NIGHTMARE ALLEY – Bradley Cooper delivers a riveting performance in this intense, disturbing film based on the novel by William Lindsay Gresham. With it’s all-star line-up of Willem Dafoe, Cate Blanchett and Richard Jenkins, we are thrust into the dark abyss of the dregs of society and charlatans who cruelly prey upon folks desperate for relief from despair, pain and sorrow. Despite the heartbreaking (and often sickening) journey we travel with these characters, Darlene and I both liked this picture. There is a definite “film-noir” feel to it and the cinematography is outstanding. And it’s always a plus when a storyline surprises me – the twist at the end was both an ideal resolution and completely unexpected. Top-notch work! Two toasts. Cheers! Boyfriends – 1; Girlfriends – 0.