2025:    Feb | Jan

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