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The Reaping arrives as a horror film directed by Stephen Hopkins, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Hilary Swank and David Morrissey give The Reaping a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in The Reaping comes into focus without a long explanation: A former Christian missionary, who specializes in debunking religious phenomena, investigates a small town which seems to be suffering from the 10 biblical plagues

The Mist arrives as a horror film directed by Frank Darabont, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Thomas Jane and Marcia Gay Harden give The Mist a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in The Mist comes into focus without a long explanation: After a massive thunderstorm, an eerie, unwavering fog descends upon a Maine community. Across its 2h 6m running time, Frank Darabont keeps The Mist careful about tone and

Nancy Drew arrives as a comedy directed by Andrew Fleming, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Emma Roberts and Tate Donovan give Nancy Drew a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Nancy Drew comes into focus without a long explanation: Teen detective Nancy Drew accompanies her father on a business trip to Los Angeles, where she happens upon clues to a murder mystery involving a movie star. Across its 1h 39m

Mr. Woodcock arrives as a comedy directed by Craig Gillespie, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Billy Bob Thornton and Seann William Scott give Mr. Woodcock a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Mr. Woodcock comes into focus without a long explanation: Taken aback by his mother's wedding announcement, a young man returns home in an effort to stop her from marrying his old high school gym teacher, a man wh

The Nanny Diaries arrives as a comedy directed by Shari Springer Berman, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Scarlett Johansson and Laura Linney give The Nanny Diaries a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in The Nanny Diaries comes into focus without a long explanation: A college graduate goes to work as a nanny for a rich New York family. Across its 1h 45m running time, Shari Springer Berman keeps The Nanny

Hannibal Rising arrives as a thriller directed by Peter Webber, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Gaspard Ulliel and Rhys Ifans give Hannibal Rising a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Hannibal Rising comes into focus without a long explanation: Trauma and tragedy during World War II warp young Hannibal Lecter's mind. Across its 2h 1m running time, Peter Webber keeps Hannibal Rising unable to turn worka

Mr. Brooks arrives as a thriller directed by Bruce A. Evans, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Kevin Costner and Demi Moore give Mr. Brooks a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Mr. Brooks comes into focus without a long explanation: A well respected businessman is sometimes controlled by his murder and mayhem loving alter ego. Across its 2h running time, Bruce A. Evans keeps Mr. Brooks engaging in bursts

We Own the Night arrives as a thriller directed by James Gray, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Wahlberg give We Own the Night a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in We Own the Night comes into focus without a long explanation: A New York City nightclub manager tries to save his brother and father from Russian Mafia hitmen. Across its 1h 57m running time, James Gray keeps We Own t

28 Weeks Later arrives as a horror film directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Jeremy Renner and Rose Byrne give 28 Weeks Later a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in 28 Weeks Later comes into focus without a long explanation: Six months after the rage virus was inflicted on the population of Great Britain, the US Army helps to secure a small area of London for the survivors

The Great Debaters arrives as a romance directed by Denzel Washington, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker give The Great Debaters a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in The Great Debaters comes into focus without a long explanation: A drama based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College Texas. Across its 2h 6m running time, Denzel Washington k

Daddy's Little Girls arrives as a romance directed by Tyler Perry, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Gabrielle Union and Idris Elba give Daddy's Little Girls a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Daddy's Little Girls comes into focus without a long explanation: A mechanic and his family are struggling to make ends meet with his ex girlfriend and her drug dealing boyfriend He struggles to get custody of hi

August Rush arrives as a music drama directed by Kirsten Sheridan, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Freddie Highmore and Keri Russell give August Rush a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in August Rush comes into focus without a long explanation: A musically gifted orphan, Evan, runs away from his orphanage and searches New York City for his birth parents. Across its 1h 54m running time, Kirsten Sheridan