46: PUBLIC ENEMIES

The long awaited next Michael Mann movie - love his stuff and with Depp and Bale starring, it can't go wrong.

The inevitable comparisons to Heat can be made (and there are a few similarities) but Mann's latest is an entertaining and beautifully shot movie in its own right. As is Mann's style, he takes his time, scenes playing out at their own pace; the movie simmers. This is a movie that entertains the brain cells and will hold up to repeat viewings - a beautifully constructed and captivating telling of John Dillinger's life as Public Enemy No. 1. To appreciate not only Depp, Bale, et al and Mann's subtle direction, but also the crystal clear digital photography - go see it on the big screen, if it isn't too late. The worst thing is: having to wait for Mann's next one!!

8.5 out of 10

45: THE PRIVATE LIVES OF PIPPA LEE

Again Haymarket gets a look in - it's one of the Cineworld cinemas that seem to show movies on limited release (and these are the movies that I find most enjoyable). This particular movie was outside my usual viewing remit, but it was deemed worth a go.

Another dose of memorable performances in a similar vein to Fireflies. Most notable: Alan Arkin, Winona Ryder and Maria Bello. Entertaining story. I came to conclusion that even though Kenau Reeves's character is the self confessed asshole, Arkin's Herb Lee is the true baddie of the piece: manipulative, selfish and cruel. Up to you to see it and agree/disagree.

7 out of 10

44: STATE OF PLAY

Three more movies (excluding this one) and I will be up to date. Saw this a while back at Haymarket - the cinema with the pillar in line of sight of the screen.

This movie had potential to be a thought provoking political thriller but turned out to be a by-the-numbers "so what" type of movie with a flimsy ending. Russell Crowe is always good but the rest, excluding Jason Bateman, are mediocre. Even the ever reliable Helen Mirren doesn't rate - forced to utter cockney rhyming slang and other wince inducing lines to remind the audience she's English. TV series is supposed to be better, so I'd stick with that.

5 out of 10

43: AUSTRALIA

Another retro post - this one at Wandsworth around the start of the year. Expecting big things - Jackman, Kidman, Australia and Baz.

It looks beautiful and it's fun spotting the Aussie actors, like Bryan Brown and Jack Thompson, but ultimately, Baz's Aussie movie behemoth disappoints. Nicole is not very good at all, the magnificent Aussie sunsets are "green screened" and there are too many endings (a la Lord of the Rings). The movie fails to reach the epic proportions it strives for.

6 out of 10

42: FIREFLIES IN THE GARDEN

Risked going to Haymarket Cineworld, probably their worst cinema - strange shaped rooms, uncomfortable seats - but this time around, I ended up in the main room for the first time (usually used for theatre) and it was much better.

A character driven, thought provoking drama with plenty of tension. The cast is brilliant - Ryan Reynolds showing off his 'serious' acting skills; Emily Watson, Julia Roberts and Carrie Ann Moss playing strong female roles; and the always scary Willem Dafoe perfecting the potrayal of an evil human being. Great drama without the theatrics.

7 out of 10

41: QUANTUM OF SOLACE

Another retrospective entry; one day I'll catch up with my blog posts, you just watch me.

Not as good as Casino Royale and comments about lack of substance have some merit - it is action packed from the start, moving ever so swiftly, so much so that plot and characters tend to trail behind. But they are there, and have enough presence to make this a worthwhile entry in the reign of Daniel Craig. Wets the appetite for the next one.

6 out of 10