Friday, November 10, 2017
First Lines: Earl Derr Biggers - The House Without a Key
Miss Minerva Winterslip was a Bostonian in good standing, and long past the romantic age.
Welcome to the Rileys (2010)
On a business trip to New Orleans, a damaged man seeks salvation by caring for a wayward young woman.
Offbeat little indie drama with a far-fetched and not always convincing story, but the cast makes it work finely.
Thursday, November 9, 2017
Lone Survivor (2013)
A Navy SEALS team is set out on a mission to capture or kill a notorious Taliban leader, but are left to fight for their lives in one of the most valiant efforts of modern warfare.
Warfare drama very successfully tries to recreate the actual feelings an reactions the team are confronted with in a hopeless ambush with emphasis on the personal interactions and omitting any political depth.
Maltin***: "...film manages to convey not only the brutality but the intense loyalty and feeling of brotherhood that exists among the SEALs."
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
First Lines: Richard Connell - The Most Dangerous Game
"Off there to the right - somewhere - is a large island," said Whitney. "It's rather a mystery -"
Rebecca (1940)
A self-conscious bride is tormented by the memory of her husband's dead first wife.
Perfect Hitchcock adaptation of a Gothic melodrama-mystery has excellent settings and atmosphere, a great cast and lots of memorable scenes.
Halliwell****: "The supreme Hollywood entertainment package, set in Monte Carlo and Cornwall, with generous helpings of romance, comedy, suspense, melodrama and mystery, all indulged in by strongly-drawn characters, and directed by the English wizard from a book which sold millions of copies. It really couldn't miss, and it didn't."
Maltin****: "...sumptuous David O. Selznick production...Stunning performances by Fontaine and Anderson..."
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Monday, November 6, 2017
First Lines: John Buchan - The Three Hostages
That evening, I remember, as I came up through the Mill Meadow, I was feeling peculiarly happy and contented.
