The latest releases reviewed
BREAKFAST ON PLUTO *****
Directed by Neil Jordan. Starring Cillian Murphy, Liam Neeson, Stephen Rea, Brendan Gleeson, Gavin Friday, Ruth Negga, Laurence Kinlan, Ian Hart, Ruth McCabe, Eva Birthistle, Liam Cunningham, Bryan Ferry 15 cert
In Jordan's second collaboration with novelist Patrick McCabe, Murphy is quite remarkable as Patrick "Kitten" Braden, a young transvestite from an Irish border town. In the tradition of Candide, Kitten is an eternal optimist whose good nature is rewarded in the unexpectedly beautiful resolution of a film that is as uproariously funny as it is dramatically jolting.
JARHEAD **
Directed by Sam Mendes. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Jamie Foxx, Lucas Black, Chris Cooper 18 cert
The latest Mendes movie is most persuasive in capturing the boredom of US marines as they repeat their humdrum daily routine for weeks on end while waiting in the Saudi desert for the first Gulf War to start. However, repetition and boredom do not make for arresting cinema.
UNDERTOW ****
Directed by David Gordon Green. Starring Jamie Bell, Dermot Mulroney, Josh Lucas, Devon Alan 18 cert
Undeservedly passed over for cinema release here, Green's compelling and stylish third feature (after George Washington and All the Real Girls)is a taut, atmospheric Gothic thriller set in the sweltering sunshine of the American Deep South. Billy Elliott star Bell is remarkable as a feisty, resourceful teen, the older of two brothers on the run with a cache of gold coins - and a menacing uncle (Lucas) in pursuit.
FLIGHT 93 ***
Directed by Peter Markle. Starring Jeffrey Nordling, Brennan Elliot 12 cert
While we await the June release of the Paul Greengrass cinema film on the same theme, this is a well-above-average US TV movie that sets out to recreate what happened aboard the 9/11 plane that did not hit its target because the passengers fought back. Markle's treatment is lean, efficient and gripping, and his film benefits from featuring a capable cast of unfamiliar actors.
