Bursting with humour, poignancy and a good healthy splash of blood, Martin McDonagh’s follow-up to In Bruges is a crazed masterpiece featuring standout performances from its leads. In many ways a barmier, bloodier companion piece to Charlie Kaufman’s Adaptation, Seven Psychopaths is on one hand an intricately worked out, highly self-referential film that’s all about the creative process. On the other hand, it’s an excuse for a ragtag band of brilliant characters to stand around saying funny things to one another. And really, what more could you want?

Very nice, Martin McDonagh, very nice

TOO. MUCH. HAPPY.

STAB STAB STAB

Every so often you watch a film that you know you’re going to love within the first 5 or 10 minutes. Treacle Jr. is one such film. Funny, poignant, wonderfully acted and making brilliant use of its South London locations, Treacle Jr. is an absolute gem of a film, illustrating once again that you don’t need a Hollywood budget to create brilliant cinema.

So after a wet and blustery June and a less than tropical July, it looks like August is going to be no better. So, rather than delay the inevitable, best face facts now: that barbeque is staying in the shed, you’re not going to get a chance to wear that bikini and picnic food tastes rubbish when it’s covered in rain. However, last time we checked cinemas are all rain free! Huzzah! Here’s your pick of what’s to come next month!

Take In Bruges, add a dash of Hot Fuzz and you have The Guard, a sharply observed comedy set in Ireland, it may not please the easily offended but there are enough laughs here to ensure that Brendan Gleeson’s star turn is a must-see.