The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)

A soulless, ruinous version of The Hitchhiker's Guide that’s had all the deadpan wit filtered out of it in an effort to make it shorter and, I presume, appeal to a wider audience who don’t understand British humour. Ironically, the abridgement was for the best because the casting is so abominable that the sooner it ended the better. Many of the actors don’t seem to understand their roles at all. Even Stephen Fry, who’s given the impossible task of replacing the voice of Peter Jones, can’t save it from itself.

1½ generally bad moves out of 5

Son of Rambow (2007)

Schoolboys William and Lee are polar opposites. One has led a sheltered life under a religious upbringing and the other is independently high-spirited and lacks parental guidance. Together, with no experience and no safety nets, they shoot a short film inspired by a chance viewing of First Blood (1982).
It’s a skilfully made coming of age drama that has some quality laughs along the way, some emotional moments and some commentary on what constitutes friendship. Even if you didn't grow up in the era represented there’s enough archetypal events to create an attachment.

3½ great escapes out of 5