Reviews

I wouldn't say that Carrie was a masterpiece, however, considering that you know what is going to happen at the prom pretty much all the way through the film, the tension is incredible. The whole premise of the film is very disturbing, and it can be difficult to watch. Sissy Spacek gives a heart-breaking performance as Carrie.

Traveller doesn't really know what it wants to do. It ends up as a strange mix of road drama and romance, but whatever it's doing, it works. Paxton provides a creditable performance as the experienced Traveller, and Margulies shines in her role as Jean; their relationship is nicely understated, and well played. However, it's Wahlberg who provides the uncertainty in this movie - he doesn't really know how he is playing his character. As for the much criticised turn to violence in the finale, it is indeed unexpected, but not altogether unwelcome and it makes for an interesting climax. The film is very good, but it could so easily have been excellent.

Spanking the Monkey is a great film. There is no other way to express it. It captures the heat and oppression of the summer so well, Jeremy Davies is superb in his touching portrayal of Ray, the troubled adolescent. But, there's also no doubt that this film is not for everyone. Its incest story line will dissuade many people from seeing this movie. It's not dirty, it's not shocking, the storyline descends on you almost before you know what's happening - it's blackly tragic. So, if it's a stifling summer night, and you want a film that's going to suit the moment and make you think, Spanking the Monkey is for you.