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

The Fast and the Furious (1954) - 3/5

This movie is fine; quite dated in its style and effects, but mostly fine. The acting is stilted and the dialogue is a bit dry, but there’s a decent underlying story that’s mildly entertaining. It’s likely to be derided when compared to the 2001 film of the same name and because of its dated filmmaking sensibilities, but it’s not a terrible movie when considered on its own merits.

Closest comparison: It’s like The Petrified Forest by way of Detour (1945).

Setting: Action
Plot: Chase
Tone: Thriller