Private Peaceful
After the success of Spielberg's War Horse, here's another Michael Morpurgo book adaptation. It's a rites of passage, anti-war drama about two brothers who fall for the same girl, at the onset of World War One. It has a low budget, made for TV look, but the performances are excellent, including support from Frances de la Tour and Richard Griffiths.
UK release date: 12th October 2012
Rating: 3/5
On The Road
Difficult big screen adaptation of Jack Kerouac's cult novel. It's a long and tedious journey, there's plenty of sex, drugs, alcohol and great 40s jazz, and yet it feels tame and boring at times. Garrett Hedlund is really good as the free-spirited Dean Moriarty, but I'm not sure the film really captures the book that well.
UK release date: 12th October 2012
Rating: 2/5
Hit & Run
Another poor attempt at a "crazy" road comedy genre, written and co-directed by Dax Shepard. It's littered with annoying and idiotic characters, including the lead couple (Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard) and is just painfully unfunny. Even Bradley Cooper and Beau Bridges can't save this banger. Nice muscle cars but it ain't no Smokey and the Bandit!
UK release date: 12th October 2012
Rating: 1/5