Supercar Challenge (2009, Racing Simulation Game, PS3 exclusive) – 8/10 review

Executive Producer: Mark Cale Consultant Car Handling & Race: Bruno Senna Tiff Needell: Game Designer: Mark Cale Game Designer: Dave Thompson Game Designer: Gareth Wright

Supercar Challenge (2009) 8/10 The main problem with Supercar Challenge is clear; it’s the full-price charge for DLC-size additional content for Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli (two new tracks, three additional track layouts, about a dozen new cars). However, this is to overlook the improvements that have been delivered in every area (especially the sixteen-player online racing) and the sweet driving simulation experience that has been carried over intact from the previous game. The most important change gameplay-wise is the ability to choose your own car for the central Challenge mode allowing you to form a relationship with and intimate understanding of your chosen steed (because, unlike almost all other racing games, each car feels different). While the game can be a challenge at times, the driving experience is so satisfying (in a car you like) that battling around in any position is rewarding and overtaking or pressuring the AI into convincing mistakes, especially (grrr) Lorenz Gerber, is absolutely wonderful. Classified 3+ by PEGI. The game is only suitable for persons who have reached the age of 3 or over. Links Ferrari F430 Spider custom livery: Motorola Ferrari 512 S custom livery: System 3 Elf Ferrari 512 S custom livery: System 3 Elf Ferrari F430 Spider custom livery: Motorola Aston Martin DBR9 custom livery: Pirelli Stirling Moss McLaren custom livery: Force India Formula One Aston Martin DBR9 custom livery: Top Gear Stig Helmet Chevrolet Corvette C6-R custom livery: inFamous Ferrari 599XX custom livery: Portal’s Aperture Laboratories Enzo Ferrari custom livery: Prawn GP Ferrari GTO custom livery: Space Invaders Ferrari F365 GTS/4 Spider custom livery: Pac-Man Ferrari 360 Modena custom livery: Black and White Spray McLaren F1 custom livery: F1 Calendar 2009 Ferrari F430 GT2 custom livery: Dragon Ferrari 365 GTB4 Competizione custom livery: Batman Aston Martin DBR9 custom livery: Gulf Oil Ferrari California custom livery: Daytona USA Ferrari F333 SP custom livery: Not Fusion Custom Bugatti EB16-4 Veyron custom livery: Ladybird Pagani Zonda F custom livery: Pixar’s Cars

inFamous (2009, Third-Person Open-World Super-Hero Action Game, PS3 exclusive) – 8/10 review

inFamous (2009) Cole is at the epicentre of an enormous explosion when the package he is carrying goes off. Somehow he not just survives but emerges with ability to regenerate his health and fire electricity from his finger-tips. The rest of the now-quarantined Empire City hasn’t been so lucky with the city gangs fighting over territory now that there’s no law. 8/10 inFamous is just so much fun; it wants to be played and enjoyed and it makes it easy for you to do so. This is because game balance is very well done: you are very strong and well-equipped offensively (I didn’t realise I had homing lightning bolts until the third play through!) but very weak defensively meaning that skill and accuracy are rewarded and that battles are never dull or one-sided in your favour. Additionally, there is a very forgiving checkpoint system (there are even checkpoints for the middle of boss battles). Amazingly, even escort missions are fun because the escorted runs and hides at the first sign of trouble, simple! Disappointingly, the good evil choices are a bit too give-away-all-your-money-and-both-kidneys or beat-an-orphan-with-this-kitten-in-front-of-Jesus. The final boss battle is also much harder than anything else in the game and requires some patience and tactics. These are just about the only weaknesses but, back on the positive side, you can accidentally electrocute people by running through puddles. Which is oddly brilliant. This game contains mild swear words and mild unpleasant scenes, electricity violence, melee violence. Classified 16+ by PEGI. The game is only suitable for persons who have reached the age of 16 or over.. Classified Violence by PEGI. Game contains depictions of violence.

The Idle Class (1921, Chaplin Comedy Short Movie) – 8/10 review

Charles Chaplin: Copyright Holder: Charles Chaplin Edna Purviance: Composer: Charles Chaplin Writer: Charles Chaplin Producer: Charles Chaplin Director: Charles Chaplin

Idle Class, The (1921) A lonely tramp arrives in town, unaware that he is the spitting image of a rich socialite, and, while playing golf, meets the woman of his dreams. 8/10 Top drawer Chaplin effort which features frequent moments of comic brilliance that can only be classified ‘genius’. Chaplin pulls out a continuing series of totally unexpected and rather brilliant sight gags starting with hiding behind a newspaper (funnier than it sounds) and continuing with his astonishing golf swing and a couple of surprising golf ball lies, a terrific little chase sequence and a wonderful ‘not-happy’ punchline (or should that be kickline) ending. Classified U by BBFC. Universal: Suitable for All.

The Emperor’s New Groove (2000, Disney Movie) – 8/10 review

Director: Mark Dindal Producer: Randy Fullmer Writer (Story): Chris Williams Writer (Story): Mark Dindal Writer (Screenplay): David Reynolds Supervising Animator Kuzco / Kuzco Llama: Nik Ranieri David Spade: Kuzco / Kuzco Llama Supervising Animator Pacha: Bruce W. Smith John Goodman: Pacha Supervising Animator Yzma: Dale Baer Eartha Kitt: Yzma Supervising Animator Kronk: Tony Bancroft Patrick Warburton: Kronk Lead Animator Chicha: Doug Frankel

Emperor’s New Groove, The (2000) Arrogant Aztec emperor Kuzco rules his empire with a whim of iron. But when he annoys his witch advisor Yzma one time too many, she turns him into a llama and takes over the kingdom. With Kuzco now exiled and lost in the mountains he turns to chunky peasant Pacha for assistance but the last thing the emperor did before becoming a llama was order the destruction of Pacha’s house and village to make way for the emperor’s new summer retreat… 8/10 While this is undoubtedly less technically showy than most of Disney’s immediately previous output (such as Tarzan and Dinosaur; though this is still a fantastic-looking, brilliantly-animated movie), this is a remarkably fun and funny buddy-buddy movie that is not a typical Disney formula film (no story songs) and shows that the classic animation studio is still leagues ahead of its would-be competitors. While the good character Pacha is a little clumsy, Kronk is hilarious ("squeakity-squeak") and Yzma is satisfyingly reminiscent of classic Disney villains Cruella De Vil and Madame Medusa. Classified U by BBFC. Universal: Suitable for All. Links Next: Kronk’s New Groove

JCVD (2008, Fictional Real-Life Drama Movie) – 8/10 review

Jean-Claude Van Damme: JCVD Writer: Mabrouk El Mechri Director: Mabrouk El Mechri Writer: Christophe Turpin

JCVD (2008) Things are not going great for Jean-Claude Van Damme at the moment. His movie career is on the wane, he’s got money troubles and his daughter is being taken away from him by the courts. To sort out his cashflow problem he stops off in a Belgium post office and, to onlookers surprise, robs it. 8/10 Astonishing drama that sees Jean-Claude Van Damme play, quite brilliantly, himself. While we get the point of some of the scenes long before they are over (JCVD being the self-obsessed star barging his way into the post office), the staggering awesomeness of the premise never ceases to delight and have you glued to the screen and there are several scenes that are genuine classics. The monologue is the obvious stand-out but the opening action scene punchline and cigarette scene are fun and the dream finalé is a much-wanted joy (roundhouse kick, yay!). At the end of the day, though, it’s JCVD himself and his quite brilliant performance in an outrageously wonderful concept that sticks in the mind. Probably the only thing that’s really missing is JCVD’s bum. Nevertheless, a must-see for JCVD and film fans. This movie contains sexual swear words and gun violence, melee and martial arts violence. Classified 15 by BBFC. Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over.

Race Pro (2009, Racing Game, 360) – 8/10 review

Creative Director: Diego Sartori Game Designer: Diego Sartori Technical Director: Ola Olsson Lead Programmer: Michael Andersson

Race Pro (2009) 8/10 I hate AI that isn’t affected by grass and gravel and kerbs and camber and G-forces and momentum and variable grip and their line through corners and your car being in their way and you driving into the side of them at 100mph and, like most racing games, Race Pro is guilty of this. So why the high score? Communication. Race Pro communicates the relationship of the driver to the car and car to the track more successfully than just about any other console game. This means that every single time you crash, understeer, oversteer, slide or nail a corner oh-so-sweetly, you know exactly why. Every time. Forza Motorsport 2 and Gran Turismo 5 Prologue are more forgiving and far more polished and Ferrari Challenge: Trofeo Pirelli has more heart, but this is probably the best driving experience available on 360 or PS3 at this time. Classified 3+ by PEGI. The game is only suitable for persons who have reached the age of 3 or over.

Reign of Fire (2002, Movie) – 8/10 review

Matthew McConaughey: Van Zan Christian Bale: Quinn Izabella Scorupco: Alex Gerard Butler: Creedy Alice Krige: Karen Abercromby Producer: Richard D. Zanuck Producer: Lili Fini Zanuck Producer: Gary Barber Producer: Roger Birnbaum Writer (Story): Gregg Chabot Writer (Story): Kevin Peterka Writer (Screenplay): Gregg Chabot Writer (Screenplay): Kevin Peterka Writer (Screenplay): Matt Greenberg Director: Rob Bowman

Reign of Fire (2002) After dragons return to and devastate the earth, small pockets of survivors try to scratch a meagre existence. One such pocket, led by Quinn, is about to receive a visit, however, from an American and his troops who are on their way to London to kill the bull dragon responsible for fertilizing the planet’s entire population. 8/10 Surprisingly, for an apocalyptical movie, this is a not-depressing but thrilling adventure with some spectacular dragon effects. Also, somewhat amazingly, this is the only dragon movie ever made that is any good at all (Dragonslayer is awful outside of the dragon and people don’t like it when you mention Pete’s Dragon). For that, I think I need to give it an extra star. This movie contains a single sexual swear word, mild swear words and strong melee violence, unpleasant scenes. Classified 12A by BBFC. Persons under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

The Lion King (1994, Disney Movie) – 8/10 review

Director: Roger Allers Director: Rob Minkoff Producer: Don Hahn Writer (Screenplay): Irene Mecchi Writer (Screenplay): Jonathan Roberts Writer (Screenplay): Linda Woolverton Composer (Songs): Tim Rice Composer (Songs): Elton John Music Composer: Hans Zimmer Executive Producer: Thomas Schumacher Executive Producer: Sarah McArthur Jonathan Taylor Thomas: Voice: Young Simba Supervising Animator Young Simba: Mark Henn Matthew Broderick: Voice: Adult Simba Supervising Animator Adult Simba: Ruben A. Aquino James Earl Jones: Voice: Mufasa Supervising Animator Mufasa: Tony Fucile Jeremy Irons: Voice: Scar Supervising Animator Scar: Andreas Dejá

Lion King, The (1994) When Simba, the future lion king, causes his father’s death he, full of remorse and guilt, flees the scene leaving evil Uncle Scar to assume the throne. Little does he know that Scar actually planned his father’s death and that his lands have now become desolate and wasted. Urged by a collection of friends, Simba recollects his pride (pun not intended!) and remembers his responsibility to take his place in the circle of life. Note: re-released in 2003, remastered in IMAX format with the song “Morning Report” added. 8/10 Disney film which suffers from some bland characters but benefits from a number of standout animated sequences and some memorable songs from Elton John. It starts great, has great bits in it and ends great. This movie contains violence (some graphic), unpleasant and distressing scenes. Classified U by BBFC. Universal: Suitable for All. Links Next: The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride

The film starts perfectly with one of cinemas most professional and impressive openings. The lack of character is noticeable for a short period thereafter thanks to some poor one-liners but the film makes up for this with some tremendous sequences. The most memorable is probably the wildebeest stampede which brilliantly uses top computer animation. The ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight?’ sequence is also brilliant though the animation suffers a little from being photographed too close. The ‘Remember’ sequence manages to do the impossible, make James Earl Jones voice even deeper, more booming and more resounding. The final fight sequence is superbly animated, skilfully choreographed and the visual effects are very neat. The poor characters are, sadly, the main characters. Simba and Nala are both very bland and very weak and it is left to a menagerie of supporting characters to take the weight of interest. Timon and Pumbaa are superb, the three hyenas are pretty good and the monkey is great but it should be a criminal offence not to exploit the sensational comic genius of Rowan Atkinson. He is given a whole number of weak lines punctuated by one or two good ones and it is to his credit that his character, Zazu, is not truly unfunny.

The music is outstanding, Elton John’s songs are very catchy and used brilliantly. The best used is ‘Circle of Life’ which opens and closes the film to stunning effect. Elton John was, apparently, a little unhappy with how Disney proposed to use ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight?’ but upon seeing the final version in the film he changed his mind. Musically, it is one of the film’s best momemts. Hans Zimmer complements and uses John’s tunes very well indeed and, while I do not feel he supplies a particularly unique score, it works really well throughout and is probably the single biggest contributor to the emotional impact of the movie.

The animation is generally good, much better than anything from any other studio at the time, but still not up to the standard of Disney’s efforts up to and including 1959’s Sleeping Beauty. Also, despite extensive live-action study, the animals do not always move convincingly, the character animation in the earlier classic The Jungle Book is far better (and it’s rather obvious to animation fans where it was traced for Scar). Moving the lions faces in three dimensions also clearly posed a challenge as facial features (Mufasa’s especially) some distort when they turn their head. As an amusing aside and as noted on the television sitcom Third Rock from the Sun the plot is very similar to Hamlet by William Shakespeare.

All these points, however, do not detract from the sheer entertainment value on offer. This film is a masterful manipulator of emotion with several tear-welling scenes, several funny bits and, unusually for an animated movie, several genuinely exciting sequences. As far as entertainment goes, this is one of Disney’s finest ever efforts and was rewarded by taking over 101 Dalmations (!) crown as the most successful Disney movie ever. It also became one of the most successful movies released ever and, for several years, resided in the top five all-time highest grossing films. In 2003 it was replaced by Finding Nemo as the highest grossing animated film in history.

Lie To Me 1.12 Blinded (2009, TV) – 8/10 review

Tim Roth: Dr. Cal Lightman Kelli Williams: Dr. Gillian Foster Brendan Hines: Eli Loker Monica Raymund: Ria Torres Writer (Creator): Samuel Baum Mekhi Phifer: Daniel Sunjata: Clea DuVall: Emilio Rivera: Consulting Producer: Elizabeth Craft Consulting Producer: Sarah Fain Writer: Sarah Fain Writer: Elizabeth Craft Director: Milan Cheylov

Lie To Me 1.12 Blinded (2009) Lightman is asked to try and break a copycat rapist / murderer case but his opponent seems rather more adept at lie detection and manipulation than he is. 8/10 An episode about power and how to take it from someone who has it. It looks like Lightman has met his match and, although we know he’s the hero and this can’t possibly be, the villain is clearly causing Lightman to work really really hard for his goal. Despite the subject (serial rapist / murderer) this is good fun because it concentrates on the mind-games. This Lie To Me episode contains adult dialogue and extremely unpleasant scenes, extreme melee violence. Links Next episode: Sacrifice Previous episode: Undercover

Earth Defence Force 2017 (2007, Game, 360) – 8/10 review

Earth Defence Force 2017 (2007) 8/10 Though this was slammed for poor graphics, that doesn’t tell the whole story of this game that engenders insane loyalty for its fans, including me, and vitriolic disbelief from everyone else. There are, however, outrageously beautiful explosions, especially from the spectacular giant walking robots, there are hundreds of giant insects all over the shop and you can destroy every building you can see. For real. In short bursts, it’s simply delirious. There’s a super-ginormous playtime to get all achievements (over ninety for me to get to 900) and it would be easy to become jaded but play it for less than half-an-hour at a time and you will have great fun, especially with a friend. This game contains mild swear words and extreme gun violence against giant extra-terrestrial bugs and robots.

Batman Returns (1992, Movie) – 8/10 review

Michael Keaton: Batman / Bruce Wayne Danny DeVito: Penguin Michelle Pfeiffer: Catwoman / Selina Christopher Walken: Max Shreck Michael Gough: Alfred Pat Hingle: Commissioner Gordon Michael Murphy: Mayor Vincent Schiavelli: Organ Grinder Writer (Characters’ Creator) Batman: Bob Kane Writer (Screenplay): Daniel Waters Writer (Story): Daniel Waters Writer (Story): Sam Hamm Producer: Denise Di Novi Producer: Tim Burton Director: Tim Burton

Batman Returns (1992) Batman is called back into action when penguin-like Oswald Cobblepot decides to run for mayor under the guidance of Gotham City’s unscrupulous business leader Max Shreck whose past efforts include pushing secretary Selina Kyle out of a very high window resulting in her psyche being scarred so as to produce the Catwoman. 8/10 Rather more outlandish than the first, director Tim Burton provides a sequel that is fun and spectacular and odd (penguins with fricking missiles on their backs, awesome). Outrageously designed and great-looking from set and character design to lighting (Bruce Wayne’s intro is a classic). Great little bits and pieces such as a the vichyssoise ("it’s supposed to be cold"), the Wayne / Batman dichotomy ("sorry, I mistook me for someone else") and the Maxquerade Ball invitation scene show that Burton and Michael Keaton had really nailed Bruce Wayne (he also has the best fire place in movie history) and it was this attention to keeping recognisable humanity in all his characters that makes the Burton Batman’s more than just fun, great-looking blockbusters. This movie contains mild swear words and violence, unexpectedly gory scene, unpleasant scenes and mild sensuality. Classified 15 by BBFC. Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over.

House M.D. 5.22 House Divided (2009, TV) – 8/10 review)

Hugh Laurie: Dr. Gregory House Lisa Edelstein: Dr. Lisa Cuddy Omar Epps: Dr. Eric Foreman Robert Sean Leonard: Dr. James Wilson Jennifer Morrison: Dr. Allison Cameron Jesse Spencer: Dr. Robert Chase Writer (Series’ Creator): David Shore Peter Jacobson: Dr. Chris Taub Olivia Wilde: Thirteen Anne Dudek: Amber Volakis Ryan Lane: Clare Carey: Supervising Producer: Liz Friedman Co-Executive Producer: Greg Yaitanes Executive Producer: David Shore Writer: Matthew V. Lewis Writer: Liz Friedman Director: Greg Yaitanes

House M.D. 5.22 House Divided (2009) House’s insomnia is causing him to hallucinate Amber, former employee and Wilson’s dead girlfriend, but she proves to give House a sharpness and insight he welcomes and applies it to patient-of-the-week (a deaf boy who is hearing explosions) and arranging Chase’s bachelor party. 8/10 Despite the presence of a deceased team member, this is a comedy episode of House with him treating a deaf patient who hears explosions in his head and, somewhat unexpectedly, arranging a bachelor party ("The reason my third wife and I eloped was mainly to avoid House’s bachelor party. Have you heard of Caligula?" – Wilson). We also have full-on comedy highlights when House decides to play our patient some music (it’s visually funny and leads to the brilliant discovery of a new symptom), practices an alcohol-and-fire trick in the morgue and there is a really great gag where we discover how House gets Wilson to attend the bachelor party against his wishes (SPOILER he holds it in Wilson’s apartment. There’s also the interesting framework as House gleefully accepts the help of evil House before realising his must go toe-to-toe with her. Like Superman did in Superman III with a bit of luck. This House M.D. episode contains adult dialogue and unpleasant scenes and sensuality. Links Previous episode: Saviors Next episode: Under My Skin

Ratchet and Clank: Quest for Booty (2008, Game, PS3) – 8/10 review

Ratchet and Clank: Quest for Booty (2008) Ratchet tries to find Clank but the nefarious Rusty Pete and assorted bits of assorted pirates keep making things difficult. 8/10 More of the same and plenty of fun. While it does feel like it’s not quite finished (voices don’t always play at the correct volume, have long pauses between them and some of the camera angles are not quite right) it still boasts all the same strengths (super graphics, funny dialogue) and weaknesses (combat needs a lock-on) as the parent game. There are some particularly impressive Pythor shadows in Morrow Caverns and I love the little heliogrubs (fortunately, none were harmed in the making of the game). There is a significant area of improvement with the expansion of wrench abilities. You can pick things up and magnetically manipulate objects though scenarios involving either tend to be a little too simple and, unlike the parent game, there’s no reason to replay the adventure. This game contains mild melee violence, mild projectile violence, mild fantasy violence. Classified 7+ by PEGI. The game is only suitable for persons who have reached the age of 7 or over. Links Previous: Tools of Destruction

F1 06 Formula One Championship Edition aka F1CE (2006, Game, PS3) – 8/10 review

Development Director: Clemens Wangerin Game Director: Graeme Ankers Technical Director: Jason Chown Senior Producer: Gareth Betts Producer: Martin Harrow Lead Programmer: Stuart Lovegrove Lead Programmer: James Ogden

F1 06 Formula One Championship Edition aka F1CE (2006) 8/10 Racing game which gets the racing and sense of speed absolutely right, delivers the best online racing implementation paradigm ever and best back-marker AI for lapped cars (they predictably and courteously ease out of the throttle and move off line) but these outstanding points seems to emphasise other minor shortfalls in presentation, user-friendliness, weather that completely breaks the game (your pit crew refuse to change you on to wet or intermediate tyres and will fuel you three laps short of race distance and won’t let you back in the pits and the AI continues to circulate at dry pace) and the slightly unbalanced difficulty level (a Studio Liverpool tradition).

Starter for Ten (2006, Movie) – 8/10 review

James McAvoy: Brian Jackson Alice Eve: Alice Harbinson Rebecca Hall: Rebcca Epstein Catherine Tate: Julie Jackson Dominic Cooper: Spencer Benedict Cumberbatch: Patrick Watts Charles Dance: Michael Harbinson Lindsay Duncan: Rose Harbinson Writer (Screenplay): David Nicholls Writer (Original Book): David Nicholls Director: Tom Vaughan

Starter for Ten (2006) Brian Jackson is thrilled to be accepted to Bristol University and hopes to sate his thirst for knowledge. He enrols to qualify for the University Challenge team but when beautiful blonde Alice Harbinson joins the team, he has a whole new thing to fill his mind. 8/10 Consistently engaging and entertaining coming-of-age drama which builds to a better-than-expected University Challenge showdown. James McAvoy shows the talent and intrinsic charisma that would move him into stardom over the next couple of years as one of the most talented young actors around. The more predictable romantic triangle storyline is enjoyable despite the clichés (SPOILER blond stunner loses to worldy-wise brunette) thanks to crisp handling and a slight softening of the usual movie blonde archetype. No-one in the movie is horrible or nasty but they all makes mistakes; smart people do do stupid things. Like all of us. This movie contains sexual swear words and substance abuse and brief violence and sexuality, obscured full non-sexual nudity. Classified 12A by BBFC. Persons under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple 2.03,04 At Bertram’s Hotel (1986, TV) – 8/10 review

Writer (Original Novel): Agatha Christie Writer (Screenplay): Jill Hyem Director: Mary McMurray Joan Hickson: Miss Marple Producer: George Gallaccio

Miss Marple, Agatha Christie’s 2.03,04 At Bertram’s Hotel (1986) Miss Marple is thrilled to be going to stay as Bertram’s Hotel, a little bit of England as it used to be but when she arrives, a glamorous female pioneer is dominating proceedings and Marple senses a sinister undercurrent. 8/10 Though the only murder in this adaptation occurs a few minutes before the end, the atmosphere and dotty characters are so splendid that it almost covers the lack of dead people. The wonderful Joan Hickson is backed by Joan Greenwood as a delightfully gossipy friend (she still has that magnificently husky voice) and Preston Lockwood as a spectacularly absent-minded cleric. And while the viewer will certainly have bits and pieces solved before the reveal, Marple still has the final touches up her sleeve. This Miss Marple, Agatha Christie’s episode contains a mild swear word, mild adult dialogue and mild unpleasant scenes. Classified PG by BBFC. Parental Guidance.

Tell No One aka Ne le dis à personne (2006, Movie) – 8/10 review

Producer: Alain Attal Director: Guillaume Canet François Cluzet: Alexandre Beck Marie-Josée Croze: Margot Beck André Dussollier: Jacques Leurentin François Berléand: Eric Levkowitch Kristin Scott Thomas: Helene Perkins Nathalie Baye: Elysabeth Feldman Jean Rochefort: Gilbert Neuville Guillaume Canet: Philippe Neuville Brigitte Catillon: Capitaine Berthas Writer (Screenplay): Guillaume Canet Writer (Screenplay): Philippe Lefebvre Writer (Original Novel) Tell No One: Harlan Coben

Tell No One aka Ne le dis à personne (2006) Alexandre Beck receives an email with a link to a street security camera but the identity of the person he sees will change his life forever. However, he’s not the only one watching. 8/10 Terrific thriller (in French, by the way) which is consistently better than expected, not least in the use of the U2 song With or Without You, a fantastic-looking dog and a guest appearance by what appears to be a female Terminator. All the performances are excellent, it’s beautifully paced and staged and there are even some well-filmed and highly effective, if melodramatic, moments of action. All that’s left is the insipid Hollywood remake. This movie contains sexual swear words and mild substance abuse and graphic gun violence, strong melee violence, extremely unpleasant scenes and full male and female nudity. Classified 15 by BBFC. Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over.

Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple in They Do It With Mirrors (1991, TV) – 8/10 review

Writer (Original Novel): Agatha Christie Writer (Screenplay): T.R. Bowen Director: Norman Stone Joan Hickson: Miss Marple Jean Simmons: Carrie-Louise Serrocold Joss Ackland: Lewis Serrocold Faith Brook: Ruth van Rydock Gillian Barge: Mildred Strete David Horovitch: Chief Inspector Slack Producer: George Gallaccio

Miss Marple, Agatha Christie’s They Do It With Mirrors (1991) Miss Marple is asked to go and visit someone an old friend, Carrie-Louise Serrocold, but it’s not just to catch up: Carrie-Louise’s life is thought to be in danger. Within a couple of days, a murder is committed. 8/10 Entertaining and atmospheric murder mystery which has plenty to delight, not least, of course, Joan Hickson as the perfect Miss Marple and her interactions with David Horovitch as the impressively irritable Chief Inspector Slack. However, the critical scene (in the sitting room listening to the goings-on in the study) is fluffed by the director making the identity of the murderer rather more obvious than it should be and the novel’s tricky climax is weakly handled (it should be tragic; here it’s a bit silly). Still, the atmosphere is superb. Joss Ackland is surprisingly good as we are sadly used to seeing him as a bellowing, eye-rolling villain. Naturally, Joan Hickson as Miss Marple (in her penultimate performance) is, as usual, outstanding. Has any part ever been more perfectly cast? This Miss Marple, Agatha Christie’s episode contains strong violence, unpleasant scenes. Classified PG by BBFC. Parental Guidance. Links Previous episode: A Caribbean Mystery

The Wrong Arm of the Law (1962, Movie) – 8/10 review

Executive Producer: Robert Velaise Producer: M. Smedley Aston Peter Sellers: Pearly Gates Lionel Jeffries: Inspector Parker Bernard Cribbins: Nervous O’Toole Writer: Ray Galton Writer: Alan Simpson Writer: John Antrobus Writer (Original Screenplay): John Warren Writer (Original Screenplay): Len Heath Writer (Original Story): Ivor Jay Writer (Original Story): William Whistance Smith Producer: Audrey Baring Director: Cliff Owen

Wrong Arm of the Law, The (1962) Pearly Gates, a leading light in the London underworld, turns to Scotland Yard for help when his lucrative business is disrupted by some upstart Australians disguised as police officers. 8/10 Classic comedy boasting a top cast performing quite brilliantly, a witty script and a delightful high-concept storyline – the cops and robbers team up to catch a particular gang of unscrupulous robbers who pass themselves off as policemen. It’s crisply handled and just becomes more and more fun as it goes along. Peter Sellers, as the straight man, deploys a French accent that he would later use in The Pink Panther while Lionel Jeffries and Bernard Cribbins mine good laughs in their roles. This movie contains adult dialogue and violence and mild sensuality. Classified U by BBFC. Universal: Suitable for All.

24 7.12 Day 7: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (2009, TV) – 8/10 review

Kiefer Sutherland: Jack Bauer Cherry Jones: President Allison Taylor James Morrison: Bill Buchanan Annie Wersching: FBI Agent Renee Walker Bob Gunton: Ethan Kanin Jeffrey Nordling: FBI Special Agent in Charge Larry Moss Kurtwood Smith: Senator Blaine Mayer Glenn Morshower: Agent Aaron Pierce Jon Voight: Jonas Hodges Co-Executive Producer: Brannon Braga Co-Executive Producer: Brad Turner Executive Producer: Manny Coto Executive Producer: Evan Katz Executive Producer: Robert Cochran Writer (Series’ Creator): Joel Surnow Writer (Series’ Creator): Robert Cochran Writer (Screenplay): Evan Katz Writer (Story): Manny Coto Writer (Story): Brannon Braga Director: Brad Turner

24 7.12 Day 7: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (2009) Juma and his men drill a surprisingly large hole under the White House using just a normal drill bit but the effect is devastating. Juma leads an attack on the White House with the President as his goal. 8/10 Jon Voight pops up again after showing his face in Day 7 prequel Redemption and, in an unusual nod toward Bond villain insanity, plays some darts after delivering a critical idea under apparently intense pressure. It’s a gleefully random moment but it doesn’t undermine the tension of the rest of the episode and the significant feeling that the mid-season clear-out is about to begin. Our heroes are between a rock and several hard-places and I’m itching to see how it’s all going to pan out without decimating the cast. This 24 episode contains gun violence, unpleasant scenes, brief graphic blade violence. Links Previous episode Next episode

24 7.09 Day 7: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (2009, TV) – 8/10 review

Kiefer Sutherland: Jack Bauer Mary Lynn Rajskub: Chloe O’Brian Cherry Jones: President Allison Taylor James Morrison: Bill Buchanan Annie Wersching: FBI Agent Renee Walker Colm Feore: Henry Taylor Bob Gunton: Ethan Kanin Jeffrey Nordling: FBI Special Agent in Charge Larry Moss Rhys Coiro: Sean Hillinger Janeane Garofalo: Janis Gold Glenn Morshower: Agent Aaron Pierce Carlo Rota: Morris O’Brian Executive Producer: David Fury Executive Producer: Robert Cochran Writer (Series’ Creator): Joel Surnow Writer (Series’ Creator): Robert Cochran Writer: David Fury Director: Milan Cheylov

24 7.09 Day 7: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (2009) First Chap Henry Taylor has been shot in the chest, is bleeding badly and the prognosis is dire. Dubaku finalises his plans to leave the country taking girlfriend Marika with him but is all too aware that his life is now in danger. He exerts pressure to ensure that he will escape safe and that will make Jack and Renee’s pursuit harder and riskier than they can imagine. 8/10 Another excellent episode with the focus more on personal impact for Agent Renee Walker, President Allison Taylor and unknowing Dubaku girlfriend Marika Donoso. We also get the reveal of a Dubaku conspirator inside Moss’s office SPOILER which is nicely misdirected. END SPOILER Again the change of pace works wonders for the show and means that the bits that are supposed to be tense such as the last minute or two are genuinely so and not lost amid a sea of would-be tension. Nice to welcome back Glenn Morshower as Agent Aaron Pierce (making him the only cast member other than Kiefer Sutherland to appear in every day) but it would have been an even nicer surprise if his name hadn’t been on the opening credits. This 24 episode contains bad language and a gory scene. Links Previous episode Next episode

24 7.08 Day 7: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (2009, TV) – 8/10 review

Kiefer Sutherland: Jack Bauer Cherry Jones: President Allison Taylor James Morrison: Bill Buchanan Annie Wersching: FBI Agent Renee Walker Colm Feore: Henry Taylor Bob Gunton: Ethan Kanin Jeffrey Nordling: FBI Special Agent in Charge Larry Moss Rhys Coiro: Sean Hillinger Janeane Garofalo: Janis Gold Executive Producer: David Fury Executive Producer: Kiefer Sutherland Executive Producer: Evan Katz Executive Producer: Robert Cochran Executive Producer: Joel Surnow Writer (Series’ Creator): Joel Surnow Writer (Series’ Creator): Robert Cochran Writer (Screenplay): Robert Cochran Writer (Screenplay): Evan Katz Writer (Story): David Fury Director: Milan Cheylov

24 7.08 Day 7: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (2009) With his infrastructure attack capability well and truly stuffed by Bauer, Dubaku retreats and consoles himself with the one chip he has left: First Dude Henry Taylor. Jack and Matobo go to the White House to see President Taylor face-to-face. 8/10 "The rules are what make us better." "Not today." Is it acceptable to discard etiquette for what you perceive to be the greater good? 24 is asking this question more successfully than ever. Jack has long since ceased pretending to use anyone else’s moral compass and doesn’t even think twice about doing what he considers needs to be done. Renee Walker (Annie Wersching) is the audience surrogate here and is proving a highly effective device to generate an unusual level of empathy with the situation for us. What would we do? Cherry Jones as President Allison Taylor gets easily her best scene of the series so far when reacting to Dubaku’s demands. This 24 episode contains bad language and a brief extremely unpleasant scene. Links Previous episode Next episode

Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli (2008, Game, PS3) – 8/10 review

President System 3 Software: Mark Cale Executive Producer: Mark Cale Technical Consultant Car Handling and Race Consultation: Bruno Senna Instructor Race: Tiff Needell Game Designer: Mark Cale Game Designer: Dave Thompson Game Designer: Gareth Wright Lead Programmer: Craig McHugh Manager Programming: Andrew Perella Manager Technology: Mark McClumpha Manager Creative: Mark Barton Designer: Gareth Wright Designer: Kev Shaw

Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli (2008) Partake in the international Ferrari 430 Challenge series across fifteen tracks then take over twenty models from Ferrari history for a spin in one-make Trophy championships. Additionally, you can be tutored around Ferrari’s Fiorano test circuit and take the challenge online. 8/10 One-make racing game which boasts rewarding and convincing driving and racing, outstanding rain effects (unlike a lot of games, they remembered the wiper animations), a good livery editor and some terrific tracks that we haven’t seen before in a game (Circuit Mont-Tremblant, Virginia International Raceway and the Auto Club Speedway of Southern California and, for the first time in a long time for cars, Circuit Paul Ricard). There are some nice touches such as wildlife, leaves and men with flags (yay!) at circuits and a personal favourite music track over the main menu (Ebla by E.S. Posthumus). For me, the single marque is no limitation at all (indeed, I love single marque games) and the cars exhibit a wide variety of handling; some of them are an absolute joy to drive including the F512 S, F355 GTB, and the F40. Classified 3+ by PEGI. The game is only suitable for persons who have reached the age of 3 or over. Links Ferrari F430 Challenge UK Police custom livery Ferrari F430 Challenge US Police custom livery Ferrari F430 Challenge Starsky and Hutch custom livery Ferrari F430 Challenge European Union custom livery Ferrari F430 Challenge Taxi custom livery Ferrari 550 Maranello Maranello Village custom livery Ferrari F333 SP Gulf custom livery Ferrari 575 GTC Jota Sport custom livery Ferrari F40 Eighties Senna Marlboro custom livery Ferrari 250 GTO Dragon custom livery Ferrari FXX Rainbow custom livery Ferrari F50 Stave custom livery Ferrari 348 Challenge Splat custom livery Ferrari 348 TB F1 (silhouette) custom livery Ferrari 512 S and 512 M Saturn custom livery Ferrari F355 Berlinetta Thorny custom livery Ferrari 360 Modena Ying Yang custom livery Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Competition custom livery Ferrari 575M Maranello Italia and Not Italia custom livery

Haibane-Renmei (2002, Anime) – 8/10 review

Writer (Series’ Creator) Charcoal Feathers in Old Home: Yoshitoshi Abe Producer Pioneer LDC: Yasuyuki Ueda Director: Tomokazu Tokoro Writer (Screenplay): Yoshitoshi Abe Ryo Hirohashi: Rakka Junko Noda: Reki

Haibane-Renmei (2002) It’s an exciting day for the Haibane – an group of beings with halos and wings who live inside a walled world and are supported by a generous town – as a new cocoon, an unusually large one, grows. Inside is Rakka, the newest Haibane and she starts to learn about her new existence and new friends. 8/10 This is what I love about Japanese animation. Haibane-Renmei tackles big topics – such as death, motivation, redemption and salvation – in a gentle, intelligent and never condescending manner. Even more than that, though, it connects emotionally and it always intrigues me that I find it easier to become lost in animation than in live-action drama. (Almost all my favourite films are animated.) It is sweet and positive and thought-provoking. For instance, where do the Haibane come from? Are they children who have killed themselves accidentally or on purpose? On top of the questions raised by the show’s setting (and, generally, left unanswered), we have the global existentialist and moral questions. For instance, even if we start to do good for selfish, or the wrong, reasons, will those reasons be consumed by the good deeds? Does that constitute redemption and is that enough for salvation? Haibane-Renmei manages to be both deep and light at the same time; a remarkable combination. This series contains mild gory scenes, unpleasant scenes and mild non-sexual nudity. Classified 12 by BBFC. Suitable only for persons of 12 years and over.

24 7.03 Day 7: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (2009, TV) – 8/10 review

Kiefer Sutherland: Jack Bauer Cherry Jones: President Allison Taylor Annie Wersching: FBI Agent Renee Walker Colm Feore: Henry Taylor Bob Gunton: Ethan Kanin Jeffrey Nordling: Larry Moss Rhys Coiro: Sean Hillinger Janeane Garofalo: Janis Gold Carlos Bernard: Tony Almeida Co-Executive Producer: Brannon Braga Co-Executive Producer: Brad Turner Executive Producer: Kiefer Sutherland Executive Producer: Robert Cochran Executive Producer: Joel Surnow Writer (Series’ Creator): Joel Surnow Writer (Series’ Creator): Robert Cochran Writer: Manny Coto Writer: Brannon Braga Director: Brad Turner

24 7.03 Day 7: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (2009) Even though Almeida’s in custody, Juma’s demands to the President simply don’t give the FBI much time to do anything as he threatens to cause an American disaster if American forces are not withdrawn within the next couple of hours. Tony finds himself between a Jack and a hard place but manages to sputter out information that may save his life. 8/10 Along with Jack the writers now need to convince us of Tony’s motives and they deliver the expected plot not-twist. However, it’s not disappointing as it’s what we hoped for and it is packaged in a thrilling episode. Tony even gets a Dark Knight van jump as a bonus but we still don’t know he’s not, you know, dead. The sub-plot regarding the FBI leak is well-handled with either of the protagonists involved suspected at any one time before tying that strand up. Annie Wersching portrays Walker’s furious betrayal successfully and without melodrama. We might almost forget that the President has only part of next week’s episode to decide between American or Sangalan lives and there’s still an interesting (but Colm Feore-starring) sub-plot regarding the death of her son. This is shaping up to be a great day. This 24 episode contains a mild swear word and violence. Links Previous episode Next episode

The Rock (1996, Movie) – 8/10 review

Sean Connery: John Patrick Mason Nicolas Cage: Stanley Goodspeed Ed Harris: General Francis X. Hummel Michael Biehn: Commander Anderson William Forsythe: Ernest Paxton David Morse: Major Tom Baxter John Spencer: F.B.I. Director Womack John C. McGinley: Marine Captain Hendrix Writer (Story): David Weisberg Writer (Story): Douglas S. Cook Writer (Screenplay): David Weisberg Writer (Screenplay): Douglas S. Cook Writer (Screenplay): Mark Rosner Producer: Don Simpson Producer: Jerry Bruckheimer Director: Michael Bay

Rock, The (1996) Highly decorated but embittered U.S. General Francis X. Hummel holds America to ransom from Alcatraz, aka the Rock, and the only two men who stand in his way are FBI agent Stanley Goodspeed and a longtime political prisoner held without trial, ex-SAS operative John Patrick Mason: the only man ever to break out of Alcatraz. 8/10 Alarmingly silly but very exciting, insanely good-looking and hugely enjoyable big budget action movie from Bad Boys director Michael Bay. While it is spectacular and action-packed, it’s the humour and chemistry between Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery’s characters that is the magic ingredient. With this movie Michael Bay became the next Tony Scott, capable of providing silly, spectacular and very entertaining action thrillers with a healthy dollop of style. With his next movie, Armageddon, Michael Bay would cement his own reputation and ensure that future directors of stylish action would be called the next Michael Bay. This movie contains sexual swear words and graphic violence, unpleasant scenes, gory and unpleasant scenes and sex scene (no nudity, nicolas cage & vanessa marcil). Classified 15 by BBFC. Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over.

Agatha Christie’s Poirot 3.01 How Does Your Garden Grow? (1991, TV) – 8/10

Writer (Original Story): Agatha Christie David Suchet: Hercule Poirot Hugh Fraser: Captain Hastings Philip Jackson: Chief Inspector Japp Pauline Moran: Miss Lemon Writer: Andrew Marshall Script Consultant: Clive Exton Anne Stallybrass: Mary Delafontaine Tim Wylton: Henry Delafontaine Margery Mason: Amelia Barrowby Catherine Russell: Katrina Reiger Producer: Brian Eastman Director: Brian Farnham Executive Producer: Nick Elliott

Poirot, Agatha Christie’s 3.01 How Does Your Garden Grow? (1991) While at Chelsea Flower Show to be accorded the honour of having a beautiful pink rose named after him, Poirot is accosted by Miss Amelia Barrowby and insistently given a packet of Catherine the Great seed. With no seed in it. 8/10 Splendid Poirot adaptation with all the clues given to you but only the master can put them together. There’s even a great closing gag involving a bottle of weed-killer. This is great fun and Suchet is marvelous. While a gander at the cast list and the verse of the nursery rhyme from which the title is taken will reveal the guilty party, you won’t do this before the event and, in any case, the way Christie weaves the story around the nursery rhyme is wondrous to behold. This Poirot, Agatha Christie’s episode contains unpleasant scenes. Classified PG by BBFC. Parental Guidance.

A Touch of Frost 5.04 No Other Love (1997, TV) – 8/10 review

David Jason: DI Frost Writer (Characters’ Creator): R.D. Wingfield Writer (Screenplay): Sian Orrells Producer: Martyn Auty Director: David Reynolds Matt Bardock: DC Barnard Bruce Alexander: Supt Mullett

Touch of Frost, A 5.04 No Other Love (1997) (from Radio Times) Frost unravels two domestic cases – one tragically straightforward, the other cruelly deceptive. 8/10 Interesting end-of-series (and, at one time, intended end-of-Frost) entry which supplies the typical double-headed professional focus as well as some successful personal touches. This is probably Frost’s best episode but be warned, it is distressing, especially if you’ve been watching since the first episode Care and Protection. And, yes, despite the very well acted and clearly highly emotional climax, the ITV announcer blathers on within seconds. Isn’t it time somebody took a stand and put an end to this universally reviled habit? This Touch of Frost, A episode contains mild swear words, adult dialogue regarding child sexual abuse and gory and unpleasant scenes. Classified 15 by BBFC. Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over. Links Previous episode: True Confessions

Kirikou et la sorcière (1998, Movie) – 8/10 review

Director: Michel Ocelot In collaboration with: Raymond Burlet Writer Based on West African themes: Michel Ocelot Doudou Gueye Thiaw: Kirikou enfant Maimouna N’diaye: La mère Awa Sène Sarr: Karaba Robert Lionsol: Le sage dans la montagne

Kirikou et la sorcière aka Kirikou and the Sorceress (1998) Kirikou is pretty unusual for a baby. Firstly, he makes his own way out of the womb, walking and talking, cutting his own umbilical and informing his mother of his name. These are just the start of his great deeds as he proceeds to involve himself in a dispute his village is having with a local sorceress who has cut off their nearest water supply and is eating all the men sent to stop her. 8/10 Rather brilliant animated movie telling the story of a baby hero. However, put all thought of the horror of Baby Geniuses out of your mind, this is a charming master work, enthralling and entertaining. You know Kirikou’s going to be a bit special when he lets himself out of the womb and announces his own name. Michel Ocelot designs, writes and directs with a wonderful lightness of touch and instantly brings us into the story despite or, probably, because of, the unique opening scene mentioned above. He successfully evokes an African feel with his striking design choices and unblinking lack of coyness, something you feel would have afflicted an American production. A joy. This movie contains continual non-sexual nudity. Classified U by BBFC. Universal: Suitable for All. Links Official web site

Sunshine 1.03 (2008, TV) – 8/10 review

Steve Coogan: Bing Bernard Hill: George Lisa Millett: Bernadette Dominic Senior: Joe Writer: Craig Cash Writer: Phil Mealey Producer: John Rushton Director: Craig Cash Phil Mealey: Andy Craig Cash: Bob Executive Producer: Craig Cash Executive Producer: Phil Mealey

Sunshine 1.03 Sunshine Season 1 Episode 3 (2008) Making the breakthrough of realising he needs and asking for help, Bing setts off on the road to recovery. George is thrilled to see his son begin to turn things around before his anticipated demise but doesn’t stop trying to help with every last breath. 8/10 Nice climax to a good mini-series marked by good humour, recognisable humanity and convincing acting. There’s always the concern that filmmakers these days will always choose the darker outcome but Craig Cash and Phil Mealey resist that temptation and instead provide an uplifting, if emotional, ending. Though it didn’t draw a terribly big audience for the time slot, this has been a high quality show for the BBC and, unusually and applaudably, has a distinct lack of objectionable material (there’s no sex, no violence, and only occasional mild bad language). Classified PG by BBFC. Parental Guidance. Links Previous episode