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January 2022

It Conquered the World (1956)
Watched: 01/01/22     Provider: Fawesome Sci-Fi
10-word summary:  Scientist falls prey to clever scheming of an evil extraterrestrial.
6-word review:  Terrific, of genre, with humanitarian message.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Peter Graves, Beverly Garland

The Lost Daughter (2021)
Watched: 01/02/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Vacationing professor, watching young mother, recalls relationship with own daughters.
6-word review:  Beautifully filmed, deliberately paced, excellently acted.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Maggie Gyllenhaal's directorial debut, starring Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Dakota Johnson

The Courier (2020)
Watched: 01/02/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  British spy and Russian diplomat smuggle documents—preventing nuclear war.
6-word review:  Cold War thriller with good performances.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel Brosnahan, Jessie Buckley

Fantasia (1940)
Watched: 01/03/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Disney's collection of animated interpretations of well-known classical music pieces.
6-word review: Tedious. Probably better if you're stoned.
Rating: ★★½

Swing (1999)
Watched: 01/03/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Ex-con puts together misfit Liverpool swing band to unexpected success.
6-word review:  Upbeat story with great musical thread.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Hugo Speer, Lisa Stansfield

Northern Soul (2014)
Watched: 01/04/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Deejay introduces friend to music that took Britain by storm.
6-word review:  Energetic music and good alienated-youth story.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Josh Whitehouse, Elliot James Langridge

A Night To Remember (1958)
Watched: 01/04/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  British docudrama of Titanic retold through facts and personal stories.
6-word review:  Powerful, detailed account of tragic event.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Starring Kenneth More

Bird of Paradise (1932)
Watched: 01/04/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Sailor loves island princess who must be sacrificed to volcano.
6-word review:  Melodramatic pre-code tale of mixing cultures.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Delores del Rio, Joel McCrea

The Incredible Journey (1963)
Watched: 01/05/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Family's pets journey home after being left with irresponsible friend.
6-word review:  Sometimes harrowing, colorful scenery, happy ending.
Rating: ★★
Note:  Remade in 1993 as Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

Johnny Come Lately (1943)
Watched: 01/05/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Underdogs fight small-town corruption with the help of floundering newspaper.
6-word review:  Charming turn-of-the-century story, great supporting cast.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring James Cagney, Marjorie Main, Hattie McDaniel

One of My Wives Is Missing (1976)
Watched: 01/05/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Man's missing wife returns home; he claims she's an imposter.
6-word review:  Overly clever plot, entertaining but convoluted.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  TV movie, starring Jack Klugman, James Franciscus

Stranger than Paradise (1984)
Watched: 01/06/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Slacker initially resents Hungarian cousin's intrusion into his stagnant life.
6-word review:  Quirky, deadpan excellence. Deserving cult status.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Starring John Lurie, Eszter Balint

Where the Boys Are (1960)
Watched: 01/06/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Four college girls' spring break not all fun and sun.
6-word review:  Dated coming-of-age story. Great theme song.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Dolores Hart, Yvette Mimieux, Paula Prentiss, Connie Francis

Saint Jack (1979)
Watched: 01/06/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Conscientious ambitious American pimp in Singapore makes hard moral decisions.
6-word review:  Amiable performance by Gazzara maintains movie.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Ben Gazzara, directed by and costarring Peter Bogdonavich who died today

The Defiant Ones (1958)
Watched: 01/07/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Convicts chained together—one black, one white—run from authorities.
6-word review:  Powerful message of mutually learned respect.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Starring Tony Curtis, Sidney Poitier (who died yesterday), Cara Williams

Change of Habit (1969)
Watched: 01/08/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Undercover nuns staff ghetto clinic; must decide—Elvis or Jesus?
6-word review:  Unlikely screen couple, entertaining but unrealistic.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Elvis Presley, Mary Tyler Moore

The Hurricane (1937)
Watched: 01/08/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Polynesian unjustly imprisoned, sadistic governor refuses leniency, hurricane destroys island.
6-word review:  Good story with amazing special effects.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Jon Hall, Dorothy Lamour

The Beach Girls and the Monster (1965)
Watched: 01/08/22     Provider: Continuum
10-word summary:  Lizard sea monster is killing surfer teens for unknown reasons.
6-word review:  So bad it's good; laughable monster.
Rating: ★★
Note:  Starring and directed by Jon Hall

Cat-Women of the Moon (1953)
Watched: 01/08/22     Provider: Continuum
10-word summary:  Astronauts travel to moon, find inhabited by telepathic cat women.
6-word review:  A potent, feminist-themed actioner; routinely acted.
Rating: ★★
Note:  Starring Marie Windsor

Peyton Place (1957)
Watched: 01/09/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Peaceful facade hides small town's passion, scandals, gossip, and hypocrisy.
6-word review:  Unforgettable soap opera film; all-star cast.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Lana Turner, many others

Marty (1955)
Watched: 01/10/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Lonely heavy-set butcher romances shy school teacher; family, friends disapprove.
6-word review:  Strong performances in nice low-key film.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Starring Ernest Borgnine, Betsy Blair

The Night of the Hunter (1955)
Watched: 01/10/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Charlatan preacher kills wife, pursues runaway children for hidden money.
6-word review:  Mitchum menacing villain in taut thriller.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters

Magnificent Obsession (1954)
Watched: 01/11/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Reckless playboy becomes neurosurgeon to cure woman's blindness he caused.
6-word review:  Over-the-top melodramatic romance; fun to watch.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Jane Wyman, Rock Hudson

Curse of the Faceless Man (1958)
Watched: 01/11/22     Provider: Fawesome Sci-Fi
10-word summary:  Newly discovered mummified gladiator awakens, kidnaps reincarnation of 2000-year-old love.
6-word review:  Preposterous story, dull stretches, certain poignancy.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Richard Anderson

Blackmail (1947)
Watched: 01/12/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Hollywood executive hires fast-talking PI to investigate murderous blackmail plot.
6-word review:  Glib dialogue highlights a complicated storyline.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring William Marshall, Ricardo Cortez

The Guilt Trip (2012)
Watched: 01/12/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  A mother and son's cross-country road trip of realization, reconnecting.
6-word review:  Streisand's charisma elevates otherwise routine script.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Barbra Streisand, Seth Rogen

Complete Strangers (2020)
Watched: 01/13/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Recovering alcoholic falls for ardent admirer; weekend getaway turns sinister.
6-word review:  Builds slowly to ironic twist ending.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Pau Masó, Matthew Crawley

Surveillance (2008)
Watched: 01/14/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  FBI agents help local police investigate string of grisly murders.
6-word review:  Slow-moving, disturbing, and dark; unlikable characters.
Rating: ★½
Note:  Starring Bill Pullman, Julia Ormond

I Married a Monster from Outer Space (1958)
Watched: 01/14/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Aliens replace men, marry Earth women, to save dying race.
6-word review:  Fun movie with good special effects.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Tom Tryon, Gloria Talbott

Cattle Queen of Montana (1954)
Watched: 01/14/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Starting a cattle ranch, woman faces danger at every turn.
6-word review:  Dynamic Stanwyck, wooden Reagan, clichéd oater.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Barbara Stanwyck, Ronald Reagan

Night Hunter (2018)
Watched: 01/15/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Police and vigilante involved in finding psycho serial woman killer.
6-word review:  Attractive cast wasted in incoherent plot.
Rating: ★½
Note:  Starring Henry Cavill, Alexandra Daddario

Cadillac Records (2008)
Watched: 01/16/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Chess Records story, making crossover stars of 1950s black artists.
6-word review:  Interesting, well-acted film with great music.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright, Beyoncé

All That Heaven Allows (1955)
Watched: 01/16/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Well-to-do widow falls for younger man; family and friends disapprove.
6-word review:  Weepy romance of following one's heart.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Jane Wyman, Rock Hudson

Paper Moon (1973)
Watched: 01/16/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  1930s smooth talker and possible daughter cross Kansas conning folks.
6-word review:  Delightful characters in road-trip classic film.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Starring Ryan O'Neal, Tatum O'Neal

For Pete's Sake (1974)
Watched: 01/17/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Brooklyn housewife schemes to finance cab-driving husband's landscape architecture education.
6-word review:  Amusing screwball comedy; entire cast great.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Barbra Streisand, Michael Sarrazin

Jail Bait (1954)
Watched: 01/17/22     Provider: Continuum
10-word summary:  Murderer forces plastic surgeon to give him a new face.
6-word review:  Dreadful acting highlight of clever low-budgeter.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Lyle Talbot, Dolores Fuller, cult classic from bizarre filmmaker Ed Wood Jr.

All This, and Heaven Too (1940)
Watched: 01/17/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Duchess wrongfully assumes Duke and governess' affair; murder causes scandal.
6-word review:  Davis dutiful, Boyer boring, O'Neil overwrought.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Bette ("Dutiful") Davis, Charles ("Boring") Boyer, Barbara ("Overwrought") O'Neil

Prime Cut (1972)
Watched: 01/18/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Chicago mob enforcer settles dispute with Kansas City slaughterhouse owner.
6-word review:  Slow first half, then big shootout.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Lee Marvin, Gene Hackman, Sissy Spacek

My Man Godfrey (1936)
Watched: 01/19/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Down-on-his-luck, incognito-high-society man buttles for spoiled, inane family; daughter's enamored.
6-word review:  Wonderful comedy. Classic of screwball genre.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Carole Lombard, William Powell

Ladies of the Chorus (1948)
Watched: 01/19/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Wealthy society man falls for burlesque queen; fears family's reaction.
6-word review:  Cheesy musical. Young Marilyn main attraction.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Marilyn Monroe, Adele Jergens

The Lavender Lens: 100 Years of Celluloid Queers (1995)
Watched: 01/20/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Montage depicting cinema and television's 100-year LGBT portrayals and attitudes.
6-word review:  Gay history, often difficult to watch.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  For a more in-depth look, watch The Celluloid Closet (1995)

Obsessive Love (1984)
Watched: 01/20/22     Provider: Filmrise
10-word summary:  Dangerously unbalanced woman stalks soap-opera star in twisted, obsessive fantasy.
6-word review:  Well-done, familiar story. Mimieux good psychopath.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  TV movie, starring Yvette Mimieux, Simon MacCorkindale

Love Nest (1951)
Watched: 01/20/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Young couple buys rundown NY apartment building, tenant shenanigans follow.
6-word review:  Cute, fast-paced comedy, neatly tied up.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring William Lundigan, June Haver, Marilyn Monroe

Born Yesterday (1950)
Watched: 01/21/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Bombastic junk dealer hires journalist to educate "dumb blonde" girlfriend.
6-word review:  Good story. Holliday's great. Crawford's loud.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Judy Holliday (Oscar-winning role), Broderick Crawford, William Holden

Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Watched: 01/21/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Adventures of awkward teen, his equally awkward family, misfit friends.
6-word review:  Quirky and original; a pop-culture classic.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Jon Heder

Here's Looking at You, Warner Bros. (1991)
Watched: 01/22/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Warner Brothers studio's history through film clips and behind-the-scenes commentary.
6-word review:  Enjoyable documentary; older clips the best.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Hosted by Clint Eastwood, Barbra Streisand, and others

Monkey Business (1952)
Watched: 01/22/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Lab chimpanzee randomly develops potent youth restorative formula; madcap results.
6-word review:  Delightful screwball comedy with ideal cast.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Cary Grant, Ginger Rogers, Marilyn Monroe

Primal Fear (1996)
Watched: 01/23/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Slick lawyer defends altar boy for murdering sleazy Catholic bishop.
6-word review:  Good characters make a good movie.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Edward Norton

Teenagers from Outer Space (1959)
Watched: 01/24/22     Provider: Retro SciFi & Horror
10-word summary:  Sensitive young alien protects Earth against giant space lobster invasion.
6-word review:  Unintentionally funny, bad acting, occasionally touching.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring David Love, Dawn Bender

Let No Man Write My Epitaph (1960)
Watched: 01/24/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Substance-abusing floozy raises son in ghetto helped by neighborhood characters.
6-word review:  Superbly acted poverty, addiction, survival story.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Shelley Winters, James Darren, Burl Ives, Ella Fitzgerald

Cell 2455, Death Row (1955)
Watched: 01/25/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Man goes from youthful offender to San Quentin death-row prisoner.
6-word review:  Gritty, straightfoward docudrama with unsatisfying ending.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Based on the autobiography of of Caryl Chessman, who spent 11 years on death row: Cell 2455, Death Row: A Condemned Man's Own Story

Three Bad Sisters (1956)
Watched: 01/26/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Following millionaire father's death, daughters squabble over money and men.
6-word review:  High-pitched potboiler. Contrived, campy, but fun.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring John Bromfield

Can't Stop the Music (1980)
Watched: 01/26/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Fictionalized account of the formation of disco group Village People.
6-word review:  Terrible movie, but I love it.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Village People, Valerie Perrine, Steve Guttenberg

Four Boys and a Gun (1957)
Watched: 01/27/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  All get electric chair unless they tell who killed policeman.
6-word review:  Effective flashbacks. Uneven, but good ending.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Frank Sutton, James Franciscus

It Happens Every Spring (1949)
Watched: 01/27/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Scientist discovers wood-repelling formula and becomes a championship-winning baseball pitcher.
6-word review:  Enjoyable, feel-good film. Happy Hollywood ending.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Ray Milland, Paul Douglas, Jean Peters

I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017)
Watched: 01/27/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Home burglary sets off tragic events for depressed nursing assistant.
6-word review:  Compelling black comedy becomes very dark.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Melanie Lynskey, Elijah Wood

Truck Turner (1974)
Watched: 01/28/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Bounty hunter chasing and chased by dangerous pimps and criminals.
6-word review:  Fast-paced action film. Departure for Nichols.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Isaac Hayes, Nichelle Nichols

The Cruel Tower (1956)
Watched: 01/29/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Tensions and dangerous rivalries rise among crew of hotheaded steeplejacks.
6-word review:  Slow programmer, unusual setting, few surprises.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring John Ericson, Charles McGraw

Cardinals (2017)
Watched: 01/29/22     Provider: Filmrise
10-word summary:  Mysterious events surrounding fatal accident involving neighbors finally become clear.
6-word review:  Tense, well-acted psychological drama. Builds slowly.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Sheila McCarthy, Noah Reid

The Sugarland Express (1974)
Watched: 01/29/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Jailbirds think kidnapping state trooper will regain their baby's custody.
6-word review:  Sympathy for wrongdoing. Goldie's a lot.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Goldie Hawn, Ben Johnson

The Walking Target (1960)
Watched: 01/30/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Long-hidden robbery money nothing but trouble for newly released ex-con.
6-word review:  Nice job by Foster. Evans bland.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Joan Evans, Ron Foster

Julie (1956)
Watched: 01/30/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Woman's insanely jealous husband killed her first husband; she's next.
6-word review:  Doris hyperventilates, wrings hands. Over-the-top enjoyable.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Doris Day, Louis Jourdan

In This Our Life (1942)
Watched: 01/31/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Vixen steals sister's husband, ruins many lives, gets her due.
6-word review:  Intelligent melodrama. Davis at histrionic best.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland

The Rescuers (1977)
Watched: 01/31/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Rescue Aid Society mice rescue orphan kidnapped by diamond-hunting harridan.
6-word review:  Endearing characters, sweet story, good animation.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring the voices of Eva Gabor, Bob Newhart

February 2022     |     Back to top

Fire Maidens of Outer Space (1956)
Watched: 02/01/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Astronauts land on Jupiter's moon, find beautiful young husband-hunting women.
6-word review:  The title's the best thing. Boring.
Rating: ★★
Note:  Starring Anthony Dexter, Susan Shaw

Heavenly Creatures (1994)
Watched: 02/02/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Imaginative misfits' obsessive friendship culminates in murdering one's controlling mother.
6-word review:  Grim story, ruined by fantasy, whimsy.
Rating: ★★
Note:  Starring Melanie Lynskey, Kate Winslet

The Leather Boys (1964)
Watched: 02/02/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Young working class wife questions husband's close friendship with motorcyclist.
6-word review:  Strong performances in a then-controversial drama.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Rita Tushingham, Colin Campbell, Dudley Sutton

Patsy & Loretta (2019)
Watched: 02/03/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Story of early 1960s friendship between country's leading girl singers.
6-word review:  Good performances. Nothing new to add.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Lifetime TV moving starring Megan Hilty, Jessie Mueller

When the Clock Strikes (1961)
Watched: 02/04/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Recently executed criminal's acquaintances connive to find hidden robbery money.
6-word review:  Nice twist ending saves humdrum film.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Merry Anders, James Brown

Fatal Instinct (1993)
Watched: 02/05/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Cop/lawyer arrests his adulterous wife for murder then defends her.
6-word review:  Thriller spoof. Occasionally amusing. Mostly silly.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Armand Assante, Kate Nelligan

I Want to Live! (1958)
Watched: 02/06/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Possibly innocent party girl's sensational murder trial and subsequent execution.
6-word review:  Highlights: Hayward's all-out performance, jazzy music.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Susan Hayward (Best Actress Oscar winner), Simon Oakland

Yours, Mine, and Ours (1968)
Watched: 02/07/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Widow with 8 children marries widower with 10; many issues.
6-word review:  Sitcom situations. Uneven comedy. Lucy miscast.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Lucille Ball, Henry Fonda

Cruising (1980)
Watched: 02/07/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Investigating series of murders, undercover cop infiltrates gay leather scene.
6-word review:  Muddled plot, unanswered questions, offensive mess.
Rating: ★
Note:  Starring Al Pacino, Paul Sorvino

Behind Green Lights (1946)
Watched: 02/07/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Police investigate political murder after victim is dumped at headquarters.
6-word review:  Short movie, only seems long. Unremarkable.
Rating: ★★
Note:  Starring William Gargan, Carole Landis

Written on the Wind (1956)
Watched: 02/08/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Alcoholic playboy marries woman secretly loved by poor best friend.
6-word review:  Angst-filled soap opera. Malone unforgettable nymphomaniac.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Rock Hudson, Lauren Bacall, Dorothy Malone, Robert Stack

Longtime Companion (1989)
Watched: 02/08/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  AIDS epidemic's first years; the effect on group of friends.
6-word review:  AIDS' devastation told with realism, poignancy.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Ensemble cast includes Bruce Davison, Mary-Louise Parker

Red Light (1949)
Watched: 02/08/22     Provider: Classic Noir
10-word summary:  Businessman searches for hotel Bible for clue to brother's killer.
6-word review:  Tough, tense noir with religious overtones.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring George Raft, Raymond Burr, Virginia Mayo

The Strangler (1964)
Watched: 02/09/22     Provider: Classic Noir
10-word summary:  Arrogant, overweight lab technician with domineering mother, murders female nurses.
6-word review:  Nice creepy killer thriller. Buono great!
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Victor Buono

The Reckless Moment (1949)
Watched: 02/09/22     Provider: Classic Noir
10-word summary:  Woman covers up daughter's boyfriend's accidental death; troubles only escalate.
6-word review:  Moves quickly, if improbably. Tidy resolution.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring James Mason, Joan Bennett

The House Across the Bay (1940)
Watched: 02/10/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Nightclub girl and gangster romance, then highlife, blackmail, prison, tragedy.
6-word review:  Moves briskly, excellent cast, great finish.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring George Raft, Joan Bennett

Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Watched: 02/11/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Self-absorbed Hollywood relic coerces unemployed screenwriter to write comeback screenplay.
6-word review:  Classic noir - black comedy combination. Excellent.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Starring Gloria "I'm-ready-for-my-close-up-Mr.-DeMille" Swanson, William Holden

Say Amen, Somebody (1982)
Watched: 02/12/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Gospel music history, significance—through lives of two influential pioneers.
6-word review:  Joyful musical documentary. Energetic, inspirational performances.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Starring Thomas A. Dorsey, Willie Mae Ford Smith

China Moon (1994)
Watched: 02/13/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Duplicitous dame dupes decent detective into hushing up husband's murder.
6-word review:  Twisting noir plot with some surprises.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Ed Harris, Madeleine Stowe, Benicio del Toro

Lethal Seduction (2015)
Watched: 02/13/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Mother fights to protect son from older, predatory, psychotic woman.
6-word review:  Just a variation of Fatal Attraction.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Dina Meyer, Caleb Ruminer

A Home of Our Own (1993)
Watched: 02/13/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Impoverished multi-child widow tries to start new life in Idaho.
6-word review:  Bates good as straightforward, overbearing mother.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Kathy Bates, Edward Furlong

The Member of the Wedding (1952)
Watched: 02/14/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Lonely, disagreeable, 12-year-old girl's fantasy adventures include joining brother's honeymoon.
6-word review:  Protagonist a bit excessive; overall worthwhile.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Ethel Waters, Julie Harris, Brandon De Wilde

Misery (1990)
Watched: 02/14/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  After car accident, writer saved, held captive by psychotic fan.
6-word review:  Caan excellent; Bates phenomenal as nutjob!
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring James Caan, Kathy Bates (Oscar winner Best Actress)

Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands (2022)
Watched: 02/15/22     Provider: PBS: American Masters
10-word summary:  Her life, acclaimed international career, influence breaking down segregation barriers.
6-word review:  Detailed account of an amazing woman.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Starring Marian Anderson (archival footage and recordings)

The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)
Watched: 02/15/22     Provider: Filmrise
10-word summary:  Teenage lesbian is sent to strict Christian gay conversion center.
6-word review:  Surface look into these sick institutions.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Chloë Grace Moretz

Mandingo (1975)
Watched: 02/15/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Cruel 1840s slaveowner buys prized slave for fighting and "breeding."
6-word review:  Sordid film showing brutality of slavery.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Perry King, Susan George

The Perfect Husband: The Laci Peterson Story (2004)
Watched: 02/16/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Pregnant white woman disappears Christmas Eve, tabloid journalism circus follows.
6-word review:  Cain's performance outshines routine telefilm production.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Dean Cain

We Think the World of You (1988)
Watched: 02/17/22     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary:  Man fights incarcerated lover's family for custody of abused dog.
6-word review:  Good performances. Often maddening. Nice resolution.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Alan Bates, Gary Oldman

Teenage Devil Dolls [a.k.a. One Way Ticket to Hell] (1955)
Watched: 02/18/22     Provider: TV Time
10-word summary:  Documentary-style story of girl's descent into hard drugs and crime.
6-word review:  Skimpy, seemingly serious, silly schlock sensationalism.
Rating: ★½
Note:  Starring no one memorable

Highway 13 (1948)
Watched: 02/19/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  After series of suspicious accidents, undercover trucker exposes the culprits.
6-word review:  Low-budget but effective; plenty of action.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Robert Lowery

Querelle (1982)
Watched: 02/20/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  French bordello; place of intrigue, intense sexuality—for sailors, murderers.
6-word review:  Sensual, hypnotic, meandering. Not for all.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Brad Davis, Franco Nero, Jeanne Moreau

The Exorcist (1973)
Watched: 02/21/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Girl acts odd, spews pea soup. Catholic priest cures her.
6-word review:  Popular, shocking, scary film holds up.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair

Midnight Lace (1960)
Watched: 02/22/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Chic woman receives mysterious, threatening calls; no one believes her.
6-word review:  Distraught Doris dramatically dodges deadly danger.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Doris Day, Rex Harrison, John Gavin

Dillinger (1973)
Watched: 02/23/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Notorious 1930s bank robber and his gang terrorize the Midwest.
6-word review:  Action-packed, but little-substance, highly fictionalized account.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Warren Oates, Ben Johnson

The Girl in Black Stockings (1957)
Watched: 02/23/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Party girls being killed at Utah resort; everyone's a suspect.
6-word review:  Routine whodunit. Not surprising "surprise" ending.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Lex Barker, John Dehner

Clueless (1995)
Watched: 02/24/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Spoiled, overprivileged teenager realizes her shallowness, then makes some changes.
6-word review:  Cute comedy, clever dialogue, likable cast.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Alicia Silverstone, and the adorable Paul Rudd

Attack of the Puppet People (1958)
Watched: 02/24/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Crazy old dollmaker shrinks living people to stave off loneliness.
6-word review:  Very bland. Fun, cheesy special effects.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring John Agar, John Hoyt

Man of Conflict (1953)
Watched: 02/25/22     Provider: TV Time
10-word summary:  Industrialist and son clash over business practices, treatment of employees.
6-word review:  Issues still relevant. Agar actually good.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring John Agar, Edward Arnold

Verna: USO Girl (1978)
Watched: 02/25/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Spirited, untalented girl gives her all to entertain WWII troops.
6-word review:  Sissy's fabulous, heartbreaking. Entire cast excellent.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  PBS: Great Performances TV episode starring Sissy Spacek, Sally Kellerman, Howard Da Silva, William Hurt

I Passed for White (1960)
Watched: 02/26/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Light-skinned girl lies about racial identity, marries wealthy white dreamboat.
6-word review:  Well-acted melodramatic curio with a message.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Sonya Wilde, James Franciscus

The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane (1976)
Watched: 02/26/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Girl with always-away father handles intrusive landlady and molester son.
6-word review:  Creepy film, great early Foster performance.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Jodie Foster, Martin Sheen

Welcome to L.A. (1976)
Watched: 02/27/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Intertwining stories of self-important LA neurotics realizing their own shallowness.
6-word review:  Angst-ridden meanderings with really bad music.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring an ensemble of Robert Altman, Alan Rudolph regulars.

The Night Clerk (2020)
Watched: 02/27/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Voyeuristic hotel clerk with Asperger's witnesses murder while watching guests.
6-word review:  Slow. Makes little sense. Good performances.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Tye Sheridan, Ana de Armas

Harriet Craig (1950)
Watched: 02/28/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Bitchy, manipulative, perfectionist liar controls everyone's lives; drives them away.
6-word review:  Dynamic domestic drama. Commanding Crawford performance.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Joan Crawford, Wendell Corey

The Unknown Terror (1957)
Watched: 02/28/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Expedition trapped in slime-filled cave inhabited by inhuman fungus-covered creatures.
6-word review:  Voodoo silliness, unterrifying monsters. Predictable ending.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Mala Powers, Paul Richards

The Moonlighter (1953)
Watched: 02/28/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Cattle rustler jailbreaks, goes home, rekindles romance, robs bank, reforms.
6-word review:  Abundance of action in oddball oater.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray

March 2022     |     Back to top

Craig's Wife (1936)
Watched: 03/01/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Alienating everyone in her life, cold-hearted woman left quite alone.
6-word review:  Rigid Russell good in unsympathetic role.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Rosalind Russell, John Boles; remade in 1950 as Harriet Craig

Flight to Hong Kong (1956)
Watched: 03/02/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Handsome mobster importer-exporter double-crosses the Asian syndicate he works for.
6-word review:  Crooks, thugs, dames; nice fast-paced caper.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Rory Calhoun, Barbara Rush

Lucy and Desi (2022)
Watched: 03/04/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Explores the lives and legacy of these early television pioneers.
6-word review:  Nice look at entertainment power couple.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz

Teorema (1968)
Watched: 03/05/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Enigmatic stranger seduces entire wealthy household; all undergo life-changing transformations.
6-word review:  Lyrical and ambiguous; heavy Catholic torment.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  In Italian with subtitles, and starring Terence Stamp, Silvana Mangano

California (1947)
Watched: 03/06/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Epic western adventure: romance, wagon train, gold, murder, madness, statehood.
6-word review:  Exciting, beautifully filmed technicolor. Stanwyck gorgeous.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Barbara Stanwyck, Ray Milland

Untamed (1955)
Watched: 03/06/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Beautiful, strong-willed Irishwoman immigrates to South Africa, has tumultuous life.
6-word review:  Hayward's fierce; beautifully filmed episodic epic.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Susan Hayward, Tyrone Power, Richard Egan

Caged (1950)
Watched: 03/08/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Naive young girl becomes bitter and hardened in women's prison.
6-word review:  Great film; many familiar character actresses.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Starring Eleanor Parker, Agnes Moorehead, Hope Emerson

Caught (2015)
Watched: 03/09/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Wife kidnaps husband's teenage girlfriend as a prank; goes awry.
6-word review:  Fun movie. Camp is just that.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Anna "Campy" Camp, Sam Page

Killer Assistant (2016)
Watched: 03/09/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Magazine editor's career and marriage unravel after hiring slick assistant.
6-word review:  Fun, fast-paced Lifetime movie; attractive cast.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Arianne Zucker, Brando Eaton

My Brother's Wife (1936)
Watched: 03/09/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Romance between epidemiologist and sister-in-law while researching spotted fever vaccine.
6-word review:  Implausible, but makes for entertaining drama.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Taylor

Day the World Ended (1955)
Watched: 03/09/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Seven survivors of nuclear devastation face radioactivity, and interpersonal conflicts.
6-word review:  Stock characters, routine but earnest film.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Richard Denning, Lori Nelson

Gun Crazy (1950)
Watched: 03/10/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Gun-obsessed couple—sociopathic female, naive man—go on robbery spree.
6-word review:  Unusual fun, noir classic. Outstanding leads.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Peggy Cummins, John Dall

My Name is Julia Ross (1945)
Watched: 03/10/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  They insist she's someone she's not. Who's lying and why?
6-word review:  Tense, quick-paced example of noir efficiency.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Nina Foch, Dame May Whitty, George Macready

Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates (1962)
Watched: 03/11/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Boy must win skating prize money to support destitute family.
6-word review:  Picturesque Holland adds to heartwarming story.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Rony Zeander

Raffles (1939)
Watched: 03/11/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Suave cricketer, also jewel thief, delights in outwitting Scotland Yard.
6-word review:  A comedy that needs more humor.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring David Niven, Olivia de Havilland

Hotel Splendide (2000)
Watched: 03/12/22     Provider: Filmrise British
10-word summary:  Dismal, dark, family-run hotel/spa is shaken by son's ex's arrival.
6-word review:  Quirky, worth-watching, multi-leveled, bizarre, film experience.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Toni Collette, Daniel Craig

3 Women (1977)
Watched: 03/13/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Three very different women's relationships, identities, realities intertwine and shift.
6-word review:  Brilliant acting. Extremely unusual, dreamlike film.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Starring Sissy Spacek, Shelley Duvall, Janice Rule

This Island Earth (1955)
Watched: 03/13/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Aliens coerce scientists to produce atomic power for embattled planet.
6-word review:  Production values elevate moralistic sci-fi story.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Faith Domergue, Rex Reason, Jeff Morrow

Schlock! The Secret History of American Movies (2001)
Watched: 03/14/22     Provider: Shout TV
10-word summary:  Look at legendary exploitation filmmakers, their lasting effect on cinema.
6-word review:  Excessive titties. Sci-fi/horror genres glossed over.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Roger Corman, others

Girls in Prison (1956)
Watched: 03/15/22     Provider: Shout TV
10-word summary:  Young girl incarcerated; may or may not've stashed robbery loot.
6-word review:  So-so of genre; good supporting cast.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Joan (Boring) Taylor, Adele Jergens

In & Out (1997)
Watched: 03/15/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Teacher outed by former student at Oscars; life changes result.
6-word review:  It all works. Streisand thread iconic.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Kevin Kline, Joan Cusack

Sensation Hunters [a.k.a. Club Paradise] (1945)
Watched: 03/16/22     Provider: Classic Movie Vault
10-word summary:  Young woman falls for a cad—leading to heartache, murder.
6-word review:  Terrific noir, with a surprise ending.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Robert Lowery, Doris Merrick

The Two Faces of January (2014)
Watched: 03/16/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Swindler accidentally kills detective. Coverup includes lies, blackmail, betrayal, death.
6-word review:  Intriguing thriller. Beautifully filmed and acted.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Viggo Mortensen, Kirsten Dunst, Oscar Isaac

Shamus (1958)
Watched: 03/17/22🍀      Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Leprechaun casts embarrassing spell on orphan who stole his gold.
6-word review:  Message movie mixing mirth and myth.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring John Francis Rooney

Windfall (2022)
Watched: 03/18/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Simple robbery of arrogant billionaire's vacation home goes terribly wrong.
6-word review:  Tense, psychological noir thriller. Top-notch acting.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Starring Jesse Plemons, Jason Segel, Lily Collins

Take Me to the River (2015)
Watched: 03/19/22     Provider: TCL Channel
10-word summary:  Gay teenager accused by redneck relatives of abusing young cousin.
6-word review:  Uncomfortable, multilayered drama of family dysfunction.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Logan Miller, Robin Weigert

The Deadly Companions (1961)
Watched: 03/20/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Man accidentally kills boy; joins mother's perilous journey for burial.
6-word review:  Interesting, if moody, oater. Happyish ending.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Maureen O'Hara, Brian Keith, Steve Cochran

The Big Caper (1957)
Watched: 03/22/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Small-time crook takes part in bank heist until innocents endangered.
6-word review:  Low budget nevertheless produces well-done noir.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Rory Calhoun, James Gregory

We Have Always Lived in the Castle (2018)
Watched: 03/23/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Lives of isolated sisters disrupted by arrival of slimy cousin.
6-word review:  Slow-building, ultimately satisfying film. Good performances.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Taissa Farmiga, Alexandra Daddario

The Old Dark House (1932)
Watched: 03/24/22     Provider: Fawesome TV
10-word summary:  Five storm-stranded travelers take shelter; experience a night of terror.
6-word review:  Well-done blueprint for many horror films.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Boris Karloff

A Boy and His Dog (1975)
Watched: 03/24/22     Provider: Shout TV
10-word summary:  In 2024, 18-year-old boy and telpathic dog scavenge post-apocalyptic wasteland.
6-word review:  Offbeat sci-fi black comedy. Dog's great.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Don Johnson

101 Dalmatians (1961)
Watched: 03/25/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Evil woman steals puppies, intent on making a Dalmatian-skin coat.
6-word review:  Technically good, but oh so dated.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  First movie I saw in a theater—The Bijou, 45 Michigan Avenue West, Battle Creek, Michigan.

Zachariah (1971)
Watched: 03/26/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Arrival of mail-order pistol triggers two friends to become gunslingers.
6-word review:  Humorous psychedelic homoerotic western musical. Unusual.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring John Rubinstein, Don Johnson

Elvis & Madonna (2010)
Watched: 03/27/22     Provider: Cinehouse
10-word summary:  Lesbian and transvestite fall in love, have troubles, redefine family.
6-word review:  Refreshing characters in romantic comedy/drama mix.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Brazilian film

The Sterile Cuckoo (1969)
Watched: 03/30/22     Provider: Pluto TV
10-word summary:  Shy guy ensnared by kooky, clingy, loudmouth neurotic; bad news.
6-word review:  Liza good, annoying character. Film drags.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Liza Minnelli, Wendell Burton

Jet Attack (1958)
Watched: 03/31/22     Provider: Shout TV
10-word summary:  American soldiers helped by Russian nurse to escape North Korea.
6-word review:  Unbelievably awful. Bad even for Agar.
Rating: ★½
Note:  Starring John Agar, Audrey Totter

The Owl and the Pussycat (1970)
Watched: 03/31/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Stuffy, failed NY book clerk/writer falls for foul-mouthed, failed actress/prostitute.
6-word review:  Brisk, bawdy banter. Brilliant, bombastic Barbra.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Barbra Streisand, George Segal

Assignment Paris (1952)
Watched: 03/31/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Cold War espionage between France and Hungary involving American newspaper.
6-word review:  Andrews adequate. Totter sassy. Convoluted storyline.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Dana Andrews, Audrey Totter

Apr 2022     |     Back to top

Cutter's Way (1981)
Watched: 04/03/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Possibly able to identify murderer, man's close friends' lives disintegrate.
6-word review:  Well-acted, but so slow. Ambiguous ending.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Jeff Bridges, John Heard

Cheers for Miss Bishop (1941)
Watched: 04/04/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Retiring college teacher looks back on academic and personal life.
6-word review:  Sentimental story filled with colorful characters.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Martha Scott, William Gargan

Carrie (1976)
Watched: 04/05/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Shy, telekinetic girl has had enough of high school bullying.
6-word review:  Iconic film still delivers. Sissy's sensational.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Starring Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie

Midwives (2001)
Watched: 04/05/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Respected midwife accused of involuntary manslaughter in woman's childbirth death.
6-word review:  High-quality Lifetime TV movie. Sissy's brilliant.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Sissy Spacek, Peter Coyote

Yentl (1983)
Watched: 04/06/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Woman poses as man to study Talmud. Keeps asking more.
6-word review:  Beautifully acted, directed, scored, and filmed.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Starring Barbra Streisand, Mandy Patinkin, Amy Irving;
Co-starring Nehemiah Persoff (August 2, 1919 - April 5, 2022, R.I.P.) 🎼 Papa, can you hear me? 🎶

The Tunnel of Love (1958)
Watched: 04/07/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Couple trying to adopt a baby experience series of misunderstandings.
6-word review:  Doris can't save flat, unfunny comedy.
Rating: ★
Note:  Starring Doris Day, Richard Widmark

Postcards from the Edge (1990)
Watched: 04/08/22     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary:  Actress, after drug rehab, must live with controlling star mother.
6-word review:  Star-studded cast. Streep and MacLaine great.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Meryl Streep, Shirley MacLaine

All the Old Knives (2022)
Watched: 04/10/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Former lovers meet to identify CIA mole in airplane hijacking.
6-word review:  Disjointed film, watchable due to stars.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Chris Pine, Thandiwe Newton

Connecting Rooms (1970)
Watched: 04/12/22     Provider: TV Time
10-word summary:  Dishonored school teacher meets vulnerable cellist at seedy boarding house.
6-word review:  Stagy, builds nicely. Everybody's got secrets.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Bette Davis, Michael Redgrave

Hideout (2021)
Watched: 04/13/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  After liquor store robbery, criminals pick wrong house for hideout.
6-word review:  Bloody, occasionally fun. Way too long.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring nobody famous

A Window in London [a.k.a. Lady in Distress] (1940)
Watched: 04/13/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Man thinks he's witnessed murder; his life gets dangerously complicated.
6-word review:  Fast-paced thriller, sprinkled with humor, romance.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Michael Redgrave, Sally Gray

Curse of the Black Widow (1977)
Watched: 04/14/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Private investigator investigates "spider murderer" who leaves perforated, web-covered bodies.
6-word review:  Silly, but entertaining. Great 70s cast.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  TV movie, starring Anthony Franciosa, Donna Mills, Patty Duke

Hitsville: The Making of Motown (2019)
Watched: 04/16/22     Provider: Showtime
10-word summary:  Detailed documentary of the beginnings, global growth of Motown records.
6-word review:  Mix of new interviews, old clips.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Early Motown stars

The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2021)
Watched: 04/17/22     Provider: American Airlines
10-word summary:  Meteoric rise and tragic fall of woman behind the makeup.
6-word review:  Exposes sham religions. Great Chastain performance.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Jessica Chastain, Andrew Garfield

CODA (2021)
Watched: 04/17/22     Provider: American Airlines
10-word summary:  Hearing daughter in deaf family must decide—duty or dreams.
6-word review:  Heartwarming, if predictable. Touching, good performances.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Emilia Jones, Troy Kotsur, Marlee Matlin

House of Gucci (2021)
Watched: 04/22/22     Provider: Seven Seas Splendor
10-word summary:  Ambitious working-class girl marries into Gucci—business strife, murder follow.
6-word review:  Quality production, but long. Gaga terrific.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Lady Gaga, Adam Driver

The Awful Truth (1937)
Watched: 04/24/22     Provider: Seven Seas Splendor
10-word summary:  Misunderstandings separate couple; sabotage each other's new romances to reunite.
6-word review:  Great screwball first half; loses steam.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Cary Grant, Irene Dunne

Belfast (2021)
Watched: 04/27/22     Provider: American Airlines
10-word summary:  Working-class family struggles with leaving Belfast during violent Protestant-Catholic riots.
6-word review:  Human side of mayhem shone beautifully.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Jamie Dornan, Caitríona Balfe, Judi Dench

May 2022     |     Back to top

The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes (2022)
Watched: 05/02/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Documentary concerning mysterious events surrounding Marilyn's death—accident, suicide, murder?
6-word review:  Bland, inconclusive rehash of old theories.
Rating: ★★

The Spell (1977)
Watched: 05/06/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Fat teenage girl gets revenge on those who taunted her.
6-word review:  Boring presentation, relevant issues, blah blah.
Rating: ★★
Note:  TV movie, starring Lee Grant

Cleaner (2007)
Watched: 05/06/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Troubled crime-scene-cleaning, ex-cop becomes embroiled in high-profile, political murder coverup.
6-word review:  Action takes a while. Tidy conclusion.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Eva Mendes

Sudden Danger (1955)
Watched: 05/12/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Blind man has operation, recovers sight, helps solve mother's murder.
6-word review:  Snappy mystery, well acted by all.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Bill Elliott, Tom Drake, Beverly Garland

The War of the Worlds (1953)
Watched: 05/13/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Menacing Martian ships crash-land on earth setting off mass destruction.
6-word review:  Top-notch production, handsome hero, distraught heroine.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Gene Barry, Ann Robinson

Spaceways (1953)
Watched: 05/14/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  British scientists testing rockets become involved in possible marital murder.
6-word review:  Adequate murder mystery and sci-fi mix.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Howard Duff, Eva Bartok

The Little Hours (2017)
Watched: 05/15/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Three medieval nuns fornicate with handsome peasant hiding in convent.
6-word review:  Unfunny black comedy, despite good cast.
Rating: ★★
Note:  Starring Molly Shannon, John C. Reilly

Senior Year (2022)
Watched: 05/16/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Awakening from cheerleading accident's 20-year coma, girl finishes high school.
6-word review:  Energetic cast makes silly premise enjoyable.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Rebel Wilson

The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
Watched: 05/16/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Handful of passengers struggle to survive luxury ocean liner disaster.
6-word review:  Classic of genre still holds up.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Gene Hackman, Shelley Winters, all-star cast.

The Strange Woman (1946)
Watched: 05/17/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Beauty marries rich old man, seduces his son and foreman.
6-word review:  Excellent Lamarr performance as manipulative vixen.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Hedy Lamarr, George Sanders

Strange Illusion (1945)
Watched: 05/17/22     Provider: Fawesome TV
10-word summary:  Teenager suspects man wooing his widowed mother has ulterior motives.
6-word review:  Overlong. Creepy villains, affable young hero.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Jimmy Lydon, Warren William

On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970)
Watched: 05/17/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Kooky chain-smoking hypnotized student musically discovers past lives, past loves.
6-word review:  Barbra absolutely fabulous. Montand is dreadful.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Barbra Streisand, Yves Montand

The Main Event (1979)
Watched: 05/18/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Swindled perfume executive's remaining asset: a boxer she must manage.
6-word review:  Forced screwball comedy; terrific title tune.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Barbra Streisand, Ryan O'Neal

Killer Joe (2011)
Watched: 05/19/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Cop, moonlighting as hitman, contracts to kill drug dealer's mother.
6-word review:  Violent, twisted, darkly comic. Good performances.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch

Chastity (1969)
Watched: 05/20/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Sullen young girl hitchhikes, looking for the meaning of life.
6-word review:  Annoying title character in terrible film.
Rating: ★
Note:  Starring Cher

Respect (2021)
Watched: 05/22/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Story of Aretha Franklin—from churchy beginnings to global stardom.
6-word review:  Hudson's stunning performance highlights formulaic biopic.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Jennifer Hudson

In the Bedroom (2001)
Watched: 05/25/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Tormented parents of murdered son must deal with smug killer.
6-word review:  Suspenseful, disturbing. Outstanding acting by all.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Starring Sissy Spacek, Tom Wilkinson

Eye for an Eye (1996)
Watched: 05/25/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Scumbag serial rapist/murderer goes free—until he meets Sally Field.
6-word review:  Sally's passionate performance elevates vigilante film.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Sally Field, Kiefer Sutherland

Broadway Musicals: A Jewish Legacy (2013)
Watched: 05/27/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Interviews, performance footage of Jewish artists having excelled on Broadway.
6-word review:  Insightful, educational and fun to watch.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  PBS Great Performances documentary

Foxy Brown (1974)
Watched: 05/28/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Fearless woman poses as prostitute, bringing down cop-killing drug dealers.
6-word review:  Strong female lead; otherwise, stereotypical blaxploitation.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Pam Grier

Trading Mom (1994)
Watched: 05/28/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Fed up with strict mother, siblings try out alternative moms.
6-word review:  Awkward film. Sissy's multiple roles fun.
Rating: ★★
Note:  Starring Sissy Spacek

The Calling (2014)
Watched: 05/29/22     Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary:  Small-town, substance-abusing cop investigates, solves, grisly Catholic serial killer case.
6-word review:  Good performances. Theological elements add interest.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Susan Sarandon, Topher Grace

Fear No More (1961)
Watched: 05/31/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  No one believes woman's story. Is she insane or victimized?
6-word review:  Elaborate plot, overwrought acting, predictable ending.
Rating: ★★
Note:  Starring Mala Powers, Jacques Bergerac

The Stepfather (1987)
Watched: 05/31/22     Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary:  Teenager suspects her seemingly perfect stepfather is a psychotic murder.
6-word review:  Guilty pleasure. Creepy O'Quinn is excellent.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Terry O'Quinn, Shelley Hack

Jun 2022     |     Back to top

The Misfits (1961)
Watched: 06/01/22 (Marilyn's 96th birthday)     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  A newly quickie-divorced-in-Reno, troubled woman becomes involved with aging cowboys.
6-word review:  Misogynistic curio. Marilyn shines. Gable obnoxious.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Montgomery Clift

The Seven Year Itch (1955)
Watched: 06/01/22 (Marilyn's 96th birthday)     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Wife's away for summer; husband fantasizes about beautiful upstairs neighbor.
6-word review:  Witty comedy. Marilyn at her best.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Marilyn Monroe, Tom Ewell

Killers from Space (1954)
Watched: 06/04/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Evil googly-eyed aliens plan to destroy Earth using giant insects.
6-word review:  Quite boring anti-atomic-power message. Mercifully short.
Rating: ★★
Note:  Starring Peter Graves

The Rage: Carrie 2 (1999)
Watched: 06/04/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Telekinetic teen gets revenge on popular classmates who tormented her.
6-word review:  Unnecessary, excessive sequel rehashes original classic.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Emily Bergl, Amy Irving

Act of Vengeance (1974)
Watched: 06/07/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Five assaulted women unite to exact revenge on serial rapist.
6-word review:  Offensive exploitation; relevant women's empowerment theme.
Rating: ★★
Note:  Starring Jo Ann Harris, Peter Brown

The Trip to Bountiful (2014)
Watched: 06/07/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Old woman determined to travel back to her childhood home.
6-word review:  Great performances throughout in stagy production.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Lifetime TV movie starring Cicely Tyson, Vanessa Williams

Nurse Edith Cavell (1939)
Watched: 06/11/22     Provider: Paramount+
10-word summary:  WWI English nurse helps wounded and escaped POWs to safety.
6-word review:  True story earnestly told. Good performances.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Anna Neagle, Edna May Oliver

The Lost City (2022)
Watched: 06/11/22     Provider: Paramount+
10-word summary:  Romance novelist is kidnapped by billionaire to find ancient treasure.
6-word review:  Cute rom-com adventure with appealing cast.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum

Cult of the Damned [a.k.a. Angel, Angel, Down We Go] (1969)
Watched: 06/12/22     Provider: Paramount+
10-word summary:  Homely daughter of billionaire gets involved with perverse, egocentric musician.
6-word review:  Bizarre film, embarrassment to well-known cast.
Rating: ★
Note:  Starring Holly Near, Jennifer Jones

Mean Girls (2004)
Watched: 06/13/22     Provider: Paramount+
10-word summary:  Previously home-schooled girl schooled in reality of high school girls.
6-word review:  Smart, funny, insightful, with lively cast.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams

Hollow Triumph (1948)
Watched: 06/13/22     Provider: Paramount+
10-word summary:  Running from gangsters, man assumes doppelgänger's identity with disastrous results.
6-word review:  Clever noir with many plot twists.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Paul Henreid, Joan Bennett

Nomadland (2020)
Watched: 06/16/22     Provider: Hulu
10-word summary:  60ish woman embarks on journey of self-discovery as modern-day nomad.
6-word review:  Stark, low-key, episodic. Frances is brilliant.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Starring Frances McDormand, David Strathairn

The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021)
Watched: 06/18/22     Provider: Hulu
10-word summary:  Focuses on jazz legend's struggles—drugs, men, and the government.
6-word review:  Gritty perspective; outstanding acting, musical performances.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Andra Day

1,000 Convicts and a Woman [a.k.a. Fun and Games] (1971)
Watched: 06/21/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Nymphomaniac daughter of prison warden relentlessly teases prisoners and guards.
6-word review:  70s sexploitation, bad on every level.
Rating: ½★
Note:  Starring Alexandra Hay

Slam Dance (1987)
Watched: 06/23/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Cartoonist becomes involved in far-reaching police conspiracy after prostitute's murder.
6-word review:  Disjointed plot. Unanswered questions. Stylish production.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Tom Hulce

The Cassandra Crossing (1976)
Watched: 06/25/22     Provider: Shout TV
10-word summary:  Train speeds toward rickety bridge carrying plague, heroin, terrorists, celebrities.
6-word review:  Over-the-top cheesiness in formulaic disaster movie.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring All-star, past-their-prime cast

Trouble in Mind (1985)
Watched: 06/25/22     Provider: Shout TV
10-word summary:  Futuristic ex-convict policeman involved with bizarre characters and dangerous criminals.
6-word review:  Under-appreciated gem for quirky film fans.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Kris Kristofferson, Geneviève Bujold; notable Divine in a male role

The Rose Tattoo (1955)
Watched: 06/26/22     Provider: Pluto TV
10-word summary:  Grief-stricken Italian widow meets ne'er-do-well trucker, begins her life anew.
6-word review:  Magnani explosive, Lancaster overbearing, everybody hollers.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Anna Magnani, Burt Lancaster

Jerry and Marge Go Large (2022)
Watched: 06/26/22     Provider: Paramount+
10-word summary:  Retiree discovers lottery loophole; mathematically figures how to win big.
6-word review:  Charming, feel-good film with delightful characters.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Bryan Cranston, Annette Bening, Rainn Wilson

Blues for Willadean (2012)
Watched: 06/27/22     Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary:  An abused wife tries to break free from trailer-trash husband.
6-word review:  Difficult watching: "Sordid Lives" without humor.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Beth Grant, Octavia Spencer, Dale Dickey; written and directed by Del Shores

July 2022     |     Back to top

Key Witness (1947)
Watched: 07/01/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Man assumes another's identity to avoid murder rap; complications ensue.
6-word review:  Low-budget programmer has some clever moments.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring John Beal

Plan 9 from Outer Space (1957)
Watched: 07/02/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Alien space invaders plan to conquer Earth by resurrecting corpses.
6-word review:  Fun film; so bad it's good.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Bela Lugosi, Vampira; written, produced, and directed by Ed Wood

The Longest Yard (1974)
Watched: 07/03/22     Provider: Paramount+
10-word summary:  Disgraced football star coerced into forming prison team against guards.
6-word review:  Much more than sports or prison.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Burt Reynolds, Eddie Albert

Disaster on the Coastliner (1979)
Watched: 07/04/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Psychopath programs complex railroad computer to cause head-on train collision.
6-word review:  Entertaining, if formulaic, TV disaster film.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Star-studded 70s lineup

Every Last Secret [a.k.a. Alone; a.k.a. Broken Soldier] (2022)
Watched: 07/05/22     Provider: Hulu
10-word summary:  Despite overprotective father, girl befriends an older, volatile, PTSD-suffering ex-marine.
6-word review:  Good performances in improbable, slow-building drama.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Mark Kassen, Sophie Turner, Ray Liotta

The Guilt Trip (2012)
Watched: 07/06/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Mother and son emotionally reconnect during stressful cross-country road trip.
6-word review:  Potent mix of comedy and drama.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Barbra Streisand, Seth Rogen

Funny Lady (1975)
Watched: 07/07/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Fanny Brice's later career and difficult relationship with Billy Rose.
6-word review:  Barbra, music, costumes fabulous; otherwise, uninspired.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Barbra Streisand, James Caan (RIP: 03/26/1940 - 07/06/2022)

Lorelei (2020)
Watched: 07/08/22     Provider: Hulu
10-word summary:  After 15 years, ex-con reunites with restless single mother ex-girlfriend.
6-word review:  Downbeat. Good performances. Hopeful, satisfying resolve.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Pablo Schreiber, Jena Malone

Shirley (2020)
Watched: 07/08/22     Provider: Hulu
10-word summary:  The Lottery author Shirley Jackson's life (maybe), subsequent writing, demons.
6-word review:  Strains for art; many silent close-ups.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Elisabeth Moss, Odessa Young

Hello, Dolly! (1969)
Watched: 07/09/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary: Ebullient, entrepreneurial widow musically maneuvers matchmaking, including wealthy curmudgeonly bachelor.
6-word review:  Magnificent Barbra shines in lavish production.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Barbra Streisand, and some others

Myra Breckinridge (1970)
Watched: 07/09/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Bisexual transgender woman's quest for sexual liberation, revenge, and money.
6-word review:  Embarrassingly bad acting; humorless satire. Terrible.
Rating: 0★
Note:  Starring Raquel Welch, Rex Reed, Mae West

Stella Dallas (1937)
Watched: 07/09/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Uncouth woman gives up custody so daughter can have advantages.
6-word review:  Stanwyck sensational in this classic tearjerker.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Barbara Stanwyck, Anne Shirley

Mildred Pierce (1945)
Watched: 07/10/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Woman sacrifices all for bitchy, spoiled, ungrateful daughter; bad outcome.
6-word review:  Crawford fabulous in classic soapy noir.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Joan Crawford, Ann Blyth

The File on Thelma Jordon (1949)
Watched: 07/10/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  DA falls for duplicitious woman on trial for aunt's murder.
6-word review:  Talky, but Stanwyck and story excellent.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Barbara Stanwyck, Wendell Corey

Susan Slade (1961)
Watched: 07/10/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Family tries passing daughter's illegitimate child as her baby brother.
6-word review:  Cheesy dialogue. Connie histrionic. Beautiful scenery.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Connie Stevens, Troy Donahue

Valley of the Dolls (1967)
Watched: 07/14/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Three beautiful women take different routes to succeed in entertainment.
6-word review:  Best bad movie. Calm down Patty!
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Patty Duke, Susan Hayward, Sharon Tate

This is My Affair (1937)
Watched: 07/16/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Undercover naval lieutenant infiltrates bank robbers, falls for gangster's dame.
6-word review:  Slow, turn-of-the-century melodrama. Best asset—Stanwyck.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Barbara Stanwyck (Happy Birthday!), Robert Taylor (Stanwyck's second husband)

Big Business (1988)
Watched: 07/17/22     Provider: Disney+
10-word summary:  Mismatched at birth, two sets of twins meet years later.
6-word review:  Funny performances, fast pace, fun movie.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Bette Midler, Lily Tomlin

I Think We're Alone Now (2018)
Watched: 07/18/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Man's post-apocalyptic solitude shaken by discovery of troubled young girl.
6-word review:  Strange, well-acted film. Bizarre sci-fi denouement.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Peter Dinklage, Elle Fanning

In Defense of a Married Man (1990)
Watched: 07/19/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Lawyer defends her husband accused of murdering his unstable girlfriend.
6-word review:  Takes its time, but worthwhile diversion.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  TV movie starring Judith Light, Michael Ontkean

The Mad Miss Manton (1938)
Watched: 07/19/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Madcap heiress discovers a body, ends up solving two murders.
6-word review:  Delightful comedy, mystery, romance. Snappy dialogue.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Barbara Stanwyck, Henry Fonda, Hattie McDaniel(s)

Royal Wedding (1951)
Watched: 07/19/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Sibling performers travel to London for title event; find romance.
6-word review:  Lotsa dancin'. Minimal plot. Charmingly forgettable.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Fred Astaire, Jane Powell

Christine (2016)
Watched: 07/24/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Ambitious local newscaster resists sensationalized stories, until her last broadcast.
6-word review:  Excellent performances in somber, fact-based film.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Rebecca Hall, Michael C. Hall

Schizoid (1980)
Watched: 07/25/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Someone is murdering members of an advice columnist's therapy group.
6-word review:  Silly slasher. Murderer obvious early on.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Marianna Hill, Klaus Kinski

Maniac (1980)
Watched: 07/25/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Traumatic childhood leads deranged man to murder and scalp victims.
6-word review:  Brisk, gritty psychological thriller. Memorably sleazy.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Joe Spinell, Caroline Munro

Indestructible Man (1956)
Watched: 07/26/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Scientist experimentally revives executed criminal who wants revenge on enemies.
6-word review:  Melodramatic fun. Surprisingly well-done, low-budget film.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Casey Adams (a.k.a. Max Showalter), Lon Chaney Jr.

Lifeboat (1944)
Watched: 07/27/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  WWII torpedoed ship survivors battle hunger, thirst, elements, each other.
6-word review:  Moral consciences dramatically tested. Excellent film.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Starring Tallulah Bankhead, John Hodiak; story by John Steinbeck, directed by Alfred Hitchcock

It Came from Outer Space (1953)
Watched: 07/28/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Spaceship lands in Arizona; no one believes man making contact.
6-word review:  Intelligent, nonviolent sci-fi with a message.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Richard Carlson, Barbara Rush

The Nanny Diaries (2007)
Watched: 07/29/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Unemployed college graduate takes nanny job with rich dysfunctional family.
6-word review:  Laura Linney's great—in so-so film.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Scarlett Johansson, Laura Linney

Gleason (2002)
Watched: 07/30/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Jackie Gleason starts in vaudeville, finds success in early television.
6-word review:  Garrett's Gleason's good; film falls flat.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  TV movie starring Brad Garrett

August 2022     |     Back to top

Mikey (1992)
Watched: 08/01/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Seemingly sweet adopted nine-year-old is actually a violent murderous psychopath.
6-word review:  Good start, slow middle, predictable ending.
Rating: ★★
Note:  Starring Brian Bonsall

Airport 1975 (1974)
Watched: 08/02/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Inflight collision results in seasoned stewardess flying stereotypically passengered plane.
6-word review:  Excruciatingly misogynistic, melodramatic, guilty pleasure entertainment.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Karen Black

Airport '77 (1977)
Watched: 08/03/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Luxury plane crashes, sinks to ocean floor trapping passengers inside.
6-word review:  More stars in peril. Relentlessly ridiculous.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Jack Lemmon, Brenda Vaccaro

The Incredible Melting Man (1977)
Watched: 08/03/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Astronaut transformed into gelatinous cannibalistic mess after ill-fated space mission.
6-word review:  Fun, cheesy, gory. Good special effects.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Alex Rebar, Burr DeBenning

The Concorde... Airport '79 (1979)
Watched: 08/03/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Corrupt businessman tries sabotaging plane with girlfriend carrying incriminating documents.
6-word review:  Silliest, and mercifully last, of series.
Rating: ★★
Note:  Starring Alain Delon, Susan Blakely

Burning Cane (2019)
Watched: 08/04/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Louisiana woman struggles with alcoholic son, alcoholic preacher, religious contradictions.
6-word review:  Poverty, oppression, sexism, despair. Thought-provoking, downbeat.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Karen Kaia Livers, Wendell Pierce

Some Like It Hot (1959)
Watched: 08/04/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  In drag, musicians hide out—in all-girl band—from gangsters.
6-word review:  Comedy classic, great cast, Marilyn's delightful.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Starring Marilyn Monroe (on the 60th anniversary of her death), Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon

Endless Love (1981)
Watched: 08/07/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Obsessive teen, forbidden to see girlfriend, commits arson, goes nuts.
6-word review:  Too long, Hewitt annoying, nice song.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Brooke Shields, Martin Hewitt

The Group (1966)
Watched: 08/08/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Eight 1933 Vassar graduates navigate relationships, careers, politics, sanity, sexuality.
6-word review:  Once-controversial topics in soap opera story.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Candice Bergen, Shirley Knight, ensemble cast

Vows of Deception (1996)
Watched: 08/08/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Wealthy lawyer murdered; all fingers point to narcissistic younger wife.
6-word review:  Ladd very good as evil wife.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  TV movie starring Cheryl Ladd, Mike Farrell

Tower Heist (2011)
Watched: 08/08/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Luxurious building staff's pensions swindled by corrupt billionaire; they retaliate.
6-word review:  Fun mix of comedy and crime.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy

The Joneses (2009)
Watched: 08/09/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Posing as perfect family, marketers infiltrate wealthy neighborhood encouraging spending.
6-word review:  Biting consumerism statement, safe Hollywood ending.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Demi Moore, David Duchovny

The Brady Bunch Movie (1995)
Watched: 08/09/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  The updated adventures of America's most perfect blended TV family.
6-word review:  Spoofs iconic sitcom without deriding it.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Shelley Long, Gary Cole

A Very Brady Sequel (1996)
Watched: 08/10/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Carol's presumed-dead husband returns, throwing the family in a tizzy.
6-word review:  More of the fun sitcom silliness.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Shelley Long, Gary Cole, Tim Matheson

Licorice Pizza (2021)
Watched: 08/10/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  15-year-old boy, 25-year-old girl, hustle various businesses, fall in love.
6-word review:  Heartwarming romance developed through unexpected vignettes.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Alana Haim, Cooper Hoffman, and many well-known cameos

13 Ghosts (1960)
Watched: 08/14/22     Provider: Fawesome TV
10-word summary:  Family inherits haunted mansion with ghosts, hidden treasure, creepy housekeeper.
6-word review:  Few scares, gimmicky effects, unintentional humor.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Donald Woods, Margaret Hamilton

Hustling (1975)
Watched: 08/16/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Researching prostitution story, magazine writer befriends tough, abused sex worker.
6-word review:  Tame look at prostitution. Clayburgh good.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  TV movie starring Lee Remick, Jill Clayburgh

The Hotel New Hampshire (1984)
Watched: 08/17/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Eccentric hotel-running family adventures; includes bear, stuffed dog, incest, suicide.
6-word review:  Sometimes awkward comedy/drama mix. Great cast.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Jodie Foster, Beau Bridges, Rob Lowe

The Nice Guys (2016)
Watched: 08/19/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Two mismatched investigators team to find mysterious missing porn actress.
6-word review:  Charming actors redeem overly plotted caper.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Russell Crowe, Ryan Gosling

Extremities (1986)
Watched: 08/20/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Woman fights back against sadistic rapist, turns predator into prey.
6-word review:  Violent battle of domination. Disturbing. Riveting.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Farrah Fawcett, James Russo

Monster (2018)
Watched: 08/21/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  17-year-old Harlem filmmaker, implicated in robbery-turned-murder, faces harsh courtroom battle.
6-word review:  Legal prejudices dramatized. Compelling, but uneven.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jennifer Ehle, Jennifer Hudson

Wedding Season (2022)
Watched: 08/25/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Pressured by traditional families, couple pretends to date; become smitten.
6-word review:  Delightful Indian-American rom-com. Charming characters. Funny.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Pallavi Sharda, Suraj Sharma, Rizwan Manji

The Black Glove [a.k.a. Face the Music] (1954)
Watched: 08/27/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Trumpet player suspected of murdering saucy dame solves case himself.
6-word review:  Pedestrian crime drama with good music.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Alex Nicol

Jewel (2001)
Watched: 08/29/22     Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary:  1940s mother, refuses to institutionalize Down syndrome daughter, sacrifices all.
6-word review:  Difficult issues explored, Farrah Fawcett excellent.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  TV movie starring Farrah Fawcett, Cicely Tyson

September 2022     |     Back to top

I Came By (2022)
Watched: 09/03/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Graffiti artist discovers secret that unleashes cascade of tragic events.
6-word review:  Uneven, slow-building, implausible thriller with message.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Hugh Bonneville, Kelly Macdonald

3:10 to Yuma (2007)
Watched: 09/04/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Impoverished rancher aids authorities in bringing charismatic murderer to justice.
6-word review:  Action-packed, shoot-em-up, showcasing unlikely mutual respect.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Russell Crowe, Christian Bale

Girl Next (2021)
Watched: 09/10/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Woman abducted by sadistic, drug-fueled, human-trafficking couple. Fights to survive.
6-word review:  Bizarre horror film combines camp, gore.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Lacey Cofran, Marcus Jean Pirae

Test (2013)
Watched: 09/10/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Professional San Francisco dancer debates getting newly developed HIV test.
6-word review:  Poignant look at early AIDS crisis.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Scott Marlowe, Matthew Risch

Falls Around Her (2018)
Watched: 09/11/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Giving up international stardom, returning home, Anishinaabe, musician seeks peace.
6-word review:  Very slow, beautifully filmed, good performances.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Tantoo Cardinal

Carnival of Souls (1962)
Watched: 09/13/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Woman agonizes to lead normal life, not realizing she's dead.
6-word review:  Imaginative, creepy thriller with eerie music.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Candace Hilligoss

Breaking News in Yuba County (2021)
Watched: 09/13/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Neglected housewife fakes philandering husband's kidnapping, capturing widespread media attention.
6-word review:  Clever black comedy lampooning news sensationalism.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Allison Janney and ensemble cast

Hell Town [a.k.a. Born to the West] (1937)
Watched: 09/15/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Drifter drives cousin's cattle herd, romances his girl, plays poker.
6-word review:  Adequate oater. Wayne stiff as ever.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring John Wayne, Marsha Hunt

The Accusing Finger (1936)
Watched: 09/15/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Tough DA accused of murdering wife, facing execution, becomes enlightened.
6-word review:  Fast-paced programmer covers many social issues.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Paul Kelly, Marsha Hunt

Goodnight Mommy (2022)
Watched: 09/17/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Twins suspect that post-op plastic surgery, still-bandaged woman isn't mommy.
6-word review:  Eerie with routine twists, unanswered questions.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Naomi Watts

The Devil All the Time (2020)
Watched: 09/17/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Overlapping stories involving charlatan preachers, serial killers, suicide, corruption, revenge.
6-word review:  Episodic, moody exploration of damaged characters.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Tom Holland and ensemble cast

Butterflies Are Free (1972)
Watched: 09/19/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Naive blind man with over-protective mother falls for free-spirited kook.
6-word review:  Heckart, Albert good. Goldie wears thin.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Goldie Hawn, Edward Albert, Eileen Heckart

Blonde (2022)
Watched: 09/30/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Fictionalized interpretation of the tormented life of actress Marilyn Monroe.
6-word review:  Overlong, artistic mess. de Armas excellent.
Rating: ★★
Note:  Starring Ana de Armas

Lou (2022)
Watched: 09/30/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Mysterious woman aids neighbor in tracking kidnapped daughter; secrets unravel.
6-word review:  Fast-moving thriller, nice twists, satisfying resolution.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Allison Janney

October 2022     |     Back to top

Luv (1967)
Watched: 10/01/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Philandering married man pawns off wife on schnook college friend.
6-word review:  Silly, dated, slapstick rom-com. Over-the-top Lemmon.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Jack Lemmon, Peter Falk

Georgy Girl (1966)
Watched: 10/02/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Dowdy girl turns down love to raise roommate's abandoned baby.
6-word review:  Quirky characters. Good performances by all.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Lynn Redgrave, Alan Bates; hit theme song

Adam Had Four Sons (1941)
Watched: 10/02/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Governess to now-grown sons must protect family from slutty daughter-in-law.
6-word review:  Bergman, Hayward sparring highlights sentimental melodrama.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Ingrid Bergman, Susan Hayward

Coal Miner's Daughter (1980)
Watched: 10/04/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Turbulent life and career of country music icon Loretta Lynn.
6-word review:  Engaging biopic, uniformly excellent. Sissy's amazing.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Starring Sissy Spacek, Tommy Lee Jones; Loretta Lynn: April 14, 1932 - October 4, 2022

Mapplethorpe (2018)
Watched: 10/10/22     Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary:  The life, career, untimely death of controversial photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.
6-word review:  Detailed, but meanders. Excellent lead performance.
Rating: ★★★
XYZee1972:  Starring Matt Smith

X, Y and Zee (1972)
Watched: 10/10/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Architect has affair with quiet widow; shrewish wife gets even.
6-word review:  Campy drama. Scenery-chewing Liz is great.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Caine

Mutiny (1952)
Watched: 10/11/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  On secret mission involving gold bullion, ruffian crew plots mutiny.
6-word review:  Lively nautical programmer. Lansbury's conniving dame.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Mark Stevens, Patric Knowles, Angela Lansbury (October 16, 1925 - October 11, 2022)

The Green Promise (1949)
Watched: 10/12/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Stubborn widower tries farming, refusing outside help, guidance; troubles abound.
6-word review:  Heartwarming film: conflict, romance, danger, humor.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Marguerite Chapman, Natalie Wood

Heart and Souls (1993)
Watched: 10/17/22     Provider: Michelle McKinney
10-word summary:  Baby born as four prematurely die; they guide his life.
6-word review:  Outstanding performances, multi-level story, sweet movie.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Starring Robert Downey Jr., Alfre Woodard, ensemble cast

Johnny Come Lately (1943)
Watched: 10/21/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Hot-shot drifter helps an elderly newspaperwoman fight corrupt local politician.
6-word review:  Cagney endearing in charming turn-of-the-century story.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring James Cagney, Grace George

November 2022     |     Back to top

The Good Nurse (2022)
Watched: 11/08/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Suspecting colleague is killing patients, nurse teams with police investigators.
6-word review:  Restrained film, excellent performances. Redmayne's creepy.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Jessica Chastain, Eddie Redmayne

My Policeman (2022)
Watched: 11/08/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  1950s England, forbidden same-sex love between policeman and museum curator.
6-word review:  A beautifully acted, gentle-but-tragic period piece.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Harry Styles, David Dawson, Emma Corrin

Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022)
Watched: 11/09/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Long-held family secrets, evolving attitudes, movie-making, romance, illness, and transitions.
6-word review:  Charming wrap-up of a beloved series.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring original ensemble cast

The Burning Bed (1984)
Watched: 11/10/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Battered woman finally saves herself by torching violently abusive husband.
6-word review:  Farrah's gritty performance outshines sensationalized drama.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  TV movie starring Farrah Fawcett, Paul Le Mat

Loan Shark (1952)
Watched: 11/12/22     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary:  Ex-con goes undercover in factory to expose crooked lending operations.
6-word review:  Engaging plot, crisp dialogue, implausible romance.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring George Raft, Dorothy Hart

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (2022)
Watched: 11/13/22     Provider: Mike McVeigh
10-word summary:  Widowed housecleaner must have Dior dress, resulting in life-changing adventures.
6-word review:  Delightful episodic film with outstanding cast.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Lesley Manville, Jason Isaacs

Niagara Falls (1941)
Watched: 11/17/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Mismatched couple endures silly misunderstandings, squabble, then fall in love.
6-word review:  Forced low-budget comedy, a few chuckles.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Marjorie Woodworth, Tom Brown

Stolen Hours (1963)
Watched: 11/17/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Socialite with brain tumor has surgery, finds love, happiness—dies.
6-word review:  Hayward excellent in lush, soapy film.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Susan Hayward, Michael Craig; ironic aside: in this film, Susan Hayward's character dies of a brain tumor, and in 1975, Susan Hayward, herself, died of a brain tumor.

Elvis (2022)
Watched: 11/19/22     Provider: Mike McVeigh
10-word summary:  Biopic of influential icon, his turbulent relationship with manipulative manager.
6-word review:  Tries hard. Butler good. Hanks annoying.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Austin Butler, Tom Hanks

Kill Your Darlings (2013)
Watched: 11/19/22     Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary:  Evolution of Beat Generation poets, personal lives, and a murder.
6-word review:  Stylish exploration of brilliant, flawed influencers.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Michael C. Hall

Certain Fury (1985)
Watched: 11/26/22     Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary:  After courtroom shootout, unlikely pair chased through gritty city underbelly.
6-word review:  Young Oscar winners in dreadful film.
Rating: ★½
Note:  Starring Tatum O'Neal, Irene Cara (3/18/1959 - 11/25/22 R.I.P.)

Fame (1980)
Watched: 11/27/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Students in performing arts school sing, dance, act, have problems.
6-word review:  Vibrant, brilliant school scenes; melodramtic lapses.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Irene Cara, ensemble cast

Sorry, Wrong Number (1948)
Watched: 11/28/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Overhearing plot to murder her, wealthy neurotic, bedridden invalid panics.
6-word review:  Worthwhile for Stanwyck's brilliant, over-the-top performance.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Barbara Stanwyck, Burt Lancaster

The Dark Past (1948)
Watched: 11/28/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Escaped murderer takes family hostage, psychiatrist dad tries reforming him.
6-word review:  Taut noir bogged down by psychoanalysis.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring William Holden, Lee J. Cobb

Cyrano (2021)
Watched: 11/29/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Lovelorn man writes, as another, eloquent letters to unrequited love.
6-word review:  Well-acted, attractive but uneven; songs drag.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Peter Dinklage

National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985)
Watched: 11/30/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Griswald family wins vacation on game show, has madcap adventures.
6-word review:  Clichéd, sophomoric, tiresome humor. Incredibly stupid.
Rating: ★
Note:  Starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo

December 2022     |     Back to top

Lady Chatterly's Lover (2022)
Watched: 12/02/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Aristocrat with paraplegic husband has torrid affair with hunky gamekeeper.
6-word review:  Outstanding performances, mature themes, beautifully filmed.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Emma Corrin, Jack O'Connell

Let's Make It Legal (1951)
Watched: 12/02/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Long-married, now-divorcing couple overcome comical domestic obstacles resulting in reconciliation.
6-word review:  Strained comedy bolstered by popular cast.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Claudette Colbert, Macdonald Carey, Marilyn Monroe

Molly and Me (1945)
Watched: 12/04/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Unemployed actress becomes housekeeper to stuffy politician; shakes things up.
6-word review:  Charming little movie. Delightful ensemble cast.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Gracie Fields, Monty Woolley

Bullet Train (2022)
Watched: 12/04/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Assassin's simple assignment retrieving briefcase on high-speed train gets complicated.
6-word review:  Silly, cartoonishly violent action. Brad's hilarious.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Brad Pitt, several well-known cameos

Railroaded! (1947)
Watched: 12/05/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Beautician and gangster rob bookie joint; plan goes terribly wrong.
6-word review:  Crisp dialogue, nasty villains, cynical dames.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring John Ireland, Hugh Beaumont

The Gay Bed and Breakfast of Terror (2007)
Watched: 12/05/22     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary:  Religious republican mother, daughter run gay hotel, murder sinful guests.
6-word review:  Cheesy mix of tepid parody, slasher.
Rating: ★½
Note:  Starring no one worth remembering.

Capturing the Killer Nurse (2022)
Watched: 12/06/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Police investigators prove ICU nurse Charles Cullen killed multiple patients.
6-word review:  Detailed documentary of murders, hospital coverups.
Rating: ★★★

White Bird in a Blizzard (2014)
Watched: 12/06/22     Provider: Pluto TV
10-word summary:  Bizarre mother's sudden disappearance haunts stoic but answer-seeking teenage daughter.
6-word review:  Overlong, distracting flashbacks, nice surprise ending.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Shailene Woodley, Christopher Meloni

Sliver (1993)
Watched: 12/13/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Beauty rents luxurious apartment with recent-mysterious-deaths history and handsome-but-creepy neighbor.
6-word review:  Absurd erotic thriller, uninspired cast tries.
Rating: ★★
Note:  Starring Sharon Stone, William Baldwin

Emily the Criminal (2022)
Watched: 12/14/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Large student loans, low-paying jobs force woman into criminal life.
6-word review:  Intriguing commentary on one's available options.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Aubrey Plaza, Theo Rossi

Western Pacific Agent (1950)
Watched: 12/15/22     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Railroad payroll agent murdered during robbery, special police track killer.
6-word review:  Fast-paced, small-town noir. Good performances throughout.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Kent Taylor, Sid Melton

Prisoners (2013)
Watched: 12/15/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Two girls abducted; vengeful father takes matters in own hands.
6-word review:  Overlong, but compelling. Excellent last act.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal

Appointment with Danger (1950)
Watched: 12/15/22     Provider: Billboard TV Network
10-word summary:  Postal inspector works with nun to investigate fellow officer's murder.
6-word review:  Good cast, story, locations, and twists.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Alan Ladd, Phyllis Calvert

Anne Murray: Full Circle (2021)
Watched: 12/16/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Documentary of trail-blazing, true-to-herself, one-of-a-kind, not-to-be-pigeonholed, barrier-breaking, iconic Canadian singer.
6-word review:  She made what wasn't, look effortless.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Anne Murray, featuring interviews with many involved in her career

Remember the Night (1940)
Watched: 12/17/22     Provider: Fawesome TV
10-word summary:  Sympathetic prosecutor takes beautiful shoplifter home for holidays; love blooms.
6-word review:  Charming, sentimental movie. MacMurray, Stanwyck gorgeous.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray

Christmas Twister (2012)
Watched: 12/18/22     Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary:  Devastating serial tornadoes hit Christmastime Texas; locals disregard scientific warnings.
6-word review:  Terrible effects, acting, dialogue; laughably disastrous.
Rating: ★
Note:  TV movie starring Casper Van Dien, Richard Burgi

The Donner Party (2009)
Watched: 12/18/22     Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary:  Mountain snow traps California-bound settlers; extreme measures taken to survive.
6-word review:  Dull for a story about cannibalism.
Rating: ★★
Note:  Starring Crispin Glover

Clue (1985)
Watched: 12/27/22     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Six blackmail victims attend mysterious gathering; series of murders follow.
6-word review:  Delightfully punny farce with outstanding cast.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring All-star ensemble

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
Watched: 12/30/22     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Sketchy billionaire hosts friends on Greek island; murder mystery unraveled.
6-word review:  Very talky, bad accents, enjoyable enough.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Ensemble cast

The Outrageous Sophie Tucker (2014)
Watched: 12/30/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Documentary of popular entertainer, spanning vaudeville days to early television.
6-word review:  Nice mix of personal, professional interviews.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Sophie Tucker in archival clips

White Noise (2022)
Watched: 12/31/22     Provider: Nextflix
10-word summary:  Dark satire of societal angst, family disharmony, consumerism, impending doom.
6-word review:  Alternatingly clever, boring. Visually attractive, overlong.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Adam Driver, Greta Gerwig

Dangerous Afternoon (1961)
Watched: 12/31/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Now-law-abiding, boarding-house-running ex-con handles ruthless blackmailer from her criminal past.
6-word review:  Easy-going drama with inevitiable moralistic outcome.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Ruth Dunning

The Paramedic (2020)
Watched: 12/31/22     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Recently-accident-paralyzed ex-paramedic becomes obsessive, abusive to other-man-impregnated girlfriend. Ironic turnabout.
6-word review:  Twisty-turny plot, attractive cast, fast pace.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Mario Casas

The Guilt Trip (2012)
Watched: 05/28/23     Provider: Virgin Voyages
10-word summary:  A cross-country chronicle of sometimes explosive, ultimately poignant mother-son reconnection.
6-word review:  Well-done exposition of complicated relationship dynamics.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Starring Barbra Streisand, Seth Rogen