Coming-of-age themes are an obvious choice for movie-makers but All Over Me is far from being run of the mill. It follows the friendship and codependence of two 15-year-old New York girls, one (Claude) gradually coming to terms with the fact that she's gay, the other (Ellen), getting sucked into a world of boys, violence and drugs. It brilliantly and sympathetically realised by film-maker sisters Alex and Sylvia Sichel, with superb performances by the two leads, Alison Folland and Tara Subkoff. When the violent, homophobic murder of the girls' new-found friend, Jesse (Wilson Cruz) threatens to rip them apart, Ellen embarks on a trail of self-destruction while Claude finally seems able to come to terms with her own destiny, ultimately getting together with the pretty, magenta-haired punk musician, Lucy (a superbly empathetic performance from Leisha Hailey). It's a film that's saved from introspective self-indulgence by the brutal interruption of the outside world, and it's not just a thought-provoking hour-and-a-half, it's a compelling narrative experience. The only weakness is the two-dimensional characterization of Ellen's psychotic boyfriend, well enough played by Cole Hauser, but intrinsically limited in scope. Ann Dowd is superb as Claude's man-chasing mother and the film is topped off by a funky soundtrack. On the DVD: All over Me doesn't just offer the "usual theatrical trailer" for the film in question but instead offers trailers for two related films, Better than Chocolate and Trick, both of which deal truthfully with gay issues offering a light and often humorous touch. However, that's it as far as additional goodies are concerned, which is a shame, but the vibrant soundtrack is presented in a great Dolby Digital sound. -Harriet Smith.

Jake Gyllenhaal, Tom Carey, Heath Ledger, Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway

Eric (Michael Urie, Ugly Betty) needs to rent out the spare room in his apartment in a prime location in downtown Manhattan. It should be a cinch. The problem is the day he posts the ad - the day before 9/11. Each prospective tenant views the room and gravitates towards the window - the one with the WTC (World Trade Centre) view - and each starts to re-live their experience of the atrocity. As unsuitable and unwilling prospective roommates come and go, Eric travels on his own journey of life, love and self-discovery. The film remains faithful to its origins as a stage play and all the action takes place within the apartment and it's all the better for it. While the story is emotional and moving, it's also surprisingly witty. The film never descends into over-sentimentality and is as much about Eric as the disaster itself. He a likable but fallible character and WTV View is an intriguing, charming and moving tale.