What’s it about?
A creepy sociopath manipulates a stupidly innocent girl into becoming his sex toy. But it’s OK because he’s very good looking. And because housewives everywhere say so.

What did I think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Not even flashes of nudity and titillation can disguise a hodgepodge of two-dimensional characterisation and cliche. The lead male lacks any real presence and his youth only adds to the unbelievable nature of the plot. The dialogue is poor (but to be fair it was in the book as well and a lot of people didn’t mind) and the overall themes are irritating. Even the sex scenes have been toned down, robbing the movie of any real appeal. A poor man’s Pretty Woman but without the charisma or charm. To be honest it’s not quite bad but it’s certainly not good. It’s actually 50 shades of beige.

What’s it about?
A young orphaned (of course) robotics prodigy faces a series of personal challenges that create a superhero team (once again of course).

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Parents of sons are about to discover the intense fandom that parents of daughters have been going through these past 12 months with Frozen (minus the musical numbers). But what Big Hero 6 lacks in songs it makes up in characters, heart and sheer chutzpah.

A beautiful blend of action and humour will appeal to kids as young as 4 and to us slightly bigger kids at <age redacted>. Dripping with emotion, this film is actually more about grief than altruism but the lessons get learned along the way regardless. Albeit in a superhero costume.

I’m already counting the days until I can see it again.

What’s it about?
A hobbit gets caught up in… gods you should know this by know. I feel as if I’ve been in this cinema for years.

What did we think?
The third and final instalment of The Hobbit films is, rather thankfully, the shortest of the trilogy yet still manages to be too long. It doesn’t have as much bloating as its predecessors but there is still too many scenes and an elongated ending.

On the VERY positive side it also features an amazing battle scene that delights in both quality and length and Jackson doesn’t beat around the bush too much before getting into it. The plot wraps up nicely and the action abounds in an incredibly entertaining way and while it’s a shame it wasn’t a bit tighter (read shorter) this was probably the most entertaining of the three comfortably.

What’s it about?
A young talking bear from darkest Peru is taken in by a slightly dysfunctional London family. Based on Michael Bond’s children books.

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Enchanting and earnest, Paddington might be the finest children’s book film adaptation of all time. It will certainly become one of the great family films.

Paddington is a loveable and well-meaning scamp who delights and will entertain everyone regardless of age. You will love this bear whether you grew up reading the stories or not. But rest assured if you did you’ll see references to most of them that will warm the heart. Even adults will melt and they have the added bonus of the subtext on immigration hysteria. Nicole Kidman surprises with a perfect over-the-top villain and Peter Capaldi is brilliant in his brief role. Stop reading this review and go see it.

What’s it about?
Alexander has more terrible days than most, especially compared to the rest of his ‘perfect’ family. Wishing on his birthday that they could experience the sort of day that he normally has, Liar Liar-style, they do.

What did we think?
Rob O’Connor says: Surprisingly amusing! This live-action Disney family film is loosely based on a popular children’s book, so our expectations were low – happily they were exceeded. While so many of these films feature idiot parents, bratty kids and a story aimed at selling Happy Meals, Alexander avoids all that, delivering a nice message about families sticking together.

The jokes were well spread over our posse (9yo, 13yo and parents) and there were enough quality laughs for all for a pass mark. The cast, which include Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner, are dependable but not stretched. The film is good, single-view, inoffensive, forgettable family fun for 7 year olds and up. That’s definitely better than most films in this genre.

What’s it about?
Two friends dress up as policeman and get carried away when they get mistaken for the real thing.

What did we think?
What do you get when you have a cop movie without cops? This.  With a simple premise, Let’s Be Cops is really a one-joke wonder trading off the popularity of TV’s New Girl. And for fans of the show that’s probably gong to be enough. Nick and Coach…. er… I mean Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans are likable (and rather similar to their small screen characters) but there’s just not enough in the script for anyone.

For non-New Girl fans, the first half of the movie is sort of okay but it just runs out of direction and laughs. After awhile it feels like you’re the one doing time. Don’t do the crime kids.

What’s it about?
With humanity facing a ticking clock on earth, a band of scientists launch a mission to space to find a way to expand into the universe.

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: During Interstellar I occasionally found myself reminded of the strong emotional impact that 2001: A Space Odyssey had on me as a child which was wonderful.  It took me awhile (luckily we had almost three hours) to realise that while it was emotive it was actually a little light on substance. Sure there are some interesting themes and thought provoking concepts (despite some highly theoretical science) but Interstellar’s greatest failing is its obvious US target demographic.

With WAY too much exposition and Nolan’s inexplicable and incessant need to wrap every little end up neatly, what starts out as a majestic movie capturing both the wonder and terror of being in space sadly finishes feeling like a cliched film from just about any genre. Is it good? Yes. Are the effects impressive? Hell yes. Will you enjoy it? Probably. Will you rush out to see it a second time? Doubtful.

What’s it about?
Rosie and Alex have been best friends since they were 5, so they couldn’t possibly be right for one another…or could they? When it comes to love, life and making the right choices, these two are their own worst enemies.

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Tender, earnest and sweet, Love Rosie is proof that when it comes to romantic comedies the UK always do it so much better. Even though it’s hardly perfect it still manages to portray more humanity than the average Hollywood formula. Love Rosie’s strength is not the predictable destination but of the almost whimsical journey it takes to get there.

Sam Clafin will inevitably be compared to Hugh Grant (he has many of the mannerisms down pat) but his chemistry with the talented Lily Collins only adds an extra later to a film that true romantics will not be able to get enough of. It certainly has some weaknesses but the characters and pacing gloss over the cracks and you’ll find your heartstrings tugged regardless.

What’s it about?
Keanu Reeves plays the titular character, a widower who seeks vengeance against the Russian mobsters that have stolen his car and killed his poor sweet dog.

What did we think?
Dominic Barlow says: Behold: a pulpy retribution flick that puts THE EQUALIZER to shame. This goes through similar story beats to Denzel Washington’s killing spree, but with a fun and refreshing simplicity. A cool neon glow pulsates all throughout its visuals, and the music occasionally makes odd choices that turns the blood-soaked battles into a hypnotic ballet. Through it all, Reeves spits fire as a guy who recognises but can’t help his own barbarism, and he’s backed by a terrific supporting cast that includes Willem Dafoe and John Leguizamo. It’s a revenge fantasy for those well-adjusted enough to understand the second part of that phrase.

What’s it about?
When their father passes away, four grown siblings are forced to return to their childhood home and live under the same roof together for a week, along with their over-sharing mother and an assortment of spouses, exes and might-have-beens.

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: It’s intelligent, poignant and – to be honest – a little manipulative. Thankfully the tone is more thoughtful than preachy and the quality of the cast is incredible so you can forgive the occasional heavy handedness. Had the potential to be a lot more but it does manage to touch the heart if not fully engage the mind.