MOVIES

Dec 3 2006 By Mickey Mcmonagle

THE COVENANT (12A) Unknowns Sebastian Shan, Steven Strait, Toby Hemingway and Chace Crawford head the cast as young men who find they are powerful wizards. But they accidentally unleash an evil force into the world - and have to stop it. Rating: ***

HAPPY FEET (PG) In this animated romp Elijah Wood plays Mumble, a penguin who can't sing to attract a mate - so teaches the colony how to dance instead. Hugh Jackman, Robin Williams, Brittany Murphy and Nicole Kidman also star in this lovely film. Rating: *****

THE HOLIDAY (15) Typical seasonal rom-com fare as Kate Winslet's Brit journalist swaps homes with Hollywood type Cameron Diaz so they can escape their failed romances. They meet new guys - Jude Law and Jack Black - and fall in love. Yawn. Rating: ***

THE HEART OF THE GAME (12A) Rapper Ludacris narrates this formulaic documentary of a girls' basketball team battling for glory. There's the usual eccentric coach, players struggling to play the game they love and so on - it's hard to believe this isn't fiction at times. Rating: ***

THE US VS JOHN LENNON (12A) One for fans of the beloved Beatle, this fascinating documentary examines his life with particular attention to his transformation from pop star into anti-war spokesman. It's a useful insight for younger generations. Rating: ***