Anthony Mingella's latest is set in an upwardly mobile Kings Cross being transformed by Will (Jude Law) a sort of eco-landscape gardener. His new premises are twice burgled and, escaping his failing relationship with partner Robin Wright Penn and her autistic child, he watches the premises until spotting the acrobatic teenage thief. Implausibly chasing him home, he befriends the boy's Muslim Serb mother (Juliette Binoche!). Much of the plot is contrived, even the characters have to comment on the coincidence of meeting before, but some of the scenes are riveting, and Law, not someone I have liked before as an actor, does well as the conflicted character. Some characters jar, Ray Winstone as the Vespa riding cuddly policeman, scooting the teenage thief to Alexandra Palace for a cosy chat, does not work for me. And some promising characters (an implausibly beautiful Kings Cross prostitute who spouts profundities) disappear mid film.

After enyoying various slices of life and an odd mix of whimsy and poignancy, the ending hits you like an inflatable sledgehammer filled with sentimentality, leaving you flat.

In short it is like sitting down to a series of delicious appetizers only to discover that there is not going to be a main course.

Nice pice Mischa. Seeing this tonight. It is said Minghella writes 'convincing' women. Not sure myself, but anything with both Binoche and Wright Penn can't be all bad.

regards

Zettel