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.

Sherlock Holmes A Game Of Shadows

The world's most brilliant detective must face his nemesis - the fiendish Professor Moriarty!

When the Crown Prince of Austria is found dead, Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr) soon suspects the involvement of criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris). Realising that this is just one piece of a larger plot, Holmes tracks the clues to a gentleman's club where he and his brother Mycroft (Stephen Fry) are celebrating the last night of bachelorhood for Dr Watson (Jude Law). Here he meets gypsy fortune-teller Sim (Noomi Rapace), who has become Moriarty's next target. So begins a thrill-packed, continent-hopping and - bizarrely! - cross-dressing adventure, with nothing less than the future of western civilisation at stake! Director Guy Ritchie's follow-up to his hit 'Sherlock Holmes' reunites the brilliant double act of Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law. It also introduces 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' star Noomi Rapace in her first English-language role, with the added attraction of Stephen Fry as Mycroft. 

My Week With Marilyn

Tonight I have been to see My Week With Marilyn.

An incredible cast star in the amazing true story of Marilyn Monroe's week with a young Englishman.

It's 1956, and youthful Oxford graduate Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne) lands a lowly job on the British set of 'The Prince and the Showgirl'. It's directed by the legendary Sir Laurence Olivier (Kenneth Branagh), who also stars opposite Marilyn Monroe (Michelle Williams), who is then at the height of her fame. Marilyn's new husband, playwright Arthur Miller (Dougray Scott), has to make a brief trip to Paris. So Clark gets the chance to spend a week introducing one of the world's greatest film stars to the joys of ordinary British life. Freed from the pressures of work and celebrity, Marilyn begins to open up about her own life and experiences. Judi Dench, Julia Ormond and Derek Jacobi round out the top-notch British supporting cast. Watch out too for the cameo by Emma Watson in her first post-Potter role.

New Years Eve

An all-star cast in a romantic comedy set on the most magical night of the year.

In Times Square, preparations are afoot for New Year's Eve. For producer Claire Morgan (Hilary Swank), this is also the biggest moment of her career. Elsewhere in New York City, the lives of a variety of couples and singles intertwine. People like heavily pregnant Tess (Jessica Biel), who's about to give birth, and Harry (Robert De Niro), who's nearing the end of his life. Rock star Jensen (Jon Bon Jovi) is having relationship troubles, while frustrated Ingrid (Michelle Pfeiffer) comes up with a novel way of dealing with her unfulfilled resolutions before midnight. The A-list cast also includes Sarah Jessica Parker, Zac Efron and Ashton Kutcher. From the team who gave us 'Valentine's Day', it's a funny and touching celebration of love, hope, forgiveness, second chances and fresh starts as the clock counts down to midnight.

3D - Arthur Christmas

Tonight I have been to see 3D Arthur Christmas.

The animators behind Wallace and Gromit go 3D as they reveal Santa's high-tech secret!

It's a mystery that has puzzled generations of children. How does Santa manage to visit the homes of every child in the world in just one night? Now the truth can be told, thanks to Britain's very own Aardman animation. Beneath the North Pole, there's a huge military operation staffed by 1.6 million elves, who ensure that all two billion presents are delivered on Christmas Eve. And the sleigh used by Santa (Jim Broadbent) is a massive invisible airship called the S1. But this year they've managed to miss out one little girl. It's up to Santa's son Arthur (James McAvoy) and crotchety old Grandsanta (Bill Nighy) to save the day! The studio who gave us Wallace and Gromit make their first foray into 3D with this spectacular CG family adventure boasting a stellar voice cast.