revenge

• 21 directed by Robert Luketic (2008)

  [5/10]

  "The camera and the film editor do more work than the actors. We see hundreds of close up shots of casino chips, winning blackjack hands, and brief shots of the actors' faces smiling in flushed glee. The film relies on the rush of emotions viewers will feel in response to the large sums of money and not the acting."

• Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk (1999)

  [5/10]

  "As the story starts out, you may experience some surprises, but since every page deals with shocking situations, the stimulus quickly wears down and the horrible quickly becomes mundane."

• Siu Lam Juk Kau [Shaolin Soccer] directed by Stephen Chow (2001)

  [7/10]

  "Although not as riotously and continuously funny as Kung Fu Hustle, Shaolin Soccer does have quite a few good laughs, and you can see how this successful venture led to the even funnier Kung Fu Hustle."

• V for Vendetta directed by James McTeigue (2006)

  [8/10]

  "The twisting and engaging story line more than makes up for the 'comic book' characters, and director JamesMcTeigue displays an excellent balance of mystery, suspense, and violence."

• Wanted directed by Timur Bekmambetov (2008)

  [8/10]

  "Over half of the film centers on Wesley training to take his place in the guild of assassins. Wesley doesn't have much fun training, but the film moves the story along with a nice combination of explosions, rapid-fire gunfights, chase scenes, and the discovery of cool and interesting things about the weavers' heritage and skills. You don't get a lot of deep thought out of Wanted, but you do get a fun, adolescent romp filled with plenty of action."

  Average score: 6.60