Che: Part One – 2008 – Steven Soderbergh

The first in a two part biopic based on Ernesto Guevara’s writings, this is possibly the most tedious film you’ll see in 2009. Dull, overwrought and intractable it’s as if Soderbergh is punishing the audience for tacitly accepting Che as a fashion icon emblazoned on a million white T-Shirts. JJ

Elizabeth: The Golden Age – 2007 – Shekhar Kapur

Queen Elizabeth versus the Spanish Armada. The Queen (Cate Blanchett) is resplendent – Philip II of Spain is lame and stupid. Enter Sir Walter Raleigh -half Tarzan, half Superman – kamikazes the Spanish fleet. Wooden dialogue – waste of seven quid.
Mario Alemi

Into the Wild – 2007 – Sean Penn

Most men like their money; the odd one prefers wild berries. Sean Penn brings to the silver screen the beguiling true story of ‘Alexander Supertramp’ who turned his back on civilisation, for a peripatetic and often penniless existence. Drawn out but beautifully shot with a soulful soundtrack. Therapy in celluloid.
JJ