Film reviews: Side by Side | Caesar Must Die | Shell

Siobhan Synnot reviews the rest of the week’s releases

Side By Side (15)

* * * *

The ongoing film nerd discussion regarding technology and movies gets the big screen treatment – and proves surprisingly absorbing. Odder still, the likes of George Lucas and Steven Soderbergh are asked excellent questions by Keanu Reeves. Whoa!

Filmhouse, Edinburgh, today and tomorrow; Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre, Dumfries, Friday

Caesar Must Die (12A)

* * *

Filmmaking brothers Paolo and Vittorio Taviani document the rehearsals for a production of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, performed by the inmates of an Italian prison. It’s diverting, but at least one twist – even the naturalistic rehearsals are scripted – feels like an arthouse flourish.

Dundee Contemporary Arts, from Friday; Glasgow Film Theatre from 22 March.

Shell (15)

* * *

A father and daughter run a petrol station in the Highlands, but their relationship is fuelled by something more unsettling, in Scott Graham’s promising feature debut.

Filmhouse, Edinburgh, and Glasgow Film Theatre, from Friday; Dundee Contemporary Arts, from 22 March, Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre, Dumfries, 22 April (with director Q&A)

The Spirit Of ’45 (U)

* * *

Ken Loach celebrates Labour’s post-1945 programme of nationalisation and mourns the dismantling of British Rail, the NHS and the welfare state. His outrage is unmistakable, but so is his refusal to engage with any opposing views.

Filmhouse, Edinburgh, Saturday until 21 March; Glasgow Film Theatre, 17-20 March; Cameo, Edinburgh, Belmont Aberdeen, and Dundee Contemporary Arts, 17 March

Red Dawn (15)

* *

John Milius’ absurdly macho gun-stroker updates into a war between American teens and invading Russians and North Korean troops. Warriors Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Josh Hutcherson (Hunger Games) are the reason for blowing the dust off this three-year-old flick.

Showcase, Glasgow and Paisley, Tuesday