Arthur Christmas

We've all wondered: "How does Santa deliver all his presents in a single night?" This movie answers just that: the Claus family runs a tight corporation and operate a la Mission Impossible - with the fancy gadgets too!

But this year there is a gift that is not delivered. Grandsanta helps Arthur deliver it, old school style - with the sleigh and reindeer! Get on board for a movie that will become a Christmas favourite for years to come.

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Don't Be Afraid of the Dark

Old, spooky mansion aptly called Blackwood Manor: check. Raspy voices coming out of nowhere: check. Family with a young child in peril: check. But you know what? This horror flick actually works!

It takes you back to when you were a child and scared of that 'haunted' house in the neighbourhood. I think it is successful thanks to Guillermo del Toro's (Pan's Labyrinth) brilliant touch. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you about the original owner of the mansion - he met a most terrible end: check!

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

I could not wait for the latest and fourth installment of Mission Impossible and quite happily, I was not fully disappointed.

Okay, so the story isn't most innovative, but I reckon that the adrenaline pumping action scenes more than make up for this. Take the one featuring 49-year-old Tom Cruise scaling Dubai's Burj Khalifa - the tallest building in the world! That will go down as one of the most heart stopping movie scenes of all time, especially since Cruise did not use a stunt double. Kudos!

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Another Earth

Imagine looking up at the sky and you see the earth? It is a mind bending idea and one that is exquisitely crafted in this indie flick. Earth, and the second earth are not in the same universe, yet it has become visible in our skies.

This discovery sets off a chain of events that will forever alter the lives of Rhoda Williams and John Burroughs. Rhoda gets accepted into an astrophysics program and goes out to celebrate, having one too many. Yet she still gets into her car to drive home and hears the news about the second earth. She peers out of her window and crashes into another car - killing a mother, a child and leaving the father (John) in a coma. After her DUI stint in prison, she seeks him out in an attempt to make amends.

Against the backdrop of the second planet, this film demands thoughtful reflection. How would you navigate through life, if you knew there is another you in a different universe?

Rating: 4 outta 5

Puss in Boots

Remember when Puss in Boots gave Shrek those huge, saucer-like, goo-goo eyes in the second Shrek flick? It was love at first sight for me and I am sure I was not alone!

Now the swash-buckling feline is back and holding his own in a new adventure. He learns that the 'magic beans' he has been on the hunt for actually exist but they are in the hands of villains, Jack and Jill. Teaming up with Humpty Alexander Dumpty and a sassy Kitty Softpaws, they high-tail (couldn't resist that one) through dangers, laughs and escapades you will not easily forget. It is almost as freshly appealing as the first Shrek movie.

Rating: 3 and a half outta 5

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1

If you think the world was obsessed with seeing Prince William marry Catherine Middleton, you have not seen anything yet. We now have the 'wedding of the century' where vampire Edward Cullen finally gets his human girlfriend, Bella Swan, to walk down the aisle. Oh, Twi-hards, calm your shrieks of glee, will you?

Edward and Bella also take their relationship to the next level and they have to deal with the unexpected pregnancy that follows. Fans of the story will no doubt relish every moment of this first instalment of the final two movies. So, what are you waiting for? Get your movie ticket right now!

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Everything Must Go

Imagine if everything that could possibly go wrong in your life, does so in a single day? This is Nick's mid-life crisis. He loses his job (fired by a younger boss, too!), gets home only to find all his possessions on the front lawn and his wife has kicked him out. What is a man to do? Nick (Will Ferrell) decides to booze it up and camp outside with all his life's possessions, of course.

Along the way he becomes friends with a lonely boy, reconnects with an old high school mate and builds a relationship with a helpful new neighbour. I am not a Will Ferrell fan, but his portrayal of Nick will leave you thinking "aw..." for days after watching it. All together now: "Aw..."

Rating: 4 outta 5

Anonymous

Did some anonymous writer actually pen all of William Shakespeare's plays, sonnets and poems? If you're a conspiracy theorist, perhaps. If not, you're still likely to find the proposition rather interesting.

This dramatic and gripping film gives us the story in fascinating detail, and is anything but boring. Filled with villains, backstabbing, beheadings and other wonderfully gothic transgressions, the movie offers a lot more than a simple hypothesis.

Rating: 4 outta 5.

50/50

Yes this movie is about a clean-living 27-year-old who discovers he has cancer and, consequently, a 50/50 chance at survival, but it's not all tears and morbidity. Instead it's one of those films that's more about living and dying well.

Played beautifully by one of my favourite actors - Joseph Gordon-Levitt - Adam battles his emotions, his family and his friends while trying to come to terms with his mortality. Flanked by Seth Rogan as his fun-loving friend, as well as Anna Kendrick, this is one of those movies that will have you laughing and crying all at once. Tender and genuine, it's a winner.

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Fright Night

Colin Farrell as a charming and seductive vampire? Yes, I can see that working, can't you?

While you may or may not be aware, vampires have been given a 21st Century makeover and are no longer bound to long black cloaks and slicked-back hair. Vamps these days are sexy and stylish and have the women falling at their feet. This remake of Fright Night has also been given the appropriate, er, revamp and is ready for modern-day consumption. It's funny, dark and wicked - the perfect for the build up to Halloween.
Rating: 3 outta 5.

The Three Musketeers

No doubt you've seen this movie in one form or another; it's simply a sexier and more technologically advanced remake of an age-old tale.

This one stars Orlando Bloom, who looks like he could have walked straight off of the Pirates set and onto this one. And for the guys, there's Milla Jovovich to make the film more interesting. Other than that there's not much more I can tell you. It's an adventure romp that will at least keep you entertained for a couple of hours. Sometimes that's all you need.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

The Help

When she returns from college to 1960s Jackson, Mississippi, "Skeeter" finds that she doesn't fit into the privileged, white upper class as easily as she used to. A journalism graduate, she starts to observe the black "help" employed to raise the white children and maintain a pristine household, and approaches her family servant, Aibileen, to discuss what it feels like, for an article. After some initial resistance, a whole can of worms is opened up, giving Skeeter enough fodder for a novel titled "The Help".

While this film obviously comments on the race relations at the time, it's also a story about friendships, loss, forgiveness and pride. With outstanding performances from a brilliant ensemble cast, this is the movie to watch in anticipation of next year's awards season.
Rating: 4 outta 5.

The Smurfs

I'm guessing that most parents who are going to take their kids to see The Smurfs will have been fans of the TV series. Personally I have memories of many afternoons whiled away with the adventures of Papa Smurf, Smurfette, evil Gargamel and his cat Azrael, to name a few.

The old animation has undergone a 21st Century transformation; the blue creatures are slick and shiny and come with celeb voices, like Smurfette who's voiced by Katy Perry. And, best of all, Gargamel is played by a sparsely toothed Hank Azaria, making him and his nastiness larger than life. I have to admit I was sceptical of the remake but I think they've done a pretty good job in making the forest creatures attractive to a new generation. Spread the Smurf love.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

The First Grader

This is one of those movies where you start crying just from seeing the trailer. While touching, it's not sappy, however. In fact it's poignantly sad in some parts.

This is the true story of an 84-year old ex-freedom fighter in Kenya, who, after hearing that education is open to all citizens, decides to go to school. Of course an old man amongst first graders is rather odd for some people, so Charles must battle prejudice in order to fulfil his dream of being able to read. This is simply a wonderful representation of a man who refused to fail, and his determination will bring you tears. Take the tissues!

Rating: 4 outta 5.

One Day

While the overriding theme of this film is love, it is less about romance and more about two friends navigating their way through life.

We meet Emma (Anne Hathaway) and Dexter (Jim Sturgess) on their final day of college, and we see them again every year on the same day. We see them grow, along with fashion and technology, and meander as they search for meaning and question their obvious love for each other, all the while living very separate lives.

What's refreshing about the film is its avoidance of the usual cheesy clichés of other love stories. It's fresher and wittier than your average and for that deserves a thumbs-up.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

Colombiana

I'm so bored of movies that are shamelessly rehashed every couple of years. Here's yet another one about a woman who witnesses her parents' death when she's a kid and grows up to be an assassin intent on seeking revenge. Come on! I guess this is one for those action junkies who like a woman (this time it's the svelte Zoe Saldana) with a gun thrown in for extra entertainment value. Never gets old, does it, guys?

Rating 2 outta 5.

Final Destination 5 (3D)

Considering it's now on it's 5th installment, there is nothing 'final' about 'Final Destination' - but the 3D aspect does wet the appetite a bit!

When a group of co-workers survive a suspension bridge collapse thanks to a man's premonition of the disaster a race against time and death begins...because they were never supposed to be alive. But how do you cheat Death itself?

The franchise's formula is standard, the cast nothing to rave about but the effects are top notch and
if it's some hearting racing, blood splattering action you looking for - look no further. Prepare your stomach though!

Bad Teacher

Maybe a bit over-the-top but if you need a good giggle, this is definitly the movie of the evening.

Cameron Diaz is the self-involved teacher whose aim in life is to find her next rich husband. She couldn't care less about her students and believes that films are the new books when it comes to educating. So when a nerdy but rich substitute teacher (Justin Timberlake) comes to the school, she's keen to reel him in. The only problem is that she reckons her boobs are too small, so needs to raise some cash for an augmentation. And so the shenanigans begin.

This is a frivolous, silly movie but definitely worth watching if you're in a frivolous and silly mood.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

Crazy, Stupid Love

Nothing stupid about this romcom - it's what romantic comedy's are all about! Instead of bad one-liners we have some real comedy, thanks to Steve Carell and a surprisingly funny Ryan Gosling. Yes boys, this is one you probably even enjoy! From the usual "lonely girl seeking soul mate" saga, we have a divorcee who's suddenly re-introduced to the savage yet sexy dating scene, and instead of the usual faces (ahem, Jennifer Aniston) we've got a cast of fresh blood.

This is definitely one for the big screen - funny and heart-warming and a good night out. Off you go then!

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Cowboys & Aliens

To quote movie guru Roger Ebert: "Here is a movie set in 1873 with cowboys, aliens, Apaches, horses, spaceships, a murdering stagecoach robber, a preacher, bug-eyed monsters, a bartender named Doc, a tyrannical rancher who lives outside a town named Absolution, his worthless son, two sexy women, bandits, a magic bracelet, an ancient Indian cure for amnesia, a symbolic hummingbird, a brave kid with a spyglass, and a plucky dog who follows the good guys for miles and miles through the barren waste and must be plumb tuckered out." Sheesh. Got that?

It's a mish-mash from the minds of Jon Favreau and Steven Spielberg, and since it interweaves so many genres doesn't always work out so well. It is however an interesting experiment and one worth giving a bash.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

Glee 3D Concert Movie

If you don't know anything about Gle, this review may not be for you. The modern musical show that has taken the world by storm has now become a full-on rock concert, with performances around the US to thousands of screaming fans. This is the recording of the concert, along with backstage sneak peeks and interviews, and it's in 3D. For Gleeks, it doesn't get better than this! Enjoy!

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Captain America: The First Avenger

Release Date: 26 July 2011 | Rating: 3 outta 5

Skinny Steve Rogers really wants to fight with his countrymen against Hitler but he's just to small; no army general will sign him up. But then Steve meets a wacky scientist who's determined to create the ultimate human weapon, and Skinny Steve becomes the owner of a ripped new bod. Not only is he hot, he's a warring machine!

Yup, Marvel comics is back with Captain America and all the special effects and fun that go with it. It's the perfect way to escape into pure fantasy this week!

Super 8

This movie sees the the two 'greats' of fantasy, supernatural and special effects coming together to create one awesome show - Steven Spielberg and JJ Abrams (Star Trek, Lost, Alias) have come together and produced a story that is reminiscent of E.T, but as fresh as any 2011 release.

After a bunch of kids witness a frightening train accident (while secretly shooting their own zombie movie) they realise that something bigger is at play when strange things start happening in their small town. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, the kids defy the sudden appearance of the US military and find themselves in the middle of a national cover-up. This is fantasy and escapism at its best.

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Horrible Bosses

Nick, Kurt and Dale have complete psychos for bosses, and they hate them. A lot. And one night, over a few drinks, the guys come up with a genius plan: Kill each other's bosses...

Hmm. While we might all have thought about something similar at some point, one usually wakes up the next day and laughs about the harebrained idea. Not these guys; they're prepared to go all the way and kill the crazies, played by Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey and Colin Farrell, with the help of a not-so-bright hitman, played by Jamie Foxx.

Thanks to an awesome cast, this is one of those comedies that works - you are guaranteed a good laugh!

Rating: 4 outta 5.

The Bang Bang Club

During apartheid there was a group of four fearless photojournalists who became known as The Bang Bang Club. Collectively, Joao Silva, Greg Marinovich, Kevin Carter and Ken Oosterbroek, captured some of the most horrifying, compelling and newsworthy photos in history, and therefore playing a huge part in documenting what was happening in the country.

This is the Hollywood version of their stories, complete with American actors trying their hand at getting our SA accent right - and again failing miserably. This does prove a bit distracting for the movie and again many of SA stars are wondering why they couldn't have dipped into our overflowing pool of acting talent? Clearly the message is that SA actors don't sell movies overseas. Hello? Does anyone remember District 9 and Tsotsi?

Rating: 3 outta 5.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

In the world of Harry, this is where it all ends; where we must finally say goodbye to a legendary character who's been with us these past couple of years. It's the final battle between Voldemort and Harry. It's the final battle between good and evil. An amazing story, phenomenal graphics - this is what films are all about, people. Make sure you do not miss the very last Harry Potter ever on the big screen. Oh, and PS: be prepared to be scared!

Rating: 5 outta 5.

Something Borrowed

Feel like a bit of romance on these chilly evenings? Well, you know what you're in for if you watch Something Borrowed. It's yet another done-before storyline about two best friends (Kate Hudson and Ginnifer Goodwin), one of whom is about to marry the man that the other is actually in love with. While I don't want to give the story away, I will say that you'll be able to guess what happens in the end. A classic battle of blond versus brunette, it's a feel good movie rather than a brain teaser.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon

"Dark of the Moon" is off to a slow start at the box office - it's the third movie in the series and a dip in enthusiasm levels from fans is too be expected. But is it still worth the watch?

In true Transformers style, the Earth is in jeopardy again - this time from a mysterious event from Earth's past which erupts into the present day threatening to bring a war to Earth. The twist? This time, the Transformers alone will not be able to save it....

It gives you all you expect from the franchise: action, romance, and cool effects. The theme is a bit tired though and of the three movies, it's no shining star.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

Green Lantern

Be warned - if you've just seen the new X-Men movie and are on a superhero-movie binge after that amazing flik, don't feel bad if you give this movie a miss.

You would never know that around $300 million was spent on production for this film - OK-ish effects, OK- ish script and OK- ish acting. It's an OK-ish film. Green Lantern Ryan Reynolds is nice to look at (and has a great movie track record), but even he plays the role with little to no depth, and his female interest, Gossip Girl Blake Lively, serves no purpose other than to match the eye candy.

Rating: 2 outta 5.

PROM

It's Prom night, and for Nova (Aimee Teegarden), this night means everything - She's the cliche school girl for all US movies: blond, class president & the prom’s chief organizer, and she is determined everything will be perfect. Of course, the organising doesn't go as planned - and viola! We have a movie!

In typical Disney fashion, the story has a girl, a boy, a disaster or two and some teenie love... If teen movies are not your thing - you might want to give this a skip. But otherwise, if you take it for what it is, it's cheerful and good to watch on a Friday night with your girlfriends at home.

Kung Fu Panda 2

So often the sequel to a movie is never as good as the first movie - but Dreamworks did good with this movie on the panda wanabe kung-fu master!

With the animal kingdom being threatened by an evil peacock, Po the panda and his posse of ass-kicking kung-fu friends must, well, go kick some ass. Voiced by the best actors in the biz, Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie and Seth Rogan to name a few, this film comes with that added comedic pizzazz that makes it all the more enjoyable for everyone involved!

This is your best bet for guaranteed fun this weekend.

Rating: 4 outta 5.

X-Men: First Class

We have yet another X-Men instalment - and although we are going back in time (yet again!) the trip is sooo worth it. First was X-Men: The Last Stand then X-Men Origins: Wolverine now comes X-Men: First Class.

Ever wondered where it all began? It is the 1960s - the time of the Cuban missile crisis, the Cold War and JFK. Charles Xavier, aka Professor X, and Erik Lensherr, aka Magneto, are friends, but we see why their friendship began to fall apart and how the war of the mutants began....

Awesome special effects and great acting - this one is a goodie for all!

Rating: 4 outta 5.

The Hangover Part II

Rating: 4 outta 5.
Lets put it this way: If you LOVED the The Hangover then you will LOVE Part II, and if you haven't watch The Hangover then get too it!

Those crazy-ass guys are back - this time in Thailand - to cause chaos the night before Stu's wedding. Unfortunately for Stu, not only does he agree to one sneaky drink the night before the wedding - he then wakes up horrifically hungover in Bangkok, with a new tattoo (on his face) and his fiance's little brother is missing. Here we go again! Even if drinking is not your thing, it's a good laugh, and we all need that once in a while.

Mad Cow

Rating: 0 outta 5

This is one movie that can be filed under "When South African Movies Go Horribly Wrong." From what we could fathom, the filmmakers were trying to be funny (satirical, witty, offbeat), and got it very wrong.... The plot involves a murderous psycho who dresses up in a cow costume when he slashes his victims. Seriously. Lets hope this movie never leaves our shores!

Pirates of the Caribbean 4

By the time the 4th movie comes out from ANY franchise you pretty much know what to expect - amazing graphics, sword fights, bearded pirates with dodgy teeth, freaky pirate ships, more sword fights, special effects galore and MORE sword fights! But who said that's a bad thing?

Yes, it's a bit over-done now and Jonny Depp looks like he's even getting a little tired of Jack Sparrow but if you have been a follower from the original Pirates of the Caribbean you'll enjoy this one - especially with the fresh new faces of lady pirate Angelica (Penélope Cruz) and evil Captain Blackbeard (Ian McShane)!

Rating: 3 outta 5.

The Way Back

Based on a true account, this harrowing film tells the harrowing story of three prisoners of war who manage to escape a labour camp, called a gulag, in Siberia. And you know what Siberia means, right? Blizzards so hard you're literally blinded, and weather so cold that you can snap off hairs on your beard like they were icicles...

These guys managed to walk 4000 miles through Tibet and the Himalayas and finally ended up in India. Brilliantly acted, filmed, written and produced, this movie will leave you gasping.

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Beastly

Need a feel good, teen romancy kinda flik? Well girls, this one is for you. Guys, sit through it for the brownie points it gets you!

Essentially, it’s Beauty and the Beast in real-life, teen form: A hot but arrogant and self absorbed jock gets turned into an ugly so-and-so by a teen witch who decides to teach him a lesson and make him look as ugly on the outside as he is on the inside. Could anyone love such an ugly beast? Only someone who is willing to look below the surface….

Rating: 3 outta 5.

The Fast and the Furious 5

Hardcore guys, flashy cars, amazing special effects, loads of guns, bombs, money and some very hot girls... what more could a guy ask for, right? If you have been following The Fast and the Furious from the first movie, you'll be glad to see all the old hogs back on set - Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Ludacris, Dwayne Johnson and all the rest!

Nothing much has changed really - and the plot is fairly predictable: Brian O'Conner (Paul Walker) is running from the police, he runs into all pal Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) in Rio de Janeiro and they take Dom's super hot sister Mia Toretto (Jordana Brewster) along for the ride.

Action packed if you loved movies 1 - 4!

Rating: 3 outta 5.

Thor

Thor is a hammer-hurling god of thunder - but also arrogant, to the point that he gets banished to earth to live with humans. Brought to life through Marvel comics, Aussie Chris Hemsworth plays Thor while Natalie Portman and Kat Dennings feature as two cute scientists he meets while trying to prove his worth to his father (Anthony Hopkins) in order to get his powerful hammer of thunder back.

This is definitely one of the better comic-to-film movies that has hit our screens - with some amazing effects (there is a 3D version too), good actors and some epic scenes it's really worth a night out!

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Limitless

At last - something new at the movies! Anyone who's anyone would love to be the struggling writer Eddie (Bradley Cooper) in his movie, especially when he comes into contact with a drug that enables his brain to access 100% of its power. Imagine!

As he soon discovers, the possibilities are endless and within no time he's trading stock on Wall Street, driving the car of his dreams and being called a genius. Unfortunately, he's not the only one aware of the existence of the drug and he quickly starts fighting for his life. Oh, and the drug also has IT'S bad side - you know what they say... if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.

Rating: 4 outta 5.

Water for Elephants

Set in glitter circus world of the 1930's, Water for Elephants find two people from different worlds finding lifelong love under the Big Top.

Veterinary student Jacob (Robert Pattinson) meets and falls in love with the circus's star performer and beauty Marlena (Reese Witherspoon) when he joins the circus to help with the animals. But Marlena is married making camp life take a dramatic turn.

The star of the show, however, has to be Rose the elephant and the special bond she shares with Jacob. It's a goodie.

Rating: 3 outta 5.

The Eagle

Is it boys choice movie night? Then this one is a goodie: Think ancient Rome, two men (master and slave), a missing legion of soldiers, native warriors, sword fights and lots of bloodshed. Yup, it's Gladiator meets 300 all in one epic adventure!

Channing Tatum (always a pleasure to see on screen) plays the young man who goes on a quest to clear his father's name, only taking his British slave Esca (Jamie Bell) with him into the uncharted highlands of Caledonia.

No Strings Attached

"No Strings Attached"? There is no such thing! And old friends Emma (Natalie Portman) and Adam (Ashton Kutcher) find this out the hard way when they decide to embark on an all-sex-no-love relationship. It's the fun without the complicated love stuff. Until someone falls in love, of course.

Predictable, there is nothing life changing about it - but it's a light, funny, feel-good kinda flik that will leave you feeling content. Adam is the romantic and Emma the cynic, but in the end, all end happily. Exactly the way we expect it too.

Never Let Me Go

Based loosely on the best selling novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, this movie seems to have left many baffled in it's wake - just from the trailer you get an uneasy feeling about what the movie is actually about...

It's got an awesome line-up of stars from Andrew Garfield and Carey Mulligan to Keira Knightley, who we watch grow up in what seems an idyllic British country side. As they grow up, they have to come to terms with the love they feel for each other, but also prepare themselves for a haunting reality that awaits them...What it and let us know what you think!

Red Riding Hood

Enjoy Twilight? Well the director Catherine Hardwicke is back with something a little more classical -Red Riding Hood like you never new before! Complete with werewolves, human sacrifices and a passionate love triangle, the film will single-handedly put fairytales back on the cool list. It's moody, sexy and slick and stars a pouty Amanda Seyfried as the hooded beauty, and Gary Oldman as the wolf-hunting beast. We like.

The Fighter

Here is one from the Oscar list! Although it didn't win Best Picture, it's didn't make the nomination list for nothing!

The film is based on the true story of a relatively unknown boxer, Micky Ward, and it takes a look at not only some awesome fighting scenes, but all the internal conflicts of his life too.

A talented fighter, Micky family are just one of the obstacles to success - but how do you tell your family to butt-out without losing their support which you desperately need? Mark Wahlberg (playing Micky) spent four years prepping for this passion project, and it shows; he's great. It is a super-skinny Christian Bale playing Dicky, however, who steals the show. Intense, scary and more believable than ever, he's a glorious sight to behold.

How Do You Know?

It's really hard to dislike a "romcom" starring Reese Witherspoon. Which means it's doubly hard to dislike a romcom starring Reese AND Owen Wilson. And then there's Paul Rudd too, who plays this really cute, if somewhat lost, guy who makes silly faces and makes you smile.

Okay, so I'm sounding like a real girly girl here, but this is all just to help the men out there who are trying to decide what to take their ladies to watch. Unless you're totally stone-hearted you will find this frivolous love story enjoyable in some way, shape or form.

The King's Speech

George VI never wanted to be King of England, but when his brother, Edward, forfeited the crown by marrying an American divorcee, George was forced to lead the nation during one it's most troubling times in history - the Second World War. King or not though, George had one major problem: he had a stutter. And a bad one! Given that he needed to inspire an uprising against Hitler, his stutter became a major problem.

It was George's wife, Elizabeth, who introduced him to a crazy Aussie speech therapist, who ultimately saved the day in more ways than one. While this might not sound like the most riveting story, the director of the film has poured so much heart into it that the result is compelling. On top of this, Colin Firth's portrayal of George is flawless and inspiring and will almost certainly win him the Best Actor Oscar this year. If you're looking for stellar acting and a good human drama, book now!

Black Swan

This movie has everything going for it - but you have to be ready to be seriously creeped out! Directed by the brilliant Darren Aronofsky (he directed The Wrestler and Requiem for a Dream), it's a dark, mind-muddling story that leaves you questioning your reality. Natalie Portman plays the lead with such intensity that it's no surprise she's the forerunner in the Best Actress Oscar race.

Forget the fact that it is centred around the Swan Lake ballet. Don't let your boyfriend use this as an excuse not to see it.

Tangled

In this modern-day, Disney-animated version of Rapunzel, the handsome prince is actually a petty thief called Flynn, and Rapunzel is a self-sufficient young woman who uses her wily hair to capture him when he tries to seek refuge in her tower.

There's a dashing white horse, a chameleon, an evil momma and, of course, a daring rescue and lots of other twists and turns, all making this my favourite animated film of the year so far. Pure, unadulterated fun!

Rating: 4/5