New DVDs

Donald Clarke and Michael Dwyerreview the latest DVDs

PERSEPOLIS

Directed by Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud. Voices of Catherine Deneuve, Chiara Mastroianni, Gena Rowlands, Sean Penn, Iggy Pop12 cert

An animated feature based on graphic novels author Satrapi's experiences growing up in Iran from the downfall of the Shah in 1978 through the Islamic Revolution. Her film succeeds as a touching coming-of-age tale, a pointed political satire, a feminist fable, and an uproariously funny comedy.

LARS AND THE REAL GIRL

Directed by Craig Gillespie. Starring Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider, Kelli Garner, Patricia Clarkson12 cert

Gosling is terrific as a disturbed, painfully shy young man who startles his local community when he introduces a life-size silicone doll as his girlfriend. Director Gillespie skilfully orchestrates a succession of hilariously oddball scenes, while simultaneously, and with remarkable subtlety, his film gradually takes on a more serious tone and turns deeply affecting.

LEATHERHEADS

Directed by George Clooney. Starring George Clooney, Renée Zellweger, John Krasinski, Jonathan Pryce,PG cert

Clooney, all creaking back, plays an ageing American football star in the 1920s. Krasinski is the young pretender. Zellweger is a feisty (what else?) journalist. The frantic attempts to ape the rhythms of classic screwball comedy are embarrassing, but Clooney's charm makes it bearable.

HAPPY-GO-LUCKY

Directed by Mike Leigh. Starring Sally Hawkins, Alexis Zegerman, Eddie Marsan15 cert

Leigh's uncharacteristically jolly, plot-free comedy casts Hawkins as a relentlessly optimistic teacher from South London. She does a class in flamenco dancing, aids a tramp and, most amusingly, takes driving lessons from Marsan's right-wing lunatic. Like all Leigh's pictures, Happy-Go-Lucky is alive with humanity. The protagonist is, however, a tad irritating.

FLASHBACKS OF A FOOL

Directed by Bailie Walsh. Starring Daniel Craig, Harry Eden, Jodhi May, Olivia Williams16 cert

If you're in the mood for Generic 1970s Coming-of- Age Movie #3, then you may like to take a glance. Following Craig's dissolute movie star as he recalls a sad story from his youth, the film is rich in delicious images, but we really have seen enough dramas in which kids listen to Bowie while contemplating their sexual awakening.

STOP-LOSS

Directed by Kimberly Peirce. Starring Ryan Phillippe, Abbie Cornish, Ciaran Hinds, Timothy Olyphant15 cert

Phillippe vividly captures the dilemma of a decorated young war hero who refuses to return to duty in Iraq. Writer- director Peirce addresses the human toll of the war in a heartfelt, unsettling film marked with the integrity and unsentimental compassion.

NEVER BACK DOWN

Directed by Jeff Wadlow. Starring Sean Faris, Djimon Hounsou15 cert

Brainless teen drama dealing with unlicensed fighting at a middle-class school. Absurdly hypocritical, the film pretends to argue for peaceful reconciliation, but, of course, ends up with the hero kicking everybody in the head. Nasty stuff.

MEET THE SPARTANS

Directed by Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer. Starring Sean Maguire, Carmen Electra15 cert

This is a extended spoof on 300, along with other movies and US TV shows. No pun is too feeble and no gag too puerile for this embarrassingly laboured and dispiritingly uninspired attempt at comedy.

READER OFFER

Ten copies of Persepolis are available to readers upon release, courtesy of The Ticket and Text it8, your name and address to 53307 to be in with a chance to win one. One copy per person only. Texts cost 60c (network charges vary). Service by Phonovation Ltd (01-2844060). Full terms and conditions from the Promotions Department, The Irish Times(01-6758000)