What’s it about?
Several of your favourite fairytale characters find their happy ever after, before everything gets sent to hell in a handbasket once they realise that fairytale endings aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.

What did we think?
Susan Hetherington says: At times laugh-out-loud funny at others “where’s-my-tissue” sad, this is a grown-ups fairytale with a strong message about being careful what you wish for and whether happily ever after is possible with someone you have known for 2.5 seconds.

Fans of the stage show may shed a tear that the adaptation has dropped the second double act between the Charming prince brothers (Agony, the over-the-top duet which included just about every cinematic cliché was the funniest point in the film) but overall it was a very satisfying translation from stage to screen. It would be nice to think Into the Woods the film will springboard composer Stephen Sondheim into the musical theatre limelight alongside the likes of Andrew Lloyd Webber. It probably won’t. In fact the 15 minute opening overture will probably be enough to ensure some never again give a musical a try. But anyone who can see past that will see an intelligent tale that’s been well told and extremely well acted. They will almost certainly also have the Into the Woods earworm in their head for some time to come.

What’s it about?
Riggan Thomas (Michael Keaton) spent his younger years appearing as Birdman in a series of superhero films. Firmly entrenched in “washed-up has-been” territory, he decides to put on a Broadway show to try to prove himself to the world. But his play has serious problems, his cast (including Edward Norton and Naomi Watts) is dysfunctional, and his own mental state is probably not all that crash-hot either.

What did we think?
Elizabeth Best says: If Birdman is Michael trying to prove himself following his Batman days, then boy, has he succeeded. This is a brilliantly intriguing, very black comedy and, if you listen really hard, we’re pretty sure you can hear “Oscar” being whispered in the background.

What’s it about?
The magical tablet that makes all the museum exhibits come alive is losing its powers, so Larry (Ben Stiller) and the gang have to visit the British Museum to find answers.

What did we think?
Sophie Webb says: Super-awesome effects and silly-sausage moments from the two Wilsons – Owen and Rebel – elevate this film that’s aimed at 8-year-olds. Not being familiar with the first two in the franchise, this weary mum was pretty pleased with the easy-to-follow storyline and all-star cast, including a cameo from our own Hugh Jackman. The fight in the M.C. Escher print, Relativity, is genius, and the wee joke: wee-lly funny. Robin Williams’ final film has some unintended profound moments following his death, and fans of Ben Stiller will enjoy his usual dumbstruck expressions. Solid sign of a good flick? Miss Three wants it on DVD post-haste despite a few hide-your-eyes moments.

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?
The true story of how mathematics won the second World War. A socially inept mathematical genius called Alan Turing is employed by a government agency to break the German cryptographic systems.

What we thought
Dan says: This is the story of one of the greatest of human achievements. Along with Babbage and Lovelace, Turing is one of the parents of the modern age. While the dramatisations sometimes inch into the realm of misinformation any man, woman and child whose life benefits from the invention of the computer owes it to themselves to watch this exciting story.

If they don’t owe it to themselves, they at least owe it to Alan Turing.

Oh god, I can’t stop crying.

What is it about?
This is the story of William Turner, renowned but uncouth 19^th century English landscape artist, starting at his middle ages.

What do we think?
Alistair Crawford says: If you are after a warts and all authentic period piece, where a genius but almost charmless master-painter, grunts, gropes and spits his way through the drudgery of 19^th century life, then this is your movie. A few comical scenes involving self-important art critics, strange brothel experiences, newfangled photography and altercations with other illustrious artists of the time lighten the mood a little. But for the most part, this is about the hard and pedestrian life of the artist and those around him. In contrast, the only true beauty in this movie shines from his paintings, and the picturesque landscapes he occasionally wanders. If you value art history or long contemplative historical dramas, see this. Otherwise maybe not.

What’s it about?
Four penguins fight their own nature to become a recklessly amazing super spy team, eventually teaming up with the international animal protection task force, The North Wind, to prevent their old enemy (they had no idea they had), Dr. Octavius Brine from robbing the world of cuteness! No, seriously.

What did we think?
Clint Skene says: Hands down, this is one of the funniest animated films I’ve seen in quite some time. It’s no secret that the Madagascar series had grown a little stale but I always held a soft spot for the black and white birds of awesomeness that were Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private. Great gags, a non-offensive application of 3D, a heaping helping of adorable penguin antics, and stellar performances from both Benedict Cumberbatch (Agent Classified) and John Malkovich (Dr. Octavius Brine), I can’t recommend this movie enough for audiences young and old.

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?
A low level psychic (Russel Crowe) journeys from Australia to find the remains of his sons destroyed in the Great War. He finds the enchanted world of the former Ottoman Empire has been cut into pieces by the politics of men.

What did we think?
Dan says: I am not a fan of Rusty at all but the guy sure can act. The story that he pushes along is beautifully shot and a joy to behold. It paints the faceless enemy as exactly what they are, more of us. Proud, angry and frightened.

The film treats the delicate story of Gallipoli with a great deal of respect though the third act gets a little bit “Indiana Jonesy”. There are some CGI issues and Rusty’s “Batman voice” can be a tad grating but ultimately this is a measured and heart-warming film with something for everyone. (Except kids. It’s a bit gruesome in parts)