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Peter Pan arrives as a romance directed by P.J. Hogan, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Jeremy Sumpter and Jason Isaacs give Peter Pan a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Peter Pan comes into focus without a long explanation: The Darling family children receive a visit from Peter Pan, who takes them to Never Never Land where an ongoing war with the evil Pirate Captain Hook is taking place. Across its 1

Runaway Jury arrives as a thriller directed by Gary Fleder, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. John Cusack and Rachel Weisz give Runaway Jury a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Runaway Jury comes into focus without a long explanation: A juror, a lawyer and a mysterious woman stand in the way of a man trying to manipulate an explosive trial. Across its 2h 7m running time, Gary Fleder keeps Runaway Jury d

Underworld arrives as an action film directed by Len Wiseman, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman give Underworld a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Underworld comes into focus without a long explanation: Selene, a vampire warrior, is entrenched in a conflict between vampires and werewolves, while falling in love with Michael, a human who is sought by werewolves for unk

Identity arrives as a thriller directed by James Mangold, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. John Cusack and Ray Liotta give Identity a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Identity comes into focus without a long explanation: Stranded at a desolate Nevada motel during a nasty rain storm, ten strangers become acquainted with each other when they realize that they're being killed off one by one. Across its 1

Radio arrives as a biographical drama directed by Michael Tollin, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ed Harris give Radio a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Radio comes into focus without a long explanation: The story of a high school coach and the developmentally challenged man who he took under his wing. Across its 1h 49m running time, Michael Tollin keeps Radio engaging in bursts

The Recruit arrives as an action film directed by Roger Donaldson, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Al Pacino and Colin Farrell give The Recruit a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in The Recruit comes into focus without a long explanation: A brilliant young CIA trainee is asked by his mentor to help find a mole in the Agency. Across its 1h 55m running time, Roger Donaldson keeps The Recruit capable of st

Paycheck arrives as an action film directed by John Woo, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Ben Affleck and Aaron Eckhart give Paycheck a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Paycheck comes into focus without a long explanation: A technical wizard learns that his memory has been erased. Across its 1h 59m running time, John Woo keeps Paycheck alive in individual scenes and uncertain between them. ⁠ Paycheck

Just Married arrives as a comedy directed by Shawn Levy, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Ashton Kutcher and Brittany Murphy give Just Married a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Just Married comes into focus without a long explanation: A young newlywed couple honeymoon in Europe, where obstacles challenge their ability to sustain the marriage. Across its 1h 35m running time, Shawn Levy keeps Just Marr

Once Upon a Time in Mexico arrives as a comedy directed by Robert Rodriguez, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek give Once Upon a Time in Mexico a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Once Upon a Time in Mexico comes into focus without a long explanation: Hitman "El Mariachi" becomes involved in international espionage involving a psychotic CIA agent and a corrupt Mexican gen

Open Range arrives as an action film directed by Kevin Costner, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Kevin Costner and Robert Duvall give Open Range a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Open Range comes into focus without a long explanation: A former gunslinger is forced to take up arms again when he and his cattle crew are threatened by a corrupt landowner. Across its 2h 19m running time, Kevin Costner kee

Gothika arrives as a horror film directed by Mathieu Kassovitz, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Halle Berry and Penélope Cruz give Gothika a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Gothika comes into focus without a long explanation: A psychiatrist awakens as a patient in a mental institution, with no memory of the murder she's accused of committing. Across its 1h 38m running time, Mathieu Kassovitz keeps G

Bad Santa arrives as a comedy directed by Terry Zwigoff, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Billy Bob Thornton and Bernie Mac give Bad Santa a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Bad Santa comes into focus without a long explanation: A miserable conman and his partner pose as Santa and his Little Helper to rob department stores on Christmas Eve. Across its 1h 32m running time, Terry Zwigoff keeps Bad Santa