Americana
Tost strives to reach beyond the basic parameters of his story, not only to lasso some large and uncomfortable themes but to craft a borderline absurdist black comedy around his bleak narrative.
Thriller
Empire of the Sun
Spielberg finds a nice middle ground between the spectacle, sentiment, and solemnity that tend to fall out of balance in the director’s “grown-up” efforts.
The Grey
The Grey finds itself in unique territory—it’s a film that is simultaneously heinously gory and also truly thought-provoking.
Goldfinger
These books are rarely worth taking seriously. They’re pulpy and entertaining and that’s what makes them fun. But Goldfinger fumbles too often to even meet that standard.
Dr. No
Fleming really has his pacing and plotting down pat, and his writing has transitioned to a more colorful and interesting style.
From Russia With Love
The bold narrative choices and the sacrifice of some James Bond action heroics are worth it, leaving us with the strongest James Bond outing yet, and serving as the source material for one of the best Bond films.
Vantage Point
Vantage Point is a perfect case of a film that tries to convince you that it is super smart, but it’s not.
Rear Window
Alfred Hitchcock is one of the most influential directors in the history of cinema. Rear Window is one of his best, a masterclass in screenwriting and direction.
