What’s it about?
Beatlemania.

What did we think?
Elizabeth Best & Ben Bissett say: Four boys. Four years. That’s all it took to take the Beatles from the grimy basements of Liverpool to the centre of a claustrophobic global touring hurricane. This was the birth of teenagers losing their shit in epic proportions over the cult of celebrity, and the most revelatory moments are the screamed, sobbing reactions to the barely-out-of-their-teens-themselves Fab Four. The heady rush of the first tours quickly turn to jaded dissatisfaction: by the mid-’60s the mop-tops had become caged animals in the circus, and their final tour gig ends with them carted away in a literal meat locker. Beatles for sale, indeed. Cinema-goers (and only cinema-goers, we’re told) are treated to the previously unscreened ‘65 Shea Stadium concert after the credits, yet this film merely skirts the Beatles lore and footage available in the Anthology series. But then, that damn thing lasted nearly 12 hours. In limited cinemas, one week only.

What’s it about?
Disney orphan a young boy (because Disney) and strand him in the woods. There he’s befriended by a furry dragon (because magic).

What did we think?
An interesting choice to continue Disney’s turning animation-to-live-action project, Pete’s Dragons actually offers up some entertaining surprises. While the obvious surprise might appear to be the choice to make the dragon furry, it’s actually the performance of Oakes Fegley which is the outstanding centrepiece. His charismatic Pete is heartbreakingly authentic and will drag you into belief so strongly you will overlook a story that is by the numbers: it’s not a bad story but it’s predictable. But the emotion is dragged forth regardless. Kids will love it and it’s not too scary even for little ones.

What’s it about?
A bunch of twenty-somethings go exploring in a forest that’s apparently haunted by the Blair Witch.

What did we think?
If you’ve seen the original you’ve seen this, but don’t let that scare you away because, despite that, it’s still a really tautly directed and entertaining 85 minutes. The story is extremely light, but the jump scares are almost omnipresent as the film races towards the big conclusion. It’s intensity will be loved by most horror fans though the familiarity of the journey does detract a bit.

What’s it about?
Helen Fielding’s down-to-earth 20/30/40-something creation is back, still struggling with life, and about to embark on her most extravagant adventure yet – a baby, whose paternal genes she’s not quite sure.

What did we think?
Angela Young says: Let me start with a disclaimer – I hate Renee Zellweger in this role. I loved the books, and always thought the casting was deeply offensive to legions of great British actresses – her ridiculously twitching terribly-accented Bridget did nothing for me. Surprising, then, that I found this sequel to be rather good. Zellweger’s now utterly-toxin-ravaged face is difficult to watch, and she still overplays Jones obscenely, but there are some seriously funny – proper “pah!” LOL moments – and some brilliant turns from Colin Firth, Patrick Dempsey and, particularly, Emma Thompson as the obstetrician who, god bless her, is ageing beautifully (i.e. naturally).

It drags a bit – two hours?? – but it’s got just enough of the good stuff to keep you going, thanks in no small part to Fielding’s work on the screenplay and Shazzer picking up the director’s reins once again. I’m shocking myself by saying this, but it’s worth a watch!

What’s it about?
A father raising his family of six children in the American wilderness, using a strict regime of training and learning, finds his life – and parenting – turned upside down when’s he forced to return to the real world.

What did we think?
Angela Young says: This beautifully imagined film is a joy to behold, confidently tackling topics as diverse as socialism, survivalism, mental illness, social justice and what constitutes the ‘right’ way to bring up your children in our muddled modern world. A great tale of familial love and loss, it brilliantly documents nature crashing headfirst into contemporary America. Viggo Mortensen’s performance as rugged, determined father Ben is brilliant, his authority and stern morals never enough to stop the viewer vouching for him every step of the way. Eldest son Bo, played with raw emotion by George Mackay, provides some great moments, of gripping drama as well as twinkling comedy, and the rest of the kids provide star turns.

What’s it about?
A camera crew catches up with David Brent, the former star of the fictional British TV series The Office, as he now fancies himself a rockstar on the road.

What did we think?
Cindy Nelson says: Ricky Gervais has once again mastered the art of delivering an excruciatingly funny, awkward and tragic tale of the sad clown. If you love the way Gervais can offend, make you laugh, AND make you think at the same time, do not miss this catch up/Christmas special on the big screen, featuring genuinely catchy tunes.