W.E

Today I have been to see W.E

Madonna turns director to explore one of the of the 20th century's greatest love stories.

In 1936, the love affair between King Edward VIII (James D'Arcy) and American divorcee Wallis Simpson (Andrea Riseborough) scandalises England and sparks a constitutional crisis. Ultimately, Edward abdicates the throne to be with the woman he loves and the couple become the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Six decades later in 1998 the big news in Manhattan is the auction of the Duke and Duchess's estate. This has a very personal significance for Wally Winthrop (Abbie Cornish), who is trapped in a privileged but unhappy marriage. As Wally learns more about the sacrifices Wallis made for love, she becomes emboldened to make crucial changes in her own life. Skilfully intertwining the lives of these two women separated in time by more than 60 years, Madonna reveals universal truths about the search for love and happiness.

J Edgar

Last Tuesday I went to see J Edgar.

Leonardo DiCaprio stars in the incredible story of the most powerful man in 20th century America.

As founding director of the FBI, J. Edgar Hoover held onto the job for 47 tumultuous years. Admired, reviled and feared in equal measure, he served eight presidents and became virtually untouchable. Hoover placed great value on uncovering the secrets of friends and foes alike, but his own personal life was shrouded in gossip and speculation. Written by Dustin Lance Black, this is the first collaboration between veteran director Clint Eastwood and superstar Leonardo DiCaprio. Spanning seven decades, it covers key events of 20th-century American history as it explores Hoover's crucial relationships with the three people who were closest to him. After his stunning performance as Howard Hughes in 'The Aviator', DiCaprio is perfectly cast as Hoover. Armie Hammer plays Hoover's lifelong companion Clyde Tolson, with Naomi Watts as loyal secretary Helen Gandy and Judi Dench as doting mother Annie.

War Horse

Last night I went to see War Horse.

Steven Spielberg's heart-warming epic of adventure and loyalty between man and horse during World War One.

At the outbreak of the Great War, young Devon farmhand Albert (Jeremy Irvine) is helpless as his beloved horse Joey is commandeered by the cavalry. Captain Nichols (Tom Hiddleston) promises to return him, but fate intervenes and Joey embarks on an extraordinary journey across Europe, touching the lives of British officers, German soldiers and a French farmer and his granddaughter. But Albert cannot forget the horse he tamed and trained. So he sets off on his own dangerous journey, determined to be reunited with his equine friend. Adapted from the Michael Morpurgo children's bestseller and the hugely popular stage version, this new film brings Steven Spielberg's magic to a story that has become a modern classic. Largely filmed on location in the UK, 'War Horse' also has a brilliant British cast including Benedict Cumberbatch, David Thewlis and Emily Watson.

The Iron Lady

Tonight I have been to see The Iron Lady.

Meryl Streep stars in this revealing portrait of legendary British prime minister Margaret Thatcher.

As a politician, she divided the nation, but in 1979 grocer's daughter Margaret Thatcher burst through barriers of class and gender to become the UK's first female prime minister. She was aided by loyal strategist Gordon Reece, who shaped Thatcher's image and guided her campaign - even advising her to lower her voice to sound more like a leader. 'The Iron Lady' is a surprising and remarkably personal account of Thatcher's rise to power, with an extraordinary central performance by Meryl Streep. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd (who previously directed Streep in the phenomenally popular musicl comedy 'Mamma Mia!'), the film revisits many of the key episodes in the former PM's career. Its outstanding cast includes Roger Allam as Reece, Jim Broadbent as Maggie's husband Denis, Anthony Head as Geoffrey Howe and Richard E. Grant as Michael Heseltine.

Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol

Tonight I have been to see Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol.

Tom Cruise returns to accept his most dangerous, action-packed, globe-spanning mission yet!

When the Kremlin is destroyed in a devastating terrorist bombing it's just the beginning of a deadly crisis for the Impossible Mission Force (IMF). The US government immediately disbands the organisation and launches the Ghost Protocol black op. Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his unit are to be blamed for the attack, but allowed to escape. Operating entirely off-grid, their mission is to clear the IMF's name. If captured, they'll be charged as terrorists bent on starting a nuclear war! The fourth film in the mighty 'Mission: Impossible' franchise is master animator Brad Bird's debut as a live-action director, bringing a fresh sensibility to this thrilling action series. Returning from previous missions are Ving Rhames as Ethan's partner Luther Stickell and Simon Pegg as computer expert Benji Dunn. New characters include Jeremy Renner's IMF agent Brandt, while gorgeous Paula Patton gets the coveted female lead.