The DVD box promised both heartwarming and bitter sweet. The reality was more of the latter in this rather harrowing, if beautiful and thought provoking film about a young boy who wants to be a girl. It demonstrates prejudice against innocence with a stunning performance from the young lead. (49 words)

Well I've been running this beauty for six months now and boy am I impressed! It's blindingly fast, allows me to run Windows (spit) for work and OS X for the rest of my nerding needs, has great battery life for the train journey and all the connectivity you need. (50 words)

This cartoon, advertised as from the makers of Shrek and a Sharks Tale, was better than the latter but not a patch on the former. Four papmered animals escape the zoo and end up in the wild with some amusing results. Definitely more for the kids than adults. (48 words)

Everybody thinks this is a book about e waste. It's not. It's about how we came to accept the fact that things break all the time and we have to replace them. There's 100 years of fascinating history in this book with good stories about condoms, radio and nylons. Enjoy! (50 words)

You need to be a Madness fan for this album of covers. But if you are you'll love it. Suggs' distinctive voice gives each of the tracks an interesting new twist. You can't mistake the sound of the band and you can't help smiling when you hear them. (48 words)

This Rom-Com should be compared to a truffle...perfectly sweet for a Sunday evening but really rather sickly.Jenifer Lopez and Ralph Feinnes display no chemistry whatsoever but the supporting cast (including Bob Hoskins, Stanley Tucci and one of the Richardson clan) are quite fun. Nice views of New York though! (49 words)

by Veronica Henry. This novel is one of those guilty pleaures which has no great literary merit but at the same time is thoroughly enjoyable. Its well developed story lines follow a variety of characters through trials and tribulations including infidelity and house moving! Pretty good. (46 words)

Suspend your disbelief, take your friends, laugh and cry at this wonderful piece of musical silliness! The singing is of variable quality, but that really doesn't matter if you're in the spirit of things. With a cast who participate with great heart I wanted to 'sing it out loud'. (49 words)

Denzel Washington gives a sterling performance as the washed-up military man given the job of bodyguard to a young girl living in Mexico City. When she is kidnapped he goes on a journey of bloody revenge. Good concept but too many plot holes to make it a five star movie. (50 words)

The award winning documentary about the amazing Philippe Petit who, in 1974, carried out the most fantastically illegal artistic stunt ever: high wire walking between the twin towers in New York. The result is nothing short of awe inspiring - the preparation is almost as good as the result! (49 words)

An eclectic mixture of Latin music tinged by English influences ranging from techno to pop. Huge in South America and Europe but pretty much unknown here. I don't understand why this is so. Well woth a listen. (37 words)

I heard 'Me Gustas Tu' from this album on a promo CD and fell in love with it. Manu Chao plays fusion music at its best - reggae mixed with pop mixed with latin mixed with jazz...and it works. Multi-linugual perfection! Enjoy with a south american beer! (47 words)

I expected a superficial rom com and, while it had many of those enjoyable elements, there was slightly more to this Owen Wilson/ Jennifer Aniston vehicle which looks at compromises people with pets and kids have to make. I'm beginning to see why people want dogs. (46 words)

Never heard of these guys before, but the album is quite catchy, with a couple of strong tracks at the start. It reminds me a bit of Train, and I could easy listen to this one over and over again. (40 words)

To be honest I'm not sure I should review this as I couldn't watch more than half an hour. I thought I can put up with Woody Allen's bizarre directing style just to see Scarlet Johanson but the performance of Rhys Meyers was too much for me, just rubbish. (49 words)

What starts as a fairly standard con-man flick becomes a complex character peice interwoven with a top notch con story. With Ridley Scott, Nick Cage and Sam Rockwell it is a stellar cast. An all round winner. (37 words)

Final part of Matrix trology explains a few story mysteries and has some truly amazing effects but somehow doesn't satisfy (20 words)

Matthew Parris, the ex Parliamentary sketch writer for the Times has written one of the best autobiographies I have ever read. In it he cannot be accused of self-serivce being, in equal measure, self depracating, shockingly honest, funny, moving and, most of all, human. An example for all prospective autobiographers. (50 words)

As your computing world expands backups become essential rather than advisable. This external hard drive covers all the bases with a huge, fast capacity. But the real boon is the connectivity, it offers both USB2 and FireWire so you can connect it to two machines at once. (47 words)

The remaining line-up of the seminal indier than indie rock-n-roll band strutted their stuff in Nottingham with a little help from the lead singer from Mudhoney. Last song on the finale aside, they rocked and reminded us that we still need to be hip to the American Ruse! (48 words)

Bought this after hearing Tyner on radio. Unfortunately, although Tyner is a fantastic player, this is rubbish. It features real virtuosity by Tyner and drummer Billy Hart, but the attempts at experimentation simply don't gel and remind you why you didn't get into jazz earlier. (45 words)

Two leftie activists handed out anti-McDonalds leaflets and got sued for libel by the multi-national in response. I'm torn by a distinct dislike for the whole anti-capitalism angle and the sheer bloody mindedness of the McLibel Two. In the end you have to give them credit for their effort. (49 words)

Not a bad attempt at a teen comedy about how nasty girls are to each other. Realised it must be quite accurate when teenage girls in the toilet afterwards commented that they knew girls just like those in the film! Just not as good as the earlier Heathers. (48 words)

2 hours of acceptable comic mayhem. This sequel sees Gaylord Focker's parents bought into the storyline, with Dustin Hoffman delivering a worthy performance. Typical of so many Stiller films, if you can take another dose of repeated jokes, and the odd excrutiating sequence, you'll appreciate why this is a hit. (50 words)

A hap hazard film set about a boy trying to find his real parents after being abandoned at an orphanage. Not brilliant as the best characters don't get much time to show their skills in singing. Rather predictable and sadly a let down. (43 words)

A very funny comedy worthwhile watching, I didn't stop laughing through the film. This dance crazed take off various films based around the Roman Empire scene has a well known casting and I'd watch it again. It's Sparta! (38 words)

Continuing the story on from "A Year in the Merde" Pol West is setting up his tea shop in Paris while pursuing as much female company as possible. Not as good as the first book but still laugh out loud funny in places. A real change from the usual travelogues. (50 words)

Great film. Cinematogrophy is spectucular. Shooting sequences are one-of-a-kind, making one feel as if they're stuck in the middle of a shoot-out. Reminiscent of Mann's "Heat". Gloomy film that will not appeal to the masses, since the original series was not in this vein. Screw the original. This kicks ass. (50 words)

Absolutely rubish!!! Dont waste your time or money. (8 words)

Movies for the guys, not gona win any oscars! (9 words)

There's no mistaking this for anything other than a Michael Mann film, and to me that's a great thing. Ultra-cool, with atmosphere and stylish cinematography up the wazoo, it rockets along from one extremely loud gunfight to the next. Notably, it features the Barett Light 50 sniper rifle. Snazzy! (49 words)

This is sub-standard airport fodder. The writing was terrible. You increasingly get the impression from his books that they are less a novel and more a set of ideas for a movie or TV show. I suppose I only encourage him by buying the books so I must stop that. (50 words)

The story of Salomon Brothers (the big bond dealers) told by an ex-employee who worked in London and New York during one of the defining times of the 20th century financial world. Throughout, it is interesting, funny, shocking and readable. Populated with Gordon Gekko types and some great annecdotes. (49 words)

If you work in the IT development arena you will have to use MS products (much as you may not want to). Unless you have an MSDN subscription which costs a fortune, there is no reason to miss out on the Action Pack. It has everything a developer could need. (50 words)

Oh dear, oh dear. What a load of bobbins. WIth both Kevin Spacey and John Cusack we had hoped for so much more than this highly confusing drama about life in Savannah. Did Spacey's character kill Jude Law's? There is no conclusion and frankly we don't care anyway. (48 words)

theatre-pohotography.co.uk features a wide range of beautiful theatre rehearsal and production photographs captured by the talented Mike Eddowes, a photographer based in West Sussex, UK. Many stage, TV and music personalities are featured in the portfolios. (36 words)

Considered the most influential jazz album of all time. Why? Because the songs are sweet: harmoniously disharmonious. Because Davis'/Coltrane's/Adderley's/Evans' playing sings out at you. Moreover, because of its perfect simplicity. It's not the only great jazz album, but buy it first. Then see where that takes you. (47 words)

It's not often that a new idea comes along but Alex Tew, a student in England has come up with one. He is selling advertising space on his website - one dollar buys one pixel with a minimum purchase of 100 pixels. Alex is well on his way to riches. (50 words)

This Danny Boyle film aimed at a family audience manages to be heartwarming without being sickly, although it does loose its way a bit towards the end. Basic premise - boy finds lots of money (pounds) just before Britain adopts the Euro and has to spend it quickly. Not bad. (50 words)

Coupland's books are always thought provoking and this is no exception. When a former beauty queen miracolously survives a plane crash she uses it as an opportunity to change a few things. The intertwined stories and movement forward and backward in time can be confusing but it is very enjoyable. (50 words)

JJ Abrams revives the MI franchise with this utterly preposterous but enjoyable romp around the world. Ethan Hunt has retired but Phillip Seymour-Hoffman's baddie has kidnapped his new wife, queue world saving action, leaping off buildings, shooting and fighting. Brainless popcorn fodder and all the better for it. (48 words)

Julia Roberts is Julia Roberts in this coming of age tale about a women's university in the 1950s. Good casting, pleasant story and Kirsten Dunst plays a very good bitch! Not bad (32 words)

Jane Fonda is the real star of this rom com, also starring Jennifer Lopez, about the relationship between two women when one falls for the others son. This has some funny moments and explores the relationship by looking at the extremes. Not convinced about the romance though (47 words)

A book about horses which have left their mark on Monty Roberts, if your intrested in history of racing or horses a worthwhile read. The pictures act fact to his incredible work nd harsh bringing up. A kind hearted man with lots to give. (44 words)

Novel-length offering from the former Middlesex plodder, now 'Analyst'. While an acceptable read, his first two chronicles - life as a county cricketer and life touring the cricketing world are better. Interesting perspective on the build up to last year's Ashes, but lots of other people's anecdotes. (47 words)

My first new phone for 3 years (!) and a direct replacement for my old Motorola V60. This has all the required specifications - 300+ hours of battery life, tri-band, colour screen, digital camera, mini USB link and, of course, a game involving little fish! Screen resolution could be better. (50 words)

Outstanding love story about two people with Asperger's Syndrome (a form of autism). Though both have minds that work very differently from a "normal" person's, their romance will nonetheless look very familiar to many of us. For you if you liked quirky romances like "Benny & Joon" and "Garden State." (50 words)

This Adam Sandler vehicle tried to be both sweet and funny but ended up basically being lame. I won't deny there were a few chuckles but generally, despite the quality of some of the supporting cast (in particular John Tuturro) there was just so much lacking. (46 words)

This magical toy store tale being brought to life and the perceptions of accountants was well thought and the best scene I think is the accountant messing around with the young boy Eric with his collection of hats, the possibility of anything can happen is portrayed well in this film (50 words)

Unless you like Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie there is little to recommend this. The action isn't anything new and the premise is a one joke lame duck. However Pitt and Jolie look stunning throughout and that is enough in itself to stop it being a total waste of time. (50 words)

A really pleasant surprise this. Judy Dench plays a batty old widow who buys a London theatre during the 1930s. In it she stages revues with the help of Bob Hoskins. Ultimately she wants to put on a nude revue to the shock of the government. Charming, funny and moving. (50 words)

Sandra Bullock takes a slightly different role as a damaged cop, still coping with the after effects of an attempt on her life, while trying to solve a murder carried out by two bored and overly clever teenagers. Not bad for a Saturday evening flick. (45 words)

Total tosh of course but my Drew Barrymore obsession continues. Hugh Grant plays Hugh Grant as a faded 80s pop star who needs Drew Barrymore to help him write the lyrics for a Shakira like pop star. Cue lots of the usual rom-com type cliches, but I still enjoyed it! (50 words)

This french language movie about a friendless antiques dealer who has ten days to make a best friend is heartwarming and funny. Both leads are convincing and endearing, although supporting cast are a bit bland. Really enjoyable- you almost forget about the subtitles. (43 words)

An ordinary guy (one the Wilson brothers, I don't care to remember which) falls for a beautiful woman (Uma Thurman) who turns out to be a superhuman. Then he splits up with her and nothing particularly witty or enthralling happens (aside, perhaps, from the mis-casting of Eddie Izzard). Bobbins. (49 words)

A play on the superhero concept, this comedy moves along pretty slowly but has some fun moments. Uma Thurman plays a fairly convincing crazy ex and it's nice to see Eddie Izzard in a bigger Hollywood role, although he is a bit wasted. A mildly amusing crack. (47 words)

Great scenery, set in Alaska, filmed in the Canadian Rockies. Heart warming story of a 'pond hockey' team in an isolated town who get to play the NY Rangers. A little light on hockey understanding. Like Mystery itself, good for isolating yourself from the outside world for 2 hours. (49 words)

Enjoyable murder-thriller set in blue-collar Boston. Clint Eastwood's directorship is surprisingly competent, as are Academy award-winning performances from Sean Penn and Tim Robbins. Plot seems determinable enough, and leaves you wondering how long the meandering characters will take to realise. Decentish twist at the end. Laura Linney irritating as ever. (50 words)