, the quest for pay,
Financial disparity between the sexes is referenced often.
Reading between the lines, for a multi-billion dollar sport, sponsors seem to reap the benefits.
Paychecks shown simply are not that great.
One year, for example, the champion’s trophy came with zero prize money.
Pioneers blazed the path, watched wistfully as the third generation reaped financial windfalls.