Reviews

Bertrand Tavernier's epic (almost three hours) looks back at France's period of Nazi occupation from a movie-lover's perspective. A young screenwriter tries to subvert the German-controlled studios while juggling three women, and a director doubles as a Resistance fighter. It's a beautifully detailed and honest piece.

More pint-size espionage from Robert Rodriguez as Carmen and Juni tackle an island full of monsters created by mad scientist Steve Buscemi. The cute kids factor is kept on a tight rein, there are great gizmos (and gags) galore, and the blend of Bond, Dr Seuss and Ray Harryhausen is irresistible.

Appealing second Peel selection from a post-Weddoes David Gedge

Not-quite-brilliant follow-up to Two Against Nature from US collegiate pop's Lennon & McCartney

When we speak of Anton Karas' score to Carol Reed's 1949 classic of dodgy penicillin and cuckoo clocks, we speak of the zither. Most of us couldn't describe a zither if the lives of the Swiss nation depended on it, but the Harry Lime theme is nonchalance personified. Karas—the chap with the zither—was discovered by Reed playing in a Viennese tavern and had no experience, but proved to be an inspired choice.

Former Stiltskin/Genesis singer goes solo

Agit-rap veteran mellows out too much on his fourth LP

Three-disc box of electro pioneers' early dabbles

Gripping spoken-word companion piece to those classic Dylan albums of the '60s

Late-'70s folkloric Tull gets a makeover then takes a step too far