BARNYARD (PG)

Feb 18 2007 By Mickey Mcmonagle

BARNYARD (PG)

Another CG romp aimed at kids and adults - and boasting the usual impressive cast with Sam Neill, Danny Glover and Courtney Cox. But with so many of these films around this needed to be special to stand out - and it's not.

Rating: *****

CLERKS 2 (18)

Kevin Smith (above right with Jason Mewes) brings us a sequel to his beloved breakthrough movie. It's 10 years on and slacker anti-heroes Dante (Brian O'Halloran) and Randall (Jeff Anderson) are working in fast food joint Moobys.

Rating: *****

THE DEPARTED (18)

Legend Martin Scorsese is at the helm, with stars including Matt Damon and Leonardo DiCaprio (both above). Brutally violent, this is a remake of corruption flick Infernal Affairs, with the action shifted to Boston. Compelling.

Rating: *****

RED ROAD (18)

Shot and set in Glasgow, this fascinating film is about a CCTV operator who gets her kicks from following the lives of others - until one day she sees a man from her own past and becomes dangerously obsessed.

Rating: *****

NEAR DARK (18)

A dark and fairly scary take on the old vampire movie. A young redneck meets a mysterious girl whose kiss has a huge effect on him. Staggering home, he is snatched by her band of vampires and forced to join them. Awesome.

Rating: *****