Of Mice and Men (1992)

George and Lennie work on ranches and, to hear them tell it, those are usually the loneliest guys in the world. But these two aren't like that because they look out for each other. They've got also got a plan for the future, including buying a little house they know about with some chickens and rabbits, which Lennie will be allowed to tend. They'll have to get some money together first though and Lennie needs to practice being careful because he's too simpleminded to always understand his own strength.

But, for now, they've got new jobs bucking barley at Tyler Ranch. Curley, the owner's son, has a mean streak and believes Lennie to be an easy target. Then there's also the issue of Curley's wife, who's very pretty and very lonely. But George and Lennie prove themselves in the field and are accepted by the rest of the crew, eventually even bringing the aging Candy into their dreams of the future.

It's gorgeously shot and comes by its emotion honestly by staying true to the source material. Though I admit that I had to get acclimated to Malkovich's choice for Lennie's speaking voice, I was fully invested once I did and -- even with foreknowledge of how their story ends -- I truly bawled. It's a a confusing shame that this is the last thing Gary Sinise has directed.

B+

Act of Violence (1948)

A few years after the war, a veteran with a grudge comes looking for a successful suburban family man with the obvious intent of killing him. It becomes clear that the target knows what what's happening and may even feel it's justified, but that doesn't stop him from running while keeping his wife in the dark.

Though it builds a real sense of dread, the poetic justice feels equal parts too neat and unbelievable to be completely satisfying.

C+

The Racket (1928)

Scarsi, the big bootlegger in town, has bought off the district attorney and other politicians to keep his operation running without interference. Because Police Captain McQuigg is incorruptible and keeps doing what he can to stop their lawlessness, Scarsi has him transferred to a middle-of-nowhere precinct. The reporters in McQuigg's new jurisdiction know there's a story there and catch a break when Scarsi's screw-up of a little brother drags their business to the backwater.

There's nothing special about this silent film -- classic good vs. evil with a dash of romantic tragedy thrown in -- but it's not bad either.

C+

Much Ado About Nothing (2012)

You can't fault the dialogue. It's clever and it has worked for literally hundreds of years. But putting the words into the mouths of pretty people in the settings and hairstyles and clothing of the 2000s is wrongheaded, to say the least. And if that were the only problem with this, I might have been able to see past it -- but that's far from the only issue. I mean, the very first scene completely negates both the entire culture of chastity as well as the premise of mutual annoyance of the central couple for each other. What was that about?

Maybe it could've worked in a modern-day setting that deliberately refuses to evolve, perhaps a fundamentalist Mormon compound or in an Amish community, but a woman being put to death for an accusation of promiscuity is not traditional suburban behavior. The overall affect is complete affectation, including the choice to present in black and white. 🙄

D

The Maltese Falcon (1941)

Humphrey Bogart is Sam Spade, the prototypical hard-boiled detective -- unfazed by anyone including beautiful women in distress and slimy shake-down men. Everyone's after the titular statuette and they're all sure Spade can help.

Though there are better stories out there, as one of the first and most-referenced noirs, it is a must-see. Doesn't hurt that it's also entertaining with some fantastic performances.

B+