At the Movies

by Esther McCarthy

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Movies of the Week

PRECIOUS (15A) starstarstarstarstar

CLARICE 'PRECIOUS' JONES is pregnant for the second time by her father and living with her monstrous mother, so the future's not looking bright. But when a teacher takes an interest in her, Precious sees an opportunity to break the grim cycle.

A must-see, thiswill feature amongst 2010's finest films and the performances are superb - especially from lead actress Gabby Sidibe and US comic Mo'Nique.

EDGE OF DARKNESS (15A) starstarstar

WHEN a top detective's daughter is brutally killed at his home, his colleagues assume that the bullet was meant for him.

But he's not convinced and starts to investigate the case and her job in a nuclear power plant. Mel Gibson's first leading role in a movie in eight years isn't the jittery business thriller it aims to be.

BROTHERS (15A) starstarstarstar

WHEN a Marine goes missing in action in Afghanistan, his troubled brother supports his grieving family with consequences that
rock all of them. A slow-burning drama rather than a pacey thriller, Irish director Jim Sheridan has coaxed strong performances from his cast which includes Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal and Natalie Portman.

THE BOYS ARE BACK (12A) starstarstar

CLIVE OWEN plays against type to impressive effect as a sports journalist forced into single parenthood by the death of his wife.

Solid rather than spectacular, this is nevertheless a likeable exploration of a father/son relationship which just stays on the right side of mawkishness.

UP IN THE AIR (15A) starstarstarstar

GEORGE CLOONEY shines as an executive who flies around America firing people in this thoughtful, witty comedy/drama from Juno director Jason Reitman.

His solo lifestyle is threatened when he crosses paths with a company junior (Anna Kendrick) and a sexy new woman (Vera Farmiga).

An entertaining movie that doesn't beat you over the head with its own sense of worthiness.

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