Saturday, December 30, 2017
Friday, December 29, 2017
First Lines: Agatha Christie - N or M?
Tommy Beresford removed his overcoat in the hall of the flat.
Twin Peaks (2017)
25 years after Laura Palmer's murder, Special Agent Dale Cooper, who investigated the case, heads out on an odyssey that returns him to the Washington town.
Ingenious continuation of the Twin Peaks surpasses the previous seasons by aesthetic cohesion, plot development and the sheer magic and mystery of its tale, a TV Gesamtkunstwerk. That said, episode 8, "Gotta Light?", is a work of art in itself.
Thursday, December 28, 2017
The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989)
The lives of two struggling musicians, who happen to be brothers, inevitably change when they team up with a beautiful, up-and-coming singer.
Not particularly original and a bit slovenly paced, this movie comes alive by its star cast - Michelle Pfeiffer is especially convincing - and sure-handed direction.
Halliwell*: "Enjoyable excursion into the lower depths of show business."
Maltin**1/2: "Writer Kloves' directing debut is stylish and self-assured, but it skimps on story - and never really fleshes out Jeff Bridges' sullen character. The real-life Bridges brothers are perfectly cast, Pfeiffer is ideal. Her steamy rendition of "Makin' Whoopee" atop piano considered a minor classic."
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
First Lines: Helen MacInnes - Above Suspicion
This June day seemed, to Frances Myles, very much like any other summer day in Oxford.
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Kong: Skull Island (2017)
A team of scientists explore an uncharted island in the Pacific, venturing into the domain of the mighty Kong, and must fight to escape a primal Eden.
Nicely assembled monster movie with a big budget; as so often: the creatures steal the show.
Monday, December 25, 2017
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind.
Great final act to the Planet of the Apes trilogy with the usual excellence in production and effects, this time showing obvious political allusions and an unabashed (and welcome) sympathy for the apes.
