The Manchurian Candidate (2004)

In the midst of the Gulf War, soldiers are kidnapped and brainwashed for sinister purposes.

Intelligent remake of a classic, a joy to watch.

On renewed viewing: Nice-looking remake of a classic political satire updates the message and otherwise has its credentials in all departments, but the good work doesn't have the original's edge.

Maltin**1/2: "Remake of a genuinely great film puts an intriguing, modern spin on the depiction of backroom power brokers but lacks the chilling edge - and starkness - that marked the original."

The Manchurian Candidate (1962)

A former prisoner of war is brainwashed as an unwitting assassin for an international Communist conspiracy.

Highly effective and suspenseful thriller about a mad political scheme that nowadays doesn't seem as unlikely as it did to its contemporaries; direction, script and cast are all top-notch.

Halliwell****: "Insanely plotted but brilliantly handled spy thriller, a mixture of Hitchcock, Welles and All the King's Men."

Maltin***1/2: "Tingling political paranoia thriller...Harrowing presentation..."