It's easy to see, while watching her character's descent into madness, why Portman scooped the Best Actress Golden Globe award and an Oscar nomination for her role in this psychological thriller.

The chief problem with The Hopes and Dreams of Gazza Snell is Gazza. As played by William McInnes, he's meant to be bit of a dag who needs to grow up, despite being a husband and father of two running his own business.

Rating: 3/5. Verdict: Portland folkies' sixth album is solid, but lacks true grit

A conventional and heartwarming film, this is the true story of the great horse Secretariat, who made history in 1973 as the first horse in 25 years to win America's coveted Triple Crown.

Rocketing up the New York Times Bestseller list, this book has been praised for its intricate plot, its scope and daring, and its bold and sweeping narrative.

There are some genuinely entertaining moments in this homage to advertising's "golden age", no question. The odd bit of craziness, too, though nothing particularly lewd, salacious or revealing.

Carl Nixon's first two books signalled a writer worth watching. His new work, Settlers' Creek, is a Pandora's box.

This long-in-development update of the 60s TV show throws a lot at the wall, but only some of it sticks.

The lack of chemistry between new Breakfast hosts Corin and Petra disappoints.

Unfinished business is the theme of the new novel from best-selling author Kim Edwards.

It's official then, this week dubstep well and truly went mainstream in New Zealand with this 44-track collection.

This moves from haunting samba on Jorge Ben's Lalari-Olara, to the cool and wild wig-outs of Zimbo Trio's Zimbo Samba and Sergio Mendes' Primitivo, through to the sparkling delights of Roberto Menescal's Inverno.

Cocker Happy? Yes they were. There cannot be anyone who does raw emotion like the lad from Sheffield - Joe Cocker.

Christian Bale took the Golden Globe for best supporting actor (drama) for his role in this deeply enjoyable boxing drama, and must be a shoo-in for the Oscar, too. But he's no support act: this is his film from start to finish.

This collection is a tribute to the best tracks premiered on the London DJ's influential radio show over the years - so kind of like a greatest hits collection, if you like.

This reissued remixed album was originally Iggy's first post-Stooges studio effort in 1974. Though it wasn't released until three years later, after the Bowie-mentored The Idiot and Lust for Life.

Rating: 3/5. Verdict: Howard and Vaughn struggle to find the right mix of comedy and drama

Rating: 4/5. Verdict: Another killer from the Killah

Rating: 2/5. Verdict: The ageing Doobies have Willie Nelson as a guest. 'Nuff said?

I picked up this book based on the cover recommendation by travelling gastronome Anthony Bourdain...

A frighteningly plausible story breathes life back into the psychological thriller genre.

Director Ron Howard, Hollywood's principal purveyor of bland, inoffensive mainstream twaddle (The Da Vinci Code, Cinderella Man) brings his affection for beige storytelling to this strained dramedy.

Bosses suit up for blue-collar jobs Undercover Boss returns to champion underdog employees and humble chief executives. By Deborah Hill Cone.

Rating: 3.5/5. Verdict: Affecting tale of African model's odyssey.

Rating: 3/5

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Rating: 3.5/5