Pan's Labyrinth

Why are the French and Germans and Italians and, in this case, the Spanish, so much better at making intelligent films than the British and Americans? I know that's a terrible generalisation, but this film is just another example that makes me at the very least feel that this is true. A second world war movie and a fantasy come fairy tale, with a little ghoulish horror thrown in for luck! The lead female actress is enchanting, and the contrast between the horrors of war and the horrors of our dreams is striking and instructive. Paired with simple but most convincing visual effects, Pan's Labyrinth is a brilliant film. Watch out though... Blockbusters feel obliged to give you a written warning that this film has subtitles, just in case you find reading hard!

The Woman in Black

As a last minute choice to go and see a show, I went for this one as it was close where I happened to be in London, cheap, and they had tickets! Whilst the first half is an interesting piece of theate in the way it explores the theatrical world, it doesn't live up to the hype and promise of the billboards and the history associated with the show. However, in the second half it more than lives up to its reputation, and you are quite literally exclaiming "Oh my God!" and worse every 5 minutes. What is amazing is that a medium which you no longer believe possible to be capable of shocking an audience in the days of CGI horror movies manages to do so, but not only once, but again and again and in quite bowel-weakening force. The surge of emotion almost led to a tear when the culmination of the story is reached, and as a member of the audience I felt strabgely proud that a mere two actors could pull off such an impressive and frightening show. 12.50 well spent.

A Scanner Darkly

Based on a Philip K Dick book, this is perhaps the most faithful adaptation out of all the moves made from his scripts. With a feature film totally transformed into a cartoon, the media itself is fascinating and enthralling. On top of this there is a narrative which explores the ideas of a state which watches your every move and challenges civil liberties. The cast is well chsoen - Keanu Reves in his best role for years, Winona Ryder plays a character who has a surprising twist in her story, Robert Downey Jr is brilliant as ever - all are well scripted and enacted. Humourous and poignant, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.

Notes on a Scandal

Judi Dench rarely seems to fail, and here she puts in another convincing performance in this Zoe Heller penned drama. This time Dench is not a loveable old aunt, rather she is a crafty and slightly derranged teacher on the verge of retirement who stumbles across an affair between a fellow teacher and a student. The forces of attraction (in all directions) are palpable, and the scene is well set for destruction. All the characters are strong, and you're not quite sure where your sympathis should lie until the end. Enjoyable and worth watching.