Latest releases reviewed.
THE KING
Directed by James Marsh. Starring Gael Garcia Bernal, William Hurt, Laura Harring, Pell James, Paul Dano. 18 cert
***
Bernal effectively plays a wholly amoral young man confronting the evangelist father (William Hurt) who rejected him as a baby. There is no place for dramatic compromise or cosy resolution in this handsome film's bleak, disturbing outlook. Michael Dwyer
THE WILD
Directed by Steve 'Spaz' Williams. Voices of Kiefer Sutherland, Jim Belushi, Eddie Izzard, Janeane Garofalo, William Shatner, Richard Kind G cert
**
Pixar's Cars may have been something of a disappointment, but it looks like a masterpiece when set beside this clumsy, uninspired comedy from the company's stable-mates at Disney. Telling the same story as Madagascar - animals in Central Park Zoo escape for the wild - the picture does feature some impressive animation. But that's not nearly enough. - Donald Clarke
PRIME
Directed by Ben Younger. Starring Meryl Streep, Uma Thurman, Bryan Greenberg, Jon Abrahams, Zak Orth, Jerry Adler 15A cert
**
Streep, a Jewish psychiatrist, is appalled to discover that her own son is the hot toy-boy her patient (Thurman) has been describing in their sessions. Allusions to Antonioni and a comparatively downbeat ending suggest this dumb film - issued here with basic extras - thinks itself a class above the average romantic comedy. The reverse is the case. Donald Clarke
DISTRICT 13/BANLIEU 13
Directed by Pierre Morel. Starring Denis Belle, Cyril Raffaelli, Tony D'Amario, Bibi Naceri 15A cert
****
Adrenaline-pumping action-thriller set in 2010, in a ghettoised area of Paris where crime is out of control. Getting back to basics and eschewing CGI-driven effects, the movie is brimful of energy and features dazzling, gravity-defying feats performed with elan and balletic grace. Michael Dwyer
