The Devil’s Advocate - 1997 - USA

The Devil’s Advocate - 1997 - 6/10  

 
Young defense attorney in Florida had a knack for getting his clients off.  Even when he knows their guilt.
His courtroom talents and lack of moral compass attracts the eye of a prestigious New York firm.
Wife, mother, G-man, all warn him that his boss, John Milton, is shady, if not sinister.
While this seems like another yarn of evil corrupting innocence, the acolyte is already a compromised soul.
A layered film, with references to “Paradise Lost”, “Faust”, and Dante’s “Inferno”.  (Commentary track)
Al Pacino effective as the malevolent influence, yet he cannot quell his inner ham.
Following earlier woodenish roles, Keanu Reeves is solid in this.
Film something of a guilty pleasure and over-the-top twaddle.

Wall Street - 1987 - USA

Wall Street - 1987 - 7/10

 
Young stockbroker at a middling firm gets a chance to “bag the elephant”.
Meaning a legendary tycoon, the swaggering, unscrupulous Gordon Gekko.
Problem is, the young guy works for a reliable outfit and is taught to be honest.
Gekko is anything but, and the film is one of moral and ethical corruption.
One might imagine this is a preachy drama, this is not.
This is a financial thriller, and an ideal time capsule of the unruly 1980’s.
News then was awash with corporate raiders, day traders, and firms like Salomon Brothers.
Michael Douglas as Gekko  is a powerhouse.

Never Cry Wolf - 1983 - USA

Never Cry Wolf - 1983 - 6/10

 
Government biologist is assigned to tundra wilderness to study caribou.
In essence, what is thinning the caribou herds?  Wolves?
Charles Martin Smith plays the researcher who, ostensibly, goes “native”.
No bonding with any wolves, but becoming tolerated by the pack.
Low-key film feels like a documentary, which is not a bad thing.
As expected, the visuals are sweeping, and this benefits from an evocative Mark Isham score.
“Message” is buried in the film, a sly touch.

Windy Riley Goes Hollywood - 1931 - USA

Windy Riley Goes Hollywood - 1931 - 5/10

 
Based on a comic strip, brief adventures of an ineffectual blowhard.
He somehow winds up in Hollywood as an under-assistant, screwing up everything.
Unfunny comedy, tedious script, obnoxious leading man.
Why watch?  Fatty Arbuckel directs, following his blacklisting.
Louise Brooks in her first talkie after returning from Europe.
Tempting for fans of either actor, but still a poor film.

Till The Stars Come Down - 2024 - UK

Till The Stars Come Down - 2024 - 7/10  

 
Sylvia prepares to get married, sisters Hazel and Maggie assist.
Plain spoken girl-talk, barbarous with one-liners and harsh observations.
Auntie Carol arrives, a whirlwind on heels, and the tone sharpens.
Family history is spoken and concealed, sharks in the waters, if you like.
Sylvia is marrying Marek, a Polish immigrant who has succeeded, whereas most of the family are failures.
As ever with weddings, there will be a ceremony, there will be a reception, and there will be alcohol.
Live theatre, and this is a roller-coaster of emotional traumas.
Better if you could be there, yet the rewind might be useful as the dialogue is brittle and staccato.

English subs = https://subscene.cam/subtitle/3349455

The Boys In The Band - 1970 - USA

The Boys In The Band - 1970 - 6/10

 
Manhattan, Michael is having a birthday party for Harold, and various friends.
The party is male, the men mostly professional, all gay, although some closeted.
Compress time, and the jeers and taunts emerge, turning uglier.).
I first saw this in the 70’s, and I found it melodramatic and slow.
Nevertheless, it was edgy, since most gays were still in the closet at that time.
Now, the theatrical roots are evident, and the pace is downright ponderous.
Good for studying the acting, but not light entertainment, nor a date film (which is what I was on in ’76 when I first watched this).