A quick review of four flicks I've watched this past week:

The Ladykillers, the Coen Bros. remake - or should that be 'reimagining'? - of the 50s British classic starring Alec Guinness, was pretty good, although it left me a little cold. I don't know why; Tom Hanks plays against type and has loads of fun doing it, and the film is crammed with black humour, but it was slightly overlong and a bit superfluous, since the original is still funnier. Not one of the Coens' best movies, but then my expectations of their work is usually high.

Hellboy was a slight disappointment, and my review can be summed up with a shrug and an "eh" - which is unfortunate, because the movie could and should have been so much better. It was all right - entertaining, inoffensive, funny, and there were a few thrilling scenes in there, but...eh. Considering the source material and Ron Perlman's engaging turn in the title role, it's unfortunate that Guillermo del Toro couldn't have crafted a more spirited movie. Hopefully, provided the box office returns remain high, we'll get a sequel at some point.

Dawn of the Dead: I'm a big fan of the original, and this reimagining (their words, not mine) stays true to the source material without feeling like a rehash. Despite an ending that left me cold (stay seated after the credits start rolling, folks, 'cause it ain't over yet), this is a well-made thriller, with some good characters and exciting set pieces. The opening scenes in particular are intense.

I hadn't yet seen Billy Elliott, and we watched it on DVD this past weekend. It was absolutely brilliant; a sweetly affecting and low key film, the kind only the British know how to make properly.  ¶ 23:42