2046
Rating: ****

Hong Kong’s super director Wong Kar Wai is back in The Mood for Love in this sequel to his delicately nuanced love story that made global waves five years ago. Tony Leung returns as a writer of the 1960s. He funds his debaucheries by hacking out newspaper articles and sci-fi tales set in the year 2046. His liaisons with a string of beautiful women, make him understand the need for a relationship which has more meaning and permanence.

Romantic to the core, this masterwork gives a new meaning to that old-fashioned feeling called love. Specially recommended for those in search for poetically crafted cinema.

Must Love Dogs
Rating: ***

Diane Lane is divorced (isn’t she always?). Ditto John Cusack. She’s egged on to find a new guy through the Internet by her gay buddies..and guess whom she hooks up with? To keep you amused are some terrific one-liners in the dialogue and situations straight out of a sitcom. The end is a bit of a drag though. In fact, a decent storyline and sparkling performances are ruined by the yucky wrap-up. Never mind, it may still bring about some cheer if you’re going through a desperately dull day.