Crash

Crash; Stellar performances by many (notably Cheadle) can’t save this film from its misguided examination of racism using a soft lens. The movie means well but doesn’t dig deep enough to provide a true meaningful examination yet isn’t very subtle about its intentions either; B-

Escape From Planet Earth

Escape From Planet Earth; Entirely predictable yet new at the same time. Seen it all before but still entertains (kids more than adults); B-

Gods and Monsters

Gods and Monsters; In one of those instances where Hollywood romanticises its past by making a feature about one of its own, Gods and Monsters succeeds. But what really puts it into a category of its own is the love at which the subject in question, director James Whale, is handled. Played beautifully by McKellen (in a truly Oscar worthy performance), Whale comes off not unlike his most famous work, Frankenstein, and his monster. Misunderstood by the industry, and all those around him, Whale is cast as an outsider. His open homosexuality adds further to his alienation and bewilderment in his final years. Fraser and Redgrave are magnificent supporting McKellen's performance as the only two who truly get to know him. Wonderful portrait of an artist in his later years; B