THE DAMNED UNITED
****
Hooper's energetic movie, based on David Peace's novel, charts the escalating drama of Brian Clough's turbulent tenure as manager of Leeds United in 1974, which ended after just 44 days. Clough emerges as a conflicted figure, blending charm and wit with hubris in the terrific central performance by the chameleonic Sheen.
MICHAEL DWYER
IN THE LOOP ***Hilarious follow-up to Iannucci's TV series The Thick of It, in which a hapless British minister gets roughed up by a ruthless spin- doctor in both Westminster and Washington. The excellent DVD features a great commentary and perky interviews.
DONALD CLARKE
I LOVE YOU, MAN ***This entertaining "bromantic" comedy stars Rudd at his most engagingly deadpan as a friendless estate agent embarking on awkward "man dates" to find someone to be best man at his wedding. It's most effective as it trades in the comedy of embarrassment, pokes fun at the linguistic contrivances of dude- speak, and acutely observes perceptions of male self-image. MICHAEL DWYER
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