MOVIES OUT FRIDAY

Oct 15 2006 By Mickey Mcmonagle

THE GUARDIAN (15)

You would think his experiences on Waterworld would have put Kevin Costner off sea-faring films forever but evidently not. He should have learned that lesson. This is one of those hero-by-numbers efforts with rescue swimmer trainer Ben Randall (Costner) teaching new recruit Jake Fischer (Ashton Kutcher) the ropes. Why bother?

Rating: **

THE LAST KISS (15)

Theever-watchableZach Braff continues to build his reputation with another stint as Michael, an everyman struggling with regular life issues. He finds it difficult to deal with growing older and settling down and is torn when feisty college student Kim (OC star Rachel Bilson) comes on to him. And who wouldn't be?

Rating: *****

MARIE ANTOINETTE (12A)

Period romps leave me cold-give me guns and a heist any day. But I've got to admit this one has a hell of a lot going for it. There's a sexy, spicy plot and a light, deft touch from director Sofia Coppola that makes this feel like some kind of chick flick rather than a historical drama. Kirsten Dunst is great in the title role too and the soundtrack is superb. Rating: ****

GYPO (15)

Unfortunately the biggest impression this film left on me was that star Rula Lenska will forever be associated with George Galloway's cringeworthy cat antics on Big Brother. Rula's past aside, this film is a worthy study of immigrant life in Britain with Pauline McLynn strong as a mum struggling to cope with her racist husband Paul McGann (above).

Rating: **

I SAW BEN BARKA GET KILLED (12A)

Don't let the title put you off. What sounds like a silly, quirky piece is actually a fascinating thriller which picks up the unsolved case of the murder of Barka, a revolutionary who disappeared in the 60s ahead of a Third World convention. Everyone from the CIA to Moroccan agents are implicated. Great.

Rating: *****