The Duchess (2008)

A chronicle of the life of 18th-century aristocrat Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, who was reviled for her extravagant political and personal life.

Beautifully photographed and staged period drama with a well selected cast may a bit short in conveying its protagonists' motives, but does succeed in emphasizing their tragedy.

Maltin**1/2: "Knightley is well cast as Georgiana Spencer...Vivid, well-appointed yet somewhat heavy-handed adaptation...Knightley and especially Fiennes are excellent but the film lacks a certain spark."

The Sweeney (2012)

A hardened detective in the Flying Squad of London's Metropolitan police.

Like the TV series it is based on, a tough and politically shady crime thriller; all around professionally made, but targeted to fans of the genre.

Cassandra's Dream (2007)

 
Two brothers with serious financial woes become enemies, when a third party proposes they turn to crime, and things go badly.

Seamless production, presented as if it were an experimental set-up, simulating depth where there is none.

Maltin**: "Well-intention but flawed - and far too predictable - morality play...Allen deals with issues similar to those he explored more successfully in CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS." 

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

A rejected military soldier transforms into Captain America after taking a dose of a "Super-Soldier serum", but being Captain America comes at a price as he attempts to take down a war monger and a terrorist organization.

Fairly entertaining comic-book adaptation with some good period detail; thankfully, the original's unflattering patriotism is toned down, and the villain is not the Third Reich itself, but a renegade madman Über-Nazi.

Maltin**1/2: "First half of this period piece is good fun, but story loses its thrust and doesn't even provide an honest ending. Evans is quite good in the title role; visual effects turn him into a puny version of himself for the early scenes."