Though Toy Story 2 3D is not the immersive, mind-blowing experience that watching Avatar is, there’s no denying that this film only gets better with the added technology. And the difference is that – unlike Avatar- Toy Story 2 never had to rely on its special effects to captivate your attention.

The acclaimed director of Slumdog Millionnaire, 28 Days Later and Trainspotting has announced today that he plans to return to his theatrical roots having been, as he says, “distracted for 15 years by the movies.” He has decided to direct a theatrical adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein at the National Theatre.

Confirmation of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides came yesterday, announced (oddly enough) by the Governor of Hawaii. The Pirates team plan to film on the Hawaiian islands of Kaua’i and O’ahu and so it was the proud job of the local government to tell the world of their upcoming visitors.

It seems like only yesterday that Sundance critics were raving about little known films Precious and (500) Days Of Summer,but believe it or not, it’s that time of year again! The Sundance Film Festival, a Utah based independent film festival, celebrates undiscovered film talent from around the world, and prides itself on promoting micro-budget quality flicks.

James Cameron, director of blockbuster mega-hit Avatar, has confirmed that he wants to turn the franchise into a trilogy. To be fair, considering that the film has so far grossed $1.4 billion so far world-wide, financially the idea makes a lot of sense. But for those of us with devestating memories of diaster sequels that have tainted the memories of truly brilliant first films, we can’t help but be on our guard.

According to figures released today from the UK Film Council, 2009 had the highest cinema attendance in the last six years, with over 170 million people visiting their local theatre. This means that contrary to popular prediction, the film business is alive and booming.

Yesterday the States celebrated the national holiday of Martin Luther King Jr, and so it’s fitting that Dreamworks has chosen today to announce the writer for the official biopic of his life. The lucky fellow? Ronald Harwood, writer of The Diving Bell and The Butterfly, Australia, and The Pianist.

Flu, the shakes, the shivers, the shimmies, it’s that time of year and we’re all going through it. So maybe stay at home, stick on a DVD and doze yourself to freedom. But beware. In such sensitive fever-based situations, there are films to be avoided. And we’ve got the shortlist right here. Grab your seventh cup of tea, your pyjamas and least damp hankerchief and join us…

It’s always a risk when film-makers decide to try and attach heavily religious messages to blockbusters, and it doesn’t get more heavy-handed than in The Book Of Eli. Overall, though Eli is willing to trek across the world to save a story, we’re not sure we’d do this same with this one. It’s The Road with a book instead of a kid, and frankly, that’s not enough of a reason to spend your money.

Based on the Danish film Brødre (no prizes for guessing the translation there) and taking its inspiration from Homer’s Odyssey, Brothers is an all-star drama, perfect if you don’t fancy the more action-orientated releases this week.