#EagleEye (2008) ** Preposterous story packed with over-the-top AI paranoia. Computer attempts to overthrow U.S. President by recruiting 2 Chicagoans. Anti-government-tech message ahead of its time. Stars keep it entertaining, even as the film strains all logic. Ending at the U.S. Capitol is absurd.

#Gattaca (1997) **1/2 An intriguing eugenics-driven sci-fi about a man born naturally defying the societal genetic order to reach space. Yet the promise fades: limp film noir-ish murder subplot, thin love interest, and weird sibling swim race blunt the impact. Bold premise never fulfills potential.

#ForeversEnd (2013) ** Slow-burn “apocalypse” film that withholds answers until a predictable late reveal. A girl lives alone for years until her sister and a stranger appear -- real or imagined? In the end, it’s less end-of-world and more personal trauma, leaving little story to hold onto.

#TheWickerMan (1972) *** Chilling clash of Christianity vs. Paganism, as a devout policeman searches for a missing girl on a remote island. The community's ruse: he is the true sacrifice. Plot requires a leap of faith in third act. Eerie mix of religion, sexuality and ritual makes film memorable.

THE ABYSS was released 36 years ago today. A passion project of James Cameron, and one of the most expensive films ever made at the time, if you look too long into how it was made, it looks into you…

1/52

#BonesAndAll (2022) ***½ Luca Guadagnino’s ode to cannibalism is a haunting love story of 2 people living on the margins of society. Teen girl searches for her mother and identity. Story culminates in a disturbing yet beautiful communion of love. Tender, tragic and unsettling.

Paul Risker reflects on the 25th anniversary of Curtis Hanson's "gentler yarn about writers" - the Michael Chabon adaptation WONDER BOYS.

www.rogerebert.com/features/won...

SEARCHING FOR BOBBY FISCHER (1991) **** Moving story of 7-year-old chess prodigy Josh Waitzkin (Max Pomeranc) navigating talent, family dynamics and life lessons learned from chess masters and park hustlers in NYC. A poignant exploration of childhood, competition, compassion and the cost of winning.

Lola rennt (Tom Tykwer, 1998)

BLOW-UP (1966) **** Michelangelo Antoniono's hypnotic dive into perception, reality and amorality in 1960s mod London. A self-absorbed fashion photographer may have filmed a murder but he gets lost in distractions, leading us to ask: Can we trust what we see – or him? A masterwork.

Past Lives by Celine Song (2023)

Les Quatre Cents Coups / The 400 Blows (1959) 🇫🇷
Directed by François Truffaut