Memento (DVD)

A
Gripping, puzzling but ultimately satisfying thriller which relies on viewer perception to alter and twist the plotline as it gradually and tantalisingly unravels.

Die Hard 4 (Cinema)

C
Once disbelief is suspended, the movie succeeds in it's purpose, which is to entertain and amuse.

Crash (DVD)

B
As single segments the scenes in this film are successful but when pieced together the message they are trying to convey is confused.

Tell No One (Cinema)

B-
Pacey and sharp thriller.

1984 (Novel)

A
 A remarkably accurate and well written dystopian vision

Brothers in Arms (DS)

C+
A remarkable technical achievement, pushing a solid 3D engine that is unrivalled on the platfrom at a stable framerate.  Plays well on the most part but is hampered by it's linearity and structured design that removes any freedom and makes progression a case of moving from marker to marker.

The Rub Rabbits (DS)

D+

Amps up the number of minigames compared to it's predecessor but the quality takes a significant hit as a result. This leaving a final product that has a quirky style and plot with little substance and some fun sections balanced by twice as many poor ones.

A
Brilliant shooter that brings nothing new to the genre but refines and improves everything to near perfection.

Pirates of the Carribean: At Worlds End (Cinema)

C
Enjoyable romp that proves superior to most threequals of late. Focuses more on action than humour which proves to be a poor choice.

The Maltese Falcon (DVD)

B-
Enjoyable, well written and paced but somewhat light hearted for what is supposed to be Noir.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii)

A
Excellent art design, characters and dungeons. Provides the high standard that is expected of a Zelda title and that alone. While everything provided is sublime, Twilight Princess fails to advance the series significantly and merely refines everything on offer to a point where it is so perfect that it can feel a little stale at times.

The Constant Gardener (DVD)

A
Brilliantly paced, gripping, thought provoking film that manages to be both poignant and topical.

Hotel Dusk (DS)

B+
Sharp writing, excellent character development and stylistic artwork make this game although the gameplay does become stagnant after extended play and the plot doesn't tie enough loose ends

Pan's Labyrinth (DVD)

 A+
Brilliantly realised exploration of mystical fantasy contrasted with the harshness of civil war. Imaginative, beautiful and dark.

The History Boys (DVD)

C-
Sharp and funny but also absurb and stupendously unrealistic. Should be seen on the stage.
 

300 (cinema)

C
Enjoyable, poorly acted, mindless fun. Wonderful visuals and battle sequences.

 

World War Z (Book)

C+
Entertaining book that manages to be both ridiculous and meticulously well planned and researched.
 

Brokeback Mountain (DVD)

B-
First half is dull but later becomes a moving, subtle film with excellent acting and a suberb soundtrack.
 

Shaun of the Dead (DVD)

A
Hilarious film with a host of references and sendoffs and a solid plot. Carefully put together and scripted and while jokes don't fly as fast as in Hot Fuzz those that do fall are superior and funnier.
 

300 (Graphic Novel)

B
Beautiful, sprawling artwork with a inspiring if simple and short plot.
 

The Shining (DVD)

B-
Precisely and expertly directed but Nicholson's role is overacted and more humourous than scary.

 

Hot Fuzz (Cinema)

A
Consistently hilarious series of jokes and set pieces strung together with a solid plot.
 

Shindler's List (DVD)

A
Brilliant, moving film with solid acting and subtle direction.

 

Elite Beat Agents (DS)

B-
Excellent gameplay but lacks the charm and style of Ouendan. Poor songs too.
 

Kororinpa (Wii)

C-
Relatively fun competive single player but there is little length or depth. Decent Rental.
 

Sin City - The Hard Goodbye (Graphic Novel)

B+
Strong main character and compelling storyline combine with stylised art to make a well rounded graphic novel.
 

Wario Ware Smooth Moves ( Wii)

 C-
Novel and intuitive controls but the appeal wears thin quickly. With a 2 hour lifespan and mediocre multiplayer, Smooth Moves doesn't bring much to a series that is losing its appeal.

Seven Samurai (DVD)

 A-
While slow at first, the film eventually gains pace and leads into a fitting finale with excellent cinematography and character development along the way.

Psycho (DVD)

A-
Tense but dated thriller with strong characters and a unexpected finale.