The Hi-Lo Country (1998)

Two cowboys have their friendship tested when they fall for the same girl.

Revisionist Western is beautifully made, especially concerning cinematography and score and the male lead performances, and the depiction of the buddy friendship works, but the romances don't convince at all.

Halliwell*: "Elegiac, overlong movie of the decline of Western traditions that occasionally hints at more complex matters, of men trapped by their own situation, before settling for nostalgia."

Maltin**1/2: "A paean to the cowboy way of life and the joys of true friendship, this film has so much going for it (including Harrelson's terrific performance and Oliver Stapleton's cinematography) that it's a shame it doesn't hit the bull's-eye...and Arquette is so dull."

Pitch Black (2000)

A group of marooned space travelers struggle for survival on a seemingly lifeless sun-scorched world.

Above-average sci-fi thriller with some atmospheric visuals.

On renewed viewing: I must admit it's not a masterpiece but a guilty pleasure of mine.

Halliwell (no star): "Essentially a 'B' movie with a few pretensions, this delivers its shocks efficiently enough, but is otherwise in need of a better script and a bigger budget."

Maltin**: "Ambitious, but formulaic sci-fi/horror film...Some exciting scenes and effects, but weighed down by a feeling of deja vu."