Showing Type: Film

Darkest Hour is a rousing, immensely entertaining crowd-pleaser and Gary Oldman is never less than sensational.

“Downsizing” touches knowingly on such present-day issues as climate change, immigration, widening wealth disparity and terrorism. But its deepest philosophical issues play out in Paul’s evolving relationship with Tran, portrayed by Chau in a performance that is spiky, endearing and touchingly expressive.

Winner of two Oscars, ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ deftly balances black comedy against searing drama and draws unforgettable performances from its veteran cast along the way.

Finding Your Feet wears its heart on its sleeve, elevating undemanding material with a feel-good romance and sweet performances from its over-qualified cast.

‘Maudie’ tells the story of Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis (Sally Hawkins), who became famous for her simple but cheerful landscapes and pictures of flora and fauna. Sally Hawkins is stunning as the meek and stooped Maudie, who battles through her difficult home life and painful arthritis to achieve something close to triumph.

Paddington 2 is a sheer delight. It is a tonic of a film that plants a big silly grin on your face and could warm the cockles of even the grumpiest heart.

Directed with imagination and sensitivity by Paul McGuigan, Film Stars Don’t Die In Liverpool is a real heart-breaker filled with laughter, tears and all the authentic roller-coaster emotions of a great and tragic love story.

High adventure, interesting characters and great scenery combines to make this an enjoyable ride.

‘Wonder’ makes serious and perceptive points about friendship, coming of age, endurance and basic human decency. Wonder is a tearjerker but it is well crafted, intelligent and sincere.