when two people are inclined to run off together, a lawyer is the last person to prevent it

Four thumbs up. Is that even possible? A quirky indie, a mid-90s gay farce, twisty Mr. Dickens, and sexy science fiction. Who'd've thunk my tastes could be so varied?

Sometimes Always Never (2018) - "A detective fantasy/family drama where a love of words helps a father reconnect with his ... son."
Source: streamed on Amazon Prime
I watched it because: I was in the mood for something very independent and quirky
IMDB: 6.2/10  -  Rotten Tomatoes: Tomatometer: 83% Audience: N/A%

notable quote: "He walks past two bus stops to be at the same bus stop as her, and he stands next to her, but he doesn't speak."
story: Scrabble-playing family loses their way when one son takes off and the father obsessively searches for him—in the process, changing his relationship with the son who did not leave
costumes, hair & makeup: there is a clever/sweet plot point regarding costuming
acting: Sam Riley (Peter) and especially Louis Healy (Jack) are marvelous

intangibles: fantastic soundtrack, wonderful film
overall: recommended

The Birdcage (1996) - "A gay cabaret owner and his drag queen companion agree to put up a false straight front so that their son can introduce them to his fiancée's right-wing moralistic parents."
Source: I borrowed the DVD from my parents collection
I watched it because: I needed a laugh
IMDB: 7.1/10  -  Rotten Tomatoes: Tomatometer: 80% Audience: 81%

notable quote: "It's like riding a psychotic horse into a burning barn."
story: it's dated, of course, and there is melancholy where there was not so much before, but enough of the comedy remains 
visuals: lavish and colorful 
costumes, hair & makeup: flamboyant
acting: Gene Hackman (Senator Keeley) was good here, in perhaps the least stereotyped role of all the players'

intangibles: it is still funny, but since Robin Williams' death it's also got a layer of sadness that brings it down. Everyone should see it, especially if they haven't seen it before, but don't expect the best movie ever.
Academy Award nominee: Best Art Direction—Set Decoration 
overall: recommended

Our Mutual Friend (1998) - "Intertwining tales of love, greed, and secret identities in Charles Dickens' 1860s London."
Source: streamed on Amazon Prime
I watched it because: what do I know about Charles Dickens, beyond innumerable A Christmas Carol performances over the years? It's time to learn.
IMDB: 8.1/10  -  Rotten Tomatoes: N/A%

notable quote: "'You know you do not really care for her.'

    'I don't know that. I must ask you not to say that, as if we both took it for granted.'

    'But if you do care for her, you should leave her alone.'

    'I don't know that, either. But, tell me: did you ever see me take so much trouble about anything?"
story: it's parallel romantic storylines wrapped around a murder mystery involving a huge inheritance. Some deliberate mischief and some typical for the time period machinations. 
visuals: there are movies that take place in the past, and there are historical films worthy of the genre. This is practically the definition of a pretty, and smart, period piece.
costumes, hair & makeup: gorgeous costumes and perfect hair. Some revoltingly spot-on makeup, too.
acting: Steven Mackintosh (John), Anna Friel (Bella) and Dominic Mafham (Mortimer) caught me and would not let go

intangibles: LOVED it. One of the best films I've ever seen. Utterly marvelous from top to bottom.
overall: most highly recommended

Flatliners (1990) - "Five medical students experiment with 'near death' experiences, until the dark consequences of past tragedies begin to jeopardize their lives."
Source: I borrowed the DVD from my parents' collection
I watched it because: I've long had a geek crush on Kiefer Sutherland (Nelson Wright)
IMDB: 6.6/10  -  Rotten Tomatoes: Tomatometer: 48% Audience: 59%

notable quote: "This is not the kind of shit I want on my transcript."
story: file under "ridiculous science fiction"
visuals: ominous, foreboding, and spooky
costumes, hair & makeup: sexy, under the circumstances
acting: Kevin Bacon (David Labraccio) and Julia Roberts (Rachel Mannus)

intangibles: this is a doofy, entertaining movie
Academy Award nominee: Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing
overall: recommended

[the title quotation is from Our Mutual Friend]