mar9

The three nouns above were the episode titles for this 3-part documentary about the USA. "Fat" is naturally about food, and it's no surprise to find that the portions from the perspective of an austere Englishman are mind-bogglingly huge. As are the people who eat them. "Dumb" is basically a road trip through the some of the stranger sights the US has to offer, and the stranger people who populate them. "Rich" is an exploration of the US lifestyle for those fortunate enough to be able to afford it, and the answer is that it's pretty fine. Jonathan Ross is the perfect presenter for this show that proves that it is impossible to exaggerate the weirdness that is life in America. He gives his subjects free rein to be as mad as they obviously are, and participates wholeheartedly. Part 1 in particular is a good companion piece to "Supersize Me" and the other episodes are somewhat reminiscent of Michael Moore when he's not being irritating and invading office foyers and boardrooms. Find "Americana", watch it. It's good.

Attempted cash-in on the incredibly successful "Raiders of the Lost Ark" fails dismally. Ludicrous stunts; the two leads (Chamberlain and Stone) lack charisma and look embarrassed. Inane, insane, cocaine-fuelled garbage that is clearly a product of its time (the mid-80s). Even John Rhys-Davies backs up from his decent work in "Raiders" (playing the latest in his long line of typecast swarthy mid-Easterners), but after seeing his performance in this film, it's obvious why his career slipped to the lost world of video game cut-scenes.

Suitable only for non-discriminating viewers, or if you want to pick it to bits and laugh at it; if the latter, you'll be kept busy, believe me.

Jodie Foster is a wonderful actress and she is in form in this dark and at times suspenseful film. Unfortunately, the house in which she is trapped by robbers seeking a stashed fortune is the second-best actor in this film. Some woeful dialogue between the villains doesn't help either.

The climax suffers from Hollywooditis (indestructible bad guy - again??) but for most of the way this is a good but not great film.