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Reviews
American Pastoral (2016)
Terra and Trappings
The dream and goal of a better life turned sour. A desire to rise above that which came before. American Pastoral is well-directed, well-acted and compelling. Some of its potential was diminished by narrative decisions to tame that which the source novel made bold. There is no question, however, of McGregor's talents. Sad realities brought to light. A promising directorial debut.
The Letter (1940)
The Letter Delivers
Unmatched opening scene, save Touch of Evil. Bette Davis taunts and titillates as dangerous and deadly. Worthwhile precursor to the film fatale. Pre-film noir, The Letter helps to shape a cinema genre of crime and craft. Still holds up in the face of the Hayes Code ending.
Iris (2001)
Marvelous Memorium
Superb cast, unprecedented Judi Dench and Jim Broadbrent performances. Haunting storyline. Flowers for Algernon in real life. A great mind eroded by a terrible, debilitating disease. A love story for the ages. The gorgeous existence of Iris Murdock lives inside of Iris.
Everyone Says I Love You (1996)
Musical Modern
Woody Allen takes us back to the true form Broadway musical and adds splashes of droll, post-modern sensibility and humor. A charming film. The balance of characters and their foibles, showtunes and milieu. Existentialist song and dance with a touch of dark romance.
The Scarapist (2015)
A Theological Thriller
Not a traditional film. Groundbreaking in its approaches. A mosaic of moments that make up trauma and suspense. Excellent performances from Jeanne Marie Spicuzza and R. Michael Gull. Harkens German Expressionism and late Italian Neorealism. A combination of silent, noir and art house. Holds attention to the end.
Såsom i en spegel (1961)
Bergman, Glrious Bergman
A sweeping and sorrowful look into mental illness. The poetry of reaching out of isolation. Desolate landscapes offer environmental empathy. Max von Sydow gives one of the greatest performances of his career.
Satan's Cheerleaders (1977)
Beware of Devil Girls Bearing Pom-Poms
One of the great cult movies of the 1970s, Satan's Cheerleaders is the kind of exploitation humor horror that set the stage for Scream and future movies of the genre.
El Norte (1983)
Tender and Masterful
All dreams look different upon waking. El Norte gives us hopeful wishes and heard realities. The story of a brother and sister who long for a better life and find that racism and poverty are challenging breeding grounds.