Jade (1995) 

Strong production values and potent cast mean individual scenes intrigue even as convoluted blackmail and murder plot leads nowhere. David Curuso is the investigating DA , with psychologist Linda Fiorentino as prime suspect. Confusing swirl of sex and politics remains flat. 

Jamaica Inn (1939) 

After the impressively handled opening shipwreck, a curiously subdued and anonymous drama, especially considering the potential of pairing Charles Laughton and Robert Newton. Production values remain impressive. Maureen O'Hara provides the spark and grit.

The Jane Austen Book Club (2007) 

The relationships engendered by the discussion group are well drawn and the ensemble cast appealing as their contemporary lives dovetail with the historical novels. Unfortunately, character arcs and emotional beats reveal no surprises or insights.

Jane Got A Gun (2016) 

Effective blend of modern revisionism and traditional western, a no-nonsense Natalie Portman enlists hurt ex-lover Joel Edgerton to help protect her home from a violent gang seeking revenge. Revelations and narrative arc are predictable, action is robust, end is satisfying.

Jassy (1947) 

Technicolor glories are surprisingly muted in Gainsborough's final costume drama, which lacks the frenzied, dark flights of fantasy and passion that liberated wartime British cinema. Overstuffed with plot, some individual performances and overall design are scant compensation.

Jaws (1975) 

Masterfully tailored thriller blends primal hunt for mythic killer with finely honed technique and observation. Family and community dynamics spurs Roy Scheider's quest, Robert Shaw provides seafaring spice and Richard Dreyfuss an edgy intensity. Driven by John Williams' relentless score.

Je suis un soldat (I Am A Soldier) (2015) 

Distinctive subject of European dog smuggling becomes tipping point for drifting Louise Bourgoin to find strength. Fuzzy focus and tone between social politics, family drama and thriller menace held together by emotionally compelling lead.

Jenny's Wedding (2015) 

With its heart proudly out on its sleeve, the sincere approach results in too many speeches as dutiful daughter Katherine Heigl reveals to her family she's marrying longtime girlfriend Alexis Bledel. A fine cast persuasively sells the laughs and drama.

Jigeum mannareo gabmida (Be With You) (2018)

 Smart balance of ethereal and practical, immaculately produced to maximize melodrama and humour, as Son Ye-jin keeps promise to return from the dead to So Ji-sub and son, though she also has to relearn who she is. Highly diverting and affecting,

Johnny Frenchman (1945) 

Friction between English and French fishing communities across the Channel is softened by reality of war and romance between loyal Patricia Roc and athletic Paul Dupuis. Lightly piercing prejudice and nationalism, Francoise Rosay and Tom Walls accentuate genial comedy and attractive locations.

Joker (2019) 

Bleak visuals aligned with irresistibly off-kilter Joaquin Phoenix conjure flamboyant character study as instability leads to savage violence. Meticulous design mirrors personal and urban decay, effectively unsubtle, claustrophobia accentuated by suffocating soundtrack.

Jolt (2021) 

Spiky Kate Beckinsale's anger issues can result in physical retribution, held in check only by dubious doctor Stanley Tucci's self-administered electrical shocks. Self-aware tone piles on whiplash jokes and violence without surprises or logic, spirited performers left grasping.

Jonah Hex (2010) 

Swaggering style and dynamic design only compensate so much for dwindling investment in story and character, even allowing for comic book technique. Unapologetic Josh Brolin needs revenge on cruel John Malkovich who intends to blow up Washington. Megan Fox smolders.

Journal d'une femme de chambre (Diary Of A Chambermaid) (2015) 

Brooding visuals and edgy mood created by abrupt rhythms without resolve, as indignant Léa Seydoux is sent to French provinces where cruel prejudice is just beneath surface. Attractively designed, moments hum with caustic wit rather than cohere character.

Jumanji The Next Level (2019) 

In essence, a remake of the 2017 reimagining with the paucity of original ideas tempered by the likeable cast. Interest and comedy further enhanced by Awkwafina, Danny DeVito and Danny Glover, yet the narrative mechanics creak too easily into view. 

Jungfrukällan (The Virgin Spring) (1960) 

Intense and poetic, the pureness of the visuals contrasts with the savagery of rape, murder and revenge. Max Von Sydow towers over the tight narrative, personifying the guilt and questions of faith that courses through all the characters. Still gripping and vital.

Junior Bonner (1972) 

A languid, genial and typically rough-hewn Sam Peckinpah look at the end of the cowboy with a wearily charismatic Steve McQueen determined to best the rodeo bull. Robert Preston, Ben Johnson and Ida Lupino provide fine support amid memories of dust and sweat.

Jurassic Park (1995) 

Wonder of reviving majestic and brutal dinosaurs excites millionaire Richard Attenborough, and scientists Laura Dern and Sam Neill, as much as filmmakers intent on action thrill-ride. Cynical Jeff Goldblum supplies sardonic critique of man's God complex and inevitability nature will take revenge. Loose plot provides giddy suspense and chase sequences.

Jurassic World Dominion (2022) 

Luxuriating in visual effects expertise and expansive production values, leaden pace only accentuates reliance on set pieces rather than compelling narrative. Character reunions feel crow-barred into customary escape from unleashed dinosaurs and scientific naivety, without needed sense of awe and invention.