‘Fortune Cookie’ (1966) crumbles under its length, predictability
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): This supposed satire of dishonest lawyering misfires by running the ball right up the middle.
Comedy
By a ‘Coup de Chance’ (2023), Woody’s still got it
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): While this isn’t Allen’s best film mixing infidelity and murder, the themes are remixed in an engaging way.
Wilder adds to sleuth’s lore in ‘Private Life of Sherlock Holmes’ (1970)
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): The premise: This unusually personal mystery was kept from the public till 50 years after the sleuth’s passing.
‘Avanti!’ (1972) not among Wilder’s elite, but it certainly avoids cliches
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): By not challenging its own morality (or immorality), the film oddly encourages us to think outside the box.
‘Seven Year Itch’ (1955) had me itching for more laughs
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): That classic shot of Marilyn Monroe over the storm grate comes from this film, but it’s not too memorable otherwise.
‘Ball of Fire’ (1941) a delightful early gem from Hawks, Wilder
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): Enjoy the star power of Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck, and as a bonus learn the slang of 1941.
Short film ‘The Black Hole’ (2008) unlocks an opening in an unlikely place
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This sharp British short explores the drudgery of – and escape from – office work in less than 3 minutes.
‘Irma la Douce’ (1963) another sweet mix of comedy, chemistry
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): Although the film’s running time is strangely miscalibrated, Lemmon and MacLaine are cute and funny.
‘Anora’ (2024) runs a rom-com through the ‘Fargo’ filter
Movie review: You never know what genre – or plot swings — you’re gonna get in this Sean Baker film that spins “Pretty Woman” through a blender.
‘Sabrina’ (1954) an all-time great breezy romance
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): The delicately humorous screenplay and lead trio make this film easy to like, even by Wilder’s standards.