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The Number 23 centers around dog-catcher Walter Sparrow (Jim Carrey) and his discovery of a book entitled "The Number 23" that seems to mirror his life along with the continual occurrence of the number 23, based upon the real life theory, the 23 enigma. Starting innocently and with much promise, The Number 23 is a reasonable attempt at a new psychological thriller.

The first sign of attraction, or for some, repulsion, is the casting of Jim, which sees him cast in a completely different role that usual. Instead of your usual wacky humor that Carrey has to offer, you are treated to an especially dark and deeper role than he has ever tackled before. Whether your a fan of him or not, JC holds quite a good performance as Walter, who slowly spirals into madness as he reads more and more into the book and uncovers an undesirable thirst within himself for the truth behind it. While I believe his boundless comedic performance could have hurt his opportunity to play this role, he shows his diversity and intact acting skills, having absolutely owned this role if it weren't for Schumacher's directing.

This brings me to the main problem I had with this film, the direction. This, mixed with the poor script, brings this film down immensely. Things feel awkward in so many places and your often finding yourself hiding a cringe. You want this to succeed so much, and it has everything in it to do so. But then a character comes out with an absolutely atrocious line or does something that is so out of place. Things feel messy and broken and you can only imagine at what this film really could have been. Even the climax that is reached at the end feels ultimately forced by Joel.

This aside, the film has many points of merit. The whole film, for instance, looks absolutely beautiful, with their DoP really outdoing himself. Not to mention the 23 references are very interesting and mind-bending. And as said before, performances are actually very good, it's just the direction and writing that ruins it for everyone.

The Number 23 could have been much better if taken on board by a different director. Sad to say, Joel really does ruin this one for me, but I can still respect a lot that this film has to offer and regardless of Schumacher, I still feel JC was excellent, or at least showed he could have been and still can be.

Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanproductions

Usually leaning towards the weird and obscure world of art-house and thought-provoking film, romantic comedies are often wasted on me. But, when watching any film, I went into Definitely, Maybe with an open mind and, as a result, was rewarded with a charming, deep and complicated look on love. While the events that interweave with these relationships may seem a bit far-fetched, It's the portrayal of the love within these relationships that is so realistic. This mixed with genuine amounts of humor separates Definitely, Maybe from the rest of the films in this genre that are usually so generic.

Set in present time, father Will Hayes (Ryan Reynolds) tells the story of the three women he loved in his life to his daughter, Maya Hayes (Abigail Breslin), while she tries to uncover which one of them is her mum. The rest of the film plays out in a 90's reminiscence narrated by Will, a certain theme that is quickly becoming common use in film. The portrayal of the 90's is reasonably accurate, although some anachronisms, like the fashion, still remain. But beside this, the authenticity and the feel of the 90's is definitely there.

Most importantly though, what makes Definitely, Maybe the fresh breath of air in the romantic comedy genre is its characters. Ryan Reynolds is excellent as Will, supplying a funny, but so very real role. Along side him is Isla Fisher as one of his three lovers, April, who is absolutely gorgeous and a joy to watch. Abigail was quite charming in Little Miss Sunshine, but I feel over her cutesy factor now and her acting proved awkward in places in Definitely, Maybe. The script is also one of the best I've ever seen for this certain genre.

All these positive factors provide a very fresh and funny film in the romantic comedy genre that even those not familiar, or inclined, to it will find much enjoyment.

Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanproductions

Even Money follows a theme that many are seeming to tackle lately. That of intertwined actions from inter-related characters resulting in one climactic reaction. Crash mastered this superbly only two years earlier, and now comes Even Money.

Lined up with a commendable list of actors, Even Money sets out to prove something from the start. Based around a theme of gambling addiction and its consequences, Even Money definitely delivers where it matters. Everyone plays their part effortlessly but some obviously stand out more than others. After disappearing into the world of direction, Danny Devito reappears as a failed magician still holding onto his dream. His character offers moments of comic relief and utter charm. Tim Roth is impeccable as Victor, the second-hand man to mysterious Ivan. But it is that of Forest Whitaker who absolutely shines once again in this film, showing that there is no role he cannot hold.

While the acting for the most part is truly fierce, and the mood is alive with all the happenings of a gritty urban underworld, Even Money feels like it tries just a bit too hard, or possibly, not enough, in making the character's stories interweave and you can see it a mile away. But even with that, it is much more about the emotions portrayed through those lasts scenes and the impact they have. Even Money is a dramatic and powerful attempt at a new Crash and achieves a definite amount of success.

Hamish Kearvell A.K.A Screaming Japan Productions - www.myspace.com/screamingjapanproductions