9 (2009)

"An interesting experiment that doesn’t quite survive the conversion from short to long format."

American Teen (2008)

"Anyone who doesn’t like it can stay behind after class."

Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2009)

"This documentary about a Canadian heavy metal trying to regain their fame in their 50s is hilarious and heartbreaking."

The Boat That Rocked (2009)

"At its best, this is as engaging, funny and warmly moving as Richard Curtis’s finest work."

Bruno (2009)

"With as many gasps as laughs, and arguably less pleasurable than Borat, Brüno succeeds by sheer dint of Cohen’s unrivalled ability to conceive, and then bravely enact, the most jawdropping stunts imaginable."

Carriers (2009)

"The anti-Zombieland – a darker, more intense look at humanity."

The Class (2008)

"Don't let the aura of subtitles and arthouse put you off - this is probably the finest schoolroom drama ever made."

Coraline (2009)

"Endlessly inventive and impeccably realised, it’s tough to find fault with this freaky, feisty fable."

The Descent: Part 2 (2009)

"A claustrophobic, creepy popcorn flick that compensates for predictable scares with deliciously disgusting moments involving a whole spectrum of bodily fluids."

District 9 (2009)

"Who knew that a movie that begins like an Apartheid spin on Brazilian ghetto drama City Of God, then mutates into The Fly, would wind up pushing some emotional buttons in a way reminiscent of ET?"

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

"Anderson's recent films The Life Aquatic and The Darjeeling Limited suffered in terms of story. The switch to animation, and the benefit of a plotline borrowed from a master storyteller, have recharged his creative batteries."

Funny People (2009)

"There's loads to enjoy in this defiantly maturing comedy drama from one of the few directors powerful enough to get such a film made."

Gran Torino (2008)

"Relentlessly gripping, wryly funny yet profoundly moving – another movie masterclass from Clint."

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

"After the clumsy storytelling and hollow action of some of this summer’s Hollywood blockbusters, Yates’ latest Potter is a shining beacon of quality."

The Hurt Locker (2009)

"A stunningly realistic, thrillingly intense depiction of extraordinary men carrying out one of the toughest jobs imaginable, graced with a knockout performance by relative unknown Renner."

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

"Tarantino likes action, but more than anything he likes seeing actors delivering the dialogue he wrote for them. In the case of the surprising, original Inglourious Basterds, we are happy to indulge him."

Is Anybody There? (2009)

"Whether by accident or design, Is Anybody There? shares its youthful lead and ‘80s setting with funny, inventive Son Of Rambow. It hasn’t emerged from its shadow."

Julie & Julia (2009)

"Hollywood, famously, makes few movies aimed at older females because young men are much easier to satisfy. Julie & Julia is that rare film targeted at your mum, but we think you’ll enjoy it too."

Last Chance Harvey (2008)

"They don't often make romances like this, so tell your mum - or granny!"

Me and Orson Welles (2009)

"Zac confidently takes another few steps away from the Wildcats of East High in an amiable showcase for his talents."

Monsters vs. Aliens (2009)

"DreamWorks Animation tries something new, but we prefer its talking-animal comedies Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda."

Nativity!

"Sweet, funny, bags of charm: Outnumbered meets Britain’s Got Talent, with added Christmas."

Observe and Report (2009)

"Often more funny peculiar than funny ha-ha, this cult flick will offend and baffle plenty an audience member."

Outlander (2009)

"Outlandish would have been a better title for a film that's great fun and quite exciting before eventually outstaying its welcome."

The Private Lives of Pippa Lee (2009)

"A quirky look at women, family and Keanu’s bod (still hot). Satisfyingly meatier than your standard chick flick."