Saturday, January 13, 2018
Lonely Hearts (2006)
Two homicide detectives track a murderous pair known as the "Lonely Hearts Killers" who lured their victims through the personals.
True crime story gets a slight neo-noir treatment in this well-made, but not quite exciting movie, though Salma Hayek surprises in a very unusual role; a far cry from The Honeymoon Killers, which is based on the same story.
Maltin**: "Uninspired treatment of acutely unpleasant material..."
First Lines: Michael Innes - From London Far
Meredith, had he ever discussed the affair afterwards, would have cited it as a singular instance of the operation of mere chance.
Stand by Me (1986)
After the death of a friend, a writer recounts a boyhood journey to find the body of a missing boy.
Pleasantly nostalgic boys' coming of age story finely recreates 50s rural atmosphere; the boys' performances are sensationally realistic and credible.
Halliwell*: "Less macabre than its source may suggest, the film is mostly concerned with the friendships and tensions within the group; nostalgia for50s childhood is nicely conveyed."
Maltin***: "Affectionate Americana...Irresistible and wholly believable performances from all four youthful leads. Only complaint: the high volume of four-letter words, decidedly not characteristic of the 1950s."
The Polar Express (2004)
On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, while learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas.
Likeable, but quite harmless Christmas entertainment for children; the animation technique is acquired taste, though.
Maltin**1/2: "...retains a feeling of wonder..."Performance Capture" difital animation renders all the characters unreal - the kids look like they're wearing dentures - but aside from enabling Tom Hanks to play five roles it doesn't seem to have been worth all the bother. Still an entertaining-enough adventure for children."
Friday, January 12, 2018
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
The Girl on the Train (2016)
A divorcee becomes entangled in a missing persons investigation that promises to send shockwaves throughout her life.
Well-made psychological thriller has a complex plot, but manages to convey it slowly adding its puzzle parts to the picture.
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
The Company You Keep (2012)
A former Weather Underground activist goes on the run from a journalist who has discovered his identity.
Subdued and pleasantly melancholic political thriller with a good ensemble works more with atmosphere than suspense.
Maltin**1/2: "Impressive cast can't breathe fire into this story despite its promising ingredients."
