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Gosford Park arrives as a comedy directed by Robert Altman, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Maggie Smith and Ryan Phillippe give Gosford Park a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Gosford Park comes into focus without a long explanation: Set in the 1930s, a group of pretentious rich and famous get together for a weekend of relaxation at a hunting resort. Across its 2h 17m running time, Robert Altman kee

Bandits arrives as a comedy directed by Barry Levinson, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thornton give Bandits a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Bandits comes into focus without a long explanation: Two bank robbers fall in love with the girl they've kidnapped. Across its 2h 3m running time, Barry Levinson keeps Bandits capable of strong moments without finding a complete rh

Thir13en Ghosts arrives as a horror film directed by Steve Beck, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Tony Shalhoub and Shannon Elizabeth give Thir13en Ghosts a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Thir13en Ghosts comes into focus without a long explanation: When Cyrus Kriticos, a very rich collector of unique things, dies, he leaves his house, fortune, and his prized collection of ghosts. Across its 1h 31m r

The One arrives as an action film directed by James Wong, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Jet Li and Carla Gugino give The One a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in The One comes into focus without a long explanation: A rogue Multiverse agent goes on a manhunt for alternate versions of himself, getting stronger with each kill. Across its 1h 27m running time, James Wong keeps The One more promising in co

Zoolander arrives as a comedy directed by Ben Stiller, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson give Zoolander a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Zoolander comes into focus without a long explanation: At the end of his career, a clueless fashion model is brainwashed to kill the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Across its 1h 30m running time, Ben Stiller keeps Zoolander capable of strong

Domestic Disturbance arrives as a thriller directed by Harold Becker, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. John Travolta and Nick Loren give Domestic Disturbance a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Domestic Disturbance comes into focus without a long explanation: When Danny witnesses his stepfather Rick murder a man, Danny's father Frank has to protect his son from the greatest danger. Across its 1h 29m ru

Kate & Leopold arrives as a comedy directed by James Mangold, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Meg Ryan and Hugh Jackman give Kate & Leopold a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Kate & Leopold comes into focus without a long explanation: An English Duke from 1876 is inadvertently dragged to modern day New York where he falls for a plucky advertising executive. Across its 1h 58m running time, James Mango

Serendipity arrives as a comedy directed by Peter Chelsom, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale give Serendipity a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Serendipity comes into focus without a long explanation: A couple search for each other years after the night they first met, fell in love, and separated, convinced that one day they'd end up together. Across its 1h 30m running

K PAX arrives as a mystery directed by Iain Softley, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges give K PAX a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in K PAX comes into focus without a long explanation: PROT is a patient at a mental hospital who claims to be from a faraway planet named K PAX. Across its 2h running time, Iain Softley keeps K PAX clear enough to keep the emotional line visible

Enemy at the Gates arrives as an action film directed by Jean Jacques Annaud, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Jude Law and Ed Harris give Enemy at the Gates a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Enemy at the Gates comes into focus without a long explanation: A Russian and a German sniper play a game of cat and mouse during the Battle of Stalingrad. Across its 2h 11m running time, Jean Jacques Annaud kee

Exit Wounds arrives as a comedy directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Steven Seagal and DMX give Exit Wounds a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Exit Wounds comes into focus without a long explanation: Orin Boyd, a tough cop in an inner city precinct discovers a web of dirty cops and corruption. Across its 1h 41m running time, Andrzej Bartkowiak keeps Exit Wounds uncertain ab

The Royal Tenenbaums arrives as a comedy directed by Wes Anderson, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Gene Hackman and Gwyneth Paltrow give The Royal Tenenbaums a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in The Royal Tenenbaums comes into focus without a long explanation: The eccentric members of a dysfunctional family reluctantly gather under the same roof for various reasons. Across its 1h 50m running time, Wes