12 Mighty Orphans (2021)
Depression-era legend of conscientious coach Luke Wilson relocating family to take over Texas orphanage team, sees success on sporting field and changed attitudes. Despite convincing cast, familiar story beats and unconvincing staging lacks energy and never allows drama to build.
13 Minutes (2021)
Various melodramatic strands rather schematically encompass contemporary social concerns, including immigration and abortion, before tornado wipes away community. Without stylistic identity, events feel stitched together before jitterily effective storm and wasteland aftermath.
100 Rifles (1969)
Handsomely mounted production features impressively scaled action yet misses cohesive narrative and characters to secure empathy beyond the superficial. Casual Jim Brown is after affable bandit Burt Reynolds and fiery Raquel Welch, finding himself at the center of revolution. Snappy Jerry Goldsmith score.
1408 (2007)
Cynical writer John Cusack buries grief and creativity to chronicle phony paranormal claims, until Samuel L Jackson's New York hotel soon questions reality of vengeful spirits and own sanity. Effective Stephen King adaptation, made with convincing style, minor thrills lack emotional and conclusive heft.
1917 (2019)
Seamless technical virtuosity packs visceral punch as British soldiers George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman race across battle ravaged French landscape to prevent doomed assault over the trenches. Compulsive viewing with fierce visuals though little lasting emotion.
1922 (2017)
Bracing, studied design and framing adds considerably to the developing sense of dread as Thomas Jane's blunt farmer confesses to murder and gradually unravels. Intelligent, enveloping use of sound and music, with naturalism transforming to the grisly and the abstract.
1941 (1979)
Exhilarating and exhausting, embracing a manic, epic sensibility to unfurl chaos of a paranoid Los Angeles under rumors of Japanese attack. Even when comedy falters, densely choreographed storytelling and diverting cast provide delirious energy amid gorgeous use of miniatures.
2 Yötä Aamuun (2 Nights Till Morning) (2016)
Two-hander sets up observational romantic drama told with wry style and evolves with fresh intelligence as designer Marie-Josée Croze gets stuck in Lithuania with DJ Mikko Nousiainen. Generously played, character and emotion genuinely resolved.
2:22 (2017)
Visuals are sharp and elegant while the mystery of repetition and historical echoes are suggestive and diverting with anguished air traffic controller Michiel Huisman trying to decipher the meaning. However, increasingly obtuse plot developments rapidly diffuse tension and sense.
20segi Sonyeo (20th Century Girl) (2022)
With an endearing cast and affectionate 1999 setting, energetic tale of young love sees enthusiastic Kim You-Jung mistake identity of best friend's affection with inevitable comic and romantic confusion. Emotional rush leads to quietly moving conclusion.
20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (1954)
Extravagantly designed and vigorously staged, mystery and adventure suitably conjured as mythical sea monster is revealed as fantastical submersible commanded by imperious, despairing James Mason. Set piece driven narrative held together by solid cast.
21 Days (1940)
Slight melodrama, with black sheep of the family Laurence Olivier accidentally killing needy Vivian Leigh's blackmailing husband. Guilt is delayed when prospective judge, and brother, Leslie Banks helps. Only moderately involving with isolated scenes delivering impact.
24 Hours To Live (2017)
Visually polished, slickly designed action sequences, empty-headed story mechanics as assassin is revived from the dead and seeks revenge. Ethan Hawke struggles to provide emotional core to redemptive arc in welter of explosive violence and whiplash chases.
3:10 To Yuma (1957)
Charles Lawton's gleaming, atmospheric photography and sense of framing is just as vital to elevating the tension as Glenn Ford and Van Heflin's verbal sparring. With its noirish, psychological foundation, the carefully calibrated narrative leads to an explosive and ambiguous finale.
The 39 Steps (1935)
Told with flair and an infectious sense of fun, prototype chase thriller with enough sly wit and narrative twists to propel innocent Robert Donat and irritable Madeleine Carroll from London to Scotland and back. Unflagging pace combines with striking visuals.
The 39 Steps (1959)
Polished, anonymous retread makes minor variations to original adaptation and relies on easy appeal of Kenneth More, accentuating lighthearted tone that strips away suspense. Attractive location photography, without visual identity. Taina Elg is a reluctant accomplice.
42 (2013)
Chadwick Boseman conjures up the charismatic contradictions and conviction in the face of prejudice and racism in a sturdily constructed Jackie Robinson biopic that presses the right emotional buttons. Harrison Ford provides able support. The detail is provocative and moving.
49th Parallel (1941)
German U-boat survivors attempt to survive the rugged expanse of Canada and its diverse people, a tense epic with well cast stars providing depth to a series of speeches that interrupt the fast-moving narrative. Ralph Vaughan Williams delivers a rousing score.
5 To 7 (2014)
A smart, winning combination of American and European flavors and feelings, as aspiring New York writer Anton Yelchin embarks on a doomed affair with French diplomat's wife Bérénice Marlohe. The humor is gentle, the conversation intelligent, the emotion earned.
52 Pick-Up (1986)
Grungy, seedy blackmail and revenge melodrama piles on brutality as narrative twists Roy Scheider into clutches of depraved John Glover whose threat to expose affair soon spirals into murder. Wickedly exploitive and enjoyable, blunt staging and visuals maintain dark rhythm.
The 5th Wave (2016)
Teen survivors fight off continuing alien attacks in a decimated world where adults turn out to be part of the infiltration. Production and cast are attractive, yet the narrative has no impetus and feels like an extended setup for part two. Glum and humourless.
6 Underground (2019)
Two hours of trailer visuals in search of a real narrative as Ryan Reynolds leads an anonymous band seeking redemption and revenge. The rich production values are undeniable, explosions and violence non-stop, empathy and involvement empty. Some glossy thrills break through.
65 (2023)
Admirable in uncluttered setup of intense space visitor Adam Driver crash landing on earth in dinosaur era, visuals and action never embraces crazed potential until race against time as meteors conjure extinction. Spirited, open Ariana Greenblatt provides sharp emotional core.
7 beonbangui Seonmool (Miracle in Cell No. 7) (2013)
Wild tonal shifts eventually work manipulative spell as fanciful narrative sees mentally disabled Ryu Seung-ryong wrongly convicted and imprisoned until young daughter Kal So-won is smuggled inside. Testing comedy, acute emotion, fine support cast of inmates prove effective.
7 Kwang Gu (Sector 7) (2011)
Strikingly designed visuals unfortunately highlight artifice rather than creating immersive atmosphere as crew on remote oil rig face attack from gooey creature out of the depths. Non-stop action after 30 minutes of setup, though performances and style are forced.
8 Million Ways To Die (1986)
Unstable ex-cop Jeff Bridges collapses into noirish, alcohol descent before seeking redemption with revenge on snarling Andy Garcia and saving damaged Roseanna Arquette. Patchy action relies on character detail and sympathetic performances to maintain intensity.
Above Suspicion (2019)
Cold visuals trap Emilia Clarke in bleak Kentucky town, dealing drugs, suffering abuse and coping with two children while ambitious FBI Agent Jack Huston tragically exploits her hopes. Sleek, empty production wallows in grim, violent lives and unremitting cruelty to damaged heroine.
Across The Bridge (1957)
Graham Green adaptation is strikingly dark and fatalistic, with a typically mannered Rod Steiger on the run from New York to the Mexican border. The redemptive physical and mental descent is bleakly gripping rather than convincing, a dog his only friend and downfall.
Act Naturally (2011)
Two estranged step sisters are forced to get to know each other and themselves when they inherit a naturist resort. A predictable narrative is not helped by flat handling and undeveloped characters, though the spirited, game cast and casual approach is admirable.
The Adam Project (2022)
Nimble staging and performances make most of spirited dialogue that resolves comic setups with emotionally involving father son(s) reunions as maverick Ryan Reynolds flips back in time to save future with younger self Walker Scobell and father Mark Ruffalo. Action more mundane, humor appealing.
Adventure In Manhattan (1936)
Briskly enjoyable, entirely forgettable and fragmentary, coasting with confident reporter Joel McCrea's uncanny ability to divine future robberies. Hopeful actress Jean Arthur provides confounding support and romance, sporadic moments of humor and drama.
Adventures In Babysitting (1987)
Energetic Elizabeth Shue's journey to rescue stranded friend in downtown Chicago results in generically entertaining comedy action and life lessons. Uneven pacing tends to isolate sequences within rigid structure, though amiable characters persevere.
The Adventures Of Buckaroo Banzai Across The 8th Dimension (1984)
Hit and miss combination of whiplash comedy and sci-fi action features sure sense of off-kilter design and confounding mythology which sees spirited cast thrown into confounding alien attack narrative. Inelegantly assembled, engagingly curious.
The Adventures Of Marco Polo (1938)
Witty, sexual melodramas spun against extravagant sets as genial, wily Venetian explorer Gary Cooper trades and seduces his way across China. Fantastical view of history and meandering structure veers to the static rather than needed sweep.
The Adventures Of Tartu (1943)
Lively wartime adventure, packed with blunt propaganda as playful agent Robert Donat infiltrates a German factory developing a deadly poison gas. Solid production values and action, while Valerie Hobson and Glynis Johns provide conflicted support.
Advise & Consent (1962)
Plainly framed, unhurried drama revels in deceit and manipulation around hearings for peaceable Henry Fonda to be confirmed Secretary Of State. Formidable cast includes devious Charles Laughton and prudent Walter Pidgeon, highlighting darkness of political polemics.
The Aeronauts (2019)
Colourful spin on history as extrovert pilot Felicity Jones and ambitious scientist Eddle Redmayne ascend to record breaking heights with often vertiginous thrills. Potent performances and VFX, yet character resonance and transcendent exploration never quite soars.
The African Queen (1951)
Set amid luminous, evocative Technicolor jungle settings, bickering love story between unrepentant steamer captain Humphrey Bogart and stubborn missionary Katherine Hepburn is hugely enjoyable adventure. Star chemistry adeptly balances humor and suspense.
After (2012)
An intriguing setup provokes two strangers into a race against time as their suddenly empty hometown is threatened by a fast-encroaching, dark fog. Though the resolutions feel too facile and the monster all too physical, the production is well paced with slick visuals.
After Dark, My Sweet (1990)
Off-kilter characters and story dynamics, suffused through arid visuals, sees unbalanced ex-boxer Jason Patric taken in by damaged Rachel Ward and dragged into kidnapping plot by abusive Bruce Dern. Terse, tense, pervading sense of doom relieved only by the salvation of sacrifice.
Against All Odds (1984)
Setting noir fatalism against bleached visuals, bitter Jeff Bridges falls for confounding Rachel Ward and confronts snarling James Woods. Character interplay and individual sequences never quite connect deepening webs of corruption, though performers and staging maintain corrosive intrigue.
Agnes Of God (1985)
Filmed with polished, icy naturalism and highlighted by strong performances, intense psychiatrist Jane Fonda investigates death of guileless nun Meg Tilly's dead newborn and conflicts with mother superior Anne Bancroft. Involving drama, muddled spiritual themes.
Ain't Them Bodies Saints (2013)
Rigorous style and rich visuals conjure doomed Texan love story as unbowed Rooney Mara raises daughter alone until convinced Casey Affleck busts out of jail. Feel for dialogue infuses pervading mood with dark fatality before final, cathartic violence; remains involving yet lacks vitality.
Air (2023)
Capturing an optimistic 80s spirit, breezy drama sees intuitive talent scout Matt Damon persuading his eccentric Nike boss Benn Affleck to bet everything on rising star Michael Jordan. Transforming boardroom politics into underdog win against the odds, solidly crafted entertainment.
Airplane! (1980)
With disaster plot merely an excuse to bombard screen with unrelenting succession of verbal and physical gags, willing performers accept the absurdities and high percentage of laughs are delivered. Plain style and spirited score accentuate delirious comic momentum.
Algiers (1938)
Lively, atmospheric tale set in the shadowy backstreets and shady clubs of the Casbah, where imperious thief Charles Boyer finds his French exile spin out of control when he falls for Parisienne tourist Hedy Lamarr. Minimal exposition and characterization in favor of menacing set piees.
All Is Bright (2013)
Languid, deliberately off-beat drama-comedy with distinctively 70s vibe as downbeat Paul Giamatti joins with hopeful Paul Rudd to sell Christmas trees from Quebec in New York. Sally Hawkins is eccentric, the storytelling messy, the ending surprisingly poignant.
All Is Lost (2013)
Controlled with sharp visuals, keen sense of isolated danger, and robust action, Robert Redford is stranded in the enormity of the Indian Ocean when minor hull damage ends with storm causing loss of entire yacht. Both contemplative and muscular, with a compelling star turn.
All The Old Knives (2022)
Confidently told and performed, intriguing spy drama eventually lacks spark in verbal sparring, as former lovers Thandiwe Newton and Chris Pine meet to unwind reality behind terrorist attack. Rather than building tension, time shifts accentuate frustration.
All We Had (2016)
Facing demons of poverty and alcoholism, a desperate Katie Holmes attempts to look after her teenage daughter even as future dreams are crushed by the financial crisis. Carefully made, if lacking tension, glimmers of light draw us into the characters' lives.
Almost Famous (2000)
Fresh and observant coming of age road trip imbues its 1970s music setting with a warm glow as teenage journalist falls under the spell of charismatic Billy Crudup and his band, as well as seasoned groupie Kate Hudson. Balanced humor and drama provides irresistible charm.
Aloft (2015)
Creating an unnerving atmosphere through sharp imagery and inventive sound, oblique style becomes as impenetrable as character and story. Jennifer Connelly finds meaning as a healer, Cillian Murphy is her neglected son, Mélanie Laurent seeks a cure. Committed performances, little truth.
Alone In Berlin (2016)
Thoughtfully gray wartime atmosphere and sombrely etched characters convincingly infuse story of dour married couple Emma Thompson and Brendan Gleeson's persuasive, tragic dissent against Hitler after son dies in France. Despite admirable efforts, uneven narrative never engages an emotional intensity.
L'amant (The Lover) (1992)
In 1920s Saigon, relationship between willful French teenager Jane March and aristocratic Chinese heir Tony Leung is captured with ravishing visuals and embracing sound. Despite rich production and Jeanne Moreau's narration, emotion never rises above intense, polished surface.
American Made (2017)
Vibrant aesthetic bleached from 80s design informs fanciful tale of Tom Cruise's breezy opportunist, at once flying missions for CIA as well as smuggling cocaine from Central America. Exhausting style mirrors energetic lead, driving absurdist humor without investing emotion.
The American President (1995)
Smart script, engaging performers, an idealism that lays the groundwork for "The West Wing", the balance between standard romantic narrative and political activism is finely tuned. Solidly old fashioned in a good way, a breeze of drama and comedy.
The American Side (2016)
Death of a stripper engulfs grubby PI Greg Stuhr within labyrinthine mystery featuring ambiguous women and powerful businessmen all linked to a dangerous Nikola Tesla invention. Low budget Buffalo streets evocative, story is noir pastiche, thrills lacking.
American Underdog (2021)
Elevated by appealing performances from aspiring quarterback Zachary Levi and grounded wife Anna Paquin, as well as potently staged sports action, true life against-the-odds story is effectively realized. Pointedly uplifting, structure follows expected beats.
Amnesia (1997)
Grungy noir with interesting dynamics and sharp humor undermined by flawed execution. Adulterous minister Nicholas Walker loses memory while faking death and is trapped with frustrated Sally Kirkland. Wife Ally Sheedy and girlfriend Dara Tomanovich need revenge.
Un amour impossible (An Impossible Love) (2018)
Intensely felt, tenderly told, a moving Virginie Efira deals with emotional abuse from absorbed Niels Schneider and messy closeness with daughter. Visually refined, darker elements engulf, until character resolutions provide affecting closure.
Anatomie d'une chute (Anatomy Of A Fall) (2023)
Acute character study and engrossing courtroom drama illuminated by skillful storytelling, and compelling, damaged Sandra Hüller, accused of killing her husband. Plain style imbued with intimate tension, personal and criminal, reveals devilishly ambivalent layers.
...and justice for all. (1979)
A ragged collection of cynical, desperate and eccentric characters swirl around weary lawyer Al Pacino who finds himself defending a cruel judge and railing against the system. Disjointed shifts of tone overcome by dynamic star turn and lively individual scenes.
And Then There Were None (1945)
Playful edge accentuates comic flavors as schematic theatricals whittle down assembled guests on a remote island until killer is finally revealed. Unfussy style establishes succession of guilty characters with bickering interplay replacing suspense.
And While We Were Here (2012)
An emotionally lost Kate Bosworth embarks on an affair with a young American amid sun-blessed Italian locations. A careful meditation of love and death, it adds nothing vital though the lead is quietly affecting and the leisurely pacing subtly envelops.
Angel Of Mine (2018)
Less obsessive thriller than study in consuming grief, unstable Noomi Rapace's inability to deal with baby daughter's death years previously, becomes paranoid instinct that Yvonne Strahovski's child is hers. Widescreen style diffuses intentions, ferocious leads squeeze raw emotion.
Angel-A (2007)
Despite gleaming black and white visuals and some dynamic scenes, the urban, fairytale redemption of a low-level criminal by a striking, unrepentant angel, never really jells as comedy, drama, fantasy or original genre mashup. Harmless reminder of better, more affecting films.
Angels In The Outfield (1951)
Broadly enjoyable comedy told and performed with unfussy schmaltz as prim reporter Janet Leigh demands better behavior from belligerent Pittsburgh Pirates coach Paul Douglas who also hears a heavenly voice promising to reverse the team's losing run.
Angels Over Broadway (1940)
Heavy on New York atmosphere and characters finding redemption, Douglas Fairbanks Jnr. is the smooth conman taking aim on a suicidal embezzler and finding love with young Rita Hayworth. Affecting visuals and occasionally arresting scenes, though overly schematic structure softens dramatic effect.
Anna (2019)
Anonymously skilled and glossy action cinema without the benefit of originality, focusing on Sasha Luss' convoluted adventures as a Russian spy and eventual double agent. Visual tricks and blurred timelines add nothing to the feeling it's all been done better.
Annabelle Comes Home (2019)
Handsome design jettisons narrative interest for setup that traps ghost hunters' spiritually receptive daughter Mckenna Grace along with babysitters in house with evil spirit let loose. Effective scares mount without conjuring sense of creeping jeopardy. Lively yet entirely unremarkable.
Annabelle Creation (2017)
Polished visuals strand nun and orphans in remote, creaky house where demonic doll waits in the shadows. Evocatively conceived, style tends to consume character and story though eerie unease of haunted farm is effectively sustained for regular jumps and chills.
Annie (2014)
Spirited Quvenzhane Wallis makes a crafty orphan changing lives and spreading music amid plush New York locations. Jamie Foxx, Rose Byrne and cast sell comic touch with appealing energy, though music arrangements dilute emotion and updated setting lacks resonance.
Annie Get Your Gun (1950)
Brash and colorful design matches big hearted, gloriously over-the-top Betty Hutton's Annie Oakley and a succession of terrific Cole Porter songs. Despite an uncharacteristic resolution that panders to egotistical Howard Keel, a hugely enjoyable mix.
Anthropoid (2016)
Straightforward telling of Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan carrying out plan to assassinate Nazi leader in Prague. Grungy, nervy visuals accentuate threats, Charlotte Le Bon and Anna Geislerová provide emotional strength, dry approach sees tragedy lack real punch.
Anything Goes (2021)
Sublime, buoyant Gershwin songs and joyful Sutton Foster energise flimsy framework of comic coincidence on a 20s transatlantic voyage. Barbican production delivers builds momentum through Act One and includes wry Robert Lindsay. Irresistible smiles.
The Apartment (1960)
Burnished with humanity, a romantically cynical tale, gorgeously cast and judged, balancing humor and emotion with a natural precision. Insurance accountant Jack Lemmon and elevator operator Shirley MacLaine are lonely, bruised souls chasing promotion and love, trapped by circumstance, given a New Year's chance.
Appointment In London (1953)
Persuasively rooted in fatalistic lives of wartime bombing crews facing increasing losses, focus rests on edgy commander Dirk Bogarde balancing prospect of final mission and tentative relationship with widow Dinah Sheridan. Tensely handled night flight enlivens solid storytelling.
Aquaman (2018)
Increasingly wild and densely created action sequences are accentuated by bold colors and momentum of flimsy narrative framework that rushes giddily between set pieces as half-Atlantean, half-human Jason Momoa battles evil brother Patrick Wilson and falls for warrior Amber Heard. Breathlessly enjoyable mess.
Archive (2020)
Consumed with gleaming, clinical images, diverting setup sees Theo James in remote Japanese base developing future gen robotics with intention to reimagine wife Stacy Martin. Emotional echoes maintain interest though final outcome obscures thematic resonance rather than enhances.
Argentina, 1985 (2022)
Told with disarming sense of humour to offset cruel reality of background events, as well as acute sense of time, true life court case against Argentinian Junta Generals is finely performed and structured. Ricardo Darín is the empathetic prosecutor, while legal team support capture vitality of righteous youth overcoming demons of the past.
Army Of The Dead (2021)
Exhausting, numbing zombie action collides with Las Vegas heist thriller, as a disparate group infiltrates the walled-in, flesh eating hordes to break open a vault. No doubting the visceral thrills, attempts at emotion fall flat, a riotous Matthias Schweighöfer steals the show.
Army Of Thieves (2021)
Standalone prequel that switches genre from impending zombie apocalypse to breezy tale of safe crackers with eccentric Matthias Schweighöfer intuitively breaking into mythical vaults. Nathalie Emmanuel and Ruby O Fee provide fine support. Spirited and good natured.
Arrêtez-moi (Arrest Me) (2013)
Chamber piece enlivened by two commanding performances with anguished Sophie Marceau admitting murder of abusive husband to reluctant night officer Miou-Miou. Initial intensity and thematic provocation gradually diluted by lack of character development.
The Arrival (1996)
Initially intriguing and involving earth invasion tale as paranoid Charlie Sheen uncovers Body Snatchers-like alien infiltrators planning terra-forming under the cover of climate change. More routine as the plot unfolds, some visuals and ideas maintain interest.
The Art Of The Steal (2013)
Appealing cast battle often frantic visuals and twisting narrative to maintain laughs if not tension, as aggrieved Kurt Russell reunites with swerving brother Matt Dillon for final, big heist at Niagara Falls border. Minor pleasures promote interest.
Arthur Newman (2013)
Morose Colin Firth fakes his death to start a new life, burned out Emily Blunt is on the run from her own pain. Story posits interesting setup about identity and frustrated ambition, yet mood and characters are crushingly serious and narrative too schematic.
Article 99 (1992)
Messy collision of righteous social anger over treatment of US military veterans with black comedy featuring doctors as unhinged as the patients. Blandly made, never builds needed momentum despite efforts of diverse cast. Isolated moments hint at searing potential.
The Artifice Girl (2022)
Uneasy potential of AI broken into three acts as agents use damaged developer's program to ensnare pedophiles, then see the creation attain awareness and independence over the years. Confidently realized, confined discussion of ethics remains intriguing yet indifferent.
El artista y la modelo (2012)
Accepting Claudia Cardinale finds wary Aida Foche to model for and arouse exhausted sculptor Jean Rochefort's creativity. Self aware, immersive visuals celebrate art and nature, while narrative adds nothing original, yet remains affecting in minor observations.
Arukimedesu no taisen (The Great War of Archimedes) (2019)
Despite synthetic CGI action prologue, often gripping debate on nationalistic pride and military symbolism. Anti-establishment math prodigy Masaki Suda is caught between opposing naval factions. Melodramatic excess amid rich visuals.
Ask Me Anything (2014)
Messy life of young serial blogger Britt Robertson unravels through series of romantic encounters detailed in uncompromising detail. Smooth visuals and vital central performance maintain interest in observant drama until late, screeching narrative shift provides divisive, upending coda.
Assault On Precinct 13 (1976)
From the opening electronic beats, John Carpenter demonstrates a total mastery of the craft, a thriller cinematically joyous as well as tough and violent. An all night attack on a Los Angeles police station sets up action set-pieces that ratchet up the tension. Laurie Zimmer is terrific as the resourceful, Hawksian heroine.
At Long Last Love (1975)
Taken in isolation, musical and comedy sequences have infectious charm with leads infusing flimsy story of indolent wealth and love in 30s New York with energy as they cycle through succession of Cole Porter hits. Unfortunately flimsy conceit quickly runs out of steam despite production skill.
At Middleton (2013)
An instinctive Vera Farmiga and strait-laced Andy Garcia meet when taking their respective children to a prospective college tour. Though nothing surprises, script and stars provide sharp characterizations that peel back layers to reveal the melancholy and hurt.
Atonement (2007)
Immaculately conceived, and suffused with striking visuals, privileged Keira Knightly and servant James McAvoy's relationship is tested through jealousy, prejudice and war. Technically gripping, play with perspective and romantic hope ultimately breaks emotional connection.
Attraction (2017)
Technically polished with a visual swoon to storytelling, even if there's not much to say. After a spacecraft crashes in Moscow, rebellious Irina Starshenbaum falls for the alien visitor as authorities and society go to hell. Well choreographed, numbingly dumb.
Attraction 2: Invasion (2020)
Apart from a few arresting visuals, a sequel that compensates for the original's relative simplicity with an impenetrable narrative of little logic and even less feeling. The alien returns, the heroine escapes, there's little menace to alleged threat.
Aus dem Nichts (In The Fade) (2017)
Suffocating, wrenching portrait of loss, as Diane Kruger's husband and son die in neo-Nazi bombing and legal frustration provokes need for revenge. With riveting lead, stylish technique conjures striking visuals and brutal sequences, though tone is conflicted.
Authors Anonymous (2014)
An amiable cast are left floundering by a damp script and flat pacing, and certainly not helped by the faux documentary setup that observes a talentless writers group slowly unraveling when artless Kaley Cuoco finds sudden success. Nothing rings true.
Autómata (2014)
Clinically produced and visually acute, though behind polished facade a messy, predictable fable of future identity and AI threat, as Antonio Banderas uncovers sentient intelligence and survival instinct. Zacarías Martínez de la Riva provides a dynamic and emotive score.
L'Autre monde (Black Heaven) (2010)
Sinister mystery of identity in the real world entwines with dark fantasies of artificial game world, as intoxicating Louise Bourgoin leads teen into deadly obsession. Cool visuals and soundscape create initially edgy atmosphere, though narrative strands finally unravel.
Ava (2020)
Nobody sets out to make a poor film and the skill and professionalism of artists and technicians can always be recognised. The frustration is when lack of imagination flattens any narrative or visceral tension. Nothing here is remotely dramatic or believable.
Avanti! (1972)
Leisurely paced, sharp witted mix of verbal and physical comedy as loud American Jack Lemmon battles Italian bureaucracy and attraction for neurotic Brit, Juliet Mills, in series of social and sexual culture clashes. Maintains caustic cynicism and hopeful romanticism on remote island.
Avenging Angel (1985)
Ex-prostitute and studying lawyer, blandly determined Betsy Russell returns to the street for revenge on her cop mentor's killer. Clumsy jumble of strained comedy and crude exploitation makes little sense, with deficiencies of storytelling and visuals reaching absurdist levels.
Les Aventures extraordinaires d'Adèle Blanc-Sec (The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec) (2010)
Buoyed by vibrant Louise Bourgoin's unapologetic, confident adventurer, a fluid fantasy comic book with accent on period eccentricity and humour. Polished production, uneven storytelling.
Awake (2021)
After a solar flare short-circuits global electronics, people are unable to sleep and fast descend into deadly hysteria. As jaundiced mother Gina Rodriguez struggles to save her children amid increasingly violent set-pieces, tension dissipates despite technical craft.
The Awakening (2011)
Textured design and eerie atmospherics conjure suitably unnerving situation as cynical ghost-debunker Rebecca Hall is asked to investigate sightings at remote boarding school. Personal loss and hauntings reverberate from post-World War I setting. Resolution never quite delivers on thematic or dramatic promise.