Shop around the corner (1940). CINEMA. 20.12.21. Likeable enough but never really sparkles. The woman’s small revelation at the end was also unnecessary and spoilt some of the past dialogue. 7/10
Mahanagar (1963). 26-28.12.21. It would have been better if it was a bit more slick, but was always watchable. 7/10
The truth (2019).
29&30.12.21. Almost a parody of a French film, so typically French it is
(despite it being written and directed by a Japanese man). It promised much,
but leaving aside the acting – which was first-rate – it was decidedly
unsatisfying. 5/10
The shootist (1976).
31.12.21 / 1.1.22. A very good-looking Western: gentle, uncomplicated and easy
to like. 8/10
The color purple (1985).
5&6.1.22. Spielberg used a very broad brush with this, making it rather
disjointed and uninvolving. I would have particularly liked to have seen more
small-scale drama of the relationships between Celie and Mister, and Sophia and
Harpo (all the characters aside from possibly Celie were caricatures to some
degree). So despite some good individual scenes, a superlative performance from
Whoopi Goldberg, and other excellent performances, this could have been so much
better. 6½/10
Day for night (1973).
CINEMA. 7.1.22. Busy ensemble piece: good-looking and very likeable as a whole,
but none of it is unmissable. I agree with Pauline Kiel: "It has a pretty touch. But when it was over, I found
myself thinking, Can this be all there is to it? The picture has no center and
not much spirit." 7/10
Desperately seeking Susan
(1985). 14.1.22. Lightweight entertainment. 6/10
The invisible woman (2013). 16.1.22. A
restrained film of (generally) considerable quality and charm. Fiennes is
excellent as Dickens. A half mark knocked off for the hurried final third. 7½/10
The 400 blows (1959). CINEMA: 19.1.22. Prototype kitchen sink drama - doubtless the reason why it was so popular at its time - but it never really catches fire and doesn’t quite get to grips with the characters. But there is still much charm in the filmmaking style and the actor who plays the boy is amazing! The message seems to be only that nothing can be done, or is being done, about naughty boys from moderately dodgy backgrounds. 7/10
When Harry met Sally (1989). 23.1.22. Superior
romcom: warm, cosy and perfectly paced! Excellent performances from the two
leads, never tries to be too clever, and filled with funny scenes. 8½/10
