The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

So Harvey is dead, Bruce is retired and the girl from Princess Diaries is now the new love interest. In steps a bulked up Bronson (Bane) who looks totally badass and all hell breaks loose. It drags in places but its visually flawless. Nice twist at the end and a hint of what may or may not become with Robin. 5/5

Flight (2012)

Once you realise the aeroplane bit isn't the main plot drive then you are simply left with a tale of alcohol dependency and denial. It's well acted but really slow. Imagine a 2 hour AA meeting. 3/5

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

I've watched this 100s of times and it's still funny! One of those awesome Christmas films that we can all empathise with. One of my favourites. Chevy Chase in his prime. 5/5

Dredd (2012)

It's difficult for me to review this as I was a huge 2000AD fan growing up. For me, Dredd isn't menacing enough nor is the fear there. I wanted more MegaCity One, more Cursed Earth. Gone is the satire and black humour and petty crime and instead we get The Raid. None fans of the comic book will love it, I liked it but expected more. 3/5

Arthur Christmas (2011)

Funny, original and full of imagination. The first half is better than the last. The UFO government storyline bit isn't needed. I like it a lot and had the ending not dragged I would have scored it higher. 3/5

The Snowman (1982)

Without doubt the most British Christmas film ever made. It seems to get better every year. It's timeless. Reminds me of my youth. Amazing. 5/5

Rocky Balboa (2006)

More of a story about Stallone coming out of retirement rather than the character of Rocky. It's like he won't let it go. It's better than Rocky V but also a harsh reality in dignity. Peter Petrelli from Heroes is in it. Stallone six pack gut is confusing. 3/5

Kill Bill: Vol 1 (2003)

Amazing storytelling and vision and one of Tarantino's best. The Japanese section is pure class and the Anime is superb. Action, humour and a razor sharp script make this unmissable. 5/5

Home Alone 2 (1992)

One of those rare moments where the sequel is better than the first. Home Alone 2 is bigger, funnier and better. Absolute Christmas magic. 5/5

Pitch Perfect (2012)

Glee meets Sister Act. Predictable, obvious but also quite good in parts. It's a proper chic flick and the mash ups although cheesy are a guilty pleasure.3/5

Rocky V (1990)

The worst Rocky.  Tommy Gun and a crappy street fight.  What happened?  Especially after the success of Rocky IV.  I understand why Stallone couldn't leave the saga on this bum note.  Hence Balboa which I'll re-watch next.   This film is dire.  Sage is the best actor in this. 2/5

Home Alone (1990)

In my opinion this and its sequel are THE perfect Christmas movies. Funny, engaging and very symbolic of Christmas. As fresh today as it was on its release over 20 years ago. I love it. 5/5

The Bourne Legacy (2012)

Average action yarn sans Damon. Some good set pieces but weak story and an ending that simply...ends!!! Nothing special but worthy of a weekend watch.3/5

Rocky IV (1985)

Everyone's favourite Rocky. Awesome casting of one of the big screens greatest villains. Amazing soundtrack. Timeless. Emotional and epic training montages. Time to head down to the gym..I feel inspired. 5/5

Rocky III (1982)

Before Rocky V this was the worst one. Made worse by Hulk Hogan and Mr T. It's too cartoony to be taken seriously. What saves it is the Eye Of The Tiger soundtrack that has become symbolic of many a workout.3/5

Rocky II (1979)

Better than the first and contains two training montages. It keeps its roots firmly planted into the original story and the end fight is so significant it has you (the viewer) reaching for the ropes to pull yourself up from the ring. Epic.5/5

Rocky (1976)

Arguably one of the best screenplays ever written. Many people think its a film about boxing but it isn't. It's a film about characterisation and the American dream. The boxing is actually secondary to the relationship between Rocky and Adrian. The sequels forget this. Amazing drama and acting.5/5

A Christmas Carol (2009)

Jim Carrey provides his Grinch voice for this post-Polar Express effort. Could have been so much better considering the strength of the Dickens story. It's very boring to begin with and only ever picks up near the end. Good but not great.3/5

Paranorman (2012)

Likeable Ardman-Style animation with a unique story, plenty of laughs and cool effects. One of those family weekend films you hope will be good, and it is. 4/5

Sinister (2012)

Genuinely creepy with certain scenes delivering the scares and making your hairs stand on end. Other scenes make you roll your eyes in disgust when it delivers lame, cliched, dimly lit dross. It's too slow all the way through and the ending was a let down. 2/5