FILM CHOICE

THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT (15)

This verite documentary about three students who disappear into the woods to make a film about a local witch is gorgeously nimble and youthful. And extremely frightening.

BOWFINGER (12)

Steve Martin stars as a no-hope director who casts Hollywood superstar Kit Ramsey (Eddie Murphy) in an alien invasion flick. Martin's precise, farcical script and performance, confirm a return to form.

ELECTION (15)

Reese Witherspoon and Matthew Broderick play two of the vilest characters you will ever see: an ultra-keen high-school student and the embittered teacher who wants to bring about her downfall. A clever black comedy which - sadly - isn't quite as glorious as it could have been.

TARZAN (U)

Good news - it's short, there aren't any duets, and they've put a lid on the love stuff. The animation is more assiduous than usual - it's no Jungle Book, but it does have charm.

DETROIT ROCK CITY (15)

Edward Furlong stars as one of four American teenage boys risking all to get into a Kiss gig circa 1978.

RUN LOLA RUN (15)

Who said German films are worthy and boring? Lola has to get money to her boyfriend in 20 minutes flat - or else a gangster will kill him. Three versions are filmed, using a boisterous range of poppy jumps and zips.

GREGORY'S TWO GIRLS (15)

Bill Forsyth's follow-up to his adored Gregory's Girl. Gregory (now a teacher) is involved in an anti-torture campaign spear-headed by his star pupil. Unmistakably Forsyth, and yet reaches for a tougher kind of glory.

OPENING THIS WEEK

FIGHT CLUB (18)

You've read the shock-horror news stories: Edward Norton and Brad Pitt bare knuckles in search of a life less ordinary.

RATCATCHER (15)

Lynne Ramsay's debut has built up ecstatic word of mouth. It stars William Eadie as a boy growing up on a Glasgow housing scheme in the early 1970s: a poetic piece in the tradition of the great Bill Douglas trilogy.

THE TICHBORNE CLAIMANT (PG)

Anita Dobson, Sir John Gielgud and Stephen Fry in Victorian dress. The true story of a drunk's claim on one of the largest fortunes in England.