The General

Director John Boorman's crime drama raises a bunch of questions. Most pertinent: Why should we care? What is it about the titular "General"--Irish ultra-thief Martin Cahill--that makes him compelling enough to deserve the celluloid treatment? Because he was clever? So are a lot of people who don't steal. Because he was a family man? SFW, as they say; lots of people have kids, including many of those from whom Cahill stole. Some half-baked socioeconomic ideology? That's a poor excuse, given that so many others from the same background stay on the other side of the law. This film is yet another example that crime is not in and of itself endlessly fascinating. It has its moments, but the subject ultimately fails to engage all but the most devoted fans of the genre.

The Tailor of Panama

Bond, depraved Bond. It's impossible to watch this movie without making the 007 comparison, what with Pierce Brosnan playing the flip side of his franchise role. The difference is quite instructive; instead of screwing around with razzle-dazzle horseshit, this one sets the special effects aside and plays up the intelligence--and a touch of sleaze--giving you a nittier, grittier look at the world of spying. Geoffrey Rush, always the pro, provides more than capable backup.