Intolerable Cruelty - Movie

The latest offer from the Cohen brothers is a little more toned down than their usual work but still different enough to mark it apart from the usual Hollywood affair. Starring George Clooney and Catherine Zeta Jones, this is an off-kilter "romantic comedy", if you can call it that. Unlike so many films that drip their way into that genre, this one is actually funny AND intelligent. It's not going to make you collapse in hysterics but it's more amusing than most comedy films get to be. Towards the end there is one of the funniest moments I've seen on film, involving an asthma inhaler. You need to see it to understand. The rest of it is very well put together with good performances from both Clooney and Zeta Jones. Old George and his somewhat hapless assistant are the most enjoyable to watch as two unbeatable divorce lawyers. If you're a long-time Cohen brothers fan then maybe you'll see this as too watered down for your tastes, but for the rest of us it's well worth watching.

8/10


Mystic River - Movie

A rarity amongst recent films, a big "serious" movie... that isn't blatant Oscar baiting! Directed by Clint Eastwood, this is a dark and bubbling film about three childhood friends now in their 40s. Having drifted apart they stumble into each others lives again when one of their children is killed. Starring, and featuring excellent mature performances from, Sean Penn, Tim Robbins and Kevin Bacon, this is one that requires concentration from its audience. It's not a happy or cheerful film but it's well worth taking the time to see. It's nicely written and directed, and as I say - the performances are very good indeed. We need more movies like this in amongst the stream of less meaty films that have arrived this year.

8/10

Written to Offspring - Kick Him When He's Down