Boy A, John Crowley, 2007

Sentimental and overwrought in stretches, Crowley's pleasantly small film is a mostly successful, and most unqiue, coming of age drama.

Redbelt, David Mamet, 2008

Mamet's martial arts drama, much like previous genre exercise Heist, suffers from a narrative that while excellent in fits and starts, is ultimately unbalanced, unfocused, and fussy.

Zoo, Robinson Devor, 2007

Self-described by the filmmakers as a "thought experiment," Devor and screenwriter Charles Mudede's stark investigation of/meditation on a controversial 2005 bestiality incident can scarcely be termed documentary. While the director's construction is unquestionably artful it is likewise ethically suspect.

Splinter, Toby Wilkins, 2008

Wilkins' Romero-inspired thriller struggles to maintain a paper-thin premise over its 90 minute running time. The film does, however, dole out its considerable chills apltly and efficiently.

Un conte de Noel (Christmas Tale), Arnaud Desplechin, 2008

Desplechin's domestic epic is a glorious tangle of neuroses and insinuations, all accented by the director's strange, staccato rhythms. Thankfully, Desplechin's dysfunctional Vuillard clan is not so precious, hopeless, or insufferable as the creations of stateside contemporaries Noah Baumbach and the like.

Ladies And Gentlemen The Fabulous Stains, Lou Adler, 1981

Pop music impresario Lou Adler's rock n roll satire, newly available on DVD, is wildly uneven but nonetheless entertaining. A young Ray Winstone and an even younger Diane Lane deliver performances that, while at times awkward, hint at their future successes.