223. The World Beyond

223. (26 Sep) The World Beyond (1978, Noel Black) 40



Honestly, this must be one of the most outrageous things I've seen in my life. A monster made of mud terrorizes Granville Van Dusen and JoBeth Williams before they realize it can be stopped by salt. That premise leads to the totally amazing one-liner, "I used to think the ocean was too salty. Not anymore." Unfortunately, this is kooky, not scary, and drags on even at a mere 58 minutes.

206. Adam

206. (17 Sep) Adam (1983, Michael Tuchner) 67



Even at its preachiest, Adam is fraught with so much tension and emotion it breaks your heart. JoBeth Williams is especially superb here. The terror she feels when her little boy is abducted is palpable as she admirably never resorts to hysterics. Daniel J. Travanti takes a different, more explosive approach. When he rampages after learning his son's fate, it's not nearly as powerful as Williams's understated sorrow. The latter part of the film has the couple channeling their grief into something positive. The tragic atmosphere remains overpowering throughout.