Richard Marquand (1937–1987)

Oddly structured film, the first half of which is a decent spy pursuit drama as ruthless German agent Faber (Donald Sutherland) tries to evade British forces during the Second World War. The second half is something of a deadly psycho-drama after Faber washes up on a remote Scottish island, where crippled ex-spitfire pilot David (Christopher Cazenove) and his lonely, frustrated wife Lucy (Kate Nelligan) are living out a bitter existence. Faber and Lucy embark on a sex-driven romance before show more the truth of the situation becomes clear. Director Richard Marquand plays out the first half of the film in an engaging if conventional manner. The second half, however, is full of tension and emotion as the affair between the lonely couple grows before turning into an edgy thriller. Donald Sutherland is both creepy and charming and always entertaining to watch. Kate Nelligan is excellent as she goes through the emotionally ringer before ending up in a desperate life-ot-death battle. Overall "Eye of the Needle" is a gripping thriller, with a set of interesting characters, a tightly wound plot and the oddest of doomed romances. show less

After an unrelated rescue mission, Luke Skywalker and friends help rebels attack the evil empire's giant space gun.

As a kid (like most kids in the 80's), this was always my favorite of the trilogy, probably on account of the Ewoks. Because everybody under 10 loves Ewoks. Not to mention the Rancor and the Emperor. I've always just sort of taken its awesomeness for granted and not looked too critically at it. Now that I think about it, it's not really that great of a movie. Fun and action show more packed, yes, but not a great movie like the other two are. That's okay, though, I don't mind hanging on to my bias.

(Sep. 2009) show less

A DA running for senate charges his critic with murder.

2/4 (Indifferent).

It's a very well-constructed mystery, but everything revolves around brutal assault and it is Not Fun.

Acting: 5.0; Theme: 5.0; Content: 4.5; Language: 5.0; Overall: 5.0

Han Solo (Harrison Ford) is rescued from Jabba the Hutt and Luke Skywalker attempts to save Darth Vader (James Earl Jones & David Prowse) from the Dark Side as the Jedi's reunite in the final episode of the original trilogy. Highly recommend.

***February 3, 2023***