Hugo (U)
(Martin Scorsese, 2011, US) Asa Butterfield, Ben Kingsley, Chloë Grace Moretz, Sacha Baron Cohen. 126 mins.
Eyebrows were raised and expectations lowered at the prospect of a Scorsese-made 3D family movie – but now it all makes sense. This is less a kids’ romp than a hymn to early cinema – sugar-coated with a junior steampunk adventure revolving around an Parisian orphan and his mystery automaton. It’s a satisfyingly lavish affair technically, with a story that’s intelligent and heartfelt.
We Have A Pope (PG)
(Nanni Moretti, 2011, Ita/Fra) Nanni Moretti, Michel Piccoli, Jerzy Stuhr. 105 mins.
Moretti’s Vatican satire is wry rather than scathing, which will disappoint many. But there’s fun to be had as Piccoli’s panicked new pope seeks therapy from Moretti’s secular psychoanalyst.
Surviving Life (15)
(Jan Švankmajer, 2010, Cze) Václav Helsus, Klára Issová, Zuzana Krónerová. 109 mins.
More light-hearted Freudian comedy, with Monty Python-style cut-out animation, as a middle-aged man prefers his dream world to reality,
Happy Feet Two (U)
(George Miller, 2011, Aus) Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Ava Acres. 103 mins.
The first movie was a stroke of genius, but post-Glee, the karaoke penguin performers and their Antarctic anxieties are vaguely irritating.
The Thing (15)
(Matthijs van Heijningen Jr, 2011, US/Can) Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton, Ulrich Thomsen. 103 mins.
Winstead’s Ripley-ish lead and an emphasis on CG splatter distinguish this remake of the polar paranoia thriller from its two predecessors. But this Thing’s smaller than the both of them.
The Big Year (PG)
(David Frankel, 2011, US) Steve Martin, Owen Wilson, Jack Black. 100 mins.
Avian and male behaviour are both observed in this competitive birdwatching comedy where it’s the laughs that are lesser spotted.
Romantics Anonymous (12A)
(Jean-Pierre Améris, 2010, Fra/Bel) Benoît Poelvoorde, Isabelle Carré, Lorella Cravotta. 78 mins.
Comical French confection in which two oddballs overcome chronic shyness through mutual enthusiasm for chocolate.
Margaret (15)
(Kenneth Lonergan, 2011, US) Anna Paquin, Mark Ruffalo, Matt Damon. 150 mins.
A carefree teenager grows up fast when she witnesses a fatal bus crash in this intelligent but sprawling New York tale.
Las Acacias (12A)
(Pablo Giorgelli, 2011, Arg/Spa) Germán de Silva, Hebe Duarte. 86 mins.
Bonds form and past regrets resurface on this Argentinian road trip with a truck driver, a mother and her baby.
Ghett’a Life (15)
(Chris Browne, 2011, Jam) Winston Bell, Kevoy Burton, O’Daine Clarke. 104 mins.
Rivalries in politics, gangland and the boxing ring are contrasted in this authentic Jamaican drama.
Camp Hell (15)
(George VanBuskirk, 2010, US) Will Denton, Andrew McCarthy. 95 mins.
Laughable teen Jesus camp horror.
The Last Waltz (U)
(Martin Scorsese, 1978, US) 117 mins.
Piggyback reissue for the Band’s farewell concert movie.
Out from Friday
New Year’s Eve
Star-studded New York fable in a Love Actually vein. Out from Thu
Puss In Boots
Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek lead a shrewd Shrek spin-off.
Another Earth
Low-budget sci-fi revolving around the discovery of a new planet.
Mysteries Of Lisbon
Epic 19th-century drama from the late Raoul Ruiz.
A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas
Festive sacrilege with the lovable stoner duo.
Magic To Win
Effects-heavy Hong Kong action fantasy flick.
The Well Digger’s Daughter
French actor Daniel Auteuil directs for the first time.
Barely Legal
Dreadful sub-porn trash.
Coming soon
In two weeks...
Another comical case in Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows …
Moving doc Dreams Of A Life …
In three weeks...
David Fincher’s Girl With The Dragon Tattoo …
Tom Cruise goes rogue in Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol …
In a month...
Silent cinema brought to life in French hit The Artist …
Luc Besson’s Aung San Suu Kyi biopic The Lady …
