Dreams of a Life (12A)

HHHH

Dir: Carol Morley

With: Zawe Ashton

Running time: 94 minutes

WHEN the door to Joyce Vincent's flat was broken down she had been dead for three years. Another shocking tale of the city, in this case London, but this one spoke to people's worst fears of falling through the gaps, never to be seen again. Documentary maker Carol Morley turned detective to trace Ms Vincent's family and friends, carefully assembling a sensitive, intelligent portrait of a woman, 38 when she died, at various stages of her life. Morley is a skilful interviewer, allowing her interviewees (among them The Herald's Alison Campsie, who covered the story) time and space to convey their thoughts. Aiding the picture immeasurably is Zawe Ashton's thoughtful portrayal of Ms Vincent in the reconstructions. A film to haunt you for all the right reasons.

Filmhouse, Edinburgh

Goon (15)

HH

Dir: Michael Dowse

With: Seann William Scott, Jay Baruchel

Running time: 91 minutes

ICE hockey is the sort of sport that should be exciting. There's speed, machismo, and people falling on their backsides a lot. Somehow, though, it doesn't light many candles outside the countries it is played in. A similar description could be applied to Michael Dowse's Goon, based on a true story from the world of sticks and pucks. Seann William Scott, below, plays Doug, who can't skate for toffee but is hugely talented when it comes to hitting people hard and often. He starts to carve a career for himself as a "goon", a tough- guy protector of more gifted, delicate players. Dowse's picture can't decide whether it's a comedy, a drama, or a sports picture, All three go into the blender with mixed results. A couple of smart lines aside, the amount of blood- spattering violence, cursing, and locker-room humour mean this one misses the goal by a mile.

Mother and Child (15)

HHH

Dir: Rodrigo Garcia

With: Annette Bening, Naomi Watts, Kerry Washington

Running time: 126 minutes

WITH a cast including Naomi Watts, Annette Bening and Kerry Washington, this ensemble drama about motherhood promises much. For the first third it even delivers as Karen (Bening), who had to give up her baby for adoption, Elizabeth (Watts), the daughter in question, and Lucy (Washington), a wife struggling with infertility, grapple with their various sadnesses. It's all well-intentioned, with id performances and a glossy sheen. Just a pity it grows gloopier and more pat the longer it goes on. At times I was tempted to yell an unsisterly "Get a grip!" as the woes and contrivances lined up.

Glasgow Film Theatre, till January 12

Junkhearts (15)

HHH

Dir: Tinge Krishnan

With: Eddie Marsan, Candese Reid

Running time: 99 minutes

THOUGH long since returned from war, ex-squaddie Frank (Eddie Marsan) is still doing battle with himself and his tower-block environment. Taking pity on a young homeless woman, Lynette (played by newcomer Candese Reid) he opens the door to friendship – and a heap of trouble besides. Tinge Krishnan's London-set debut feature is rough and ready in parts, and its take on urban society is hardly cheering, but Marsan holds it together and the whole is heartfelt.

Glasgow Film Theatre, January 11, 8.20pm

Alison Rowat's A-Z movie guide: Page 20