‘Curse of the Jade Scorpion’ (2001) a mildly jazzy jaunt
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Hurt by loose editing and some miscast roles, this 1940-set mystery-comedy isn’t what it could’ve been.
Romance
‘Curse of the Jade Scorpion’ (2001) a mildly jazzy jaunt
‘Zero Cool’ (1969), 4th Lange novel, has zero originality
Michael Crichton Monday (Book review): Crichton is already recycling old ideas as his vacationing stand-in gets roped into a crazy adventure.
‘Stardust’ (2007) doesn’t shine as bright as it could
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): “Stardust” has the trappings of a classic, but as it sails past the 2-hour mark, it’s defined by its indulgences.
‘Alice’ (1990) luxuriates in the lifestyle it criticizes
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Mia Farrow is outshone by the supporting cast, but “Alice” is wonderful to look at under Carlo di Palma’s lens.
‘Veronika Decides to Die’ (2009) a small psych-ward gem
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This under-the-radar release about a suicidal workaday woman might actually be Sarah Michelle Gellar’s best film.
‘To Rome with Love’ (2012) a funny batch of goofy skits
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): This is more like a day of vacation with Woody as a storyteller than it is a film. Hey, you could do worse.
‘Cassandra’s Dream’ (2007) mulls moral cost of murder
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): Although not as crisp as “Match Point,” this is a strong crime drama thanks to the brotherly bond of McGregor and Farrell.
Allen sticks around London for a sugar-free ‘Scoop’ (2006)
Woody Wednesday (Movie review): The previous year’s “Match Point” was so good that Allen can be forgiven a few middling trifles. “Scoop” is one of them.
Christie dives into romantic minds in ‘The Hollow’ (1946)
Sleuthing Sunday (Book review): “The Hollow” is Christie’s elite piece of character writing to this point. As a bonus, it’s a strong Poirot potboiler too.
‘Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2’ (2008) a lush sequel
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The storylines are thin, but it’s nice to see these four talented actresses together again for a summer of adventures.