Matrix (DVD) - (WS) Hit action thriller from the Wachowski brothers Andy and Larry. Keanu Reeves stars as a bored office worker and part-time hacker who is drawn into what looks like a mysterious conspiracy. Nothing is what it seems however – literally in this case – as he learns that the world as he knows it is a hallucination a virtual reality rigged up by the “machines” which have taken over the world and are attempting to keep the human race in check. The actual reality is a much bleaker place (if that’s at all possible) where a group of renegade humans attempt to release humanity from their imprisonment. If this sounds complicated it is however the film adheres closely to its own brand of logic and seems to make perfect sense while you watch it. Although the conceit is not quite as original as it thinks it is the films design is what sets it apart from others of its kind. Much has been said already about the innovative technique of “bullet-time” sequences (time is frozen and the camera sweeps majestically around the frozen characters) but the sheer look of the film is simply breathtaking. The “real” world is a mass of bleak post-holocaust scenery infused with H.R. Geiger-esque biomechanics. The “virtual” world is similarly bleak (blues and greys are suitably popular here) and given a slightly surreal edge by the events which take place within it. With scenery like this quality acting is pretty much irrelevant. As you might expect Keanu struggles to be noticed within the stunning design. Laurence Fishbourne is excellent however as the mysterious Morpheus and Hugo Weaving is terrific as the bad guy. Stuffed to the seams with gleefully self-conscious references from Alice In Wonderland to Greek myth The Matrix may not be a clever as it thinks it is but it is vastly enjoyable and – lets be honest – that’s what you really want out of a sci-fi blockbuster isn’t it? ... Mulholland Drive (DVD) Superbly weird sexy and unsettling thriller from director David Lynch with twists and turns aplenty to leave viewers agog. Relative unknowns Naomi Watts and Laura Harring take the acting plaudits as the Hollywood wannabe and the amnesiac femme fatale she takes under her wing. ... Secret Seven Fireworks Jack's little sister Susie is very annoying and the Secret Seven are furious when she forms a rival club. But is Susie wicked enough to have stolen some money? ... To the Limit: The Eagles The Untold Story of the Eagles The Eagles came together in Los Angeles in 1972 a time when everyone was hungry for a different kind of music. With hits like 'Lyin' Eyes' and 'Peaceful Easy Feeling' the Eagles created some of the most popular music of the time - just as they were setting new standards for decadence egomania drug use and intra band strife. Drawing on interviews with people including band members their friends ex-wives and ex-lovers handlers roadies and hangers-on Marc Eliot reveals what life was really like inside this hugely popular but deeply troubled group. The book follows The Eagles from their early idealistic days as Linda Ronstadt's backup band to their self immolation amid multi-million dollar law suits Lear jet courtships and debilitating cocaine habits - with a coda on their 'Hell Freezes Over' tour the comeback that made them the top grossing live act of 1995 and 1996. This is the story about a band that embodied the excesses of the 1970s and provided in 'Hotel California' a song for the decade's soundtrack. ... Wilt - (Audio Book) Henry Wilt has spent an unrewarding ten years teaching English to bored and hostile youths. At night he fantasises about murdering his obese scatter-brained wife. The plot thickens when his wife goes missing and he is seen dumping a 'body'. ... Famous Five 5: Five Go Off in a Caravan On their caravan holiday the gang are thrilled when they stumble across a circus troupe. Unfortunately some of the circus people have more sinister plans than just clowning around. ... Books at WH Smiths WH Smiths Bookstore British Bookshops - WHS Direct - WH Smith Store Locator - WHSmith London - WH Smith Wines - WH Smith's - Wholesale Stationers - Books Etc - WHS UK - Blackwells Bookstore - WH Smith Books - WHS Ltd - WH Smith - Office Stationers UK - Hardback Books - www WHSmith Co Uk Experiences - Textbook - Textbook Wholesale - WH Smith Raw Talent - Used Textbooks - Bookshop - WHSmith Internet - Textbooks For Cheap - WHSmith Stores - WH Smith Discount -