På villspor (The Wrong Track) (2025)
Drifting Ada Eide, threatened with losing custody of daughter, is forced by responsible brother Trong Fausa to train for 54 km skiing race and ends up embracing challenge. Nothing unexpected yet appealing cast inform rounded characters with natural humour and humane drama.
Paid In Full (1950)
Overblown melodrama fails to elevate dour tragedy as sisters Lizabeth Scott and Diana Lynn, one caring the other selfish, fall for Robert Cummings. Pregnancies, death and fatal sacrifice ensue, none of it remotely convincing, narrative twists only moderately involving.
The Painted Veil (2006)
Evocative visuals conjured in expansive, burnished locations immerse the narrative in a rural 1920s China of revolution and disease. Conflicted Naomi Watts joins principled doctor Ed Norton, changing her perspective. Despite hurried ending, finely honed, effective drama.
Pale Rider (1985)
Told with elegant simplicity and spare physicality, classic Western narrative is elevated with mythic weight, as sharp Clint Eastwood rides down from the mountains to help Carrie Snodgress and locals against brutal mining boss. Evocative drama delivers suitably violent and cathartic resolve.
The Paleface (1948)
After stuttering plot mechanics, comic momentum builds through fearless Jane Russell's manipulation of innocent dentist Bob Hope as they join wagon train and track down gun smugglers. Colorful production, spoofed stereotypes, spirited physical and verbal comedy.
The Palm Beach Story (1942)
Breathless pacing and verbal dexterity fuel Claudette Colbert's escape to Floridian wealth of Rudy Vallée and away from struggling architect Joel McCrea. Within games of mistaken identity, money and sex underpin the glittering surface and satiric swipes at trivial wealth.
Panic (2000)
Intelligently structured and written, William H Macy is a hitman facing a nervous breakdown who meets insecure Neve Campbell in a psychiatrist's office. Visually unfussy, melancholy and frustration is shot through with humor, and performed by a uniformly fine cast.
Par instinct (Out Of Instinct) (2017)
Brutal tragedy of sex trafficking collides with controlled lawyer Alexandra Lemy's life when she miscarries in Morocco and finds herself in same hospital as pregnant rape victim and refugee Sonja Wanda. Heartfelt performances undermined by ragged narrative.
Parallel (2018)
Hidden walkways lead to a secretive attic with a mirror enables four friends to enter alternate timelines. Despite initial euphoria of gaining wealth, no surprise that convoluted narratives and murder ensues. Sold with style and energy, even if confusion tends to dilute drama.
Parasite (2019)
Wicked humour peppers inventive storytelling with a sleight of hand that keeps events at sharp pace and unexpected twists genuine. Satiric politics of poverty and wealth tend to be more violently blunt as street family undermines the class conscious amid glossy visuals.
Pared con pared (Love, Divided) (2024)
Familiar adaptation sees unsure pianist Aitana Ocaña seeking independence in new apartment until confronting reclusive game creator and neighbor Fernando Guallar through paper-thin wall. Appealing characters yet anonymous approach lacks scrappy, romantic sweep.
A Paris Christmas Waltz (2023)
Repressed accountant Jen Lilley sees dream come true when disillusioned pro Matthew Morrison chooses her as amateur partner for Paris dance competition. Breezy leads and flashes of musical energy occasionally breakthrough stolid romantic conventions.
The Passage (1979)
Brutal, blunt and slickly produced, James Mason and family are led across the mountains to safety by grizzled Anthony Quinn. Typical heroism replaced with gratuitous violence, personified by sadistic and comically overblown Nazi officer Malcolm McDowell. Scrappy narrative undermines tension.
Le Passé (The Past) (2013)
Intelligently, sensitively told and performed drama of broken feelings and family guilt sees Ali Mosaffa return to finalise divorce with Bérénice Bejo who faces home conflict with daughter Pauline Burlet and new relationship Tahar Rahim. Touching naturalism veers to calculated melodrama.
Passengers (2016)
After meteor storm-caused malfunction awakes Chris Pratt from spacecraft hibernation ninety years early, provocative setup sees him revive fellow traveler Jennifer Lawrence out of suicidal loneliness. Solid design yet dramatic potential undermined by third act visual effects action heroics and unconvincing character resolve.
Passion (2012)
Curiously inert, both stylistically and narratively, with bland characters whose motives and desires the cast can't breathe life into. The political and personal never really jell and not even individual sequences provide dramatic involvement, let alone passion.
La Passion de Dodin Bouffant (The Taste Of Things) (2024)
Gently soulful immersion into culinary passion and restrained relationships as autumnal love simmers between patient cook Juliette Binoche and resolute gourmet Benoît Magimel. Swooping, swooning visuals border on parody; performances and character deliver affecting resonance.
The Passionate Friends (1949)
Beautifully crafted tale of love, longing and conformity, narrative design mirrors the fragmentary concern with memories and dreams. Cast and characters are aligned with a technical precision that draws the viewer in and subverts original thoughts.
Passport To Pimlico (1949)
Generously detailed inhabitants of London suburb discover document which excitable Margaret Rutherford reveals is proof area is legal part of Burgundy. Freedom from post-war rationing and bureaucracy provokes British government to implement border, community confusion and strength viewed with gentle irony and affection.
Past Tense (1994)
Familiar tale of corruption and murder tricked out with multiple narrative tricks as reliable as confused hero Scott Glenn's memory. As a result the tension never rises above the tepid and ending is confused. Lara Flynn Boyle is wasted. Color scheme very 90s.
The Patriot (2000)
Blunt historical revisionism features simplistic reading of American heroics as principled Mel Gibson is provoked to take revenge on barbaric British, especially evil Jason Isaacs, to gain independence. Luminous images and impressive scale feature much blood, little empathy.
Paul (2011)
Genially juvenile parody of popular sci-fi and fandom, as immature Simon Pegg and Nick Frost's American road trip to UFO hotspots sees them help Seth Rogen's equally base alien evade authorities. Hit and miss comedy hints at character growth yet never quite achieves convincing balance or energetic cohesion.
Peacock (2010)
Dual personality melodrama threatens to evolve into thriller yet resolves with eccentric ambivalence. Styled with attractive visuals and anchored by a convincing Cillian Murphy, uneven tone and fragile supporting characters never quite mesh and leave narrative floundering.
Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)
Attending 25th high school reunion, vulnerable Kathleen Turner returns in time to graduating year at high school, with chance to redefine relationship with future husband, cartoon-like Nicolas Cage. Uneven tones never quite coalesce, despite generously open lead.
Penguin Bloom (2021)
After an accident in Thailand leaves a bitter, frustrated Naomi Watts paralysed, an injured magpie provokes a psychological healing and brings a fractured family together. Restrained approach and careful visuals are effective, even if the story beats feel predictable.
The People We Hate At The Wedding (2022)
Generous appeal of family leads enlivens humor and drama, even as storytelling flails with both and secondary characters are unconvincing. Allison Janney travels with American children Kristen Bell and Ben Platt to London for wedding of English daughter. Good-looking locations.
People We Meet On Vacation (2026)
Enjoyably fanciful premise sees character opposites, spontaneous Emily Bader and prepared Tom Blyth, commit to long-distance friendship with annual summer holiday. Muted visuals, light approach, humor and romance finds fluid balance with suitably unsurprising resolve.
Peppermint (2018)
Unconvincing setup forces everyday mother Jennifer Garner to witness shooting of husband and daughter, as well as ensuing police and legal corruption, before seeking years later violent revenge. Intense lead can't compensate for listless narrative progression and dully efficient action.
Per qualche dollaro in più (For A Few Dollars More) (1965)
Bounty hunter Clint Eastwood's detached charisma vies with cynical, revenge-fuelled Lee Van Cleef in chasing down vicious Gian Maria Volonté. Tense cruelty infuses mesmirizing set pieces in expansive sets and parched landscapes as dynamic bouts of violence are orchestrated with operatic glee.
Per un pugno di dollari (A Fistful Of Dollars) (1964)
Brutally effective, enjoyably overblown, with cunning, ironic Clint Eastwood pitting rival gangs against each other in dusty border town. Distinctive score and visuals savagely aligned to primal gunplay and playful violence, as basic narrative unfolds with a vivid sense of theatre and wicked humour.
The Perfect Date (2019)
Raising money for Yale dream, eager Noah Centineo is encouraged by rebellious Laura Marano to sell himself as innocent partner via app. Endearing chemistry of leads overcomes improbability and character flaws, with predictable life-lessons learned for final romantic sweep.
A Perfect Pairing (2022)
Attractive visuals sell Australian sheep farm that determined Victoria Justice finds herself reluctantly working at in order to convince family she's right person to handle their wine brand. Unsurprising comic and romantic progression given spark by breezy lead.
Perfect Sense (2011)
As a global virus gradually strips away human senses, scientist Eva Green and cook Ewan McGregor spin through attraction, lust and need. Some provoking ideas and evocative breakdown of society, yet narrative dynamics are flat and emotions never really convince.
The Perfect Woman (1949)
Slight farce that never escapes its theatrical origins or makes much sense, but is told and performed with energy, mixing physical pratfalls and overlapping wordplay. Though the sexual politics are not fully developed, it builds to a suitably frenetic climax.
Persona (1966)
On the surface, an uncomfortable, edgy character study as conflicted nurse Bibi Andersson looks after actress Liv Ullman whose breakdown has made her mute. Beneath the surface, provoking ideas swirl. Powerfully designed, it borders on horror. Not for the faint hearted.
Personal Affair (1953)
A solid cast can't inject a real sense of drama into an initially intriguing setup that loses confidence to follow through with its dark possibilities and resolves with traditional values intact. Ultimately unconvincing and over-talkative, only a few moments persuade.
Personal Shopper (2016)
Intimate, inquisitive drama explores grief, identity and spiritual belief bound within ghost and murder mystery. Alienated Kristen Stewart is fashion buyer and medium, waiting for a sign from twin brother in the afterlife. Serene, enveloping visuals create beguiling atmosphere.
Persuasion (2022)
Fourth wall breaking, romantically crushed Dakota Johnson provides ironic commentary on dysfunctional family and Regency society as dour Cosmo Jarvis and egotistical Henry Golding vie for affection. Despite persuasive lead, frustrating tonal confusion undermines real involvement.
Pete's Dragon (2016)
Astute mix of easy, folksy aesthetic with solid fantasy adventure follows lost boy in dense American Northwest forest rescued by friendly, mythical dinosaur, until threat from local community. With gorgeous visuals and lilting Daniel Hart score, friendship, family and nature conservation make for potent storytelling.
Peter Pan & Wendy (2023)
Unremarkable adaptation strives for poetic realism to enhance magic as eternally young Alexander Molony whisks unsure teen Ever Anderson and her younger brothers to Neverland and pirate battles with Jude Law. Mostly dry of imagination and energy, only intermittently takes flight.
Phantom Lady (1944)
After Alan Curtis is accused of murdering his wife, his only alibi is a woman who other witnesses deny even existed. Dark visuals infused with evocative threat and suitably off-kilter angles, as assistant Ella Raines determines to prove his innocence. Intense jazz and playfully bleak.
The Phantom Of The Open (2022)
Modestly stated perennial underdog story sustains adroit balance of comedy and drama as crane operator Mark Rylance sets record for worst round at The Open but continues golfing dream. Acute sense of period and rounded performances, though some stylized visuals break spell.
The Philadelphia Experiment (1984)
Enjoyably daffy time travel action as regular sailor Michael Paré is thrown from 1943 into the hands of practical Nancy Allen in the 1980s. Brisk tempo and balanced tone maintain interest, spirited score and bright visuals drive effective narrative drifts.
The Philadelphia Experiment II (1993)
Sporadically engaging, routinely inventive, stoic sailor Brad Johnson is thrown into an alternative timeline where Germany won WW2 and Nazi control stifles society. Budget and narrative strains exhaust attempted adventure and emotional sweep.
Physical Evidence (1989)
Solid creative talent and seasoned cast somehow conjure up bland, inert courtroom thriller, lacking in tension and surprise. Edgy lawyer Theresa Russell represents burnt-out Burt Reynolds as evidence in murder mounts; flat visuals mirror dull exposition.
The Pickup (2025)
Strained comedy strands near retirement Eddie Murphy and eager Pete Davidson as armored truck drivers who become part of revenge minded Keke Palmer's money heist. Though pace picks up, staging and unraveling plot remain perfunctory with action passing by and humor resting on cast's strained efforts.
Pickup On South Street (1953)
Fired with rough-hewn urgency and distinctive urban threat, arrogant pickpocket Richard Widmark finds corrupt opportunity when stealing from wearily resilient Jean Peters, who unknowingly carries secret government microfilm wanted by U.S. and communist agents. Raw telling stirs Cold War politics and personal morals in gritty thriller package.
Picture This (2025)
Lightly engaging comedy relies principally on Simone Ashley's charm, frustrated in fancifully old school photographic career and predicted to find lasting love in one of next five unfortunate dates. Broad laughs and patchy rhythm, though package remains solidly comforting.
"Pimpernel" Smith (1941)
Loose, amiable spin on his Pimpernel persona, Leslie Howard as eccentric archaeologist taking students through German digs on eve of war who is secretly helping prisoners escape. Meandering narrative and plain style accentuate laid-back, nimble propaganda.
Pin Up Girl (1944)
Colorfully mounted dance (and roller skate) numbers are paired with tuneful if unremarkable songs as sprightly USO entertainer Betty Grable can't help accepting marriage proposals until she falls for war hero John Harvey. Mildly comic and enjoyably forgettable.
Pineapple Express (2008)
Uncommitted stoner Seth Rogan and genial dealer James Franco are on the run after witnessing gang hit. Breezy laughs, physical and verbal, fit somewhat uneasily with escalating, blunt violence and overblown finale, yet off-kilter buddy relationship and loose staging deliver agreeable distractions.
The Pink Panther (1963)
Agreeably smooth comedy centers on urbane thief David Niven's efforts to steal titular diamond from guarded princess Claudia Cardinale. Elevated beyond passing entertainment by tuneful Henry Mancini score and inspired scene-stealing from Peter Sellers' first Inspector Clouseau appearance.
Pink String And Sealing Wax (1945)
Scraping away surface of middle-class Victorian society to reveal seedy Brighton underworld, manipulative, abused Googie Withers ensnares innocent Gordon Jackson in her murder plan. Detail and conflict maintain interest without being compelling.
Pirates Of Tortuga (1961)
Colorful widescreen visuals and jaunty main theme fail to rouse inert staging of standard adventure as lively Letícia Román stows away on bland Ken Scott's boat, as he sails off to defeat Caribbean pirates. Minor diversions and unconvincing action maintain interest.
La Piscine (The Swimming Pool) (1967)
Air of detached eroticism grips drifting group's dark flirtations at French villa, as gorgeously bitter Alain Delon and languidly needy Romy Schneider are interrupted by jealously carefree Maurice Ronet and reticent Jane Birkin. Deliciously composed tension inevitably turns to murder.
Pitch Perfect (2012)
Though central story strand follows impulsive, aspiring music producer Anna Kendrick's arrival at college, ensemble exuberance of students forming all-girl a cappella group is heart of success. Narrative beats remain comforting rather than surprising, yet much of the comedy and music mashups are winning.
Pitch Perfect 2 (2015)
Even with strains of character drama with Anna Kendrick's aspiring music producer and alumnus daughter Hailee Steinfeld, energetic focus on a capella Barden Bellas' embrace of sisterhood to win world championship proves endearing success. Songs and comedy deftly handled.
Pitfall (1948)
Suburban conformity with wife Jane Wyatt shatters for insurance executive Dick Powell as he becomes intoxicated by hopeful, abused Lizabeth Scott, with obsessed private investigator Raymond Burr determined to control her and ex in prison. Tight, noir impulses naturally lead to murderous twists, leaving compromised futures.
Pixie (2020)
Self-conscious, derivative comic gangster nonsense kick-started by robbery of drug-dealing priests never quite develops enough character or story cohesion amid double-crossing Irish thieves. Strained humour and action despite Olivia Cooke's unpredictable, beguiling energy.
A Place Of One's Own (1945)
Delicate, moody ghost story that overcomes James Mason's makeup with a dreamy visual style that gradually draws the audience in and demonstrates its potency with a spooky final twist. It's discussion of class and home provides a compelling background.
Plane (2023)
Blunt title leaves little doubt for principal focus, as veteran captain Gerard Butler is forced to crash land storm damaged passenger jet on lawless Asian island and hold off violent bandits until airline mercenaries arrive. As blandly dumb and indiscriminately violent as imagined, solid production lacks zip and sense of fun.
Planet Of The Apes (1968)
Driven by robust visuals and intense Jerry Goldsmith score, belligerent astronaut Charlton Heston crash lands on planet where apes rule and humans are mutes hunted for sport and science. Kim Hunter and Roddy McDowall provide distinct characters beneath makeup, while theme of humanity is gripping foundation for exciting sci-fi action.
Players (2024)
Unconvincing hook features close group of New Yorkers who execute elaborate 'plays' to achieve bar pickups, until sports journalist leader Gina Rodriguez decides to grow up and ensnare serious Tom Ellis. Friendship sparks fun dynamics and customary romantic realization with Damon Wayans Jr.
Pleasantville (1998)
Playfully realized with a determined balance of knowing humor and manipulated emotion, brother and sister Tobey Maguire and Reese Witherspoon are tossed into idealized morality of 50s TV, bringing passionate color and rebellion to black-and-white repression. Arresting visuals, simplistic themes.
Please Stand By (2017)
Consumed fan of Star Trek, autistic Dakota Fanning leaves group home to deliver her script to Paramount Pictures, sparking uneasy sister Alice Eve and generous carer Toni Collette on urgent search. Tenderly played, unsurprisingly structured, movingly concluded.
The Pleasure of His Company (1961)
Light comedy carried by charm of the cast, as frivolous Fred Astaire returns from years abroad to charm daughter Debbie Reynolds and ex-wife Lilli Palmer, much to annoyance of respective partners Tab Hunter and Gary Merrill. Attractive sheen of glamour ensures palatable viewing.
Point Of No Return (1993)
Polished and strangely anemic, despite propulsive action and violence. Bridget Fonda provides a gutsy presence as the amoral drug addict transformed Pygmalion-like into expert government assassin and refined lady. Predictable, cynical and suitably bleak.
Police (Night Shift) (2020)
Personal experiences for officers Virginie Efira, Omar Sy and Grégory Gadebois inform conflict over escorting asylum seeker Payman Maadi to deportation flight. Initial overlapping flashbacks, and intense mood, intrigue without developing beyond emotional and political setup.
Poor Things (2023)
Elaborately constructed play on Frankenstein myth forges tale of personal empowerment as encompassing Emma Stone is created from suicide body and brain of her unborn child, eagerly embracing sensory pleasures. Impressively realized fantasy setting emphasizes broad comedy.
Populaire (2012)
Framed as a brightly hued romance set against a stylized 1950s, idealistic Déborah François is the provincial girl dreaming of a new future and tutored by damaged Romain Duris in speed typing competitions. An astute blend of engaging comedy, rousing drama and earned emotion.
Portrait de la jeune fille en feu (Portrait Of A Lady on Fire) (2019)
Suffused through aching memory, tentative friendship between focused painter Noémie Merlant and reluctant aristocrat Adèle Haenel intensifies to compelling affair. Told with a restrained, embracing touch, political and emotional themes resolve with balm of lasting art.
A Portrait Of Jennie (1948)
Imbued with lush, swooning visuals, a dream-in an overtly sentimental, metaphysical romance that folds through time. Undeniably effective, personal taste defines it as either profound or cloying.
Post Grad (2009)
Flimsy comedy features a game Alexis Bledel frustrated in plan to get publishing job and forced to move back in with misfit parents Michael Keaton and Jane Lynch. Strained, predictable life lessons and romantic confusion with best friend Zach Gifford not helped by flat approach.
Potiche (2010)
Social and industrial revolution in the air as quietly emboldened Catherine Deneuve takes control of family umbrella business and reawakens relationship with local politician Gérard Depardieu. Enjoying leisurely pace, broad, embracing comedy is told against colourful, knowing 1970s designed settings by fine cast.
Predator (1987)
Fierce action framed and staged with propulsive relish as aggressive Arnold Schwarzenegger and unrepentant military crew are deceived into attack on guerrilla camp in Central America, before finding themselves prey for alien hunter's futuristic tech. Uncomplicated, breathless thrills allied to energetic Alan Silvestri score.
The Predator (2018)
Unwavering scientist Olivia Munn is saved by gritty Boyd Holbrook and band of army misfits when aliens wreck bloody havoc on earth. Gory B-movie narrative driven by wicked ensemble humor and lively action, enjoyably disposable even if suspense and horror is lacking.
Predator 2 (1990)
Raucous, scrappy sci-fi thriller sees anarchic Los Angeles streets as hunting ground for violent alien while defiant detective Danny Glover and team defy orders to chase danger. Flimsy narrative framework and confused action means limited moments of messy, pulpy fun.
Predators (2010)
Terse Adrian Brody and practical Alice Braga are among ragged group of mercenaries and killers unknowingly parachuted to remote jungle planet to be hunted for sport. Initial atmospheric threat and pacy action eventually runs out of steam with undernourished story and characters.
Prey (2022)
Lithe, expressive visuals match athletic, compelling Amber Midthunder who determines to prove herself to tribe as she confronts vicious alien hunter as well as buffalo decimating French traders. Sci-fi action mix with primal life in eighteen century Great Plains excitingly effective; character and thrills aided by Sarah Schachner's intense score.
The Pride of the Yankees (1942)
Beguilingly simple storytelling accentuates romantic and family bonds for Gary Cooper's legendary baseball player Lou Gehrig, conjuring playful spirit amid record breaking career with New York Yankees. Compassionate, truthful Teresa Wright supports inspiring tragedy.
Prince Avalanche (2013)
Low key, affecting character study, as reluctant friendship develops between two roadworkers, disciplined Paul Rudd and impulsive Emile Hirsch, isolated in remnants of forgotten landscapes. Generously told, natural, brittle humor turns to earned feeling.
Prince Of Darkness (1987)
Coolly detached style gradually unpicks nonsense of distilled evil contained in church basement, as priest Donald Pleasence, professor Victor Wong and various students investigate with predictably disastrous results. Unnerving atmosphere builds to striking imagery.
Princess Mononoke (1997)
Expansively scaled fantasy adventure marries violent action with mystical eccentricities as young prince journeys west to overcome curse only to find endless battle between humans and nature. Strong female protagonists provide enduring character and thematic resonance.
The Prisoner Of Zenda (1952)
Lushly designed costume adventure sees Stewart Granger as imminent king of Ruritania in addition to British cousin who takes his place at coronation to prevent insurgent plot. Snarling James Mason makes a potent villain and Deborah Kerr provides romantic support. Fitful excitement.
The Producers (1967)
Reveling in its defiant lack of taste, a shaggy, winning string of laugh out loud scenes with its central musical number a cultural and comedic perennial. A sleazy, generous Zero Mostel and needy, emotional Gene Wilder are the desperate duo attempting to make a guaranteed flop.
The Prom (2020)
A captivating musical with heart to spare. Thematically uneven, narratively messy, carried by a parade of genuine performances, catchy songs and energetically choreographed, glossily designed sequences. Its all-inclusive finale can't help but swell up emotions.
Promising Young Woman (2020)
Edgy social thriller is grounded by Carey Mulligan's compelling, poisoned narrative soul, seeking retribution on predatory males and those responsible for college friend's suicide. Studied visuals and designed provocations culminate with mean twist and blunt resolve.
The Prophecy (1995)
A good cast can't clarify the mess of ideas or clarify genre confusion as a war between angels threatens the earth. Vicious Christopher Walken consumes souls, playful Viggo Mortensen is the Devil, Virginia Madsen a defiant teacher. Isolated visuals and sequences excite.
Proxima (2019)
Strain on mother and young daughter bond unfolds with quiet intensity as astronaut Eva Green endures prejudice and physical extremes in preparation to leave Zélie Boulant-Lemesle for space launch. Realized with quiet intensity and grounded melodrama, cold visuals maintain involving narrative.
Psycho (1960)
Austere, seductive visuals ensnare hopeful, guilty Janet Leigh at Anthony Perkins' Bates Motel, while sister Vera Miles investigates her disappearance. Despite flabby epilog, tight staging escalates shocks and Bernard Hermann's angular score sustains unresolved tension.
Punchline (1988)
When concentration is on desperate group of aspiring standups with routines that range from acute observation to fumbling satire, drama remains involving and laughs land. Yet despite natural charm of frustrated mom Sally Field and failed medical student Tom Hanks, central storyline lacks impact.
The Puppet Masters (1994)
Familiar tale of alien invasion where creatures latch onto human hosts and take them over. Despite the influential source novel, little feels original and the story is told efficiently rather than dynamically, like the subdued performances. Plenty of gooey FX and gunshots.
Puppy Love (2023)
Opposites naturally attract as commitment averse Lucy Hale and acutely withdrawn Grant Gustin are forced together by their dogs own chemistry. Though unfolding story never persuades, leads invest enough romantic and comedic energy to ease away character life lessons.
Pursued (1947)
Seductively visualized western trades in dark psychology, enveloped by noirish interiors and ominous landscapes, with war hero Robert Mitchum uncovering childhood trauma and murderous family secrets, complicated by romance with foster sister Teresa Wright. Bold flashbacks and cathartic violence.
Pursuit (1972)
Definition of ticking clock plot brazenly places on-screen countdown to political millionaire EG Marshall's plot for release nerve agent and decimate San Diego as President visits convention. Stellar cast features controlled agent Ben Gazzara; momentum maintained with bare visuals.
Push (2009)
Conceived with kinetic energy and saturated imagery, Hong Kong provides chaotic backdrop for superpowered characters battling controlling agency. Coherence and tension overwhelmed by half-dream, half-assault style of storytelling that isolates good-looking performers with jumble of motives.
Q The Winged Serpent (1982)
A mythical Aztec creature descends on Manhattan to start feeding on its citizens and only jittery piano player / getaway driver Michael Moriarty knows its lair. Blunt, funny and bloody, Larry Cohen's film glories in its eccentricities and energetic cast.
The Quick And The Dead (1993)
Striking visuals and slyly energetic Alan Silvestri score provide diverting if derivative setup as gunslinger Sharon Stone seeks revenge in Redemption where cruel Gene Hackman rules with violent quick draw competition. Single note exposition struggles to build tension.
Quick Change (1990)
Spirited performances match story twists as Bill Murray, Geena Davis and Randy Quaid successfully rob New York bank but are unable to escape city. Plain telling allows situations to build comic momentum without personality or style to elevate overall material.
The Quiet Hour (2014)
Insular survival drama with society scavengers in aftermath of ongoing alien invasion. Intense Dakota Blue Richards faces off against human intruders, a slow burn build of violence to a less than cathartic conclusion. Technically pro, but more like a prolonged setup.
A Quiet Place Day One (2024)
Keeping focus tight on struggles of terminally ill Lupita Nyong'o, her miraculously survivalist cat and unnerved Joseph Quinn, alien attack on New York sustains intensity, yet works best dealing with character emotion and final conviction. Feels like a slice of a larger story.
A Quiet Place Part II (2021)
Efficient rather than inspired, continuing story of gritty Emily Blunt and her children's survival from alien invasion feels more like a placeholder that neither adds to mythology nor expands on family themes. Technical skill provides periodic jump scares.
Quigley Down Under (1990)
Despite the clumsy title, an expansive, appealing western that sees sharpshooter Tom Selleck and scene-stealing Laura San Giacomo fight back against tyrannical Alan Rickman in the Australian outback. Solidly entertaining, with terrific Basil Poledouris score.
The Quiller Memorandum (1966)
Jaundiced, principled George Segal proves an engaging spy on bleak Berlin streets, sent by superior Alec Guiness to infiltrate icy Max von Sydow's Neo-Nazis. Sparse and studied, ruthless characters deal in cryptic mistrust when even sympathetic Senta Berger subverts expectations.
Quiz Lady (2023)
Lively, well-matched sisters, conservative Awkwafina and carefree Sandra Oh, become part of benevolent Will Ferrell's long-running TV show to win money for kidnapped pug. Unsurprising character dynamics and uneven tone, compensated by endearing comedy and affecting central chemistry.
Qwik (Quick) (2011)
Frantic pace features breathlessly excessive stunts and explosions as delivery biker Lee Min Ki and K-Pop star Kang Ye Won are forced to follow criminal's orders or bombs in helmet will blow. Despite convoluted plotting, strained romance and overripe comedy, action delivers kinetic thrills.