"Actor: Zachary"

• What's Your Number? | Blu Ray | (30/01/2012) from £12.13   |  Saving you £7.86 (64.80%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Few actresses can play frothy and ditzy as well as Anna Faris, star of the fizzy What's Your Number?. Faris's easy ability to fly along on the wispiest of plot threads, staying likable all the way, is harder than it looks, and Faris's talent makes What's Your Number? a fun, saucy date-night trifle. Faris plays Ally Darling, a woman who's had 20 boyfriends, and makes the mistake of reading a women's magazine article that says that a woman who has had more than 20 lovers has a harder time ultimately marrying. Ally then wonders if one of her "magic 20" might have been The One, and sets about to track them all down. What's Your Number? has a talented cast surrounding Faris, including Blythe Danner as her wedding-obsessed mum, Joel McHale as a former boss (and possible new "number"), and the gorgeous Chris Evans as Colin, Ally's neighbour. Ally and Colin strike up a friendship while she tries to track down her exes, and of course the viewer can see they are perfect for each other long before the script allows them to. Faris and Evans are winning and cunning, and manage to rise above the script that emulates the raunch of Bridesmaids but mostly sidesteps that film's giant heart. But it's not for lack of Faris's trying--she's irresistible, hilarious, and touchingly vulnerable. Her performance in What's Your Number? is a perfect 10. --A.T. Hurley

• Star Trek / Star Trek Into Darkness Double Pack | DVD | (02/09/2013) from £6.99   |  Saving you £17.00 (70.90%)   |  RRP £23.99

  Star TrekJ.J. Abrams' 2009 feature film was billed as "not your father's Star Trek," but your father will probably love it anyway. And what's not to love? It has enough action, emotional impact, humor, and sheer fun for any moviegoer, and Trekkers will enjoy plenty of insider references and a cast that seems ideally suited to portray the characters we know they'll become later. Both a prequel and a reboot, Star Trek introduces us to James T. Kirk (Chris Pine of The Princess Diaries 2), a sharp but aimless young man who's prodded by a Starfleet captain, Christopher Pike (Bruce Greenwood), to enlist and make a difference. At the Academy, Kirk runs afoul of a Vulcan commander named Spock (Zachary Quinto of Heroes), but their conflict has to take a back seat when Starfleet, including its new ship, the Enterprise, has to answer an emergency call from Vulcan. What follows is a stirring tale of genocide and revenge launched by a Romulan (Eric Bana) with a particular interest in Spock, and we get to see the familiar crew come together, including McCoy (Karl Urban), Uhura (Zoe Saldana), Sulu (John Cho), Chekhov (Anton Yelchin), and Scottie (Simon Pegg). The action and visuals make for a spectacular big-screen movie, though the plot by Abrams and his writers, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman (who worked together on Transformers and with Abrams on Alias and Mission Impossible III), and his producers (fellow Losties Damon Lindeloff and Bryan Burk) can be a bit of a mind-bender (no surprise there for Lost fans). Hardcore fans with a bone to pick may find faults, but resistance is futile when you can watch Kirk take on the Kobayashi Maru scenario or hear McCoy bark, "Damnit, man, I'm a doctor, not a physicist!" An appearance by Leonard Nimoy and hearing the late Majel Barrett Roddenberry as the voice of the computer simply sweeten the pot. Now comes the hard part: waiting for some sequels to this terrific prequel. --David Horiuchi Star Trek Into DarknessA good portion of Trekkies (or Trekkers, depending on one's level of Star Trek obsession) have special affection for episodes of the original TV series that related to Earth and other-Earth cultures visited by the crew of the Enterprise, version 1.0. Some of the shows unfolded in distorted forms of the past, some in the present day of Star Trek's future reality. Director J.J. Abrams recognised the importance of this relationship in his origin-story reboot of the franchise in 2009, and in Star Trek Into Darkness he has made it an even greater touchstone to the roots of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry's defining philosophy from nearly 50 years ago. The human home world is key to the plot of this spectacularly bold leap into Star Trek lore, which cleverly continues along the alternate path that was established as separate from the "original" Star Trek universe in Abrams's first whiz-bang crack at advancing the mythology. But it's not just Earth that is cool and imperiled in this rendering of adventure in the 23rd century; Into Darkness also plays with the original conceit that Earthlings were member to a multi-species United Federation of Planets ruled by a "Prime Directive" of noninterference with other civilisations. The conflict comes when rogue elements in the Earth-based Starfleet Command hunger to shift focus from peaceful exploration to militarisation, a concept that is anathema to the crew of the Enterprise and her ongoing mission. The new cast is again inventively reunited, each of them further investing their characters with traits that reveal novel acting choices while staying true to the caricatures that are ingrained in our popular culture. The interplay between Chris Pine as Kirk and Zachary Quinto as Spock is deeper, and Zoe Saldana as Uhura is a solid third in their relationship. John Cho (Sulu), Simon Pegg (Scotty), Anton Yelchin (Chekov), and Karl Urban (McCoy) all have standout roles in the overall ensemble mystique as well as the plot-heavy machinations of this incarnation's narrative. Fortunately, the burdens of the story are well served by some important additions to the cast. Benedict Cumberbatch's Shakespearean aura, ferociously imperious gaze, and graceful athleticism make him a formidable villain as the mysterious Starfleet operative John Harrison. Harrison has initiated a campaign of terror on Earth before leading the Enterprise to even greater dangers in the enemy territory of Klingon-controlled space. That his background may make dedicated Trekkies/Trekkers gasp is just one acknowledgment of the substantial and ingrained legacy Star Trek has borne. There are many references, nods and winks to those with deep reverence for the folklore (some of them perhaps a little too close to being inside-baseball), though the fantastical and continually exciting story stands as an expertly crafted tale for complete neophytes. Another new face is Peter Weller--iconically famous in sci-fi-dom as RoboCop--here playing a steely, authoritative Starfleet bigwig who may also be following a hidden agenda. Not only is he running a covert operation, he's also at the helm of a fearsome secret starship that looms over the Enterprise like a shark poised to devour its prey. Which brings us to the awesome CGI effects driving the dazzling visual style of Into Darkness and the endlessly fascinating cosmos it makes real. The wow factor extends from the opening set piece on an alien world of primitive humanoids, garish vegetation, and a roiling volcano to the finale of destruction in a future San Francisco that is elegantly outfitted with gleaming-spired skyscrapers and all manner of flying vehicles. (London also gets a breathtaking 23rd-century makeover). With a coolness that glistens in every immaculately composed shot, the movie never forgets that humanism and creativity make the myriad design details and hyper-technology pop out as much more than eye candy. The biggest achievement of Star Trek Into Darkness is that it hews to the highest standard of a highly celebrated tradition. Though Kirk and co. may bend it a little, the Prime Directive remains unbroken. --Ted Fry

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid 1-3 | DVD | (01/05/2017) from £8.99   |  Saving you £-1.00 (-12.50%)   |  RRP £7.99

  Diary of a Wimpy Kid - The adventures of a teenager who is fresh out and in elementary, where he has to learn the consequences and responsibility to survive the year. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules - Back in middle school after summer vacation, Greg Heffley and his older brother Rodrick must deal with their parents' misguided attempts to have them bond. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days - School's out. Summer vacation is on. However, Greg may not have the best summer vacation ever. What could go wrong?

• American Horror Story - Season 3 (Coven) | Blu Ray | (20/10/2014) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £34.99

  American Horror Story: Coven tells the secret history of witches and witchcraft in America. Over three hundred years have passed since the turbulent days of Salem and those who managed to escape are now facing extinction. Mysterious attacks have been escalating against their kind and young girls are being sent away to a special school in New Orleans to learn how to protect themselves. Wrapped up in the turmoil is new arrival Zoe who is harboring a terrifying secret of her own. Alarmed by the recent aggression Fiona the long-absent Supreme sweeps back into town determined to protect the Coven and hell-bent on decimating anyone who gets in her way.

• Chuck - Season 4 | DVD | (03/10/2011) from £11.35   |  Saving you £28.64 (252.34%)   |  RRP £39.99

  When Chuck Bartowski opens an e-mail subliminally encoded with government secrets he unwittingly downloads an entire server of sensitive data into his brain. Now the fate of the world lies in the unlikely hands of a guy who works at a Buy More Electronics store. Instead of fighting computer viruses he must now confront assassins and international terrorists. With the government's most precious secrets in Chuck's head Major John Casey of the National Security Agency assumes the responsibility of protecting him. His partner is the CIA's top agent -and Chuck's first date in years - Sarah Walker. They'll try to keep him safe by trading in his pocket protector for a bulletproof vest. Also starring are Joshua Gomez as Morgan Grimes Chuck's best buddy and Sarah Lancaster as Chuck's ever-supportive sister Ellie.

• Boys On Film 20: Heaven Can Wait | DVD | (18/05/2020) from £11.68   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid 1-3 | DVD | (26/11/2012) from £11.98   |  Saving you £13.01 (52.10%)   |  RRP £24.99

  Diary of a Wimpy KidThe hilarious best-selling book come to life in this hit family comedy. Greg Heffley is headed for the most humiliating experience in any kid's life - middle school! There, he'll fair hairy-freckled morons, wedgie-loving bullies and cootie-ridden, mouldy chees. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick RulesHaving survive the 'Cheese Touch', Greg returns to school with his confidence intact, and his eye on a pretty new girl named Holly. But at home, Greg faces the worst fate ever: he's being forces to spend quality time with his older brother Rodrick! Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog DaysOh, No - Greg's Dad is threatening to send him to military school if he doesn't shape up! Unfortunately, Greg pretending to work as a swanky country club, botching a father-son camping trip, and staying one step ahead of the mischievous family dog won't help in this hilarious family film.

• American Horror Story - Asylum | Blu Ray | (21/10/2013) from £7.49   |  Saving you £32.50 (81.30%)   |  RRP £39.99

  Explore sanity and real-life horrors in the macabre Briarcliff insane asylum. The second instalment of the award winning psychosexual horror series. Set in 1964, American Horror Story: Asylum takes viewers into a Church-run haven for the criminally insane, ruled with an iron fist by Sister Jude (Jessica Lange), a nun with a troubled past. This grisly tale begins in present day when Leo and Teresa, the unsuspecting newlyweds, choose to spend their honeymoon within the safe haven of a now abandoned asylum. Or is it... once inside, the pair is thrust into a gruesome fight for their lives as the story flashes back to 1964. Originally a tuberculosis ward, Briarcliff Manor, western Massachusetts, was brought by the Catholic Church and transformed into a chilling insane asylum. Monsignor Timothy O'Hara (Joseph Fiennes) and the formidable Sister Jude (Jessica Lange) are in charge with the help of Sister Eunice (Lily Rabe).

• Star Trek / Star Trek Into Darkness Double Pack | Blu Ray | (02/09/2013) from £9.99   |  Saving you £22.00 (220.22%)   |  RRP £31.99

  Star TrekJ.J. Abrams' 2009 feature film was billed as "not your father's Star Trek," but your father will probably love it anyway. And what's not to love? It has enough action, emotional impact, humor, and sheer fun for any moviegoer, and Trekkers will enjoy plenty of insider references and a cast that seems ideally suited to portray the characters we know they'll become later. Both a prequel and a reboot, Star Trek introduces us to James T. Kirk (Chris Pine of The Princess Diaries 2), a sharp but aimless young man who's prodded by a Starfleet captain, Christopher Pike (Bruce Greenwood), to enlist and make a difference. At the Academy, Kirk runs afoul of a Vulcan commander named Spock (Zachary Quinto of Heroes), but their conflict has to take a back seat when Starfleet, including its new ship, the Enterprise, has to answer an emergency call from Vulcan. What follows is a stirring tale of genocide and revenge launched by a Romulan (Eric Bana) with a particular interest in Spock, and we get to see the familiar crew come together, including McCoy (Karl Urban), Uhura (Zoe Saldana), Sulu (John Cho), Chekhov (Anton Yelchin), and Scottie (Simon Pegg). The action and visuals make for a spectacular big-screen movie, though the plot by Abrams and his writers, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman (who worked together on Transformers and with Abrams on Alias and Mission Impossible III), and his producers (fellow Losties Damon Lindeloff and Bryan Burk) can be a bit of a mind-bender (no surprise there for Lost fans). Hardcore fans with a bone to pick may find faults, but resistance is futile when you can watch Kirk take on the Kobayashi Maru scenario or hear McCoy bark, "Damnit, man, I'm a doctor, not a physicist!" An appearance by Leonard Nimoy and hearing the late Majel Barrett Roddenberry as the voice of the computer simply sweeten the pot. Now comes the hard part: waiting for some sequels to this terrific prequel. --David Horiuchi Star Trek Into DarknessA good portion of Trekkies (or Trekkers, depending on one's level of Star Trek obsession) have special affection for episodes of the original TV series that related to Earth and other-Earth cultures visited by the crew of the Enterprise, version 1.0. Some of the shows unfolded in distorted forms of the past, some in the present day of Star Trek's future reality. Director J.J. Abrams recognised the importance of this relationship in his origin-story reboot of the franchise in 2009, and in Star Trek Into Darkness he has made it an even greater touchstone to the roots of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry's defining philosophy from nearly 50 years ago. The human home world is key to the plot of this spectacularly bold leap into Star Trek lore, which cleverly continues along the alternate path that was established as separate from the "original" Star Trek universe in Abrams's first whiz-bang crack at advancing the mythology. But it's not just Earth that is cool and imperiled in this rendering of adventure in the 23rd century; Into Darkness also plays with the original conceit that Earthlings were member to a multi-species United Federation of Planets ruled by a "Prime Directive" of noninterference with other civilisations. The conflict comes when rogue elements in the Earth-based Starfleet Command hunger to shift focus from peaceful exploration to militarisation, a concept that is anathema to the crew of the Enterprise and her ongoing mission. The new cast is again inventively reunited, each of them further investing their characters with traits that reveal novel acting choices while staying true to the caricatures that are ingrained in our popular culture. The interplay between Chris Pine as Kirk and Zachary Quinto as Spock is deeper, and Zoe Saldana as Uhura is a solid third in their relationship. John Cho (Sulu), Simon Pegg (Scotty), Anton Yelchin (Chekov), and Karl Urban (McCoy) all have standout roles in the overall ensemble mystique as well as the plot-heavy machinations of this incarnation's narrative. Fortunately, the burdens of the story are well served by some important additions to the cast. Benedict Cumberbatch's Shakespearean aura, ferociously imperious gaze, and graceful athleticism make him a formidable villain as the mysterious Starfleet operative John Harrison. Harrison has initiated a campaign of terror on Earth before leading the Enterprise to even greater dangers in the enemy territory of Klingon-controlled space. That his background may make dedicated Trekkies/Trekkers gasp is just one acknowledgment of the substantial and ingrained legacy Star Trek has borne. There are many references, nods and winks to those with deep reverence for the folklore (some of them perhaps a little too close to being inside-baseball), though the fantastical and continually exciting story stands as an expertly crafted tale for complete neophytes. Another new face is Peter Weller--iconically famous in sci-fi-dom as RoboCop--here playing a steely, authoritative Starfleet bigwig who may also be following a hidden agenda. Not only is he running a covert operation, he's also at the helm of a fearsome secret starship that looms over the Enterprise like a shark poised to devour its prey. Which brings us to the awesome CGI effects driving the dazzling visual style of Into Darkness and the endlessly fascinating cosmos it makes real. The wow factor extends from the opening set piece on an alien world of primitive humanoids, garish vegetation, and a roiling volcano to the finale of destruction in a future San Francisco that is elegantly outfitted with gleaming-spired skyscrapers and all manner of flying vehicles. (London also gets a breathtaking 23rd-century makeover). With a coolness that glistens in every immaculately composed shot, the movie never forgets that humanism and creativity make the myriad design details and hyper-technology pop out as much more than eye candy. The biggest achievement of Star Trek Into Darkness is that it hews to the highest standard of a highly celebrated tradition. Though Kirk and co. may bend it a little, the Prime Directive remains unbroken. --Ted Fry

• Boys On Film 23: Dangerous To Know | Blu Ray | (24/07/2023) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  A perfect stranger. The boy next door. A sparring partner. A friend from abroad. Boys on Film presents eight encounters from across the globe, where the dangerous allure of a risky attraction yields emotional results - proving that the age-old adage of taking the plunge is as relevant - and sexy - as ever before.

• Heroes - Season 1-4 Complete (2012 Edition) | Blu Ray | (19/11/2012) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Season One It's hard to remember a science fiction series that has hit so big so quickly. Yet by the end of the first series of Heroes, it feels - for all the right reasons - that the show's been around for longer than it has, such is the huge amount of success it's enjoyed. The setup is simple, yet undeniably intriguing. It essentially tells the stories of a series of people who discover they have legitimate, differing superhero powers. On top of that, these people then gradually appreciate that these powers are needed for reasons that soon become apparent, and the story of Heroes builds up from there. Heavily influenced by comics both in its structure and story, Heroes sustains interest through a number of story arcs of different magnitudes, skillfully weaving them throughout the 23 episodes that make up the season. It's contained enough to keep you interested, yet offers enough threads to make several more seasons a very appealing prospect. Heroes, though, really gels because the basics are right. It's plotted intelligently, written and directed with real nerve and talent, and has a cast who you can't help but get emotionally involved with. It's also, for the overwhelming majority of its episodes, utterly compelling television. Ironically, its few miss-steps of any note come right at the back end, by which time you really would forgive it pretty much anything. Heroes is rightly being heralded as a sci-fi classic in the making. Yet even if subsequent seasons don't fully do justice to those words - and at the time of writing, season two is still some way from debuting - this boxset will serve as a glowing testament to just how good television can be when it's just done right. Season Two Truncated to a slim 11 episodes as a result of the writers' strike that was ongoing in America during its production, Heroes' second season nonetheless packs enough in to keep the momentum rolling on one of the most exciting Stateside shows of the moment. Heroes is, at heart, the comic book tale of a varied group of people, each with special powers that they struggle to come to terms with. With such powers, of course, come troubling foes and situations to face, and that proves to be the case here. So this time, we pick up four months after the events of the first series, and there's the small matter of the Shanti virus to contend with. This provides the main thrust for the series' story arc, and allows room for several interesting sub-plots to develop too. Yet while, in the world of Heroes, you suspect that this second series will never rank with the best, there's easily enough here to justify the asking price, and the show emerges easily with its reputation intact. Even when it's not at the top of its game, Heroes is exciting, interesting and polished entertainment. Season Three There's a lot that's fitted in to Heroes' third season, a run that tried valiantly to correct some of the problems that the show encountered with its less-than-successful second series. Season three features two volumes of the Heroes story, Villains and Fugitives, but once more it gets off to a bumpy start. The early stages of Heroes' third season suffer from many of the problems that plagued season two, as it tries to deal with the threads that were left behind. But the show finally finds its feet as it heads towards the back end of the series, with a genuine feeling returning that the show knows exactly which way it's going again. Characters begin to find out more about one another, there's a bit more of a grounding in some kind of reality, and finally a narrative thrust that scoops back up many who have been left baffled by the direction that Heroes has taken since its terrific maiden season. And it's good to see the show back on form. Even in its weaker moments, Heroes' production values were sky high, and there are many genuinely impressive sequences thrown in your direction over the course of season three. But most impressive of all is the feeling that the show has dug itself out of the hole that it managed to find itself in, and courtesy of an impressive rally at its back end, season three is certainly worth picking up. Even if you might need to grit your teeth a bit in the early stages... Season Four Experience all the explosive action and shocking twists in Heroes Season 4.

• Magnum P.I: Season 3 | DVD | (29/05/2023) from £19.90   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules | Blu Ray | (19/09/2011) from £7.00   |  Saving you £12.99 (185.57%)   |  RRP £19.99

  In this sequel to 2010's surprise hit, Greg Heffley, the kid who made 'wimpy' cool is back in an all-new family comedy based on the best-selling follow-up novel by Jeff Kinney.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules | DVD | (02/01/2012) from £5.79   |  Saving you £10.20 (176.17%)   |  RRP £15.99

  In this sequel to 2010's surprise hit, Greg Heffley, the kid who made 'wimpy' cool is back in an all-new family comedy based on the best-selling follow-up novel by Jeff Kinney.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid (with Free Book) | DVD | (07/02/2011) from £5.84   |  Saving you £14.15 (242.29%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Meet the kid who made 'wimpy' cool, in a family comedy based on the best-selling illustrated novel Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, the first in a series that has thus far sold 24 million copies.

• Keep The Lights On | DVD | (28/01/2013) from £5.79   |  Saving you £10.20 (176.17%)   |  RRP £15.99

  It's 1997 and filmmaker Erik Rothman (Lindhardt) meets closeted lawyer Paul Lucy (Booth) through an anonymous phone sex line. What starts as casual sex becomes a more permanent relationship as they start to build a life together whilst each continues to privately battle their own compulsions and addictions. Their greatest challenge is down to Paul's increasing drug use which threatens to pull them apart and over the years destroy the relationship. A film about sex friendship intimacy and most of all love Keep The Lights On takes an honest look at the nature of relationships in our times. Ira Sachs director of 40 Shades of Blue and Married Life returns with his Teddy Award winning gay drama set in New York City Keep The Lights On. Starring Danish actor Thure Lindhardt (Angel and Demons Into The Wild) and Zachary Booth (Dark Horse Damages) and featuring stunning music from the late Arthur Russell. Special Features: 4 Deleted Scenes Behind The Scenes Audition Video with Zachary Booth and Thure Lindhard Documentary In Search Of Avery Willard The Making of

• The Star | Blu Ray | (19/11/2018) from £21.98   |  Saving you £-5.00 (N/A%)   |  RRP £14.99

  In Sony Pictures Animation's THE STAR, a small but brave donkey named Bo yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day he finds the courage to break free, and finally goes on the adventure of his dreams. On his journey, he teams up with Ruth, a lovable sheep who has lost her flock and Dave, a dove with lofty aspirations. Along with three wisecracking camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo and his new friends follow the Star and become accidental heroes in the greatest story ever told - the first Christmas.

• Big Momma's House/ Big Momma's House 2 Double Pack | DVD | (01/10/2012) from £5.39   |  Saving you £7.60 (141.00%)   |  RRP £12.99

  Titles Comprise: Big Momma's House: Disguise the limit in this hilarious heavyweight hit that's 'bigger than Mrs. Doubtfire and badder than Tootsie' (Mike Cidoni, ABC-TV). 'Martin Lawrence brings down the house' (E! Online) as crafty FBI agent Malcolm Turner - he's willing to go through thick and thin in order to catch an escaped federal prisoner. 'Nia Long is captivating' (Checkout.com) as Sherry, the con's sexy former flame - she might have the skinny on m...

• Star Trek Beyond | Blu Ray | (20/02/2017) from £19.99   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  4 X SHARPER THAN HD From Director Justin Lin and Producer J.J. Abrams comes one of the best-reviewed action movies of the year. Dispatched on a rescue mission to the farthest reaches of space, the USS Enterprise is ambushed by Krall, a ruthless enemy sworn against the Federation. Crash-landing on an uncharted hostile world, Captain Kirk, Spock and the crew are separated with no means of escape. Only Jaylah, a rebellious alien warrior, can help them reunite and find a way off the planet in a race against time to stop Krall's deadly army from triggering all-out galactic war. DISC ONE: 4K ULTRA HD MOVIE DISC TWO: BLU-RAY™ MOVIE + BONUS FEATURES Deleted Scenes Beyond the Darkness: Story Origins Enterprise Takedown: Destroying an Icon Trekking in the Desert: On Location in Dubai To Live Long and Prosper: 50 Years of Star Trek For Leonard and Anton AND MORE!

• The X Files : Series 7 | DVD | (22/09/2003) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  With the original conspiracy plot arc fallen into a muddle of loose ends no-one could possibly fathom, once-hungry lead actors on the verge of big screen careers and making demands for more time off or shots at writing and directing, and the initial wish list of monsters-of-the-week long exhausted, it's a miracle The X Files is still making its airdates, let alone managing something pretty good every other show and something outstanding at least once every four episodes. Season seven opens with a dreary two-parter ("Sixth Extinction" and "Amor Fati") and winds up with the traditional incomprehensible cliffhanger ("Requiem"), but along the way includes a clutch of shows that may not match the originality of earlier seasons but still effortlessly equal any other fantasy-horror-sf on American television. Highlights in this clutch: "Hungry", a brain-eating mutant story told from the point of view of a monster who tries to control his appetite by going to eating disorder self-help groups; "The Goldberg Variation", a crime comedy about a weaselly little man who has the gift of incredible good luck, which means Wile E Coyote-style doom for anyone who crosses him; "The Amazing Maleeni", guest-starring Ricky Jay in a rare non-fantastic crime story about a feud between stage magicians that turns out to be a cover for a heist; "X-Cops", a brilliant skit on the US TV docusoap Cops with Mulder and Scully caught on camera as they track an apparent werewolf in Los Angeles (season-best acting from David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson); "Theef", a complex revenge drama with gaunt Billy Drago as a hillbilly medicine man stalking a slick doctor; "Brand X", a horror comic tale of corruption in the tobacco industry; "Hollywood AD" (written and directed by Duchovny), in which Tea Leoni and Garry Shandling are cast as Scully and Mulder in a crass movie version of a real-life X file; and "Je Souhaite", a deadpan comedy about a wry, cynical genie at the mercy of trailer trash masters who haven't an idea what to wish for. Among the disasters are: "Fight Club", a grossly laboured comedy; "All Things", Gillian Anderson's riotously pretentious religious-themed writing-directing debut; "En Ami", written and understood by William B Davis, the cigarette-smoking villain; and the very silly "First Person Shooter", the lamest killer video-game plot imaginable courtesy of distinguished guest writer William Gibson. Still essential, despite the occasional pits, but yet again you go away thinking that the next season had better come up with some answers. --Kim Newman