THE RAVEN (USA /Hungary/Spain 2011) ***
Directed by Lewis Teague

The Raven with Edgar Allan Poe as its main protagonist has nothing to do with the narrative poem of the same name that Poe wrote.  The title of the film, based on a screenplay by Ben Livingston and Hannah Shakespeare was chosen obviously to benefit from using the name of the famous poem.

I’M YOURS (Canada 2011) **
Directed by Leonard Farlinger

I’M YOURS is a quirky romantic Canadian comedy that tries hard enough though does not quite make it from the director of ALL HAT, Leonard Farlinger.

DAMSELS IN DISTRESS (USA 2011) ****
Directed by Whit Stillman

Indie writer/director Whit Stillman returns after a 13 year absence with DAMSELS IN DISTRESS, a sort of MEAN GIRLS kind of comedy in which everyone speaks with perfect arguments and knowledge – Stillman style. 

WEST WIND: THE VISION OF TOM THOMSON ( Canada 2011) ***1/2
Directed by Peter Raymont and Michele Hozer

Filmmakers Peter Raymont (THE BORDER, THE INNER LIFE OF GLENN GOULD) and Michele Hozer (SHAKE HANDS WITH THE DEVIL) new documentary on Tom Thomson is an exhaustive study of one of Canada’s most famous artist and colourist.  It is everything you need to know about Thomson.

SOUND IT OUT (UK 2011) ***
Directed by Jeanie Finlay

SOUND IT OUT is a small likeable little movie not really about the last surviving record shop in Teeside in North England (as it seems) but of the owner and the people affected by it.