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January 2024

Norma Rae (1979)
Watched: 01/01/24     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Determined woman helps organize fellow millworkers' fight for better conditions.
6-word review:  Sally Field's excellent in outstanding film.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Starring Sally Field, Beau Bridges

I Dismember Mama [a.k.a. Poor Albert & Little Annie] (1972)
Watched: 01/02/24     Provider: Fawesome TV
10-word summary:  Mother-hating institution escapee goes on murder spree, befriends little girl.
6-word review:  Slow, creepy, sleazy. Title's best part.
Rating: ★
Note:  Starring Zooey Hall, Geri Reischl (a.k.a. "Fake Jan" and today, Jan 2, is "Fake Jan Day")

Working Girls (1931)
Watched: 01/04/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Indiana sisters move to New York; find jobs, heartache, romance.
6-word review:  Stagy start, gets better, Wood's good.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Judith Wood, Dorothy Hall; directed by Dorothy Arzner

The Beachcomber (1954)
Watched: 01/05/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary:  Missionary and ne'er-do-well fight to save islanders from cholera epidemic.
6-word review:  Colorfully cliché-ridden, good performances, exciting climax.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Glynis Johns (R.I.P. 10/05/1923 - 01/04/2024), Robert Newton

The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946)
Watched: 01/06/24     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Powerful woman's long-held secrets come out when childhood friend arrives.
6-word review:  Atmospheric, bleak. Stanwyck seethes. Unnecessary subplot.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Barbara Stanwyck, Van Heflin, Kirk Douglas

Good Grief (2023)
Watched: 01/07/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Recent widower and two friends take soul-searching trip to Paris.
6-word review:  Truthful observation on grief's mixed emotions.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Dan Levy, Ruth Negga, Himesh Patel; also written, produced, and directed by Dan Levy

The Price of Fear (1956)
Watched: 01/08/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Man who's framed for two crimes falls for deceitful dame.
6-word review:  Well-written twisty noir. Oberon poses throughout.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Merle Oberon, Lex Barker

Elevator to the Gallows (1958)
Watched: 01/09/24     Provider: American Classics
10-word summary:  Lovers commit perfect murder with one mistake; everything goes wrong.
6-word review:  Stylish thriller combines romance, suspense, irony.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Jeanne Moreau, Maurice Ronet; jazz score by Miles Davis; Louis Malle's directorial debut

The Pusher (1960)
Watched: 01/10/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Cop's daughter becomes addict; he detoxes her, nabs her dealer.
6-word review:  Fast-paced, gritty, moody melodrama. Low-budget gem.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Kathy Carlyle, Felice Orlandi

Step Down to Terror (1958)
Watched: 01/11/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Charming serial killer returns to hometown, plans murders, woos sister-in-law.
6-word review:  Bland heroine. Predictable plot. Stylish car.
Rating: ★★
Note:  Starring Charles Drake, Colleen Miller

Call Her Savage (1932)
Watched: 01/11/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Undisciplined heiress doesn't fit in, life spirals, finally learns why.
6-word review:  Racy, unrestrained pre-code melodrama. Builds nicely.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Clara Bow, Gilbert Roland

The Houston Story (1956)
Watched: 01/11/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Engineer plans to steal oil from pipeline, enlists mob's help.
6-word review:  Convoluted caper. Against-type vixen Hale's good.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Gene Barry, Barbara Hale, Jeanne Cooper

It's Alive (1974)
Watched: 01/12/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Woman births mutant that goes on killing rampage terrorizing L.A.
6-word review:  Watchably cheesy, unanswered questions, poignant finale.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring John P. Ryan, Sharon Farrell

Sea of Love (1989)
Watched: 01/13/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Burned-out undercover cop falls hard for sensuous, possible serial killer.
6-word review:  Efficient enough thriller, way too slow.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Al Pacino, Ellen Barkin

Beyond Mombasa (1956)
Watched: 01/13/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary:  Drifter investigates African uranium-mining brother's suspicious death, romances beautiful anthropologist.
6-word review:  Entertaining, if embarrassingly dated; beautiful scenery.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Cornel Wilde, Donna Reed

Manhattan Tower (1932)
Watched: 01/14/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Interwoven stories involving eventful workday of NY corporation office employees.
6-word review:  Dramedy with likable characters; justified ending.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Mary Brian, James Hall

Accused of Murder (1956)
Watched: 01/14/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Cop attempts to clear chanteuse he's smitten with of murder.
6-word review:  Crime drama without surprises. Ralston's terrible.
Rating: ★★
Note:  Starring David Brian, Vera Ralston

The Quare Fellow (1962)
Watched: 01/16/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Guard questions capital punishment, becomes involved with doomed prisoner's wife.
6-word review:  Solid acting, ironic humor, stark realism.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Patrick McGoohan, Sylvia Syms

Fourteen Hours (1951)
Watched: 01/16/24     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Cop tries talking man off skyscraper ledge. Enthralled crowds watch.
6-word review:  Suspenseful, multilayered film. Great performances throughout.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Paul Douglas, Richard Basehart, and ensemble cast with many familiar faces

The Monster of Piedras Blancas (1959)
Watched: 01/17/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary:  Townspeople fight against prehistoric sea monster that's terrorizing fishing village.
6-word review:  Rubber-suited monster, bad acting, seaside scenery.
Rating: ★★
Note:  Starring Les Tremayne, Jeanne Carmen, Don Sullivan

Night Monster (1942)
Watched: 01/17/24     Provider: American Classics
10-word summary:  Someone is mysteriously murdering paralyzed man's houseguests on foggy night.
6-word review:  Fun spooky-house mystery with over-the-top denouement.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Nils Asther, Irene Hervey

Behemoth the Sea Monster [a.k.a. The Giant Behemoth] (1959)
Watched: 01/18/24     Provider: Plex
10-word summary:  Atomic testing resurrects dormant radioactive sea monster that destroys London.
6-word review:  Enjoyable special effects. Monster's best actor.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Gene Evans, John Turner

The Horror of Party Beach (1964)
Watched: 01/18/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary:  Radiation waste turns shipwrecked skeleton into radioactive, multiplying, murdering mutants.
6-word review:  Awful mixed-genre mess. Campy at best.
Rating: ★
Note:  Starring really bad actors

You'll Never See Me Again (1973)
Watched: 01/19/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Couple argues, wife disappears without trace, husband becomes murder suspect.
6-word review:  Suspenseful. Surprising turns. Happy ending disappoints.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  TV movie starring David Hartman, Jess Walton

Runaway Daughters (1956)
Watched: 01/19/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary:  Three overprivileged, pouting teens escape to L.A., learn harsh realities.
6-word review:  Slow start, second half not bad.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Adele Jergens, Lance Fuller

Used People (1992)
Watched: 01/20/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Free-spirited Italian widower pursues bitter Jewish widow with dysfunctional family.
6-word review:  Great cast highlights insightful 1969-set dramedy.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Ensemble cast

Cape Fear (1962)
Watched: 01/20/24     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Attorney's family stalked by sadistic criminal he sent to jail.
6-word review:  Suspenseful psychological thriller. Sleazy Mitchum's great.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum, Polly Bergen

Fright (1956)
Watched: 01/21/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Psychiatrist must convince woman she isn't Austrian prince's lover's reincarnation.
6-word review:  Far-fetched, humorless plot. Fleming's quite good.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Eric Fleming, Nancy Malone

The Madonna's Secret (1946)
Watched: 01/21/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Famous painter's models keep being similarly murdered. Is he guilty?
6-word review:  Brisk suspense, nice visuals, unexpected ending.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Francis Lederer, Ann Rutherford

The Proud Rebel (1958)
Watched: 01/22/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Confederate veteran struggles with son's shock-induced muteness and Northerners' hatred.
6-word review:  Action, drama, cinematography. A dog! Wonderful.
Rating: ★★★★
Note:  Starring Alan Ladd, Olivia de Havilland

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1962)
Watched: 01/23/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Car-troubled anguished woman finds herself trapped in bizarre man's home.
6-word review:  Overwrought, melodramatic psychobabble, blah, blah, blah.
Rating: ★½
Note:  Starring Glynis Johns, Dan O'Herlihy; little resemblance to original 1920 silent German film

Nyad (2023)
Watched: 01/23/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Story of first person to swim from Cuba to Florida.
6-word review:  Well-acted, feel-good film about overcoming obstacles.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Annette Bening, Jodie Foster

Queen Bees (2021)
Watched: 01/24/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Woman adjusts to retirement community living, finds friends and romance.
6-word review:  Good to see older actresses working.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Ensemble cast

Some of My Best Friends Are... (1971)
Watched: 01/24/24     Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary:  Diverse gays gather—mixing humor, drama, pathos, fears, self-loathing, escapism.
6-word review:  Fascinating, flawed, groundbreaking 1970s gay microcosm.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Candy Darling, Gil Gerard, Rue McClanahan, and others

A Very Natural Thing (1974)
Watched: 01/25/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary:  Leaving monastery for NYC, man seeks ideal romantic gay relationship.
6-word review:  Insightful look at 70s gay culture.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Robert Joel (McLane), Bo White

Dumb Money (2023)
Watched: 01/28/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Small-time investors make big money causing a Wall Street frenzy.
6-word review:  Underdog crowd-pleaser. Good performances and humor.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Ensemble cast

The Postcard Killings (2020)
Watched: 01/28/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  NY detective relentlessly pursues daughter's bizarre killers across northern Europe.
6-word review:  Few surprises in effective investigative thriller.
Rating: ★★½
Note:  Starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Cush Jumbo

Brawl in Cell Block 99 (2017)
Watched: 01/29/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Imprisoned ex-boxer must kill drug lord's enemy to save wife.
6-word review:  Vaughn good in dark, brutal film.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Carpenter

Nighthawks (1978)
Watched: 01/29/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary:  Teacher frequents gay pubs and discotheques at night seeking connection.
6-word review:  Realistic portrayal of at-the-time gay life.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Ken Robertson

Strip Jack Naked: Nighthawks II (1991)
Watched: 01/30/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary:  Director's journey making Nighthawks, reflecting on society's gay awareness, attitudes.
6-word review:  Highly personal memoir. Worthwhile Nighthawks continuation.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Directed by Ron Peck

The Hidden Room [a.k.a. Obsession] (1949)
Watched: 01/30/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary:  London psychiatrist devises plan to murder adulteress wife's latest lover.
6-word review:  Intriguing, complex noir. Black humor bonus.
Rating: ★★★½
Note:  Starring Robert Newton, Sally Grey

Jerker (1991)
Watched: 01/30/24     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Men's playful phone sex conversations develop into intimate, heartbreaking relationship.
6-word review:  Poignant love story, uncensored and unforgettable.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Based on stage play by Robert Chesley

The Curse of the Living Corpse (1964)
Watched: 01/31/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary:  Wealthy dead tyrant returns for revenge on ungrateful family members.
6-word review:  For fans of really bad films.
Rating: ★
Note:  Starring Roy Scheider

She (1935)
Watched: 01/31/24     Provider: Local Now
10-word summary:  Explorer searching for immortality mistaken for 500-year-old Queen's reincarnated lover.
6-word review:  Excellent effects, spectacle scenes. Corny dialogue.
Rating: ★★★
Note:  Starring Randolph Scott, Helen Gahagan; popular quote: "She who must be obeyed."

February 2024     |     Back to top

All Man: The International Male Story (2022)
Watched: 02/01/23     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary:  Documentary of how mail-order catalog revolutionized the idea of masculinity.
6-word review:  Heartfelt account of unexpected cultural phenomenon.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Narrated by Matt Bomer

Young Americans (1967)
Watched: 02/01/23     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary:  Documentary-ish of wholesome musical teen troupe traveling around entertaining America.
6-word review:  Entertaining, amusing, optimistic. Definitely innocent era.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Vicki Lawrence and some unknowns; 1969 Best Documentary Oscar winner that was revoked when discovered it was released in 1967

The Night of the Iguana (1964)
Watched: 02/02/23     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Fallen minister encounters three very different women, struggles finding peace.
6-word review:  Good performances, dry humor, adult themes.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Richard Burton, Ava Gardner, Deborah Kerr; based on Tennessee Williams' play

A Hatful of Rain (1957)
Watched: 02/03/23     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Injured war veteran becomes addict during hospital stay, struggles coping.
6-word review:  Stagy at first, second half great.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Don Murray, Eva Marie Saint, Anthony Franciosa

Choose Me (1984)
Watched: 02/05/23     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Three previously unconnected lives unexpectedly intertwine, each complex and adrift.
6-word review:  Stylish, dark, funny neo-noir. Bujold exceptional.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Geneviève Bujold, Lesley Ann Warren, Keith Carradine

Donkey Punch (2008)
Watched: 02/06/23     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Hedonistic shenanigans until accidental death turns revelers against each other.
6-word review:  Sexy fun quickly turns predictable gorefest.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Ensemble of unknowns

The Borgia Stick (1967)
Watched: 02/06/23     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Fake married syndicate couple fall in love, try breaking free.
6-word review:  Suspenseful, well-acted crime story holds up.
Rating: ★★★
Note: TV movie starring Don Murray, Inger Stevens

The Man in the Net (1959)
Watched: 02/06/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Man suspected of killing unstable wife helped by local children.
6-word review:  Ladd's lethargic. Jones's histrionic. Kids lively.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Alan Ladd, Carolyn Jones

Guns Girls and Gangsters (1959)
Watched: 02/07/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Sultry Las Vegas singer forced to help with armored-car robbery.
6-word review:  Tension slowly builds to chaotic climax.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Mamie Van Doren, Gerald Mohr

Beware! The Blob (1972)
Watched: 02/07/24     Provider: Plex
10-word summary:  Piece of frozen 1958's The Blob thaws, grows, and reterrorizes.
6-word review:  Please forgive respected actors who appear.
Rating: ½★
Note: Starring ensemble cast; directed by Larry Hagman

Filling in the Blanks (2023)
Watched: 02/08/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  54-year-old discovers he is result of sperm donor, its effect.
6-word review:  Light-hearted take on potentially life-changing situation.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Documentary of film maker Jon Baime's personal story

Baby Doll (1956)
Watched: 02/09/24     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Slob with childlike bride feuds with slick cotton gin owner.
6-word review:  Black comedy overshadowed by at-the-time sensationalism.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Karl Malden, Carroll Baker, Eli Wallach; banned by the Catholic Legion of Decency

Monster from Green Hell (1957)
Watched: 02/09/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  African scientific expedition investigates radiation-exposed giant mutated killer wasp monsters.
6-word review:  Mostly boring except for wasp attacks.
Rating: ★½
Note: Starring Jim Davis

Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974)
Watched: 02/11/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Recent widow wants singing career, becomes waitress, falls for rancher.
6-word review:  Nice drama, comedy mix. Sometimes believable.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Ellen Burstyn, Kris Kristofferson

The Explosive Generation (1961)
Watched: 02/11/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Students protest suspension of high school teacher who discusses sex.
6-word review:  Earnest treatment of then-sensitive school subject.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring William Shatner, Patty McCormack

Devil Girl from Mars (1954)
Watched: 02/11/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Martian woman travels to Earth to acquire men for breeding.
6-word review:  Dominatrix-looking alien highlights hilariously bad charmer.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Patricia Laffan

The Most Hated Woman in America (2017)
Watched: 02/12/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Life, kidnapping, murder of Madelyn Murray O'Hair, American Atheists founder.
6-word review:  Ho-hum treatment of a true story.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Melissa Leo, Josh Lucas

Down Low (2023)
Watched: 02/13/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Newly-out, brain-tumor-dying, gay man meets free-spirited masseur, has adventurous night.
6-word review:  Black comedy gets way too silly.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Zachary Quinto, Lukas Gage

Missile to the Moon (1958)
Watched: 02/13/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Astronauts encounter rock men, big spider, exotic women on moon.
6-word review:  Terrible acting, cheap sets, campy dialogue.
Rating: ★½
Note: Starring Cathy Downs, K.T. Stevens

Diva (1981)
Watched: 02/19/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Opera diva's fan becomes accidentally involved in high-level police corruption.
6-word review:  Visually beautiful. Great soundtrack, story, characters.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring Frédéric Andréi, Wilhelmenia Wiggins Fernandez

Easy Rider (1969)
Watched: 02/19/24     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Drug-dealing bikers' doomed episodic, southern cross-country trip to Mardi Gras.
6-word review:  Dated and obvious. Some still-relevant commentary.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper

My Blood Runs Cold (1965)
Watched: 02/20/24     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Dreamy drifter convinces spoiled rich girl they are reincarnated lovers.
6-word review:  Wordy thriller. Joey pouts. Exciting finale.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Troy Donahue, Joey Heatherton

Falling for Figaro (2020)
Watched: 02/20/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Successful banker leaves career and boyfriend to pursue opera-singing dream.
6-word review:  Funny, heartwarming, minimal schmaltz. Just delightful.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Danielle Macdonald, Hugh Skinner, Joanna Lumley

Kronos (1957)
Watched: 02/22/24     Provider: MOVi Thriller Horror Sci-Fi
10-word summary:  Scientists must destroy alien machine that's absorbing all Earth's energy.
6-word review:  Intelligent script, appropriate effects, stiff acting.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Jeff Morrow, Barbara Lawrence

The Rocket Man (1954)
Watched: 02/25/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Precocious orphan receives truth-inducing ray gun from mysterious space man.
6-word review:  Hokey small-town story with good cast.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring George "Foghorn" Winslow, Spring Byington

The Astounding She-Monster (1957)
Watched: 02/25/24     Provider: MOVi Thriller Horror Sci-Fi
10-word summary:  Alien crash lands on Earth, kills people with single touch.
6-word review:  For bad film connoisseurs. Nothing astounding.
Rating: ★
Note: Starring Shirley Kilpatrick, Robert Clarke

The Emperor Jones (1933)
Watched: 02/26/24     Provider: Classic Television Vault
10-word summary:  Egotistical, unscrupulous Jones escapes prison, becomes self-appointed Caribbean island emperor.
6-word review:  Robeson's commanding performance's reason to watch.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Paul Robeson

Deluge (1933)
Watched: 02/27/24     Provider: Classic Television Vault
10-word summary:  Natural disasters destroy most civilization. Survivors apocalyptically struggle rebuilding lives.
6-word review:  Great special effects. Melodramatic pre-code story.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Sidney Blackmer, Peggy Shannon

Murder in Mississippi (1990)
Watched: 02/28/24     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  1964 murders of civil rights workers by the Mississippi KKK.
6-word review:  Excellent film. Powerful, disturbing true story.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: TV movie starring Tom Hulce, Blair Underwood

Wuthering Heights (1939)
Watched: 02/29/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Beautiful narcissistic couple's obsessive love ruins everyone's moody unfulfilled lives.
6-word review:  Music, cinematography, outstanding. Most performances great.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Laurence Olivier, Merle Oberon

Wuthering Heights (1939)
Watched: 02/29/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Beautiful narcissistic couple's obsessive love ruins everyone's moody unfulfilled lives.
6-word review:  Music, cinematography, outstanding. Most performances great.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Laurence Olivier, Merle Oberon

March 2024     |     Back to top

The Children (1980)
Watched: 03/06/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Bus drives through radiation-leak smoke turning children into murderous zombies.
6-word review:  Cringingly misogynistic. Slow with predictable outcomes.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Gil Rogers, Gale Garnett

It Grows on Trees (1952)
Watched: 03/06/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Frugal housewife's money-bearing trees cause family and national economy mayhem.
6-word review:  Cute but unremarkable, dated comedy-fantasy film.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Irene Dunne, Dean Jagger

Red Rocket (2021)
Watched: 03/08/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Washed-up adult film actor returns home, plans to revive career.
6-word review:  Rambling, smug, unlikable except the dog.
Rating: Abandoned

Monstrosity (1963)
Watched: 03/09/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Doctor attempts transplanting old woman's brain into beautiful young body.
6-word review:  Low-budget silliness. Mostly dull, occasionally campy.
Rating: ★½
Note: Starring Marjorie Eaton, Frank Gerstle

Murder, My Sweet (1944)
Watched: 03/10/24     Provider: Own
10-word summary:  Gumshoe searching for ex-con's ex-girlfriend drawn into jewel theft, murder.
6-word review:  Well-written, albeit convoluted plot. Classic noir.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Dick Powell, Claire Trevor.

Between a Frock and a Hard Place (2015)
Watched: 03/12/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary:  Discusses iconic attitude-changing film based on real Australian drag queens.
6-word review:  Revealing interviews and great movie clips.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring the cast and crew of the film, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994), as well as the people who were its inspiration.

Prayers for Bobby (2009)
Watched: 03/19/24     Provider: Xumo Play
10-word summary:  Mother's religious homophobia causes son's suicide. She becomes gay advocate.
6-word review:  Poignant, infuriating, great acting, important message.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: TV movie based on a true story, starring Sigourney Weaver, Ryan Kelly

So Young, So Bad (1950)
Watched: 03/23/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Idealistic psychiatrist tries to change cruel practices at girls' reformatory.
6-word review:  Stereotypical inmates, predictable plot, still fun.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Paul Henreid, Anne Francis

When Worlds Collide (1951)
Watched: 03/23/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  World's end imminent, scientists build evacuation rocket ship, people panic.
6-word review:  Super special effects, great hokey entertainment.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Richard Derr, Barbara Rush

On Dangerous Ground (1951)
Watched: 03/24/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary:  Jaded cop pursues murderer, falls for killer's gentle blind sister.
6-word review:  Unusual noir-turned-heartfelt-melodrama, good performances by all.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Ida Lupino, Robert Ryan

Shirley (2024)
Watched: 03/25/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary:  Shirley Chisholm first-ever Black congresswoman, her trailblazing 1972 presidential campaign.
6-word review:  An important story. King is flawless.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Regina King

The Man Without a Body (1957)
Watched: 03/27/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary:  Man with a brain tumor grave-robs Nostradamus' head for transplantation.
6-word review:  Interesting premise, too slow, fun ending.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Robert Hutton, George Coulouris

Alice (2022)
Watched: 03/28/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary:  Slave escapes isolated Georgia plantation, discovers it's 1973; she's pissed.
6-word review:  Powerful, if rushed. Palmer's performance fierce.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Keke Palmer, Common

April 2024     |     Back to top

Moon of the Wolf (1972)
Watched: 04/01/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary:  Louisiana sheriff tracks a werewolf that's responsible for grisly murders.
6-word review:  Fun, fast-paced, suspenseful; wraps up nicely.
Rating: ★★★
Note: TV movie starring David Janssen, Barbara Rush (R.I.P. 01/04/1927 - 03/31/2024)

No Night Is Too Long (2002)
Watched: 04/03/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Toxic triangle develops when paleontologist's lover falls for his sister.
6-word review:  Engrossing thriller. Stylish, unexpected interwoven plot.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: TV movie starring Lee Williams, Marc Warren

Outpost in Morocco (1949)
Watched: 04/04/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary:  French soldier falls for warring emir's daughter during violent rebellion.
6-word review:  Costumed adventure has moments; Raft miscast.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring George Raft, Marie Windsor

The Passenger (2023)
Watched: 04/05/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Burger worker shotguns coworkers, takes a hostage; past tragedies exposed.
6-word review:  Well-acted offbeat thriller; empathy for killer.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Kyle Gallner, Johnny Berchtold

The Passenger (2020)
Watched: 04/07/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Naive man elicits psychotic friend to obtain adulterous wife's confession.
6-word review:  Monotonous, no character development, muddled plot.
Rating: ★
Note: Starring Luke Nadimi (as Luke Christian), Isaac Money

Last Exit to Brooklyn (1989)
Watched: 04/08/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary:  Overlapping joyless stories set in bleak neighborhood during factory strike.
6-word review:  Mostly unlikable depressive characters, well-done production.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Stephen Lang, Jennifer Jason Leigh

Money Madness (1948)
Watched: 04/11/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Bank robber hides loot, marries girl, kills aunt; schemes fail.
6-word review:  Pre-"Beaver" Beaumont's good as slimy crook.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Hugh Beaumont, Frances Rafferty

An Ideal Host (2020)
Watched: 04/20/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Perfectly planned dinner party goes terribly wrong; guests become aliens.
6-word review:  Promising beginning black comedy becomes awful.
Rating: Abandoned
Note: Starring Australian unknowns

Airplane II: The Sequel (1982)
Watched: 04/20/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Troubled former pilot must save sabotaged first flight to moon.
6-word review:  Amusing gag-filled rehash of original Airplane!
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty

The Night the World Exploded (1957)
Watched: 04/21/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Scientists study unexplained massive earthquakes threatening to destroy the Earth.
6-word review:  Low-budget scientific mumbo-jumbo. Well-used stock footage.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Kathryn Grant, William Leslie

Gangs, Inc [a.k.a. Paper Bullets] (1941)
Watched: 04/21/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Wrongfully imprisoned woman vengefully rises to criminal heights upon release.
6-word review:  Routine. Interesting for woman crime boss.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Joan Woodbury, Jack LaRue

Elephant Walk (1954)
Watched: 04/22/24     Provider: Own
10-word summary: Naive tea planter's wife endures neglect, flirtation, Cholera, and elephants.
6-word review:  Lush melodrama. Fabulous climactic elephant stampede.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Elizabeth Taylor, Peter Finch

The Night Digger (1971)
Watched: 04/22/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Hot enigmatic handyman beguiles middle-aged woman dominated by harridan mother.
6-word review:  Offbeat, moody, oddly fascinating, perfectly cast.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Patricia Neal, Nicholas Clay

A Shriek in the Night (1933)
Watched: 04/23/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Rival reporters mix sleuthing with romance while solving apartment-house murders.
6-word review:  Ginger's annoying, badly coiffed. Skip this.
Rating: ★
Note: Starring Ginger Rogers, Lyle Talbot

Up the Sandbox (1972)
Watched: 04/24/24     Provider: Own
10-word summary: NYC housewife evaluating life's choices, decisions; fantasizes about exotic adventures.
6-word review:  Sometimes-confusing sequences. Barbra's radiance is fantastic.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Barbra Streisand, David Selby

House of the Damned (1963)
Watched: 04/30/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Architect, wife, spend creepy night in mysterious mansion they're surveying.
6-word review:  Slow, dull. Nice cinematography. Disappointing ending.
Rating: ★½
Note: Starring Merry Anders, Ron Foster

May 2024     |     Back to top

Peacock (2010)
Watched: 05/01/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Multiple-personality man convinces town his alter ego is his wife.
6-word review:  Murphy's performance highlights unusual, intense film.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Cillian Murphy, Susan Sarandon

Crimes of the Heart (1986)
Watched: 05/03/24     Provider: Own
10-word summary: Three equally eccentric Southern sisters renew bonds during family crisis.
6-word review:  Funny, heartwarming, insightful. Perfectly cast film.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring Diane Keaton, Jessica Lange, Sissy Spacek

The Giant Gila Monster (1959)
Watched: 05/04/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Giant lizard terrorizes Texas town; teen kills it with explosives.
6-word review:  Cheesy bad. Lizard's the best actor.
Rating: ★
Note: Starring Don Sullivan

The Monster (1925)
Watched: 05/08/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Amateur detective discovers mad scientist capturing townsfolk for bizarre experiments.
6-word review:  Needs less comedy, more horror scenes.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Lon Chaney, Johnny Arthur

Trick (1999)
Watched: 05/09/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Lust at first sight; gays futilely search for trysting place.
6-word review:  Uneven, but sweet rom-com. Spelling's hilarious.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Christian Campbell, John Paul Pitoc, Tori Spelling

Molokai: The Story of Father Damien (1999)
Watched: 05/12/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Priest ministers to dying, neglected lepers; fighting church and government.
6-word review:  Frustrating, intense, viewing. Beautifully acted, filmed.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring David Wenham, ensemble cast

Let's Live Again (1948)
Watched: 05/12/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Scientist believes his presumed-dead brother is reincarnated as fluffy dog.
6-word review:  Cute comedy. Adorable dog steals show.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring John Emery, Hillary Brooke

Gilda (1946)
Watched: 05/14/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Sultry woman embroiled in complicated love/hate triangle with husband, ex-lover.
6-word review:  Slow-building noir, lavish production. Rita's pretty.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Rita Hayworth, Glenn Ford

Mother of the Bride (2024)
Watched: 05/14/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Woman discovers daughter is marrying her college boyfriend's son; complications.
6-word review:  Easy going, mannequin people, formulaic fluff.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Brooke Shields, Benjamin Bratt

Unknown World (1951)
Watched: 05/15/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Expedition travels to Earth's core, seeking safety from atomic war.
6-word review:  Intriguing concept cheaply made. Somber, dull.
Rating: ★½
Note: Starring Bruce Kellogg, Marilyn Nash

The Violent Years (1956)
Watched: 05/15/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Tough girl gang robs, vandalizes, assaults, and murders; ends badly.
6-word review:  Trashy treasure. Interesting gender role reversals.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Jean Moorhead

Separate Tables (1958)
Watched: 05/17/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Seaside hotel residents interact, reveal fears, lies, failures, difficult pasts.
6-word review:  Mostly outstanding performances. Stagy, but worthwhile.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring All-star cast

Broken Vows (1987)
Watched: 05/18/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Priest becomes involved with girlfriend of murder victim, questions vocation.
6-word review:  Restrained Jones performance highlights muddled film.
Rating: ★★½
Note: TV movie starring Tommy Lee Jones, Annette O'Toole

Dodsworth (1936)
Watched: 05/21/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Automaker retires, aging-resistant wife has affairs. He finds new love.
6-word review:  Huston's great. Good on every level.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Walter Huston, Ruth Chatterton

The Bride and the Beast (1958)
Watched: 05/22/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Jungle hunter's wife—realizing she's a reincarnated ape—rejoins gorillas.
6-word review:  Nonsensical plot and dialogue, curiously watchable.
Rating: ★½
Note: Starring Lance Fuller

Repulsion (1965)
Watched: 05/25/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Androphobic woman's increasing fears lead to depression, paranoia, hallucinations, murder.
6-word review:  Slow-moving, disturbing psychological thriller. Multi-layered, surreal.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Catherine Deneuve

The Rachels (2017)
Watched: 05/27/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Popular student mysteriously falls to her death, rival grabs spotlight.
6-word review:  Superficial commentary on teens, social media.
Rating: ★★½
Note: TV movie starring some unknowns and Danielle Macdonald.

Shopworn (1932)
Watched: 05/29/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Rich boy romances poor girl; socialite mother conspires against them.
6-word review:  Stanwyck, Blandick formidable adversaries. Toomey bland.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Barbara Stanwyck, Clara Blandick, Regis Toomey

June 2024     |     Back to top

Friday Foster (1975)
Watched: 06/06/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Unwittingly exposing high-level political corruption, magazine photographer targeted for death.
6-word review:  Cartoonish violence, chase scenes, serious messages.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Pam Grier, Yaphet Kotto

And the Beat Goes On: The Sonny and Cher Story (1999)
Watched: 06/07/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Ups and downs of popular music couple, their phenomenal career.
6-word review:  All too familiar. They deserve better.
Rating: ★★½
Note: TV movie

Die! Die! My Darling! (1965)
Watched: 06/07/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Woman held captive by sadistic, biblicist mother of dead ex-fiancé.
6-word review:  Over-the-top Tallulah reason enough to watch.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Tallulah Bankhead, Stefanie Powers

The Hammer (2023)
Watched: 06/09/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Feisty, newly appointed, small-town judge solves murder of her predecessor.
6-word review:  Predictably adequate diversion; Reba plays Reba.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Lifetime TV movie starring Reba McEntire, Melissa Peterman

Golden Salamander (1950)
Watched: 06/10/24     Provider: Classic Film Time
10-word summary: Archaeologist exposes criminal gun-running organization, falls for young French beauty.
6-word review:  Noirish plot, great villains, nice cinematography.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Trevor Howard, Anouk Aimée

Secret Beyond the Door (1947)
Watched: 06/12/24     Provider: Classic Film Time
10-word summary: Heiress marries secretive, moody man; he tries to kill her.
6-word review:  Some tense moments in dated melodrama.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Joan Bennett, Michael Redgrave

The Lineup (1958)
Watched: 06/18/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Smugglers hide heroin in luggage of unsuspecting ocean liner passengers.
6-word review:  Police procedures, ruthless criminals, exciting chase.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Eli Wallach, Mary LaRoche

Eye of the Needle (1981)
Watched: 06/20/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Ruthless Nazi spy becomes involved with lonely woman, disabled husband.
6-word review:  Deliberately paced, intriguing but improbable thriller.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Donald Sutherland (R.I.P. July 17, 1935 - June 20, 2024), Kate Nelligan

Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man (1991)
Watched: 06/22/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Two drifters accidentally double-cross a high-level drug dealer; big mistake.
6-word review:  Charismatic stars outshine choppy, silly plot.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Don Johnson, Mickey Rourke; Vanessa Williams' film debut

Split Second (1953)
Watched: 06/25/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Ruthless murderer holds hostages within range of atomic testing site.
6-word review:  Tense, multilayered noir with exciting denouement.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Ensemble cast

Try and Get Me [a.k.a. The Sound of Fury] (1950)
Watched: 06/26/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Young man's kidnap, murder leads to mob lynching of killers.
6-word review:  Routine until disturbing brutal mob scene.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Frank Lovejoy, Lloyd Bridges

On the Waterfront (1954)
Watched: 06/28/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: After brother murdered, ex-boxer stands up to corrupt union boss.
6-word review:  Brando is mesmerizing in great film.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring Marlon Brando, Eva Marie Saint

A Family Affair (2024)
Watched: 06/29/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Action star falls for beautiful writer—his annoying assistant's mother.
6-word review: Pleasant enough escapism; nice star chemistry.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, Kathy Bates

Brief Encounter (1945)
Watched: 06/30/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Married to others, repressed train-commuting couple has passionate, never-consummated romance.
6-word review: Restrained acting in angst-ridden British film.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Celia Johnson, Trevor Howard

July 2024     |     Back to top

Hot Saturday (1932)
Watched: 07/01/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Small-town girl's reputation ruined by lies spread by rejected suitor.
6-word review: Pre-code drama intelligently explores gender inequality.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Nancy Carroll, Cary Grant, Randolph Scott

I Was a Shoplifter (1950)
Watched: 07/01/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Undercover cop busts organized crime shoplifting ring, romances kleptomaniacal librarian.
6-word review: Nicely shot, lotsa action, great criminals.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Scott Brady, Mona Freeman

Forbidden (1932)
Watched: 07/02/24     Provider: Own
10-word summary: Mother gives illegitimate child to married politician father, remains mistress.
6-word review: Long-suffering Stanwyck's picture, others just meh.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Barbara Stanwyck, Adolphe Menjou

The Young Doctors (1961)
Watched: 07/03/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Pathologists—one old, one young—clash over crucial tests, procedures.
6-word review: Intriguing medical melodrama. Most performances excellent.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Ben Gazzara, Frederic March, Ina Balin

Five (1951)
Watched: 07/04/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Existential dread, contentious cohabitation of survivors after worldwide atomic devastation.
6-word review: Character dynamics drive bleak minimalist film.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring William Phipps, Susan Douglas (Rubes)

Straight on Till Morning (1972)
Watched: 07/05/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Seeking father for baby, homely girl finds serial killer instead.
6-word review: Offbeat, illogical thriller has its moments.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Rita Tushingham, Shane Briant

Wings of Danger [a.k.a. Dead on Course] (1952)
Watched: 07/05/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Pilot with occasional blackouts possibly involved in international gold smuggling.
6-word review: Lackluster performances, uninspired plot predictably resolved.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Zachary Scott, Kay Kendall

Man Bait [a.k.a. The Last Page] (1952)
Watched: 07/07/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Book store manager framed for murder of blackmailing sexpot employee.
6-word review: Efficient, melodramatic, clever. Dors is terrific.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring George Brent, Diana Dors, Marguerite Chapman

Bad Blonde [a.k.a. The Flanagan Boy] (1953)
Watched: 07/07/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Sultry dame manipulates handsome, horny boxer into murdering repulsive husband.
6-word review: Payton evil in low-rent Double Indemnity.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Barbara Payton, Tony Wright

Strait-Jacket (1964)
Watched: 07/07/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Released after years in asylum—is axe-murderess at it again?
6-word review: Histrionic Crawford performance highlights campy classic.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Joan Crawford, Diane Baker

13 West Street (1962)
Watched: 07/08/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Man beaten by gang of spoiled teens tracks them himself.
6-word review: Vigilante or seeking justice? Good film.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Alan Ladd, Rod Steiger

Broken Dreams (1933)
Watched: 07/09/24     Provider: Classic Film Time
10-word summary: Rejecting son when wife dies in childbirth, man later reclaims.
6-word review: Good cast. Enjoyable melodrama. Nicely sappy.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Randolph Scott, Martha Sleeper

The Upturned Glass (1947)
Watched: 07/10/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Brain surgeon plots to murder woman who killed his girlfriend.
6-word review: Suspenseful psychological thriller. Revenge murder justified?
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring James Mason, Rosamund John, Pamela Mason (Killino)

Born to Be Bad (1950)
Watched: 07/10/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Lying manipulative woman marries cousin's rich fiancé, continues previous affair.
6-word review: Good performances except Fontaine's—embarrassingly miscast.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Joan Fontaine, Zachary Scott, Robert Ryan

The 4th Floor (1999)
Watched: 07/11/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Woman inherits aunt's rent-controlled apartment; others soon want her gone.
6-word review: Slow build to inevitable violent confrontation.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Juliette Lewis, William Hurt, Shelley Duvall (R.I.P. 07/07/1949 - 07/11/2024)

Continental Split (2024)
Watched: 07/12/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Massive earthquake threatens our continent; government doesn't believe scientific data.
6-word review: Cheesy, predictable, groan-worthy dialogue. Okay effects.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring "C-list" actors

365 Nights in Hollywood (1934)
Watched: 07/13/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Down-on-his-luck film director takes a job at fly-by-night acting school.
6-word review: Perky cast in silly, dated musical.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring James Dunn, Alice Faye

All Good Things (2010)
Watched: 07/14/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Wife of emotionally damaged NY real estate heir goes missing.
6-word review: Good thriller but leaves unanswered questions.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Ryan Gosling, Kirsten Dunst

The Prowler (1951)
Watched: 07/14/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Cop kills paramour's husband, looks accidental, spirals out of control.
6-word review: Sex, lies, suspense! Heflin's wonderfully devious.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Van Heflin, Evelyn Keyes

Circus of Horrors (1960)
Watched: 07/15/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Deranged plastic surgeon turns disfigured women into beautiful circus performers.
6-word review: Slick, colorful, fast-paced suspense. Well-acted diversion.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Anton Diffring

Illicit (1931)
Watched: 07/16/24     Provider: Own
10-word summary: Modern couple pressured to marry, finally do; their relationship unravels.
6-word review: Advanced ideas. Somewhat stagy. Stanwyck's sensational.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Barbara Stanwyck, James Rennie

Hold Back Tomorrow (1955)
Watched: 07/16/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Scheduled to hang in morning, doomed man requests woman's company.
6-word review: Implausible, intriguing nihilist confessional. Good performances.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Cleo Moore, John Agar

Sitting Pretty (1948)
Watched: 07/18/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Family hires foppish man as nanny; gossips spread ridiculous rumors.
6-word review: Charming, observant, wisecracking fluff. Webb's perfect.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Clifton Webb, Maureen O'Hara, Robert Young

The Rescuers (1977)
Watched: 07/18/24     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 Eva Gabor, Bob Newhart (R.I.P. 09/05/1929 - 07/18/2024)

The Big Bust Out [a.k.a. Crucified Girls of San Ramon] (1972)
Watched: 07/18/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Beautiful prison escapees must now fend off slavers, soldiers, bandits.
6-word review: Likable characters. Clichéd above-average 70s sexploitation.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Vonetta McGee, Tony Kendall

The Lady Refuses (1931)
Watched: 07/21/24     Provider: Pre-code Hollywood
10-word summary: Wealthy man hires woman to lure son from gold digger.
6-word review: Broad acting aside, very good story.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Betty Compson, John Darrow

Narcotic (1933)
Watched: 07/21/24     Provider: Pre-code Hollywood
10-word summary: Downward spiral of idealistic doctor—recreational opium to hardcore addition.
6-word review: Horrendous acting, choppy. Fascinating cultural oddity.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Harry Cording; favorite line: "The next guy that steals my brassiere, I'm gonna' sue for non-support."

Salome (1953)
Watched: 07/21/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Herod's stepdaughter's story—and the fate of John the Baptist.
6-word review: Rita's striptease highlights colorful, sanctimonious melodrama.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Rita Hayworth, Stewart Granger

Precious (2009)
Watched: 07/23/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: 16-year-old fights against physical, sexual, emotional abuse from her mother.
6-word review: Difficult watching, tremendous acting, heartbreaking, redemptive.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique

This World, Then the Fireworks (1997)
Watched: 07/23/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Depraved incestuous twins use seduction and murder to get rich.
6-word review: Stylish, sexy, serious Black comedy noir.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Billy Zane, Gina Gerhson

The Flesh Eaters (1964)
Watched: 07/25/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Storm-stranded, disparate strangers on desert island encounter metallic meat-devouring microbes.
6-word review: Watch, believe how bad it is.
Rating: ★
Note: Starring A group of terrible actors

My Cousin Rachel (1952)
Watched: 07/25/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Impetuous wealthy young man suspects cousin's enigmatic widow possible murderess.
6-word review: Excellent acting. Terrific romantic Gothic mystery.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Richard Burton, Olivia de Havilland

Splendor in the Grass (1961)
Watched: 07/26/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Girl who won't "do it" gets dumped, has nervous breakdown.
6-word review: Good performances; story not always believable.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Natalie Wood, Warren Beatty

Wicked Little Letters (2023)
Watched: 07/27/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Prim small-town spinster receives anonymous obscene letters, accuses foul-mouthed neighbor.
6-word review: Humor, social commentary; brilliant ensemble acting.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley

Muriel's Wedding (1994)
Watched: 07/28/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Awkward girl desperately wants to fit in and get married.
6-word review: Collette fantastic in quirky, biting comedy-drama.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Toni Collette, Rachel Griffiths

The Crawling Hand (1963)
Watched: 07/29/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Medical student finds lost astronaut's murderous hand sought by authorities.
6-word review: Bad acting, dull dialogue, mildly amusing.
Rating: ★½
Note: Starring Rod Lauren, Peter Breck; favorite line, which can also be said about this movie: "Throw out the logic pills when you swallow it."

Serial Mom (1994)
Watched: 07/30/24     Provider: Own
10-word summary: Seemingly perfect housewife murders people who get on her nerves.
6-word review: Turner's terrific in witty Waters satire.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Written and directed by John Waters; starring Kathleen Turner, Sam Waterston

Tell Me in the Sunlight (1965)
Watched: 07/31/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Seaman falls for pragmatic stripper, part-time prostitute; he's jealous, possessive.
6-word review: Dreary, uninteresting except Cochran. Sappy ending.
Rating: ★½
Note: Starring Steve Cochran, who also co-wrote and directed; filmed in 1965, but not released until 1967—well after Cochran's bizarre death

Why Must I Die? (1960)
Watched: 07/31/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Lounge singer framed for boyfriend's murder gets the electric chair.
6-word review: Looking for good movie? Look elsewhere.
Rating: ★
Note: Starring Terry Moore, Debra Paget

August 2024     |     Back to top

Absence of Malice (1981)
Watched: 08/06/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Reporter leaks questionable story—tragedy, disrupted lives result. Victim avenges.
6-word review: Slow, improbable situations. Newman, Dillon excellent.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Sally Field, Paul Newman, Melinda Dillon

The Clovehitch Killer (2018)
Watched: 08/06/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Son discovers his perfect church-going dad is kinky serial killer.
6-word review: Strong performances in methodical suspenseful mystery.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Charlie Plummer, Dylan McDermott

Downtown Owl (2023)
Watched: 08/07/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Temporary teacher in small town tries too hard fitting in.
6-word review: Initially quirky becomes dark and cringy.
Rating: Abandoned
Note: Starring Lily Rabe

Open Secret (1948)
Watched: 08/08/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Newlyweds discover neighborhood anti-Semitic hate group; risk danger exposing it.
6-word review: Well-done noir covers several social issues.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring John Ireland, Jane Randolph

Fright (1971)
Watched: 08/09/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: In isolated house, babysitter is terrorized by employer's unhinged ex-husband.
6-word review: Dated, suspenseful, uneven pacing. Great ending.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Susan George, Honor Blackman

Barbie (2023)
Watched: 08/12/24     Provider: Delta Airlines
10-word summary: Iconic doll travels outside Barbieland, learns how women really treated.
6-word review: Colorful production, good performances, great messages.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Margot Robbie, America Ferrera, Ryan Gosling

All of Us Strangers (2023)
Watched: 08/25/24     Provider: KLM Airlines
10-word summary: Mysterious stranger stirs man's memories of painful past, unresolved grief.
6-word review: Brilliantly somber. Outstanding on every level.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal

Following (1998)
Watched: 08/25/24     Provider: Delta Airlines
10-word summary: Bored writer begins following random people; simple pastime turns dangerous.
6-word review: Twisty neo-noir. Classic dame dupe characters.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Jeremy Theobald, Alex Haw

Weekend (2011)
Watched: 08/28/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Drunken one-night-stand becomes intimate as men share thoughts, feelings, fears.
6-word review: Smart, sensitive, perceptive. Beautiful unHollywood ending.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring Tom Cullen, Chris New

Diary of a Mad Housewife (1970)
Watched: 08/31/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Neglected wife of overbearing lawyer has affair with arrogant writer.
6-word review: Dated, well-acted exposé of chauvinism, sexism.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Carrie Snodgress, Richard Benjamin

September 2024     |     Back to top

The Young Savages (1961)
Watched: 09/01/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: D.A. prosecutes hoodlums for murder; one is former girlfriend's son.
6-word review: Great cast in introspective multifaceted story.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Burt Lancaster, Dina Merrill, Shelley Winters

The Deliverance (2024)
Watched: 09/01/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Children of abusive, alcoholic mother become possessed by murderous demons.
6-word review: Day's fantastic. Builds slowly, disappointing ending.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Andra Day, Glenn Close, Mo'Nique

Five Finger Exercise (1962)
Watched: 09/02/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Dashing sensitive tutor disrupts fragile relationships of pretentious, dysfunctional family.
6-word review: Emotive cast works hard at overacting.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Rosalind Russell, Maximilian Schell

Damaged Lives (1933)
Watched: 09/06/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Man unknowingly infects new bride with syphilis; everyone is distraught.
6-word review: Once-sensational cautionary tale with dull actors.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Lyman Williams, Diane Sinclair

Riders to the Stars (1954)
Watched: 09/10/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Aerospace scientists must intercept meteor in orbit for scientific research.
6-word review: Semi-documentary, semi-unremarkable. 81 minutes, seems longer.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring William Lundigan, Martha Hyer

I Walked with a Zombie (1943)
Watched: 09/11/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Nurse takes Caribbean job to care for bizarrely comatose woman.
6-word review: Voodoo, romance, soap opera, mystery mix.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Frances Dee, Tom Conway

The Very Edge (1963)
Watched: 09/12/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Woman attacked in her home; stalked by maniac. Marriage strained.
6-word review: So much packed into tense thriller.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Anne Heywood, Richard Todd

When the Applause Died (1990)
Watched: 09/14/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: 70 years worth of Hollywood stars ruined by substance abuse.
6-word review: Good movie clips; little unfamiliar information.
Rating: ★★★

From Here to Eternity (1953)
Watched: 09/16/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Macho army base shenanigans just prior to Pearl Harbor attack.
6-word review: Excellent performances—melodramatic but still potent.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring All-star cast

Like Mother, Like Son: The Strange Story of Sante and Kenny Kimes (2001)
Watched: 09/17/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Incestuous, sociopathic woman manipulates son into murdering wealthy old woman.
6-word review: Good performance by Moore as sicko.
Rating: ★★½
Note: TV movie starring Mary Tyler Moore, Jean Stapleton

Discarded Lovers (1932)
Watched: 09/18/24     Provider: Pre-code Hollywood
10-word summary: Glamorous free-spirited movie star is murdered; several ex-lovers are suspects.
6-word review: Starts good, sags. Worst confession ever.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Natalie Moorhead, Jason Robards Sr.

Twixt [a.k.a. B'Twixt Now and Sunrise] (2011)
Watched: 09/24/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Troubled, guilt-ridden mystery writer becomes embroiled in small-town vampire legend.
6-word review: Confusing blend of dreams and reality.
Rating: ★½
Note: Starring Val Kilmer, Ben Chaplin

At Close Range (1986)
Watched: 09/24/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Son joins, then opposes, his father's violent rural criminal lifestyle.
6-word review: Dynamic lead performances, ensemble cast pales.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Sean Penn, Christopher Walken

Crow Hollow (1952)
Watched: 09/24/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: New bride suspects husband's eccentric spinster aunts want her dead.
6-word review: Supporting cast bolsters routine gothic mystery.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Natasha Parry, Donald Houston

Tea with Mussolini (1999)
Watched: 09/27/24     Provider: Own
10-word summary: WWII Florence, Italy boy's upbringing by diverse English, American women.
6-word review: Anecdotal, uplifting, meandering storytelling. Cher shines.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring All-star ensemble; R.I.P. Maggie Smith (12/28/1934 - 09/27/2024)

Winter Kept Us Warm (1965)
Watched: 09/28/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Unspoken love develops between confident college senior and awkward freshman.
6-word review: Excellent, groundbreaking film of veiled homosexuality.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring John Labow, Henry Tarvainen

October 2024     |     Back to top

Killer Heat (2024)
Watched: 10/01/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Alcoholic PI investigates mysterious death of wealthy Greek shipping heir.
6-word review: Sluggish pace, beautiful scenery, obvious resolution.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley

For Love of Ivy (1968)
Watched: 10/06/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Maid wants to leave employers; they find her a man.
6-word review: Lincoln charming in unrealistic, dated comedy/drama.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Abbey Lincoln, Sidney Poitier

The Importance of Being Earnest (1952)
Watched: 10/06/24     Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary: Two friends' double lives lead to romantic complications with women.
6-word review: Witty fun, rapid-fire dialogue, great cast.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Michael Redgrave, Dame Edith Evans

Lizzie (2018)
Watched: 10/07/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Events leading up to infamous Fall River, Massachusetts Borden murders.
6-word review: Dark, insightful interpretation. Sevigny stoically brilliant.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Chloë Sevigny, Kristen Stewart

I Met My Love Again (1938)
Watched: 10/08/24     Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary: Teen bored with boyfriend elopes with scoundrel; returns years later.
6-word review: Romance, charm, drama, comedy. Veers wildly.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Joan Bennett, Henry Fonda

Brothers (2024)
Watched: 10/17/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Claiming they'll go straight afterwards, petty-crime twins attempt complicated caper.
6-word review: Star power performances overcome muddled plot.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Peter Dinklage, Josh Brolin, Glenn Close

The Servant (1963)
Watched: 10/19/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Seemingly perfect, manipulative manservant has ulterior motives; posh employer's downfall.
6-word review: Beautifully filmed psychodrama. Sensual, homoerotic, unpredictable.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Dirk Bogarde, Sarah Miles

The Mummy (1932)
Watched: 10/20/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Awakened mummy believes he's found his reincarnated 3700-year-old princess lover.
6-word review: More cerebral than scary; nicely filmed.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Boris Karloff

Carol Doda Topless at the Condor (2023)
Watched: 10/21/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Documentary of first dancer to go topless, causing nationwide sensation.
6-word review: Interesting start, gets slow and cringeworthy.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Carol Doda

American Fiction (2023)
Watched: 10/23/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Frustrated writer pens outlandish "Black novel"—becomes successful prize winner.
6-word review: Humorous, insightful, smart, uniformly great cast.
Rating: ★★★★
Note: Starring Jeffrey Wright, Leslie Uggams

Father Is a Bachelor (1950)
Watched: 10/27/24     Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary: Drifter adopted by five orphans, learns responsibility, commitment; finds love.
6-word review: Charming, funny, heartwarming. Kids aren't annoying.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring William Holden, Coleen Gray; Holden's singing dubbed by Buddy Clark

Don't Move (2024)
Watched: 10/27/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Deranged murderer drugs, kidnaps, grieving, suicidal woman; she fights back.
6-word review: Effective, far-fetched thriller with solid performances.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Kelsey Asbille, Finn Wittrock

Flesh for Frankenstein (1973)
Watched: 10/29/24     Provider: Roku Channel
10-word summary: Frankenstein's obsessed with creating obedient race of perfect zombie Serbians.
6-word review: Comically gory, kinky. Great twist ending.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Joe Dallesandro, Udo Kier

Heat (1972)
Watched: 10/29/24     Provider: Own
10-word summary: Washed-up actress latches onto handsome gigolo, a struggling former child-star.
6-word review: Miles great, Dallesandro hot, others ugh!
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Joe Dallesandro, Sylvia Miles; directed by Paul Morrissey (R.I.P. 02/23/38 - 10/28/24)

November 2024     |     Back to top

Never Cry Wolf (1983)
Watched: 11/01/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Canadian biologist studying declining caribou population becomes fascinated with wolves.
6-word review: Beautifully filmed; worthwhile, but incredibly slow.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Charles Martin Smith

Double Door (1934)
Watched: 11/02/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Wealthy, bitter, abusive spinster hates brother's new wife; torments her.
6-word review: Over-the-top performances highlight pre-code melodramatic thriller.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Evelyn Venable, Mary Morris

The Corpse Came C.O.D. (1947)
Watched: 11/04/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: Rival romancing reporters unravel double Hollywood murders involving stolen diamonds.
6-word review: Not quite screwball mystery entertaining enough.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring George Brent, Joan Blondell

Flesh (1968)
Watched: 11/04/24     Provider: Own
10-word summary: Man desperate for money becomes prostitute, encounters variety of characters.
6-word review: Episodic, funny, and sad. Dallesandro endearing.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Joe Dallesandro

Separate Lies (2005)
Watched: 11/05/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Accident sets off civilized British couple's life-changing web of lies.
6-word review: Familiar plot with mostly unlikable characters.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Tom Wilkerson, Emily Watson

The Unseen (1945)
Watched: 11/06/24     Provider: YouTube
10-word summary: New governess thrown into family drama; murders and secrets galore.
6-word review: Nifty mystery with feisty Russell impressive.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Gail Russell, Joel McCrae

Trash (1970)
Watched: 11/07/24     Provider: Own
10-word summary: Impotent junkie wanders through life garbage picking and using heroin.
6-word review: Hilarious dialogue. Bleak situations. Niche audience.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Joe Dallesandro, Holly Woodlawn

The Killer Nun (1979)
Watched: 11/09/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Sex- and drug-addicted hypochondriac nun, with flawless makeup, kills patients.
6-word review: Bad nunsploitation film—an intriguing mess.
Rating: ★
Note: Starring Anita Ekberg, Joe Dallesandro

A Nun's Curse (2019)
Watched: 11/11/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Students explore abandoned prison where demonic nun once killed inmates.
6-word review: Familiar set-up, painfully slow and humorless.
Rating: ½★
Note: Starring Uninspired cast

Human Desire (1954)
Watched: 11/13/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Wife of abusive slob wants out, meets hunk, devises plan.
6-word review: Grahame's brilliant in outstanding fast-paced noir.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Gloria Grahame, Glenn Ford

The Lady from Shanghai (1947)
Watched: 11/14/24     Provider: Movieland TV
10-word summary: Sailor pursues rich man's wife; framed in complex murder plot.
6-word review: Top-notch, complex noir with great ending.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Rita Hayworth, Orson Welles

The V.I.P.s (1963)
Watched: 11/14/24     Provider: Movieland TV
10-word summary: London fog grounds planes. Stranded passengers interact. Lives are changed.
6-word review: Great cast in lush, soapy melodrama.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton

Foul Play (1978)
Watched: 11/14/24     Provider: Movieland TV
10-word summary: Librarian becomes involved in elaborate pope assassination plot; finds romance.
6-word review: Likable lead actors in well-done slapstick.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Goldie Hawn, Chevy Chase

The Killers (1946)
Watched: 11/15/24     Provider: Classic Movies & TV
10-word summary: Insurance detective investigates long-ago heist involving double-crossing gang, beautiful dame.
6-word review: Intricate plot unfolds in great flashbacks.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Burt Lancaster, Ava Gardner

A Grand Romantic Gesture (2022)
Watched: 11/15/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Middle-aged, married-to-others couple meet in acting class; romance brings complications.
6-word review: Occasionally amusing, hardly believable, cop-out ending.
Rating: ★★
Note: Starring Gina McKee, Douglas Hodge

The Getaway (1972)
Watched: 11/16/24     Provider: Movieland TV
10-word summary: After gone-wrong bank robbery, couple attempts getaway from cops, criminals.
6-word review: Outstanding action-packed sequences, well-crafted crime thriller.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Steve (so cool) McQueen and Ali (I can't act) MacGraw

The Iceman (2012)
Watched: 11/20/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Contract assassin tries balancing family life with secretive cold-blooded killings.
6-word review: Shannon fantastic in riveting crime drama.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Michael Shannon and Winona Ryder

Texas Killing Fields (2011)
Watched: 11/22/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Mismatched detectives hunt for serial killer in uncooperative redneck community.
6-word review: Good cast wasted—disjointed, disappointing film.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Sam Worthington

The Perils of Pauline (1947)
Watched: 11/22/24     Provider: Classic Movies & TV
10-word summary: Fictionalized account of Pearl White's career as silent movie heroine.
6-word review: Hutton energetic in amusing, predictable film.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Betty Hutton, John Lund

Skin: A History of Nudity in the Movies (2020)
Watched: 11/25/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Film nudity from silents to present. Stars and directors interviewed.
6-word review: Comprehensive overview of subject. Great clips.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring a bunch of nekkid people

White Mischief (1987)
Watched: 11/27/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: British aristocrat on trial for killing much-younger wife's foppish lover.
6-word review: Racy, but boring plot. Unlikable characters.
Rating: Abandoned
Note: Starring Greta Scacchi, Charles Dance

Hard Times [a.k.a. Holy Water] (2009)
Watched: 11/30/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Bumblers stash stolen Viagra in Holy Well; villagers comically copulate.
6-word review: Builds turgidly, but ultimately flaccid comedy.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring an Irish cast

December 2024     |     Back to top

Mr. Ace (1946)
Watched: 12/01/24     Provider: Mometu
10-word summary: Congresswoman aspires to be governor; obstacles include husband and racketeers.
6-word review: Tepid, dated observations of female politicians.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Sylvia Sidney, George Raft; cringeworthy quote: "You're too pretty to be in politics."

Toys in the Attic (1963)
Watched: 12/07/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Dithering spinster a bit too fond of ne'er-do-well younger brother.
6-word review: Includes both over-the-top acting, understated brilliance.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Dean Martin, Geraldine Page

Killer's Kiss (1955)
Watched: 12/11/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Washed-up boxer falls for dance-hall dame, girlfriend of obsessed criminal.
6-word review: Good suspense ruined by Hollywood ending.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Jamie Smith, Frank Silvera

Hot Frosty (2024)
Watched: 12/14/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Affable snowman comes alive, charms village, warms young widow's heart.
6-word review: Predictably amiable—a good-natured holiday-time filler.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Starring Dustin Milligan

Carry-On (2024)
Watched: 12/16/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Low-level TSA agent must stop terrorist's deadly nerve gas bomb.
6-word review: Fast-paced, action-packed thriller; against-type Bateman good.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman

The Six Triple Eight (2024)
Watched: 12/21/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Black women's battalion tasked with delivering mail to WWII soldiers.
6-word review: Inspiring true story defying misogyny, racism.
Rating: ★★★
Note: Starring Kerry Washington

Maria (2024)
Watched: 12/22/24     Provider: Netflix
10-word summary: Final days of legendary diva Callas fighting voice loss, illness.
6-word review: Fantastic performance, music, costumes carry film.
Rating: ★★★½
Note: Starring Angelina Jolie

Swung (2015)
Watched: 12/27/24     Provider: Prime Video
10-word summary: Intimacy-troubled couple stumbles upon swinging scene resulting in relationship evaluation.
6-word review: Promising start, shifts to unrealistic, predictable.
Rating: ★★½
Note: Featuring Elizabeth McGovern

John (2023)
Watched: 12/27/24     Provider: Tubi TV
10-word summary: Day-to-day life of young LA male sex worker and friends.
6-word review: Provocative subject. Only intermittently not boring.
Rating: ★½
Note: Starring no one famous