Reviews by Stephen Carty

Order by: Date, A–Z

• Hulk (2003)

  Review preview for Hulk

  An odd mix of ponderous arthouse and action-packed blockbuster.

  Ang Lee directs summer blockbuster of the Marvel Comics scientist who turns green with anger.
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  The Hunger Games (2012)

  Review preview for The Hunger Games

  It’s seldom exciting or memorable.

  Set in a dystopian future, a young boy and girl must fight to the death on live television.
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  The Hurt Locker (2008)

  Review preview for The Hurt Locker

  An impressive return.

  An elite bomb disposal unit struggles to function in the heart of the Iraq war.
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  How To Lose Friends And Alienate People (2008)

  Review preview for How To Lose Friends And Alienate People

  Aside from the odd bite and some nice material about pursuing a life of worth, the end product is a missed opportunity.

  Can a British journalist hack it in the New York world of a fashion magazine.
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  The Inbetweeners: Series 1 (2008)

  Review preview for The Inbetweeners: Series 1

  The Inbetweeners is indisputably a very funny experience, with killer lines and creative insults coming thick and fast.

  The exploits of four friends, who are socially only marginally above what one of them calls "the freaks", are presented as they grow from their late teen years into adults and as they go on their quest, usually unsuccessfully, for such grown up things as beer and sex.
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  The Inbetweeners: Series 2 (2009)

  Review preview for The Inbetweeners: Series 2

  The Inbetweeners' real strength (and reason for watching) remains the accuracy with which it paints teenage existence in British suburbia.

  The exploits of four friends, who are socially only marginally above what one of them calls "the freaks", are presented as they grow from their late teen years into adults and as they go on their quest, usually unsuccessfully, for such grown up things as beer and sex.
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  The Inbetweeners: Series 3 (2010)

  Review preview for The Inbetweeners: Series 3

  Slightly more broad and over-the-top than before, but still well observed and one of the sharpest, funniest comedies on the box.

  The exploits of four friends, who are socially only marginally above what one of them calls "the freaks", are presented as they grow from their late teen years into adults and as they go on their quest, usually unsuccessfully, for such grown up things as beer and sex.
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  Insomnia (2002)

  Review preview for Insomnia

  With some awesome location shots of the Arctic circle and a brooding score from David Julyan, Nolan’s picture oozes atmosphere.

  Al Pacino is an LA detective come to Alaska to solve a teenage murder.
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  The International (2009)

  Review preview for The International

  It’s tough to care for our protagonist despite how unfeasibly chiselled his chops are.

  An Interpol agent and a lawyer try to uncover an international banking scandal.
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  Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1956)

  Review preview for Invasion Of The Body Snatchers

  The noir-style bleakness gives it a taut atmosphere that most contemporary movies still cannot match.

  A doctor finds his community is being secretly taken over by an alien invasion.
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  Iron Man (2008)

  Review preview for Iron Man

  Arguably the most pitch-perfect casting in a comic book movie since Christopher Reeve in 1978’s Superman

  A wealthy industrialist fights evil with a newly invented super-suit.
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  I Am Legend (2007)

  Review preview for I Am Legend

  Might not be quite what it could have been, but still highly recommendable.

  In the aftermath of a devastating plague, the last man left must fight off those who are no longer human like him.
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  Indecent Proposal (1993)

  Review preview for Indecent Proposal

  Probably the most romantic picture Lyne has attempted.

  A loving couple in dire financial straits are offered a million bucks... if the wife to spend the night with another man.
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  The Invention Of Lying (2009)

  Review preview for The Invention Of Lying

  The premise is refreshingly more original than 95 per cent of comedies out there.

  In a world where there is no concept of deceit, one man's life is transformed when he figures out how to lie - but will it bring him what he really wants?
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  Jerry Maguire (1996)

  Review preview for Jerry Maguire

  What's remarkable about Crowe's cinematic high-point is how he achieves conventional things in unconventional ways.

  A sports agent tries to go it alone... with just one client.
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  Jumper (2008)

  Review preview for Jumper

  Doug Liman’s audacious latest takes itself seriously while being bags of fun.

  A young man discovers he has the ability to teleport and that a secret society wants to kill him for it.
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  Juno (2007)

  Review preview for Juno

  Fresh, funny and bursting with heart.

  A teenager finds her own way of dealing with an unplanned pregnancy.
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  John Carpenter's Vampires (1998)

  Review preview for John Carpenter's Vampires

  It may have an unshakable, low-budget straight-to-DVD feel, but this cheap-and-nasty approach actually adds to flavour.

  A vampire hunter goes on the prowl.
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  The Karate Kid (1984)

  Review preview for The Karate Kid

  if you can get past the dated first half-hour which sets the scene and features a host of naff retro tunes music fans forgot to listen to, thankfully you're still in for some magic.

  A bullied youngster trains in martial arts.
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  The Kids Are All Right (2010)

  Review preview for The Kids Are All Right

  Presenting life as it is (complicated, messy, imperfect, unfair, random), you've probably gathered that is a poignant, true-to-life experience, but what surprises is the humour.

  The children of a lesbian couple hunt down their biological dad with comic results.
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  K-Pax (2001)

  Review preview for K-Pax

  A beautiful film about family, connecting with others and finding the meaning in life.

  A psychiatrist takes on a patient whose claim that he is from outer space is surprisingly convincing.
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  Life On Mars (2006)

  Review preview for Life On Mars

  One of the most groundbreaking television shows in years.

  A police detective in 2006 finds himself in Manchester in 1973.
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  Life On Mars US: Season One (2008)

  Review preview for Life On Mars US: Season One

  Inferior to the original in practically every way.

  US version of the retro UK cop show about a copper stranded in the past.
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  Lilo & Stitch (2002)

  Review preview for Lilo & Stitch

  Though it won’t rank among the best in the Disney canon, it’s still funny, charming and more than worth 80 minutes of your reality-television-worshiping lives.

  Mini-monster from outer space makes friends with misfit girl in Haiwaii.
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  The Last King Of Scotland (2006)

  Review preview for The Last King Of Scotland

  Like Amin himself, The Last King Of Scotland is uncompromising, gruelling and, at times, gripping.

  Ugandan dictator's rise to power as seen through the eyes of a young doctor.
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  The Last Samurai (2003)

  Review preview for The Last Samurai

  Elegant, disciplined and, ultimately, stirring.

  Tom Cruise goes native in Japan in the years when honour was prized more highly than life itself.
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  Layer Cake (2004)

  Review preview for Layer Cake

  Layer Cake takes itself more seriously and is miles above anything on Guy Ritchie’s resume.

  Cockney drug dealer become enmeshed in gang war over stolen happy pills.
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  Lethal Weapon (1987)

  Review preview for Lethal Weapon

  Gibson’s got intensity on tap, balancing internal grief with edgy energy and natural comic timing for the performance of his career.

  A grief-stricken cop is teamed with a more staid veteran. The pair must overcome their differences to solve a case.
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  Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)

  Review preview for Lethal Weapon 2

  It’s not as dark as its predecessor and there’s more emphasis on guns, explosions and car-chases – but if you’re going to make an over-the-the-top actioner, this is how.

  The unlikely cop duo set their sites on South African diplomats who are abusing their diplomatic immunity.
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  Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)

  Review preview for Lethal Weapon 3

  By going bigger, faster and louder than before, Lethal Weapon III doesn’t hit the same highs.

  The odd-couple cops get involved in tracking down armour-piercing bullets being sold on the streets.
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  Liar Liar (1997)

  Review preview for Liar Liar

  It’s a one-man showcase where Carrey’s shouty, motormouth antics are the whole dog-and-pony show

  A boy's wish that his dad won't be able to tell a lie for 24 hours comes true.
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  A Life Less Ordinary (1997)

  Review preview for A Life Less Ordinary

  While both McGregor and Diaz are watchable enough as a likeable loser and a redemptive bitch, there's never any sense that they're 'made for each other'.

  A sacked caretaker takes his bosses daughter hostage... but two fallen angels are determined to make the pair fall in love.
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  Lions For Lambs (2007)

  Review preview for Lions For Lambs

  All three narratives deliver and keep us interested as the tale moves between them.

  Two US soldiers in Afghanistan are placed in jeopardy as politicians, journalists and academics battle it out back home.
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  Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

  Review preview for Little Miss Sunshine

  Without any clunky shifts or clumsy direction changes, Little Miss Sunshine impressively manages both knee-slapping and tear-jerking.

  A dysfunctional family's road trip to a beauty pageant.
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  The Lovely Bones (2009)

  Review preview for The Lovely Bones

  Jackson holds everything together remarkably well considering all he manages to pack in.

  A murdered young girl observes her family from limbo.
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  Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman - Season One (1993)

  Review preview for Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman - Season One

  Played with outstanding chemistry, Cain and Hatcher’s dynamic is the heart of the show.

  First series of the superhero show, sees Clark head for Metropolis where he meets feisty reporter Lois Lane.
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  The Long Good Friday (1980)

  Review preview for The Long Good Friday

  Nearly 30 years later and John Mackenzie’s classic is still the yard-stick for any new entry into the genre.

  A London kingpin is attempting to broaden his empire... but soon finds his gang are a target.
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  Lucky You (2007)

  Review preview for Lucky You

  Though Barrymore isn’t terrible she pales in comparison to Bana’s raw presence and Duvall’s subtle talent.

  Two poker players find romance.
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  Max And Paddy's Road To Nowhere (2004)

  Review preview for Max And Paddy's Road To Nowhere

  There are well-used catchphrases, a few memorable moments and some coarse dialogue you'll want to recycle as your own.

  Phoenix Nights spin-off about two pals and their camper van adventures.
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  Max Payne (2008)

  Review preview for Max Payne

  Note for the inevitable sequel: more dragony creatures, sub-world paradox, less John Woo imitation.

  Pulpy noir movies begets videogame begets pulpy noir movie.
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  The Mechanic (2011)

  Review preview for The Mechanic

  Watchable and competent, if ultimately unsatisfying, actioner.

  When a hitman mentors the son of a man he assassinated.
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  Meet The Spartans (2008)

  Review preview for Meet The Spartans

  There are some rare moments of laughter... but the endless unfunny references to American TV shows just feel like an extended set of unsuccessful sketches.

  Parody of 300.
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  Miami Vice (2006)

  Review preview for Miami Vice

  Though each scene moves by fairly slowly, the plot zooms past without the slightest concession.

  Cop duo Crockett and Tubbs ditch their 80s pastel suits to crack - pardon the pun - down on a gang of ruthless drug dealers in style.
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  Mad Men: Series 1 (2007)

  Review preview for Mad Men: Series 1

  In a day and age where the majority of television is frustratingly geared towards impatient audiences, a show like Mad Men is a refreshing experience

  A drama about one of New York's most prestigious ad agencies at the beginning of the 1960s, focusing on one of the firm's most mysterious but extremely talented ad executives, Donald Draper.
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  The Matrix (1999)

  Review preview for The Matrix

  While undoubtedly complex the story is told in a way that those paying attention will know exactly what’s going on and not have to scramble to the internet afterwards for clarification.

  Visually dazzling sci-fi thriller. Re-released in 4K restoration.
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  Mean Streets (1973)

  Review preview for Mean Streets

  A powerful experience, brimming with raw talent.

  Trouble brews for a smalltime hood in Little Italy.
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  Miami Vice: Season One (1984)

  Review preview for Miami Vice: Season One

  The substance doesn’t match the over-abundance of style.

  Groundbreaking detective show which proved it was cool for cops.
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  Michael Clayton (2007)

  Review preview for Michael Clayton

  Though the trailer sold us a fast-paced, garden variety, against-the-odds conspiracy thriller, its actually a clever slow-burner, more concerned with paranoia-inducing mood and delicate character subtleties.

  A lawyer forced to clean up after a colleague's breakdown begins to question the ethics of his job.
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  Million Dollar Baby (2004)

  Review preview for Million Dollar Baby

  Beautiful, powerful, surprising, affecting.

  A young female boxer persuades an old-timer to train her as a contender.
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  Minority Report (2002)

  Review preview for Minority Report

  Wildly ambitious, mindblowingly-creative and pulse-pounding.

  Sci-fi thriller about cops who predict murder before it happens with the use of psychics.