Inoffensive fun for the kids with everyone tagging along from the first two installments but with enough new stuff to keep the kids, and any adults who might be partially paying attention, entertained.
Family
The Great Escape
To many, The Great Escape is more important to Christmas than Jesus, and this entertaining World War Two prison break movie deserves to be. Great characters, action and putting-it-up-Jerry makes John Sturges’ movie a classic war movie.
Hugo
Hugo looks exquisite and the plot is as mature and engaging as you’d expect from a Scorcese film but sometimes the cinematography is a little clichéd in its use. Good for kids, great for adults who love film.
Puss in Boots
A surprisingly decent, if not consistently funny, spin off from the Shrek series. Definitely better than expected, mostly thanks to a short and sweet runtime and great voiceover cast. Probably a success because Mike Myers is nowhere near it.
The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn
The uncanny valley effect strikes again as a largely good film is ruined by freaky animation that’s more unnerving than any horror.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
A fitting end to the hugely popular series sees Harry Potter re-find the magic it had recently lost in previous instalments. Unfortunately though, this landmark leaves most of the British film industry unemployed.