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.