THE BEST KIND OF OVERDOSE

I HAVE just been on what you might call a celluloid bender.

Since my last blog on Thursday I've seen 16 new movies and here's the rundown, hit-pickers...

I must say, Geoff Thompson's Clubbed is a powerful movie about finding your inner strength by conquering your fears.

There's some fascinating location shots of Birmingham, too. Shame it's not out till January but it's good to see Coventry-based Geoff putting the Midlands on the map.

Lakeview Terrace... that Samuel L Jackson is one towering performer even in a neighbourhood drama that's as daft as this one.

What Just Happened... great to see Robert De Niro back on real form. Can't believe director Barry Levinson is, too. After the likes of An Everlasting Piece (2000), this is the first decent movie he's made since Wag The Dog in 1997.

Choke... Sam Rockwell finds a bizarre way to win sympathy. And, in so doing, returns to the sort of form that made 1997's Lawn Dogs such a watchable movie.

Gonzo... a bit long, but a fascinating biopic of writer Hunter S Thompson all the same.

Anvil! The Story of Anvil... a heavy metal documentary that will almost move you to tears! No kidding! This film rocks!!

Inkheart... a bookish drama for children. Not as good as Stardust or Spiderwick, but better than your average dragon movie. Not sure what Helen Mirren's doing in there, though. And on a horse!

Body of Lies... I'm not convinced that constantly working with Ridley Scott is doing Russell Crowe's career any good (if he gets any fatter he'll be the next Marlon Brando for all of the wrong reasons). But Leonardo DiCaprio is enjoying himself again in a Middle East drama that's really well made feels a shade too familiar (as well as being implausible and politically dangerous).

Slumdog Millionaire... a cracking thriller set in Mumbai around the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

It's great to see Trainspotting director Danny Boyle enjoying himself so much again. This movie is as colourful as it is energetic and the local kids are superb.

Danny told me over the weekend that movies must be like childbirth for women. He reckons there seems to be some sort of chemical release which makes directors forget how painful the last one was. By the way, he'd also like you to know how chuffed he is that Bury are doing so well in League Two.

Surveillance... you really don't want to know how bad this new Bill Pullman film is. It puts the fil-th in fil-m and was directed by Jennifer Lynch (Boxing Helena), the daughter of David Lynch. Yuk!

The Baader Meinhof Complex... a violent German thriller which is fast-paced despite its 150-minute running time. Leaves a lot of questions unanswered, though.

Easy Virtue... a cracking Noel Coward adaptation with Jessica Biel giving Kristin Scott Thomas a run for her money. Look out for Ben Barnes, the young lead in the recent Narnia film. This comedy proves he's cut out for the big time... and why veteran romcom star Colin Firth is looking after him by keeping in regular touch.

Ghost Town... Ricky Gervais has his biggest crack yet at the Hollywood gold mine. And, once again, he seems to be play himself right down to his latest floss joke. Well, he is a dentist in this one with Greg Kinnear co-starring.

Burn After Reading... the new Coen Bros movie is great fun, but not as brilliant as they might like you to think it is. The big-name cast includes George Clooney, Frances McDormand and Brad Pitt. Doesn't surpass the Oscar-winning No Country For Old Men, though.

Sex Drive... is a ridiculous teen comedy that's often very, very funny and, like the original American Pie, surprisingly sweet. It also outperforms There's Something About Mary in one scene and AC/DC fans will love the soundtrack.

Igor... a new animation for children with voices including John Cleese. No great shakes, but children aged six to nine should really enjoy its mixture of science and evil. Might be a bit dark for anyone younger.

Just another action-packed weekend, then, with lots more eagerly-anticipated movies like 007's Quantum of Solace and High School Musical 3 to come before the year ends.

Watch out for the full reviews in the Birmingham Mail in the weeks ahead.