The Dig

2021, UK, directed by Simon Stone

A very enjoyable, if historically questionable, account of the Sutton Hoo dig in the late 1930s, as the war approached. The film looks absolutely lovely -- no accident, I think, that it's something of a celebration of the green and pleasant land as darker shadows gather -- though occasionally the framing suggests director Simon Stone is reaching for a more artistic statement than his material allows. There's melodrama to spare; it feels as though writer Moira Buffini and Stone didn't have full confidence in their central, fascinating, story. As a result, unfortunately, some parts of the script badly misconstrue the historical record (especially ironic in that part of the point  is to correct the fact that excavator Basil Brown, nicely played by a weatherbeaten Ralph Fiennes, didn't receive his due when the treasures from Sutton Hoo were first put on display). 

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

2011, US, directed by Rob Marshall

I've often tried to start the new year out with a "good" film, but sometimes one that's enjoyable will do: despite their flaws, I've generally enjoyed the movies in this series, and while Johnny Depp's off-screen life is deeply problematic, to say the least, he continues to bring the main character energy here, especially following the departure of key personnel from films 1-3. Rob Marshall is a definite downgrade as director, mainly because he's much less crisp as an action director (a problem for the swashbuckling scenes), but as before the whole affair moves along pretty briskly. Undemanding entertainment, in other words.