Farewell, My Lovely - 2/5

This movie is mostly fine; not great, but fine. The noir elements come through strongly with the palpable setting and Robert Mitchum’s voiceover. Unfortunately most of the actors are phoning in their lines and the scenes all play out like everyone just wants to be done for the day. The plot is more of a procedural than a mystery, and the protagonist never adapts to the same thing happening to him over and again. Even if you like gritty noir, you can do much better than this.

Content warning: female nudity

Closest comparison: It’s like The Long Goodbye (1973) by way of The Big Sleep (1978).

Setting: Crime
Plot: Detective
Tone: Noir

Down Periscope - 3/5

This movie is a silly comedy around a sincere narrative. It’s a pretty typical ‘90s goofball comedy, for better and for worse. The story, though is played fairly straight as a military take on an underdog tale, complete with scrappy crew, rustbucket equipment, and a crew that is inevitably greater than the sum of its parts. If that sounds cheesy then steer clear of this one, but it’s a solid entry in the genre.

Closest comparison: It’s like Cool Runnings by way of RocketMan (1997).

Setting: War
Plot: Underdog
Tone: Comedy

Escape from New York - 3/5

This is a classic action movie that doesn’t quite stand up to its own hype. It has a fun aesthetic and a playfully wacky premise, but it ultimately just sort of plods along until it’s over. There aren’t as many quips and setpieces as its contemporaries, and apart from Kurt Russell and Ernest Borgnine there aren’t any interesting or even memorable characters. The sleaze dampens the fun and the grit overshadows the adventure, but it’s still an enjoyable ‘80s action romp.

Closest comparison: It’s like Big Trouble in Little China by way of Judge Dredd (1995).

Setting: Sci-fi Dystopia
Plot: Rescue Adventure
Tone: ‘80s Action