There's nothing like a good Arthur Miller play to bring you down. No one can throw a wrench into family values and the good old American dream quite like he can. No wonder Joseph McCarthy had such a hate-on for the man!

While All My Sons isn't quite up there with Death of a Salesman, it was a hit on Broadway and the 1948 film version is definitely worth a rental. It's extremely noteworthy as a time capsule; people say things like "Gee whiz!" and "How's tricks?" without a hint of irony. Also impressive is the filmmaker's faith in an audience's ability to suspend disbelief. For instance, we are supposed to buy that the gargoyle-faced Edward G. Robinson is the father of Burt Lancaster! (Sonny boy being a full two feet taller than pops.) The plot, which concerns horrific revelations about Robinson's devious war-time activities, isn't exactly rife with surprises, but if you like '50s-style histrionics-laden melodrama, this film will supply ample stimulation.

For those who missed The Astronaut's Wife in the cinemas, I highly recommend this entirely derivative but hugely fun Invasion of the Body Snatchers/Rosemary's Baby knockoff (in video outlets this week). And Johnny Depp is so easy on the eyes. :

--Matthew Hays