Darby O'Gill and the Little People - 3/5

This is an adorable tour through Disney-fied Irish lore that touches on more than just leprechauns, though they are overwhelmingly the focus. The effects mostly hold up quite well, and a few of the scenes are actually impressively filmed. Still, the story’s quaintly rambling and there are several dubious plot contrivances. But on the whole it’s a worthwhile family film.

Closest comparison: It’s like The Secret of Kells by way of Behind the Waterfall.

Setting: Fantasy
Plot: Adventure
Tone: Family

The Hunt for Red October - 5/5

This is far and away the best submarine movie, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s an exciting political thriller that never gets lost in a nerve-racking haze of ambiguity but instead keeps the audience constantly informed of the stakes while somehow maintaining the perfect level of tension. The music is epic and Soviet, equal parts symphonic and sinister. The characters are understated, and the actors are all giving some of the best performances of their careers. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a bar-none must-watch.

Closest Comparison: It’s like U-571 by way of The Manchurian Candidate.

Setting: Cold War
Plot: Political Thriller
Tone: Drama