Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989)

In my opinion, this is one of Woody Allen's best screenplays, with only The Purple Rose of Cairo topping it. We follow several different romantic relationships in various states: a marriage that has devolved into more of a roommate situation, a mistress fed-up with being strung along by her successful married lover, and a blossoming romance between kindred spirits. 

For the most part, the script is insightful and warm, but with an undercurrent of tension and some healthy introspection. Landau is the standout here, forcing us to experience his anguish and fears along with him. Allen's character is the only one that doesn't come off as 100% authentic, but his professional self-sabotage still makes for a very funny storyline.

A

Burn, Witch, Burn (1962)

A popular professor is on the fast-track to promotion when he discovers that his wife has been practicing witchcraft for years. Despite her protestations that continued protection is necessary to combat others' spells against him, he insists that they rid themselves of that ridiculousness. He finds out soon enough that his wife might not be as delusional as he thought.

The acting is strong and it's fairly effective, but I mostly was annoyed at the misogyny of this man dismissing his loyal wife's fears as silliness.

C+

A Little Prayer (2023)

My uncle married Marta when I was 7 or so, but they'd broken up before I was in high school. I remember feeling really weird about the fact that she used to be part of the family -- sleeping on our foldout bed on Christmas Eve -- but my uncle decided for all of us that she was out. I never saw her again. This story brought that to my mind, but in a much more poignant and adult way.

Young couple David and Tammy live in a small home on his parents' property. Every morning, Tammy gets up early to pack lunches for her in-laws and share a coffee. They clearly adore her quiet presence, which becomes even more clear when their own daughter blows into their lives like a tornado after impetuously leaving her drug addict husband (again). David works with his father Bill at the family business and it's there that Bill becomes aware of David's infidelity. 

David Strathairn plays Bill just right: he's kind and quiet but can confront when he must. His concern for his son, his business (the woman is an employee), Tammy, and even the woman herself feels genuine. Despite the discomfort of butting in, he does it because his love for his family demands it. But he must also accept that the outcome might be painful. I loved the relationship between Bill and Tammy. Jane Levy's minimal approach was surprising and effective.

A-

A Big Hand for the Little Lady (1966)

Once a year, the richest men in the territory get together for a marathon poker game in the back room of a saloon/hotel. On that same day, a family is forced to stop for wagon repairs and take a room for the night, but it's clear that the husband 1) is dying to get into the game and 2) shouldn't be risking the family's savings to these high rollers.

It does take a while to pick up steam, but it's a lot of fun once it gets rolling.

B

The Shooting (1966)

Suspicious Willett and gullible Coley agree to guide a woman who's light on the details to a nearby town. When the woman insists on taking a detour to follow a barely discernible trail, the circumstances get dangerous as they're running out of water, food and horses. They're joined by another of her cohorts, the dangerous Billy Spear, who only ratchets up the tension.

The unease develops so naturally that I could feel my muscles tightening. It's a shame that the payoff is both too sudden and too small.

C