NEW
ABOVE AVERAGE
Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness
New on HBO: Very uneven, with some thin sketches mostly relying on Larry David screaming a lot, but others were clever, timely and funny
New on Netflix: The script adds unimaginative monsters and too many ideas that we find hard to believe, especially near the end
New on Netflix: Director Karin af Klintberg takes us along for a slick, very entertaining and enlightening ride
RECENT
ABOVE AVERAGE
Very familiar set-up, but the show knew how to charm an audience that grew up with 1980s sci-fi
Much of it is unavoidably funny at times, but the pain is always there
Amanda Seyfried is outstanding in the lead
OLDER
Premiered in 1961: Lots of fighting in a film that is technically elaborate, with on-location splendor in Spain and a rousing score
Premiered in 1961: Long, but summery, sweet and well paced
Premiered in 2024: A gripping, human study of dreams and loneliness, complete with a hilarious Flashdance talk
LONGER REVIEWS
ABOVE AVERAGE
Originally shown in 2022-2026: A sharp, fast and action-filled account of everything that could go wrong on opening night
New in Global Theaters: Dark and brooding like so many other films by this director, but capable of stirring emotions and delivering great thrills at the same time
Premiered in 1943: Its short running time is an example of filmmakers knowing exactly what to do in very little time