Gemini Man (2019)

 

 

An over-the-hill hitman faces off against a younger clone of himself. 

 

Run-of-the-mill star vehicle with lots of well-made action sequences, but hardly any depth to the plot, which is quite astonishing for its director.

Anon (2018)

In a world without anonymity or crime, a detective meets a woman who threatens their security.

Although transporting an in-the-face message warning of the increasing grip of cyberspace onto everyday life, this sci-fi tale has great style and atmosphere, and Owen and Seyfried are convincing in the lead roles.

Greenfingers (2000)

A prison inmate with a green thumb goes on to compete in a national gardening competition.

Likeable, but unremarkable comedy drama.

Halliwell (no star): "Corny comedy of an isolated group of macho men gaining self-respect in an unexpected way; it is loosely based on a true story but has little connection with reality."

Maltin**1/2: "Minor but diverting film...A bit too pat, but pleasant."

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)

A dark force threatens Alpha, a vast metropolis and home to species from a thousand planets. Special operatives Valerian and Laureline must race to identify the marauding menace and safeguard not just Alpha, but the future of the universe.

Surprisingly coherent and entertaining sci-fi yarn with an abundance of visual ideas and effects; needn't fear comparison with similar Star Wars productions.

Inside Man (2006)

A police detective, a bank robber, and a high-power broker enter high-stakes negotiations after the criminal's brilliant heist spirals into a hostage situation.

Intelligently assembled heist story with some new twists, spiced with some humor, but outstays its welcome and fails to excite much.

Maltin***: "Clever reinvention of a bank-heist story...Laced with uniquely New York-flavored moments of humor and character riffs, though it overplays its hand and goes on too long. Foster brings no color whatsoever to her role as a high-stakes power broker."

Killer Elite (2011)

When his mentor is taken captive by a disgraced Arab sheik, a killer-for-hire is forced into action to kill three members of Britain's elite Special Air Service responsible for the death of his sons.

Competent action-thriller that somehow doesn't compel with its overladen plot.

Maltin**1/2: "Rugged, well-actedactioner raises intriguing questions about morality and abuse of power, only to abandon them in favor of the usual slam-bang Stathem heroics."

Shadow Dancer (2012)

In 1990s Belfast an active member of the IRA becomes an informant for MI5 in order to protect her son's welfare.

Intense, well made with a good cast, the movie doesn't really add any new insight into the North Ireland conflict.

Maltin**1/2: "Good direction and acting, especially by Riseborough, but slow and studied, with snatches of dry suspense."