Right Words

For your viewing consideration:

The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1965). Based on the novel by John le Carré, this is an intriguing tale of Cold War espionage in the thick of that era rather than looking back on it. Richard Burton and Claire Bloom are great as the leads, though Burton’s demeanor and language are quite acerbic. Burton’s decision at the end of the movie reminds me of Sydney Carton’s (A Tale of Two Cities), since up to that point, he’s pragmatic rather than principled. See if you agree.

Gattica (1997). The setting of this dystopian thriller is a not-too-distant future where genetically engineering humanity is the norm rather than natural conception, birth, and growth. I’ve watched it twice now and was fascinated both times. Familiar actors in a frightening setting. May remind you of other sci-fi films, but I consider it unique.

Nancy Wake: Gestapo’s Most Wanted (2014). TV min-movie (49 minutes), but with a riveting storyline. She was a Kiwi (New Zealander) who supported the French Resistance and the British Secret Service during WWII…quite effectively. I’d call this a docudrama, since much of it is third-party commentary on Wake and her operations. The acting, however, is decent, and wow, does she have some close shaves. I won’t tell you the outcome, though…sorry :).

Damsel (2024). While much of the fantasy material in this Netflix production is familiar, I still enjoyed the movie overall, especially Millie Bobbie Brown’s performance. Reminded me of Dragonslayer (1981), which I also recommend but with more emphasis on the heroine and a twist regarding the dragon which I liked (no spoilers).

The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026). Saw this one recently at the theater with two of my boys and thoroughly enjoyed it. The critics didn’t think it was very deep, and I’d agree with “very,” though the two leading characters have a touching relationship, and a third character adds some poignancy unexpectedly (see if you can figure out which one). We saw it in IMAX, though 3D would’ve been great with all the aerial material.