BOB'S MOVIES: 10-word summaries | 6-word reviews
2025 movies by date watched
2025: Jun | May | Apr | Mar | Feb | Jan
The Careless Years (1957)
Watched: 06/24/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Teenagers plan to marry, parents oppose. Teenagers realize it's foolish.
6-word review: Dated, sexist, uninspiring writing, overwrought acting.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Dean Stockwell, Barbara Billingsley
True Things (2021)
Watched: 06/24/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Lonely woman has torrid affair with ex-con; [spoiler alert 😏] they break up.
6-word review: Tries hard to be arty — meh.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Ruth Wilson, Tom Burke
The Good Die Young (1954)
Watched: 06/23/25 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Amoral cad convinces down-and-outs to take part in high-stakes robbery.
6-word review: Cracking British noir, extremely good performances.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring in all-star ensemble
Hoodlum Empire (1952)
Watched: 06/22/25 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Ex-gangster tries going legit after army; old cronies cause trouble.
6-word review: Boring crime story. Familiar Americana sermonizing.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring John Russell, Claire Trevor
Anne Murray: Full Circle (2021)
Watched: 06/20/25 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
Madame X (1966)
Watched: 06/17/25 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Diplomat's wife accidentally kills lover; life spirals downhill from there.
6-word review: Turner's terrific in quintessential tragic melodrama.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Lana Turner
Portrait in Black (1960)
Watched: 06/19/25 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Shipping tycoon's younger adulteress wife murders him; blackmail causes unraveling.
6-word review: Slick, melodramatic; over-the-top emoting by everyone.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Lana Turner, Anthony Quinn
Alice, Sweet Alice [a.k.a. Communion] (1976)
Watched: 06/18/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Young girl prime suspect in brutal murder of her sister.
6-word review: Stylish slasher examines Catholic attitudes, guilt.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Featuring 11-year old Brook Shields in her film debut.
The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
Watched: 06/17/25 Provider: Own
10-word summary: War hero with power-hungry mother brainwashed to be political assassin.
6-word review: Confusing first half, exceptional second half.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, Angela Lansbury
He Ran All the Way (1951)
Watched: 06/17/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: After botched robbery, nervous dim-witted thug holds frightened family hostage.
6-word review: Great acting; tense, with surprise ending.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring John Garfield, Shelley Winters
The Conversation (1974)
Watched: 06/17/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Surveillance expert unknowingly records adulterous conversation planning a high-profile murder.
6-word review: Slow, meticulous, paranoiac. Long 113 minutes.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Gene Hackman
Deep Cover (2025)
Watched: 06/15/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Three improv actors accidentally go undercover infiltrating dangerous drug syndicate.
6-word review: Great comic performances. Totally fun movie.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring Bryce Dallas Howard, Orlando Bloom, Nick Mohammed
Girl in the Video (2024)
Watched: 06/14/25 Provider: Fawesome TV
10-word summary: Teenage girl kidnapped, abused on camera for paying internet customers.
6-word review: Tame treatment of horrendous situation. Predictable.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Cush Jumbo
A Fire in the Cold Season (2019)
Watched: 06/12/25 Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary: Nice guy finds dead body, becomes dangerous drug dealer's target.
6-word review: Stark, deliberate, uneasy. Unexpectedly anguished finale.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Stephen Oates
A Small Fortune (2021)
Watched: 06/11/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Nice guy finds bag of money, makes really bad decisions.
6-word review: Beautifully bleak scenery, serenely bizarre situations.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring a Canadian cast
Devil's Knot (2013)
Watched: 06/10/25 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Three eight-year-old boys murdered, three possibly innocent teenage boys convicted.
6-word review: Redneck stereotypes, straightforward storytelling, appropriately downbeat.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring an ensemble cast
ExTerminators (2009)
Watched: 06/10/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Meeting in women's therapy group, trio undertakes killing abusive men.
6-word review: Cute black comedy. Coolidge uncharacteristically subdued.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Jennifer Coolidge, Heather Graham
Spinning Man (2018)
Watched: 06/09/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: College philosophy professor is prime suspect in teenage girl's disappearance.
6-word review: Good performances in surprisingly low-key thriller.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Guy Pearce, Pierce Bronsan
Condemned! (1929)
Watched: 06/08/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Wife of cruel warden falls for prisoner assigned as houseboy.
6-word review: Excellent pre-code romantic melodrama. Great performances.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Ronald Colman, Ann Harding
The Mick and the Trick (2024)
Watched: 06/08/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Retiring hitman, aided by trans sex worker, evades murdering mobsters.
6-word review: Colorful mix of action and humor.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Peter Greene, Jazz Vilá
Evidence of Blood (1998)
Watched: 06/07/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Writer investigates hometown murder; long-hidden secrets exposed, questions finally answered.
6-word review: Methodically unraveled, great acting, starkly unsensationalized.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: TV moving starring David Strathairn, Mary McDonnell
Abigail (2024)
Watched: 06/05/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Rag-tag criminals kidnap wealthy child who — unbeknownst — is a vampire.
6-word review: Great first half, then just tiresome.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Dan Stevens
Johnny Cool (1963)
Watched: 06/05/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Hit man — dispatching crime boss's enemies — falls for thrill-seeking socialite.
6-word review: Slow start; action, murders quickly accelerate.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Henry Silva, Elizabeth Montgomery
May 2025 | Back to top
Dark Horse (2011)
Watched: 05/27/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Self-centered lazy underachiever has things go wrong, then he dies.
6-word review: Absurdist comedy, little irony or humor.
Rating: ★
Note: Starring an ensemble cast
Abandoned (1949)
Watched: 05/26/25 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Seeking dead sister's stolen baby, woman discovers criminal baby brokers.
6-word review: Unusual twist on noir; exciting finale.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Raymond Burr, Gale Storm
Cooties (2014)
Watched: 05/22/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Tainted "McNuggets" turn children into flesh-eating zombies; schoolteachers fight back.
6-word review: Chasing, screaming silliness. Some clever wordplay.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring an ensemble cast
In a Lonely Place (1950)
Watched: 05/21/25 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Would-be actress falls for volatile has-been screenwriter; bad for all.
6-word review: Grahame great. Bogart surly. Multifaceted noir.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Humphrey Bogart, Gloria Grahame
Swamp Fire (1946)
Watched: 05/19/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Nervous Coast Guard hero returns piloting boats on boggy Mississippi.
6-word review: Weissmuller's non-jungle solo. Stick with apes.
Rating: ★½
Note: Starring Johnny Weissmuller
Gladiator II (2024)
Watched: 05/18/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Pissed off, enslaved gladiator fights everyone to restore Rome's glory.
6-word review: Too much gladiatoring, not enough story!
Rating: Abandoned
Note: Starring Cast of thousands
The Gamma People (1956)
Watched: 05/18/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Scientist uses experimental rays on villagers; geniuses expected, idiots result.
6-word review: Comedy? Thriller? Sci-Fi? Mystery? Inconsistent throughout.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Paul Douglas, Eva Bartok
Spin a Dark Web [a.k.a. SoHo Incident] (1956)
Watched: 05/16/25 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Canadian ex-GI gets involved with English criminals and sultry dame.
6-word review: Inconsistent pacing but ultimately satisfying noir.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Faith Domergue, Lee Patterson
Listen, Let's Make Love (1968)
Watched: 05/17/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Upon father's death, youth inherits nothing, decides to become gigolo.
6-word review: Tame satire of class, gender, wealth.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Pierre Clémenti
The Family Fang (2015)
Watched: 05/16/25 Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary: Exploited children — now adults — of self-important performance artists confront parents.
6-word review: Talented stars wasted in offbeat story.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Nicole Kidman, Jason Bateman
In the Money (1933)
Watched: 05/15/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Formerly "idle wealthy" family, now penniless, must learn to survive.
6-word review: Some funny moments; mostly simple, silly.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Lois Wilson
Where Danger Lives (1950)
Watched: 05/15/25 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Doctor possibly killed crazy girlfriend's husband; they flee to Mexico.
6-word review: Tremendous noir with truly evil dame.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Robert Mitchum, Faith Domergue
Limbo (2023)
Watched: 05/14/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: World-weary cop investigating 20-year-old murder connects with remote town's inhabitants.
6-word review: Beautifully bleak, subtle with ambiguity throughout.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Simon Baker
Swinging Safari (2018)
Watched: 05/11/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Adventures of three cul-de-sac families — including swinger parents, unruly children.
6-word review: Nice 1970s details, unbelievably silly ending.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring an Australian ensemble cast
Doomwatch [a.k.a. Island of the Ghouls] (1972)
Watched: 05/11/25 Provider: Mometu
10-word summary: Chemical pollution turns fishing villagers into deformed monsters; scientist investigates.
6-word review: Plodding environmental thriller without many thrills.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Ian Bannen, Judy Geeson
Hurricane Bianca (2016)
Watched: 05/11/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Fired gay teacher — rehired in drag — positively impacts students' lives.
6-word review: Idealistic message, over-the-top performances, predictable outcome.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Roy Haylock (better known as Bianca Del Rio)
A is for Acid (2002)
Watched: 05/07/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Man kills nine people, dissolves bodies in acid; finally caught.
6-word review: Subdued Clunes good. Unsensationalized true story.
Rating: ★★½
Note: British TV movie starring Martin Clunes
April 2025 | Back to top
Drum (1976)
Watched: 04/29/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Extreme cruelty of plantation owner leads to violent slave uprising.
6-word review: Sleazy, exploitative, overdone guilty pleasure entertainment.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Ken Norton
Young Widow (1946)
Watched: 04/29/25 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Whining about dead husband most of movie, woman rediscovers romance.
6-word review: Jane looks good. Nice supporting cast.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Jane Russell
Shivers (1975)
Watched: 04/23/25 Provider: Xumo
10-word summary: Bloodthirsty medically developed parasites turn victims into erotically obsessed maniacs.
6-word review: Killings become monotonous. Lacks any eroticism.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Paul Hampton
Invasion of the Bee Girls (1973)
Watched: 04/20/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Brilliant mad-scientist creates killing-with-sex female army using radiation-altered bee serum.
6-word review: Ironically — anti-misogyny message with lotsa boobies.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring William Smith, Anitra Ford
Black Mama White Mama (1973)
Watched: 04/20/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Chained-together prison escapees pursued by police, criminals, and drug dealers.
6-word review: Scantily clad cast tries; cartoonish violence.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Pam Grier
Carnival Lady (1933)
Watched: 04/20/25 Provider: Pre-code Hollywood
10-word summary: Society man loses his money, joins a carnival, finds love.
6-word review: Dated, corny with nice twist ending.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Boots Mallory, Allen Vincent
Plainsong (2004)
Watched: 04/18/25 Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary: Townsfolk have troubles — pregnancy, bullying, depression; they help each other.
6-word review: Good cast, multiple stories ultimately gel.
Rating: ★★★
Note: TV movie starring Aiden Quinn, America Ferrera
It's a Disaster (2012)
Watched: 04/17/25 Provider: Fawesome TV
10-word summary: World's end comes during friends' brunch; very different coping styles.
6-word review: Subtle black comedy, insightful wry humor.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring America Ferrera and an ensemble cast
Dementia 13 (1963)
Watched: 04/15/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Axe murderer is loose among dysfunctional family in Irish castle.
6-word review: Creepy, intense. Large dose of camp.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring William Campbell, Luana Anders
Kill Her Gently (1957)
Watched: 04/14/25 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Encountering escaped prisoners, man convinces them to murder his wife.
6-word review: Tense, brutal, rapid pace. Great villains.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Marc Lawrence, Griffith Jones
Pete Smalls is Dead (2010)
Watched: 04/13/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Friends claim rights to last film of recently deceased director.
6-word review: The acting's great; the movie, not-so-much.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Peter Dinklage and an ensemble cast
North Country (2005)
Watched: 04/12/25 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Abused and harassed coal-mine-working women file first U.S. class-action lawsuit.
6-word review: Powerful, moving film of landmark case.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring an all-star cast.
My Favorite Wife (1940)
Watched: 04/12/25 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Shipwrecked long ago, wife returns finding husband remarried, complicating situation.
6-word review: Outstanding first half, then comedy wanes.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Irene Dunne, Cary Grant
Zombeavers (2014)
Watched: 04/11/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: College kids' weekend getaway is interrupted by toxic-waste-fueled killer beavers.
6-word review: Terrible, but funny. Better than many.
Rating: ★½
Note: Starring an ensemble cast of unknowns
Time Table (1956)
Watched: 04/10/25 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Train robbed of $500,000. Insurance agent halfheartedly leads investigation. Hmm.
6-word review: Dark and humorless with clever twist.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Produced, directed, & starring Mark Stevens
G20 (2025)
Watched: 04/10/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: President uses her combat background to bring down international terrorists.
6-word review: Davis is fantastic in edge-of-your-seat thriller.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring Viola Davis
Manhunter (1986)
Watched: 04/10/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Brilliant retired agent enlisted to stop one more serial killer.
6-word review: Compelling film, but Petersen's reason enough.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring William Petersen
Nothing But the Night (1973)
Watched: 04/09/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Trustees of posh orphanage being murdered. Powerful occult forces suspected.
6-word review: Verbose; plods along until campy ending.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing
Hunt the Man Down (1950)
Watched: 04/09/25 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Man stands trial for 12-year-old murder, surprising new evidence discovered.
6-word review: Moves quickly, quirky characters, great finale.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Gig Young
Frances Ferguson (2019)
Watched: 04/08/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Trapped in loveless marriage, teacher seduces hunky student; suffers consequences.
6-word review: Lethargic pacing and sardonic performances. Yawn.
Rating: ★★
Note: Best part is deadpan narration by Nick Offerman
The Seven-Ups (1973)
Watched: 04/08/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Tough undercover cops track down ruthless kidnappers of mobster bosses.
6-word review: Starts slow, fantastic chase scene redeems.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Roy Scheider
Extravagance (1930)
Watched: 04/07/25 Provider: Pre-code Hollywood
10-word summary: Spoiled socialite marries dreamboat, gets bored, wanders, shops too much.
6-word review: Saucy well-acted tale of marital discord.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring June Collyer, Lloyd Hughes
Held for Ransom (1938)
Watched: 04/07/25 Provider: Digital Drive-In
10-word summary: Female FBI agent rescues kidnapped businessman, recovers ransom, finds love.
6-word review: Strong, smart female lead; unnecessary romance.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Blanche Mehaffey
Three Secrets (1950)
Watched: 04/06/25 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Adopted-5-year-old lone plane crash survivor has three possible biological mothers.
6-word review: Stellar performances in effective, suspenseful melodrama.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Eleanor Parker, Patricia Neal, Ruth Roman
Hammerhead (1968)
Watched: 04/06/25 Provider: Mometu
10-word summary: American agent must stop international criminal mastermind stealing nuclear secrets.
6-word review: Slick action caper with comedic danger.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Vince Edwards, Judy Geeson
Party Girl (1995)
Watched: 04/05/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Irresponsible girl reluctantly takes library job; changes her pointless life.
6-word review: Exaggerated characters. Obvious message. Lighthearted appeal.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Parker Posey
The Assassination Bureau (1969)
Watched: 04/05/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Elite killer association accepts contract to eliminate its own chairman.
6-word review: Amusing black comedy. Reed, Rigg great.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Oliver Reed, Diana Rigg
Space Master X-7 (1958)
Watched: 04/03/25 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Scientists must track down woman carrying deadly outer space fungus.
6-word review: Nifty low-budget thriller. Oozing blob's scary.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Bill Williams
The Secret of the Purple Reef (1960)
Watched: 04/02/25 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Brothers seek answers why other brother's ship was mysteriously lost.
6-word review: Nice scenery. Calypso music covers dullness.
Rating: ★★
Note: Richard Chamberlain's film debut (R.I.P. 03/31/1934 - 03/29/2025)
Addicted to Fresno (2015)
Watched: 04/01/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Sisters — working as hotel maids — accidentally kill sleaze-bag, hide body.
6-word review: Great cast wasted in contrived comedy.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Natasha Lyonne, Judy Greer, an ensemble of comedians
Smash-Up on Interstate 5 (1976)
Watched: 04/01/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Backstories of drivers involved in a 39-car California highway disaster.
6-word review: Clichéd characters, silly situations, exciting crash.
Rating: ★★½
Note: TV movie with an ensemble of TV stars
March 2025 | Back to top
Holland (2025)
Watched: 03/29/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Woman with perfect life suspects husband's cheating—discovers much worse.
6-word review: Over-plotted, confusing, humorous. Outstanding Kidman performance.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Nicole Kidman
The Delinquents (1957)
Watched: 03/28/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Sleazy ruffians bully nice guy; they are taught a lesson.
6-word review: Fast-paced, simple story gets too preachy.
Rating: ★★½
Note: First film written, produced, and directed by Robert Altman
Trap (2024)
Watched: 03/20/25 Provider: Southwest Airlines
10-word summary: Father, daughter attending concert learn it's a serial killer trap.
6-word review: Clever thriller with slick, attractive villain.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Josh Hartnett, Hayley Mills
Horror Express (1972)
Watched: 03/18/25 Provider: Classic Movies & TV
10-word summary: Frozen prehistoric man thaws on a train, causes big trouble.
6-word review: Fun, fast ride of train-based mayhem.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Christopher Lee
Poor Things (2023)
Watched: 03/18/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Woman with infant's brain journeys to achieve knowledge, maturity, independence.
6-word review: Bizarre. Visually captivating. Entire cast excellent.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo
Red Riding: The Year of our Lord 1980 (2009)
Watched: 03/12/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Reviewing serial killer case, special investigator uncovers extensive police corruption.
6-word review: Good procedural drama full of twists.
Rating: ★★★
Note: British TV movie starring Paddy Considine
Federal Fugitives (1941)
Watched: 03/12/25 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Government agent goes undercover to catch spies stealing aircraft plans.
6-word review: Low-budget espionage caper. Okay time filler.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Neil Hamilton and (the other) Doris Day
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934)
Watched: 03/10/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Couple inadvertently involved in international assassination plot, their child kidnapped.
6-word review: Very slow first hour. Good finish.
Rating: ★★
Note: Alfred Hitchcock's 20th of 57 directed movies. He remade this — much better — starring Doris Day in 1956
Esteros (2016)
Watched: 03/10/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Childhood best friends reconnect as adults, explore their long-repressed feelings.
6-word review: Simple, complex story. Beautifully filmed, acted.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring international cast
Back Page (1933)
Watched: 03/09/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Using her small-town newspaper, rookie woman editor exposes big-time corruption.
6-word review: Early feminist slant in underdog story.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Peggy Shannon; a favorite quote: "You're too pretty to be smart."
Good Morning Miss Dove (1955)
Watched: 03/09/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Hospitalized, beloved teacher reflects on her life and former students.
6-word review: Sentimental with drama-filled charm and insight.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Jennifer Jones
Passed Away (1992)
Watched: 03/09/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Eccentric, dysfunctional family brought together by death of their father.
6-word review: Uninspired. Tries hard to be funny.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring an ensemble cast
Raw Nerve (1999)
Watched: 03/06/25 Provider: The Archive
10-word summary: Increasingly unhinged cop entangles friend and girlfriend in dangerous crimes.
6-word review: Action-packed contest of wills. Tense, erotic.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Mario Van Peebles
Our Sons (1991)
Watched: 03/06/25 Provider: The Archive
10-word summary: Very different mothers bond as one's son dies of AIDs.
6-word review: Okay talky presentation of significant issues.
Rating: ★★½
Note: TV movie starring Julie Andrews, Ann-Margret
Caged Hearts (1995)
Watched: 03/05/25 Provider: The Archive
10-word summary: Framed innocents, in half-clothed women's prison, expose politician's prostitution organization.
6-word review: Boobies galore. Bad on every level.
Rating: ½★
Note: Starring actors taking any job
Day of the Animals (1977)
Watched: 03/04/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Crazed, due to aerosol-damaged ozone, high-altitude animals viciously attack hikers.
6-word review: Silly, suspenseful, scenic. Fun 70s cast.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring an ensemble cast of hams
The Quatermass Xperiment [a.k.a. The Creeping Unknown] (1955)
Watched: 03/02/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Astronaut returns to Earth and transforms into murderous oozing creature.
6-word review: Great special effects, makeup. Intelligent script.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Brian Donlevy
Panic in the Streets (1950)
Watched: 03/02/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Health Department doctor tracks down carriers of plague, preventing epidemic.
6-word review: Suspenseful thriller with nice human touches.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Richard Widmark, Paul Douglas
The Panic in Needle Park (1971)
Watched: 03/02/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Volatile love story of two unlikable New York heroin addicts.
6-word review: Kept my attention; predictable ambiguous ending.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Al Pacino, Kitty Winn
February 2025 | Back to top
The Bride Walks Out (1936)
Watched: 02/28/25 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Career woman marries sexist jerk who disallows her to work.
6-word review: Embarrassingly dated fluff. Feisty Stanwyck tries.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Featuring Hattie McDaniel; starring Barbara Stanwyck
Assault on Precinct 13 (1976)
Watched: 02/27/25 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Police, convicts together, fight against killer gang in deserted precinct.
6-word review: Great character-driven film. Unrelenting and unforgettable.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring Austin Stoker, Darwin Joston; observation: despite the film's title, opening scene dialogue refers to "Precinct 9, Division 13" — a result of a post-production title change
Truck Turner (1974)
Watched: 02/26/25 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 Devil-Doll (1936)
Watched: 02/25/25 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Prison escapee miniaturizes people to exact revenge on former associates.
6-word review: Clever, creepy, special effects; schmaltzy ending.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Lionel Barrymore
Strangers in the Night (1944)
Watched: 02/25/25 Provider: Classic Movies & TV
10-word summary: War veteran's search for nonexistent woman leads to deception, murder.
6-word review: Fun B noir with great characters.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Virginia Grey, William Terry
Ruby's Bucket of Blood (2001)
Watched: 02/25/25 Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary: 1961 Louisiana, white singer woos Black bar owner; tragedy follows.
6-word review: Good performances, bad lip-syncing, implausible ending.
Rating: ★★½
Note: TV movie starring Angela Bassett, Brian Stokes Mitchell
Betty and Coretta (2013)
Watched: 02/22/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Widows of assassinated civil rights leaders form bond, continue crusading.
6-word review: Straightforward depiction of courageous women's friendship.
Rating: ★★★
Note: TV movie starring Angela Bassett, Mary J. Blige
Zulu (1964)
Watched: 02/22/25 Provider: Mometu
10-word summary: Zulu nation attempts to drive out encroaching greedy British settlements.
6-word review: Overlong battle epic; makes violence noble.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Featuring 1,240 Zulu extras
Rhythm and Blues Revue (1955)
Watched: 02/21/25 Provider: Classic Movie Vault
10-word summary: Plotless variety film featuring prominent 1950s Black recording artists, comedians.
6-word review: Wonderfully showcases performers at their peak.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughan, Count Basie, and many others
Strive (2019)
Watched: 02/20/25 Provider: Mometu
10-word summary: Bright Harlem teen struggles against family hardships to attend Yale.
6-word review: Humorless, cliché-ridden, but hopeful urban melodrama.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Danny GLover
Trial by Fire (2018)
Watched: 02/19/25 Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Convicted of burning children alive, innocent man fights for justice.
6-word review: Blatantly condemns Texas's corrupt court system.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Laura Dern, Jack O'Connell
To Catch a Killer (2023)
Watched: 02/19/25 Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Veteran FBI detective and troubled Baltimore cop track mass shooter.
6-word review: Overlong, but well-done police procedural thriller.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Shailene Woodley, Ben Mendelsohn, Jovan Adepo; favorite quote: Eleanor: "How long have you been married?" Lammark: "Ever since we were allowed."
Smooth as Silk (1946)
Watched: 02/19/25 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Heartless actress manipulates three men, achieves stardom; jealousies, murder result.
6-word review: Nifty noir, swell cast, sharp dialogue.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Featuring Theresa Harris; starring Virginia Grey
Out of the Past (1947)
Watched: 02/18/25 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Ex-detective pulled back into deadly situation by mobster's deceptive dame.
6-word review: Classic complicated noir; colorful characters abound.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Featuring Theresa Harris; starring Robert Mitchum
Secret Obsession (2019)
Watched: 02/17/25 Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Woman suffering from amnesia suspects perfect husband is hiding something.
6-word review: Predictably suspenseful, but lacks any logic.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Dennis Haysbert
The Joe Louis Story (1953)
Watched: 02/17/25 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Life of popular boxer—heavyweight champion for record 12 years.
6-word review: Sluggish, choppy, bad acting. Simms good.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Coley Wallace, Hilda Simms
The Baron (1977)
Watched: 02/16/25 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Actor borrows Mafia money for independent film; things turn dangerous.
6-word review: Great later scenes balance early dragginess.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Calvin Lockhart
I Can Do Bad All by Myself (2009)
Watched: 02/15/25 Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Alcoholic lounge singer reluctantly assumes custody of dead sister's kids.
6-word review: Decent story derailed by Medea nonsense.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Taraji P. Henson
The Black Godfather (1974)
Watched: 02/14/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Rising crime leader—consolidating his power—must eliminate ruthless pusher.
6-word review: Lame story drags, surprisingly little action.
Rating: ★½
Note: Starring Rod Perry
Baadasssss! (2003)
Watched: 02/13/25 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Chronicles complicated production of 1971's influential Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song.
6-word review: Excellent film—not a wasted frame.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring and directed by Mario Van Peebles as an homage to his father Melvin Van Peebles
A Fall from Grace (2020)
Watched: 02/12/25 Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Rookie lawyer defends upstanding woman accused of murdering much-younger husband.
6-word review: Makes little sense, some good moments.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Crystal R. Fox, Phylicia Rashad, Cicely Tyson
Dreamgirls (2006)
Watched: 02/11/25 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Soulful girl group's rise, international success, personal conflicts, musical legacy.
6-word review: Energetic and familiar. Hudson steals film.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Jennifer Hudson, others
Queen & Slim (2019)
Watched: 02/11/25 Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Traffic stop escalates, cop killed, fugitive couple becomes nationwide sensation.
6-word review: Powerful meandering story of racial injustices.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Jodie Turner-Smith, Daniel Kaluuya
Hoodlum (1997)
Watched: 02/10/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Black gangster systematically takes over Harlem's numbers, battles crime bosses.
6-word review: Inconsistent but entertaining with good cast.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Vanessa Williams, Laurence Fishburne
Family Honeymoon (1948)
Watched: 02/10/25 Provider: Classic Film Time
10-word summary: Newlyweds take wife's three brats on their Grand Canyon honeymoon.
6-word review: Silly, often-harrowing hi-jinx. Entirely predictable comedy.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Featuring Hattie McDaniel
Nothing But a Man (1964)
Watched: 02/09/25 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Restless man fiercely desires respect for himself, his race, family.
6-word review: Realistic with no easy resolutions presented.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Ivan Dixon, Abbey Lincoln
Bright Road (1953)
Watched: 02/08/25 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Idealistic teacher tries helping student interested in nature, not school.
6-word review: Mild message film of individualism. Sentimental.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
Watched: 02/08/25 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Principled lawyer defends Black man accused of raping white woman.
6-word review: Powerful film exploring racism and justice.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring Brock Peters, Gregory Peck
Bagdad Cafe (1987)
Watched: 02/07/25 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Caustic restaurateur, Bavarian magician, form unlikely bond at desolate cafe.
6-word review: Unusual, heartwarming story of chosen family.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring CCH Pounder, Marianne Sägebrecht
Far From Heaven (2002)
Watched: 02/06/25 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Husband's double life, wife's taboo friendship, shatter seemingly perfect lives.
6-word review: Beautiful and tragic. Moore is perfection.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring Dennis Haysbert, Julianne Moore, Viola Davis
Black Music Legends in Forgotten Musicals (2018)
Watched: 02/05/25 Provider: Fawesome TV
10-word summary: Musical scenes from 38 rare and obscure films from 1929-1955.
6-word review: Wonderful clips but no descriptive narration.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Including the musical talents of Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, Lena Horne, Nat King Cole, Louis Jordan, and many others
Rustin (2023)
Watched: 02/05/25 Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Gay Black activist Bayard Rustin plans 1963 March on Washington.
6-word review: Inspirational true story with great cast.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Colman Domingo, and ensemble
Mr. & Mrs. Loving (1996)
Watched: 02/04/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Defending Virginia couple's interracial marriage leads to landmark SCOTUS decision.
6-word review: Very low-key fictionalization of history-changing events.
Rating: ★★½
Note: TV movie starring Lela Rochon, Timothy Hutton
Black Girl (1972)
Watched: 02/03/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Young girl has plans to better herself; downtrodden family discourages.
6-word review: Inspiring story of determination and hope.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Peggy Pettit, Leslie Uggams
Lady Sings the Blues (1972)
Watched: 02/02/25 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Glossy treatment of tumultuous life of jazz icon Billie Holiday.
6-word review: Diana's fabulous performance a must see.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Diana Ross
Way Down South (1939)
Watched: 02/02/25 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Orphan fights corrupt lawyer to prevent selling plantation's "happy" slaves.
6-word review: Sugar-coated slavery depiction. Ultimately, sweet message.
Rating: ★★★
Hallelujah (1929)
Watched: 02/01/25 Provider: Fawesome TV
10-word summary: Sharecropper falls for temptress, repents, preaches, sins again, finally saved.
6-word review: Great story, talented cast. Historically significant.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Nina Mae McKinney, Daniel L. Haynes; historical significance: first Hollywood film with all-Black cast
Note: Starring Clarence Muse, Bobby Breen
The Man from Earth: Holocene (2017)
Watched: 02/01/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: 14,000-year-old enigmatic theology professor begins aging; annoying students become suspicious.
6-word review: Good start, underdeveloped storylines, choppy sequences.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Vanessa Williams, David Lee Smith
A Century of Black Cinema (2003)
Watched: 02/01/25 Provider: The Archive
10-word summary: Highlights varied Black films, stars, their impact on cinema history.
6-word review: Interesting exploration of struggles and triumphs.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Featuring archival footage and interviews
An American Crime (2007)
Watched: 02/01/25 Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Unstable single mother tortures, eventually kills, teen in her charge.
6-word review: Brilliant acting. Brutal, hard to watch.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Catherine Keener, Ellen (now Elliott) Page; based on a true story
January 2025 | Back to top
The Locked Door (1929)
Watched: 01/31/25 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Wife tries to avert impending scandal; husband's interference causes problems.
6-word review: Stanwyck beautiful, intense. Other principals meh.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring 21-year-old Barbara Stanwyck in her first starring role, and featuring a very funny Zasu Pitts.
Widow Clicquot (2023)
Watched: 01/31/25 Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Biopic of woman whose innovations, still used, revolutionized champagne making.
6-word review: Compelling story. Great acting, cinematography, music.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Haley Bennett
Woman of the Hour (2023)
Watched: 01/30/25 Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Serial killer appearing on The Dating Game eventually gets caught.
6-word review: Well-done fact-based film with good performances.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Daniel Zovatto, Anna Kendrick
Too Hot to Handle [a.k.a. Playgirl After Dark] (1960)
Watched: 01/30/25 Provider: Classic Movies in Color
10-word summary: Thugs put squeeze on striptease club owner for protection money.
6-word review: Bad musical numbers interrupt competent noir.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Jayne Mansfield, Leo Genn; a favorite quote: "That's a nice dress you've almost got on."
Young and Innocent (1937)
Watched: 01/29/25 Provider: Classic Movies in Color
10-word summary: Man falsely accused of murder gets help from policeman's daughter.
6-word review: Sweet love story mixed with mystery.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Nova Pilbeam, Derrick De Marney; directed by Alfred Hitchcock
I Love Trouble (1948)
Watched: 01/29/25 Provider: Classic Movies in Color
10-word summary: Detective hired to follow politician's wife. Nobody can be trusted.
6-word review: Too frivolous to be taken seriously.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Franchot Tone
Equinox (1970)
Watched: 01/29/25 Provider: Classico
10-word summary: Picnickers discover ancient book, unleashing powerful grotesque demons of darkness.
6-word review: Terrible acting, continuity issues, campy devils.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring hopefully retired actors.
Sudden Fear (1952)
Watched: 01/28/25 Provider: Classico
10-word summary: Heiress playwright marries struggling actor who then plots her murder.
6-word review: Overwrought Joan at her most Crawford.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Joan Crawford, Jack Palance, Gloria Grahame
Demon Seed (1977)
Watched: 01/27/25 Provider: Classico
10-word summary: Advanced computer impregnates its inventor's wife to achieve human form.
6-word review: Outlandish futuristic silliness. Christie deserves better.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Julie Christie
Chicago Confidential (1957)
Watched: 01/25/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Union corruption, politicians, and murder. Sordid case cops must unravel.
6-word review: Full of everything crime drama needs.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Brian Keith, Beverly Garland
One Million B.C. (1940)
Watched: 01/25/25 Provider: Classic Sci-Fi Channel
10-word summary: Primitive man meets advanced tribe, battles assimilation and giant lizards.
6-word review: Great special effects. Fun caveman languages.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Victor Mature, Carole Landis
Target Earth (1954)
Watched: 01/25/25 Provider: The Essential Sci-Fi Channel
10-word summary: Robots from Venus invade Chicago; stranded group tries to survive.
6-word review: More talk than action. Fun robots.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Richard Denning, Kathleen Crowley
Bank of Dave (2023)
Watched: 01/24/25 Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Small-town businessman makes loans to locals, struggles establishing legitimate bank.
6-word review: Nice feel-good movie, very likable characters.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Rory Kinnear, Joel Fry
Emilia Pérez (2024)
Watched: 01/24/25 Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Powerful Mexican drug lord tries rebuilding life after gender-affirming surgery.
6-word review: Possibly good story buried in flash.
Rating: Abandoned
Note: Starring Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldana
Eraserhead (1977)
Watched: 01/23/25 Provider: Classico
10-word summary: Numb-brained schmuck, angry girlfriend, are parents to grotesque mutant baby.
6-word review: Nightmarish, disturbing visuals, open to interpretation.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Jack Nance; first feature film of David Lynch (R.I.P. 01/20/1946 - 01/15/2025)
Tarzan and His Mate (1934)
Watched: 01/23/25 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Ivory hunters are back, disrupting Tarzan and Jane's jungle bliss.
6-word review: Darker, more hectic retread of original.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Johnny Weissmuller, Maureen O'Sullivan
Tarzan the Ape Man (1932)
Watched: 01/22/25 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Unscrupulous ivory hunters seek elephant's sacred valley of the dead.
6-word review: Dated. Some nice scenes; many brutal.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Johnny Weissmuller, Maureen O'Sullivan
The Eyes of Laura Mars (1978)
Watched: 01/22/25 Provider: Own
10-word summary: Controversial fashion photographer has visions of associates' murders, becomes distraught.
6-word review: Hilariously excessive. Suspend logic, just enjoy.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Faye Dunaway, Tommy Lee Jones; fantastic theme song: Prisoner by Barbra Streisand
The Devil's Playground (1976)
Watched: 01/21/25 Provider: Classico
10-word summary: 13-year-old Catholic boys' school student questions the church, faith, God.
6-word review: Insightful coming-of-age story. Excellent script, acting.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Simon Burke
Orca (1977)
Watched: 01/21/25 Provider: Classico
10-word summary: Unethical whale hunter kills orca's pregnant mate; orca gets revenge.
6-word review: Cheesy with environmental message. Suspenseless thriller.
Rating: ★½
Note: Starring Richard Harris, Charlotte Rampling
The Suspect (1944)
Watched: 01/20/25 Provider: Classico
10-word summary: Middle-aged man, falling for young beauty, understandably kills shrewish wife.
6-word review: Intriguing period noir. Tormented Laughton's great.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Charles Laughton, Ella Raines
The Bride Wore Black (1968)
Watched: 01/20/25 Provider: Classico
10-word summary: Wedding-day groom murdered, his wife tracks down and kills killers.
6-word review: After slow start, gets real good.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Jeanne Moreau
The Man Who Wouldn't Die (1942)
Watched: 01/19/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Posing as heiress's husband, wise-cracking detective solves blackmail, murder case.
6-word review: Amusing screwballish mystery, nonsensical but enjoyable.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Lloyd Nolan, Marjorie Weaver
Macon County Line (1974)
Watched: 01/19/25 Provider: Classico
10-word summary: After wife's murder by drifters, vengeful sheriff's out for blood.
6-word review: Stereotypical redneck characters; good twist ending.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Alan Vint, Max Baer (Jr.)
While the City Sleeps (1956)
Watched: 01/19/25 Provider: Classico
10-word summary: Amid various romances, bickering media executives attempt finding serial killer.
6-word review: Unfocused melodramatic corporate, soapy, implausible, psycho-noir.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring all-star cast
The Nevadan (1950)
Watched: 01/17/25 Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Marshal, outlaw, greedy rancher—all three search for stolen gold.
6-word review: Builds nicely to well-done three-way shootout.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Randolph Scott, Forrest Tucker
Erin Brockovich (2000)
Watched: 01/16/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Brassy lawyer's assistant discovers corporate wrongdoing, initiating multimillion-dollar class-action lawsuit.
6-word review: Entertaining and relevant. Julia is great.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring Julia Roberts, Albert Finney
The Big Chase (1954)
Watched: 01/14/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Rookie cop misses daughter's birth while nabbing armored car robbers.
6-word review: Exciting extended chase; crooks are vicious.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Glenn Langan, Adele Jergens
The Other (1972)
Watched: 01/12/25 Provider: Classico
10-word summary: Strange tragedies befall farming family. Are supernatural forces at play?
6-word review: Idyllic setting. Horrifying events. Ambiguity throughout.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring an ensemble cast
The Captive City (1952)
Watched: 01/12/25 Provider: Classico
10-word summary: Small-town newspaperman exposes intricate and far-reaching network of criminal corruption.
6-word review: Earnest documentary-style drama with no-nonsense performances.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring John Forsythe
Appointment with a Shadow (1957)
Watched: 01/12/25 Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Alcoholic reporter given exclusive scoop. Nobody believes truth he discovers.
6-word review: Conscientious alcoholic character study meets noir.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring George Nader
The Driver (1978)
Watched: 01/11/25 Provider: Classico
10-word summary: Targeted by cops and fellow criminals, getaway driver foils both.
6-word review: Restrained performances and outstanding chase scenes.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Ryan O'Neal, Isabelle Adjani
Cry of the Werewolf (1944)
Watched: 01/11/25 Provider: Mometu
10-word summary: Gypsy queen protects werewolf identity from scientists at all costs.
6-word review: Subdued film. Foch the main interest.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Nina Foch
The Night Porter (1974)
Watched: 01/10/25 Provider: Classic Movies +
10-word summary: Years later, concentration camp survivor resumes sadomasochistic relationship with tormentor.
6-word review: Downbeat, twisted, disturbing. Not for all.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Dirk Bogarde, Charlotte Rampling
Heartaches (1947)
Watched: 01/10/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Hollywood crooner receives death threats. Murders of associates rattle him.
6-word review: Very watchable. Nice old Hollywood scenes.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Kenneth Farrell, Chill Wills
Pieces (1982)
Watched: 01/10/25 Provider: Classic Movies +
10-word summary: Boston coeds are being murdered and dismembered; police frantically investigate.
6-word review: Trashy slasher, comically gory, ludicrous ending.
Rating: ★½
Note: Starring Christopher George, Linda Day George
Lonely Wives (1931)
Watched: 01/09/25 Provider: Mometu
10-word summary: Lookalike lawyer and comedian trade places; try seducing other's wife.
6-word review: Fast frothy farce. Rapid racy rants.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Edward Everett Horton
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)
Watched: 01/09/25 Provider: Classic Comedy Channel
10-word summary: Widow falls for ghost of sea captain inhabiting seaside cottage.
6-word review: Charming romantic fantasy. Music, scenery excellent.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Gene Tierney, Rex Harrison
It's Love I'm After (1937)
Watched: 01/08/25 Provider: Classic Comedy Channel
10-word summary: Lovestruck fan pursues thespian who's in tempestuous relationship with costar.
6-word review: Delightful comedic romp for dramatic actors.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Bette Davis, Leslie Howard, Olivia de Havilland
Strangerland (2015)
Watched: 01/06/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Teenage siblings disappear from remote Australian town; parents desperately search.
6-word review: Kidman's powerhouse performance anchors suspenseful film.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Nicole Kidman, Joseph Fiennes
The Estate (2022)
Watched: 01/06/25 Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Greedy cousins swarm bitchy aunt's deathbed hoping to inherit millions.
6-word review: Talented cast outshines raunchy, bombastic script.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring an ensemble cast
Breaking the Ice (1938)
Watched: 01/06/25 Provider: Classic Movies & TV
10-word summary: Accused of stealing, Mennonite boy skedaddles, becomes singing sensation, atones.
6-word review: Charming episodic musical dramedy; talented cast.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Bobby Breen
Anatomy of a Psycho (1961)
Watched: 01/06/25 Provider: Classic Movies & TV
10-word summary: Hoodlum becomes increasingly unhinged after murderer brother's electric chair execution.
6-word review: Well-done, very low-budget drama. Fantastic finale.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring cast of little-known actors
Big Time or Bust (1933)
Watched: 01/05/25 Provider: Pre-code Hollywood
10-word summary: Wife of carnival performer finds Broadway success; insecure husband's jealous.
6-word review: Trite and predictable; cheesy macho ending.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Gloria Shea, Regis Toomey
Naked Alibi (1954)
Watched: 01/04/25 Provider: Local Now
10-word summary: Disgraced detective trails cop killer, falls for his sultry dame.
6-word review: Top-notch thriller. Grahame steals the show.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Sterling Hayden, Gloria Grahame
Penny Serenade (1941)
Watched: 01/04/25 Provider: Mometu
10-word summary: Ecstatic with their long-awaited child, devoted parents face unthinkable tragedy.
6-word review: Teary-eyed melodrama with many outstanding moments.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Cary Grant, Irene Dunne
Before and After (1996)
Watched: 01/03/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Idyllic family's son accidentally kills girlfriend; everyone's thrown into turmoil.
6-word review: Terribly acted, unrealistic potboiler. Streep sleepwalks.
Rating: ★
Note: Starring Meryl Streep, Liam Neeson
High School Big Shot (1959)
Watched: 01/03/25 Provider: Mometu
10-word summary: To impress class minx, high school nerd plans big-stakes robbery.
6-word review: Depressing, clichéd, melodramatic. I loved it.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Tom Pittman, who was killed in a car accident before the film's release
Diabolique (1955)
Watched: 01/02/25 Provider: Mometu
10-word summary: Cruel man's mistress and his wife together plot his murder.
6-word review: Tense, intricate thriller. Keeps one guessing.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Simone Signoret, Véra Clouzot
Red Riding: The Year of our Lord 1974 (2009)
Watched: 01/01/25 Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Young girls go missing; reporter uncovers complex network of corruption.
6-word review: Stylish but very slow; implausible ending.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Andrew Garfield