60-second cinema

7 out of 10 Western adventure with a difference. Tommy Lee Jones carries out a promise to bury his best friend back in his home town, after he was killed unlawfully and by mistake by the US Mexican border patrol. I liked it, but there again I like Westerns; apart from the stories, one of the attractions is the scenery: wonderful landscapes of wide open spaces (not necessarily in this particular film).

8 out of 10 Feasible story of ex-military man searching for his apparently awol son. Despite bureaucracy and lies, he discovers how over-zealous horseplay combined with brutalised sensitivities of armed forces result in his son's death. Wonderfully underplayed by Tommy Lee Jones in his usual manner. Not a lot of laughs in this one, but a decent film nonetheless.

8 out of 10 True story of a young man disillusioned with the material world who decides to live with nature in Alaska. He leaves the home of his parents whom he sees as less than perfect (aren't we all?), and travels around the US doing various jobs to get together enough money to buy provisions to enable him to live frugally on meagre rations and with what nature can provide in the wilds of Alaska. Tragic ending for a good but anguished young man who eventually comes to terms with life, but is felled by illness and hence starvation; he is found by hunters two weeks too late.

6 out of 10 Ambitious and ruthless oil man pursues his goal to succeed, while hoping that others fail. His only redeeming feature, as far as I am concerned, is that he is a non-believer. His endeavours and cunning bring him wealth, but ultimately he is alone.

1 out of 10 Disney treacle. Enough said. Viewed in the company of my eight year old granddaughter, who thought it was lovely.

9 out of 10 Film about East German Stasi before the fall of the Berlin wall. Totally captivating as the story progresses from spying to wanting to help those being spied upon. I liked it a lot and would say it’s recommended viewing. Catch it if you can.

8 out of 10 Story of 3 mates and son carrying out the last wishes of friend and father to scatter his ashes. As the four men become more lubricated, good times are recalled as well as past grievances, sadness and human failings. The good humour keeps it from being too downbeat. Thoroughly enjoyable film.

5 out of 10 Story about the brutal life of immigrants to the US, and bad feeling towards the Irish ones. It was OK, but went on for too long. Not a film to lift the spirits.

8 out of 10 Drugs deal gone wrong, lots of dead bodies. Holds your attention well, wondering where the next bit of blood and guts will come. {Rapt attention from the (Orange) Wednesday afternoon audience, apart from the usual incontinence sufferers shuffling in and out and the odd student checking his mobile phone for texts!} The psycho chasing the money is well menacing; wouldn't like to come face to face with him on a dark night. Good film.

8 out of 10 A gentle friendship story (as opposed to love story) about an Irish busker/vacuum cleaner repair man and a Czech mum of one living in Ireland with her mother and baby daughter. Both have past relationships which seem to have gone astray, but maybe not forever... Good music; entertaining story. I liked it.

9 out of 10 Documentary-style film accompanying the Icelandic band Sigur Ros on a series of free concerts at various venues in their homeland, at the end of a world tour. I enjoyed watching this film. The music was different to what I normally listen to, sounding almost like whale noises at times; good background music to relax with. The band members all showed great enthusiasm and respect for their music; a nice bunch of youngsters. The photography showed the stark and beautiful landscape to good effect — no touristy bits of people in hot springs. The venues went from large concert halls to small village halls, and some were outdoors, everyone was welcome, young and old, and the children's faces were a delight to see. I left the cinema happy and pleased to have seen this film.