Mist twists through vast woods inhabited by gaunt gypsies and fangs shred human flesh, but in the end, the evening news is scarier than this remake of the 1941 werewolf thriller, Wolfman.

Given the horrendous events it documents, this viscerally gripping Australian drama is remarkably understated.

A disappointingly bland romantic comedy, Valentine's Day boasts an ensemble cast.

Sparks do not fly between Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker.

Director Chris Columbus, responsible for the first two Harry Potter films, returns to the world of teenage fantasy adventures.

This collection of essays came together by chance.

Giving up smoking is one of the easiest things a person can do.

Damien Wilkins' previous novel, The Fainter, was the work of a writer committed to refreshing the page not for the sake of revolution.

Sidibe is utterly convincing in her role as a troubled teenager.

This exquisite little Israeli film, a major award-winner and commercial hit in its homeland.

Graduates of local television dramas, soap operas and sitcoms combine their talents.

Director Rob Marshall, who was behind the Oscar-winning musical Chicago, knows how to recreate big, bold musical numbers of energetic choreography, glitz and glamour.

Marina Endicott witnessed a two-car collision that provided the starting point for Good to a Fault, winner of the Commonwealth Writers' Prize in the Canada and Caribbean region.

Alicia Keys holds back on her latest album.

If the shadow of climate change has hung over previous albums by this pan-Pacific group then it is hard to hear some of this without thinking of last year's tsunami.

The Flight of the Conchords' parodies have spoiled some music for us.

If the joyous and spirited sounds on this album are anything to go by, the 60s and early 70s would have been a golden age to be partying on the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique.

So no points for originality then.

In 2004's Kaikohe Demolition, German-born New Zealand-bred filmmaker Habicht got to know the stars of a dodgems-to-the-death demolition derby in the Northland town of the title and then filmed the hilarious showdown.

Ice, cocktail, tall glass, good friends, this album. Result.

A young body in an older, wiser head offers engrossing reflections on a life yet to be lived.

Folky Londoners debut coming to a porch near you.

A vamped-up sophomore effort stares out a hard-to-beat debut.

Director Jason Reitman is yet to put a foot wrong.

Good old 2D hand-drawn animation isn't very fashionable these days.

Law Abiding Citizen stars Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler, and that's probably the best that can be said about what is an overly violent thriller.

A hip-hop rock collision that actually works.

Larry David has long been a sun-bleached Woody Allen.

"Little sparrow" Edith Piaf's husky, and largely dolorous songs - performed in smoky bars between sips of absinthe - will always be treasured by the French.