Jarhead (15) Jake Gyllenhaal takes the lead in this tale of American Marines in the first Gulf War. British director Sam Mendes chooses to avoid the politics of the Middle East, but he still has a lot to say about being in the armed forces and serving abr

Jarhead (15) Jake Gyllenhaal takes the lead in this tale of American Marines in the first Gulf War. British director Sam Mendes chooses to avoid the politics of the Middle East, but he still has a lot to say about being in the armed forces and serving abroad at that time. Most of what he has to say is that it is boring, difficult, tough and frustrating, which might not sound like the best set of themes for a film, but it's actually highly watchable and done with real humour. Gyllenhaal is excellent as the wide-eyed Anthony Swofford watching events unfold around him and waiting, perhaps reluctantly, for his time to fight. 4/5

* Zathura - A Space Adventure (PG) Two bored brothers in constant sibling turmoil are bickering at home one day when they uncover an old board game in the cellar. In Jumanji style, they are transported to outer space where they risk being stranded unless they complete the game successfully. 3/5

* Derailed (15) When Clive Owen meets Jennifer Aniston on a commuter train a trail of destruction begins as they start a dangerous affair. Founded on blackmail and intrigue, the film is let down by it's predictability. 2/5

* Munich (15) A fictionalised account of real events, Munich is a quality thriller and a solid attempt at tackling a difficult subject. 4/5

* Rumour Has It (12A) Jennifer Aniston stars in this colourful film with inspirations from The Graduate, but it could be described as a bit of an icky romance lacking in any real substance. 3/5

* Fun With Dick and Jane (12A) Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni star in a remake of the 1977 George Segal and Jane Fonda film. Funny and with some interesting observations on modern culture but not as razor-sharp as the original. 3/5

* Get Rich or Die Tryin' (15) An Eminem-style film version of American rapper 50 Cent's life story, curiously lacking in rap and generally not very good. 1/5

* Memoirs of a Geisha (12A) Beautiful big screen adaptation of Arthur Golden's best selling novel, directed by Chicago director Rob Marshall. 3/5

* Brokeback Mountain (15) Gay cowboy love story staring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. Director Ang Lee captures the western mode well and both leads turn in fine performances. 3/5

* Just Friends (12A) A reasonably successful comedy in which hunky music executive Ryan Reynolds (from Van Wilder: Party Liaison) goes back to his home town to see if he can win the heart of his childhood crush. 3/5

* King Kong (12A) This blockbuster delves into Jurassic Park territory with dinosaurs and all sorts of nasties threatening the visitors to Skull Island. Far too long at 188 minutes but still a spectacularly enjoyable film. 4/5

* Cheaper by the Dozen 2 (PG) A sequel to 2004's film with Steve Martin. Two families find themselves in competition with each other while on holiday. 1/5

* The Chronicles of Narnia (PG) CS Lewis' children's fantasy/Biblical allegory is brought to the screen in full CGI glory. 3/5