The Brothers Bloom

Rian Johnson's follow-up to his high school noir Brick is a looser, more accessibly film that its predecessor. Mark Ruffalo and Adrien Brody are Stephen and Bloom, con artists and brothers, whose cons are as complex as "Russian novels", complete with symbolism, complex plot arcs and a wide array of supporting characters. That old staple, the "one final job" (Bloom longs for "an unwritten life"), involves a jaunt across Eastern Europe with eccentric, lonely millionaire Penelope (Rachel Weisz), during which the Brothers Bloom will fleece her of her fortune.

The problem with most con movies is that the number of twists the plot manufactures precludes feeling for its characters, a problem that The Brothers Bloom isn't immune to. However, much like he did with Brick, Johnson marries two disparate genres with considerable success. His second film is shot through with a Wes Anderson-like sensibility but, unlike Anderson and his numerous imitators, Johnson has a broader palette to work from and a willingness to cut loose that works in his favour.

Whilst not without its faults (the first 10 minutes detailing the brothers' first con stick too close to the Anderson formula and the ending lacks any real emotional punch), there much to love in the detail, not least a marvellous comic turn from Weisz and a typically relaxed, amusing one from Ruffalo.

Definitely, Maybe

A likeable, smart romantic comedy with a rather uncharismatic Ryan Reynolds playing Will, an ad exec who has just received divorce papers from his wife. Prompted by the imminent separation of her parents, daughter Maya (Abigail Breslin, irritating beyond belief) asks to know how they first met and fell in love, hoping for a reconciliation. Will agrees, but on the condition that Maya has to guess which of the three women Will has loved, ended up becoming his wife (he's changed their names). The choices are college sweetheart Emily (Elizabeth Banks), intelligent sophisticate Summer (Rachel Weisz) or fiery free spirit April (Isla Fisher)?

Will's story begins in the early 90s as he works on the Clinton campaign and the passing of time is marked by obvious political signifiers rather than the fashion or the music. The first third of the film is the least successful. Elizabeth Banks is stuck in the same cute-but-dull role that she's mined to better effect elsewhere. Definitely, Maybe is much more interesting when we're in the company of Summer and April. Rachel Weisz manages to make a potentially irritating character sympathetic and believable. Meanwhile, Isla Fisher demonstrates that she's the most gifted comic actress this side of Anna Faris with a totally lovable, sparkly performance that's equal amounts flinty wit and vulnerability.

It's obvious from a fairly early stage who Will truly loves out of the three women, but the script has some fun with themes of storytelling, pointing out Will's ability to write and rewrite his own destiny. Or perhaps that's reading too much into a film that is, ultimately, just some good-natured fun.