Latest video releases reviewed
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS ****
Directed by Peter Berg. Starring Billy Bob Thornton, Derek Luke, Jay Hernandez, Lucas Black 12A cert
With all the terrible films released this year about American sports coaches, they had to get at least one right. Here it is. This true story of a high school football team's attempt to win the Texas state pennant is gratifyingly violent and impressively ugly. The DVD features some interesting material on the team that inspired the story. Donald Clarke
THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY ***
Directed by Garth Jennings. Starring Martin Freeman, Mos Def, Sam Rockwell, Zooey Deschanel, Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy, John Malkovich 12A cert
The film version of Douglas Adams's radio show has much to recommend it. The English cast is excellent and the effects have a nice old-school look to them. However, some of the jokes have dated and there are a few too many Americans about. The commentaries, deleted scenes and games should delight the series' many fanboys. Donald Clarke
TROUBLE WITH SEX ***
Directed by Fintan Connolly. Starring Aidan Gillen, Gerard Mannix Flynn 18 cert
Connolly's mellow romantic drama features the expressive Gillen as a lonely, unattached Dublin bar manager tentatively getting involved with a fast-rising young lawyer radiantly played by Weldon. The consequences are explored and developed with honesty and credibility. Michael Dwyer
