From the opening credits, this is a visual treat.

~ Val Kermode -

From the opening credits, this is a visual treat.

~ Val Kermode -

Hallström successfully captures the style of the Seventies, aided by a breezy original score by Carter Burwell. He also shows us the dark undercurrents of the period.

~ Val Kermode -

Hallström successfully captures the style of the Seventies, aided by a breezy original score by Carter Burwell. He also shows us the dark undercurrents of the period.

~ Val Kermode -

Catherine Zeta Jones never manages to engage our sympathy as someone mourning her sister or truly caring for her niece.

~ Val Kermode -

Catherine Zeta Jones never manages to engage our sympathy as someone mourning her sister or truly caring for her niece.

~ Val Kermode -

By opening up his story Hood may reach a wider audience and this is a subject which certainly cries out for more attention.

~ Val Kermode -

By opening up his story Hood may reach a wider audience and this is a subject which certainly cries out for more attention.

~ Val Kermode -

Good performances from two of the leads cannot save this dreary film.

~ Val Kermode -

Good performances from two of the leads cannot save this dreary film.

~ Val Kermode -

There is not nearly enough in this moralistic tale to appeal to adults and not enough excitement for children.

~ Val Kermode -

There is not nearly enough in this moralistic tale to appeal to adults and not enough excitement for children.

~ Val Kermode -

A simple idea delivered so cleverly that it holds your attention from the opening of the storybook right up to its fairytale ending.

~ Val Kermode -

A simple idea delivered so cleverly that it holds your attention from the opening of the storybook right up to its fairytale ending.

~ Val Kermode -

Jake Paltrow has given us a film which is bold and thought provoking. The trouble is, it is also depressing and a lot of it is dull.

~ Val Kermode -

Jake Paltrow has given us a film which is bold and thought provoking. The trouble is, it is also depressing and a lot of it is dull.

~ Val Kermode -

Prepare to be absorbed, fascinated, disturbed.

~ Val Kermode -

Prepare to be absorbed, fascinated, disturbed.

~ Val Kermode -

What really makes this sparkle is the outstanding script from writer Diablo Cody.

~ Val Kermode -

What really makes this sparkle is the outstanding script from writer Diablo Cody.

~ Val Kermode -

Akin’s screenplay is intricate and original, and his story is ultimately an affirmation of the strength of personal bonds over the political.

~ Val Kermode -

Akin’s screenplay is intricate and original, and his story is ultimately an affirmation of the strength of personal bonds over the political.

~ Val Kermode -

I found myself being drawn in by the charming “boys’ adventure” approach.

~ Val Kermode -

I found myself being drawn in by the charming “boys’ adventure” approach.

~ Val Kermode -

There is beautiful footage of life in the tent, capturing the relaxed intimacy of everyday life.

~ Val Kermode -

There is beautiful footage of life in the tent, capturing the relaxed intimacy of everyday life.

~ Val Kermode -

This is a film with a heartfelt message behind the adventure shots.

~ Val Kermode -

This is a film with a heartfelt message behind the adventure shots.

~ Val Kermode -

Lowell and Mortimer’s cinematography is excellent.

~ Val Kermode -

Lowell and Mortimer’s cinematography is excellent.

~ Val Kermode -