Hard Candy

Well, this little film could have been predictable and boring, showing an evil abuser being tracked down by some great sleuth who saves the child just at the last minute. Thankfully, it is not that at all, and whilst its not quite role-reversal, it certainly adds a new element to ideas of revenge and justice. The female lead is fantastic, and the fact that the alleged crimes are never represented adds to the mystery. This is the first movie I've seen where a man looses his... well, I won't spoilt it. A tad gruesome at times, it's provocative and also thoughtful as well.

The Wind that Shakes the Barley

Historical movies, especially those about Ireland, can be all too much. Too much history, too much re-writing, and too much assumed knowledge about what actually happened. However, this movie manages all of these difficulties quite well. The setting and the tensions involved in the fight for an independent Ireland after The Great War are re-enacted very powerfully, with a simplicity that makes the moral dilemmas involved stand out even more. The young Irish actors are very able, and the self-destructive nature of sub-groups within groups demonstrates what a hopeless situation the Irish were in. The improvisation of the actors is also enthralling. Unfortunately for domestic reasons I watched this film in three instalments, but it's certainly one to make the time for, and I'll be watching ti again in one whole sitting.

Apocalypto

From the previews earlier in the year, and the fact that it came from Mel Gibson, I wasn't expecting much. I haven't got anything against films withy subtitles, but the premise seemed a bit corny. However, the director carries off quite an impressive project, and the story is engrossing and thrilling. Of course, like all such films, the historical accuracy is questionable. But that's not the point, the point is to sit back and enjoy. Thanks Jason for suggesting this one, twas good!

Wicked

Colourful fun that explores and explains the back-story to The Wizard of Oz. Sweet little tunes, jokes that appeal to both those in on the story and novices, and a story line that seeks to answer the origin of evil... Augustine would have been impressed! Inevitably the story feels a little forced at times, and I'm still not sure if it all works out. But enjoyable entertainment that will run for a while yet. www.wickedthemusical.co.uk

Everyman

Old age, ageing, getting older... Inevitable progress towards the limits of our own mortality. In Everyman Philip Roth explores what this feels like for a retired advertising executive, thrice married and with a string of failed relationships behind him. Sad and honest, despairing but realistic, Roth captures much of the anxieties that make us human, and the fictional resolution is the same as that of every man. Death. Powerful writing that reminds me of Martin Amis.