A lot has been said about how much darker Prince Caspian is over its predecessor (The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe), and that it is.  But what gets lost within this observation is how much more assured and polished this outing is as well.  As if released from the burden of fitting this material for children, Andrew Adamson has crafted what is essentially a Jacobean fairy tale, managed with clever writing and a few lighthearted moments, and methodically punctuated with a marvelous climax.

Hi Roger,

It's unusual that you've decided to review a movie that hasn't been released (as I believe it is your policy not to review those at film festivals, e.g. Cannes), just as it is unusual that I'm promoting it, virtually undercutting my future one.  But reading your review of Indy 4 shows that you've given in to your enthusiasm, being an admirer of Spielberg work (just as I am of yours and his).  Your stamp of approval is greatly reassuring.

All the best with your recovery.  If only we could receive those film reels at home the way you must have.

What on Earth were the Wachowski brothers smoking?  That's pretty much all I could think about after seeing Speed Racer, a film that blows its wad over CGI (the film's budget was $120 million), and yet feels so spectacularly cheap.  Despite its dazzling visual assault and actors' brave (but thankless) performances, the movie is essentially a two hour Hot Wheels commercial.

Iron Man is Marvel's answer to Batman.  Both are gazillionaires who pour their immense fortune (obtained from weaponry) to fund their personal crusades.  Both wield no "super powers".  Both are haunted by loss and are driven by such trauma to save humanity from itself.  But whereas Bruce Wayne's life-mission is to exact vengeance on wrongdoers, Tony Stark aims to have sinful fun while saving the world.  He's not as focused, but he makes up for it with his technological genius.