Radioflash (2019) 

Intriguingly established and visually assured, tension of urban technology breakdown dissipates to rural survivalist thriller as resourceful Brighton Sharbino struggles to reach cranky grandfather Will Patton. Tone frustratingly muddled, narrative flounders to soft resolve.

Raging Tide (1951) 

Bookended by atmospheric noir murder and action in a raging ocean, redemptive melodrama sees criminal Richard Conte hide out on principled Charles Bickford's fishing boat, while dogged detective Stephen McNally pressures loyal Shelley Winters. Minor, sometimes effective.

Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981) 

With an immaculate sense of visual composition, design and music, adventure filmmaking that remains fresh and exciting. Spirited Karen Allen is a perfect foil for intrepid Harrison Ford, story less important than breathless pacing and set pieces.

The Rainmaker (1997)  

Well-balanced courtroom tale as raw Matt Demon and devious Danny De Vito join forces on a high stakes legal battle with a medical insurance company. The grungy underbelly of the legal system and a gallery of well-drawn characters adds welcome, humorous color.

The Rains Came (1939) 

Strikingly visualized melodrama features expansive, impressive centerpiece of floods and earthquake as self-centered Myrna Low finds redemption with Indian leader Tyrone Power. Thematic concern of transformation to modern world lacks bite and emotional depth.

Rampage (2018) 

Genetic experiment contaminates area near sensitive primatologist Dwayne Johnson's animal compound resulting in mutating, angry and giant ape, wolf and raptor who trample and chomp through Chicago. Technical ease and efficient action create breezy, disposable viewing, even if extended end runs of fumes.

The Razor's Edge (1946) 

Lusciously produced, with extended sequences of pure cinema, a traumatized war veteran travels to Paris and the Himalayas to find meaning to life. Visual beauty contrasts with often clunky dialog, though the tragic souls of Gene Tierney and Anne Baxter pierce the worthy ideas.

The Real McCoy (1993) 

Kim Basinger makes an engaging thief, attempting to go straight, snagged back into impossible bank job by unreliable Terence Stamp. Coasting on sleek visuals, a passable caper that trades on better stories, underusing eager Val Kilmer and gradually running out of steam.

Rebecca (1940) 

Suffused with a dream-like atmosphere, ghosts and guilt swirl through Manderley's cavernous design, tormenting Joan Fontaine's timorous new Mrs de Winter and emboldening Judith Anderson's obsessive Mrs Danvers. Franz Waxman's score haunts our desires as much as the gorgeous visuals.

Rebecca (2020) 

Technically proficient, densely designed and containing some striking visuals, the latest adaptation is unfortunately flat, missing a singular tone and point of view. The actors flounder, ill-fitting the characters and missing the passion and mystery. The story creaks through the gears.

Rebel Moon A Child Of Fire (2023) 

Oddly creaky design highlights ponderous setup and derivative story as mysterious Sofia Boutella rounds up equally damaged warriors to protect her adopted farm community from brutal empire. Individual sequences and visuals shine amid jumbled sci-fi concepts.

The Reckless Moment (1949) 

With its glossy camera moves and dangerous lighting, a gorgeous noir that ensnares Joan Bennett and the audience when she covers for her daughter and faces James Mason's blackmailer. Controlled and clinical even as the characters see lives spiral out of control.

Une rencontre (Quantum Love) (2014) 

Seductive visuals luxuriate in hungry attraction between successful, divorced author Sophie Marceau and respected, married lawyer François Cluzet. Presented in slight, dreamy story strands, loose appeal relies on harmony of amiable leads.

Red Dawn (2012) 

Empty-headed action makes no pretense at subtlety as North Korean invasion of US leaves grim marine Chris Hemsworth and unlikely group of teens as last resistance. Solidly handled action struggles to compensate for flimsy logic, clumsy politics and dull characters.

The Red House (1947) 

Fractured melodrama of youthful relationships twists into fateful tale of dark desire centered on sibling secrets kept by unstable Edward G Robinson and tired Judith Anderson. Gradually builds sinister atmosphere, aided by expressive visuals and gripping, noir-fueled Miklós Rózsa score.

Red Knot (2015) 

A frustrating, transcendent story of isolation and exploration, physical and psychological, as young newlyweds voyage on an Antarctic exploration ship. Olivia Thirlby anchors the emotions, bridging relationship intimacy with epic, icy landscapes. Coldly ambitious.

Red Notice (2021) 

A curiously anonymous and awkward mix of action and comedy, with the life sucked out of narrative elements done better many times before. No doubting technical professionalism, but the stars flounder without chemistry as globetrotting thieves. Instantly forgettable.

Red River (1948) 

Epic canvas of cattle drive provides suitable scale for family and romantic dramas to weave through pioneering action of settling the West. Uncompromising John Wayne pursues rebellious adopted son Montgomery Clift, burnishing myth amid clash of honor, while gritty Joanne Dru knocks sense into the future.

Red Rock West (1993) 

Gorgeously realized, twisting desert noir with drifter Nicholas Cage unable to escape greedy clutches of killer Dennis Hopper, crooked sheriff JT Walsh and unrepentant femme fatale Lara Flynn Boyle. Tense construction and devilish characters maintain gleeful humor and dark surprises.

The Red Shoes (1948) 

A celebration of art and creativity, a dark tale of psychological abuse and control, a visually thrilling mix of dance and drama. Molded by Anton Walbrook's svengali-like promoter, Moira Shearer is torn between life and ballet. Designed and told with mastery.

Red Sparrow (2018) 

After injury ends ballet career, vengeful Jennifer Lawrence is trained as seductive Russian spy and pushed to discover CIA Joel Edgerton's mole. Bitter violence, sexual manipulation and mounting double crosses allied to unrepentant lead performance maintain energy though drama becomes muddled.

La Religieuse (The Nun) (2013) 

Conflicted Pauline Étienne is young nun suffering at hands of cruel Louise Bourgoin and frustrated Isabelle Huppert. Despite emotional and physical degradation, personal strength finally builds to relief of bittersweet resolution, images suffused with earthy, natural tones.

Reminiscence (2021) 

Intriguingly established future provides waterlogged Miami and tech that allows people to tap into memories. Unfortunately, despite glossy style, Hugh Jackman's noir descent into obsession for bruised nightclub singer Rebecca Ferguson remains a patchwork of better stories.

Remo Williams The Adventure Begins (1985) 

Despite Craig Safan's muscular score and Joel Grey's quirky instructor, only isolated moments of action and humor punctuate curiously flat visuals and energy. Fred Ward is the unapologetic cop trained as a bullet-dodging government agent.

Repeat Performance (1947) 

After killing cruel husband Louis Hayward on New Year's Eve, distraught actress Joan Leslie has a chance to put life right and re-live the previous year. Mildly appealing time travel drama includes light theatrical satire as events conspire to repeat mistakes of past (and future).

The Replacements (2000) 

Unsurprising sports comedy benefits from easy cast and loose feel, with Keanu Reeves part of last hope players brought in by seasoned coach Gene Hackman when pro team go on strike. Structure and character adhere to formula, forgotten as soon as copyright notice fades.

Replicas (2018) 

Glistening design and fluid FX can't compensate for lack of narrative and character substance, or thematic conscience, as scientist Keanu Reeves duplicates wife Alice Eve and children after they die in car crash. Without emotional connection, or ethical conflict, suspense flounders.

The Report (2019) 

Sober, methodical production details the decade-long obsession of political staffer Adam Driver to reveal truth of CIA's use of torture in wake of 9/11 attacks. Committed performances allied to clear story dynamics is compelling, revealing the dark of US politics.

Resistance (2003) 

Solid production values and stolid visuals frame messy narrative that never quite overcomes jumps in logic and coincidence. Injured US pilot Bill Paxton falls for Belgian resistance fighter Julia Ormond with resultant guilt and tragedy. Decent rather than compelling.

Retroactive (1997) 

Action thriller which uses its time loop setup to repeat preceding events, except with increasing mayhem each time. Cleanly visualized and staged, enjoyable enough, though without building on its initial potential except to resolve the narrative with gunfire.

The Revenant (2015) 

Framed and executed with immersive, hyper-realism, burying audience along with Leonardo DiCaprio in desperate wilderness, traditional revenge drama unfolds. Brutality and beauty co-exist with startling clarity, a blistering, hollow sense of shared endurance.

The Rhythm Section (2020) 

Shot and edited with distinctive style, mood is soaked with dread and action is often messily effective, as Blake Lively seeks revenge for murdered family. Yet story and character feel undernourished and repetitive, with tired, fanciful developments lacking energy.

Ride (2014) 

Smart dialog and sharply drawn mother and son New York dynamics devolve into California ease and awareness, with well played humor. Helen Hunt's bluntly shoehorned past tragedy fits awkwardly and drama is sometimes forced, yet there is resonance in the silences of the ocean.

Riding The Bullet (2004) 

Scattershot, 70s set Steven King adaptation as a dark minded college student hitchhikes home to his hospitalized mother and faces increasingly sinister rides. Apart from a few shocks and isolated, eerie moments, the lack of cohesion and empathy defeats involvement.

Rim Of The World (2019) 

A garish color scheme and jokey teenage heroics (as well as life lessons) never convince there is real threat from the alien invasion and a mission to save the world. Devoid of cinematic sweep and energy, only Bear McCreary's terrific score unleashes true potential.

Rings On Her Fingers (1942) 

Even after accepting the setup of innocent Gene Tierney swept up in con games before falling for victim Henry Fonda, continuing investment snaps with ongoing implausibility. Genial leads provide fitful humor while flat production values reflect lack of energy.

Rio Conchos (1964) 

Patchy setup forces Richard Boone, Stuart Whitman and Tony Franciosa together on search for source of Apache rifles with increasingly edgy set pieces, opening out to reveal plan of renegade Southern colonel still fighting Civil War. Solidly crafted and produced.

Rio Lobo (1970) 

After a wittily executed train robbery sets up principled John Wayne's need for revenge, piecemeal, languid sequences in titular Texan town root out post Civil War corruption. Sharp dialog and action alleviate struggle with stiff performances and stilted rhythms.

Risky Business (1983) 

Pitched in disorientating world that fuses fantasy and satire, sensuous visual stylings with broad teen comedy, high schooler Tom Cruise lives American dream with canny Rebecca De Mornay. Intoxicating atmosphere and score elevates narrative twists and striking set pieces.

Roadgames (1981) 

Playful thriller, cleverly spinning moods with a sure control as drifting truck driver Stacy Keach believes he's on the trail of a serial killer burying body parts in the desert. Light touch, good nature and sparky Jamie Lee Curtis maintain involvement amid genre set pieces. 

Robocop (1987) 

Propulsive violence and caustic humor underpin thrilling set pieces as Peter Weller is fused with AI tech into future cop while corporate greed maintains grip on dystopian city. Exciting, dense Basil Poledouris score fleshes out impressive sci-fi visuals.

Robocop 2 (1990) 

Functional rather than inspired, an unrepentantly bleak view of humanity coupled with standard action dystopia as Peter Weller's abused future cop becomes a one man force while combating political corruption. Bluntly effective, energy and humor subdued.

Robocop 3 (1993) 

Unfocused story plays loose with central character's mythology to encompass softer tone with central enemy now property developers. Lacking personality and vision, narrative grinds through the motions, gutsy Nancy Allen the only common thread of the trilogy.

The Rocketeer (1991) 

Evocative design conjures enticing comic book visuals of 1930s Hollywood while agreeable charm permeates Bill Campbell's discovery of jet pack and battle with Timothy Dalton's Nazi sympathizer. Yet execution lacks energy and wit, despite alluring Jennifer Connelly and sparkling James Horner score.

Role Play (2024) 

Revelation that married Kaley Cuoco is an internationally hired assassin throws David Oyelowo's uneventful family life into violent turmoil. Crisp if uneven pacing isn't aided by tonal shifts that dilute tension and confuse rather than surprise. Amenable leads maintain interest.

Rollerball (1975) 

Dry, mean treatise on corporate controlled world where violent sport is fed to voracious fans, with bitter James Caan facing forced retirement as he peels back historical truth. Cold, keen design brings a blunt veracity, brutal messaging without needed humor.

Rollerball (2002) 

Near incomprehensible narrative jams together succession of jagged action sequences sucked dry of tension as Chris Klein rollerskates around cheap sets in Eastern Europe. Rebecca Romijn and Jean Reno are lost amid empty technique that misses point of original film.

Romantic Comedy (1983) 

A tentative Mary Steenburgen and egotistical Dudley Moore prove a successful theatrical writing team over the years, even as personal emotions constantly frustrate. Appealing cast and witty situations amid plainly told, unsurprising tale that rolls easily rather than energizes.

Rome Express (1932) 

Dynamically shot opening sequence sets the tone for a spirited comedy thriller that centres on Conrad Veidt willing to murder to claim a stolen Van Dyck painting amidst the dramas of international passengers. Though performances feel arch, story twists remain involving.

Romero (1989) 

Plainly styled, effectively blunt true-life social and political awakening of El Salvador archbishop, facing up to government pressure and military violence. Raul Julia builds quiet intensity in finding strength to protest, even if character and story development remain rigidly on a minor note.

Rope Of Sand (1949) 

Dark characters seek revenge and wealth in desert wastelands of Africa with muscular Burt Lancaster facing up to snarling Paul Henreid in search for missing diamonds.  Moody lighting and scheming support from Claude Rains, Peter Lorre and Corinne Calvet.

Run (2020) 

Efficiently realized with a tensely developed sense of growing tension, a wheelchair teen begins to suspect overly protective mother Sarah Paulson might have dangerous secrets. Emotionally and physically compelling, Kiera Allen draws us into her increasingly desperate plight.

Run Silent, Run Deep (1958) 

Gritty claustrophobia of wartime submarine plays on tension between Burt Lancaster and Clark Gable, who is obsessed with revenge on Japanese destroyer that sunk his previous command. Suffocating tension in enemy waters resolves themes of respect and redemption.

The Runaway Bus (1954) 

Flimsy comedy attempts to disguise meagre budget in British fog as hapless coach driver Frankie Howerd finds one of his passengers is mastermind of gold bullion heist. Mildly diverting, Petula Clark and Belinda Lee are appealing and Margaret Rutherford agreeably demanding.

Ryan's Daughter (1970) 

Gorgeously rendered visuals promote epic romance from intimate tragedy of frustrated dreamer Sarah Miles married to dull teacher Robert Mitchum, but drawn to suffering British officer Christopher Jones in troubled 1916 Ireland. Reserved approach frustrates emotion.