Another Thin Man - 3/5

This movie is the first sequel that starts the franchise heading in a more family friendly direction. The family-centered escapade scenes are quaint and could have been passable in their own right, but are not worth the accompanying decrease in effort that was put into the central mystery. As it is, the mystery is decent and the reveal is a bit obscure, but the story is fun and keeps the franchise going well enough.

Closest comparison: It’s like The Spanish Chest by way of The Thin Man.

Setting: Drama
Plot: Mystery
Tone: Comedy

Detour (1945) - 3/5

This is a solid, small-scale film noir with real stakes to make the best use of its low budget. The slippery slope story is a bit too ‘couldn’t he just’ to truly sell its tension, though, and if it weren’t for a great ending this film would have been lost to time. As it is, it’s a solid entry in the film noir genre and an interesting 68 minute diversion.

Closest comparison: It’s like a cross between The Petrified Forest (1936) and The Woman in the Window (1944).

Setting: Drama
Plot: Man on the Run
Tone: Noir