Film reviews: Exit Through The Gift Shop | The Maid | The Runaways | Going The Distance

Published on Tuesday 7 September 2010 13:58

EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP (15) ***

This engaging documentary, or perhaps mockumentary, starts as a profile of graffiti artist Banksy by enthusiastic acolyte Thierry Guetta, until Banksy chucks the obsessive video-biographer off the project and suggests he become an artist instead. Guetta proves a terrible artist but a terrific salesman, and his stupefying success is tracked behind the camera by Banksy. A hilarious provocation. But is it art?

Glasgow Film Theatre, Thursday only

THE MAID (15)

***

Catalina Saavedra is stuck in monotonous servitude to a wealthy family but is horrified when they hire some help to lighten her workload. A nicely ambivalent and surprising Chilean black comedy.

Filmhouse, Edinburgh, from Friday; Glasgow Film Theatre, from 15 September.

THE RUNAWAYS (15)

**

Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning star in a biopic based on the travails of the all-girl 70s teen rockers The Runaways. Having sulked her way through two Twilight films, it's no surprise Stewart, above, is persuasive as the brooding gay guitarist Joan Jett, but sadly the film focuses on Fanning's cry-baby bore portrayal of lead singer Cherie Currie.

On general release from Friday

GOING THE DISTANCE (15)

**

Former real-life item Drew Barrymore and Justin Long play a couple who try to keep their relationship going despite living on opposite coasts of America. But forget the air miles – the real problems they face are lazy characterisations, including obligatory quirky pals, an over-protective sister and sex talk that would make 13-year-olds cringe.

On general release from Friday.