Notorious (1946) - 3/5

This movie is a typical Hitchcockian thriller mixed with an era romantic comedy. Unfortunately, the romantic parts of the plot are fundamentally at odds with the thriller parts, and the tone ends up trying to be endearing where the plot necessitates tension. The central ‘cellar key’ scene is fantastic and if the entire film was like that it would easily be at least a 4/5 film, but it ultimately can’t overcome its own contradictions.

Closest comparison: It’s like Roman Holiday (1953) by way of Secret Agent (1936).

Setting: Espionage
Plot: Thriller
Tone: RomCom

The Asphalt Jungle - 3/5

A solid entry in the heist genre, but little more. This movie is more matter-of-fact about its goings-on than most of this genre, with practical problems considered and addressed. In a genre flooded with far-fetched setups and over-the-top heists it’s refreshing to have more grounded story with characters that feel like they’ve been peeled up off the street

Closest Comparison: It’s like Rififi but with a less-impressive heist.

Setting: Crime
Plot: Heist
Tone: Adventure