An intensely close analysis of the dooming consequences of drug abuse. Joachim Trier’s second directorial piece follows the suicidal path of a man who believes he has nothing left to live for. But can he be convinced otherwise?

Gritty, absorbing and stylishly handled throughout, this independent British drama is a must-see. Making the most of a serious subject matter, the raw talent of the stellar cast manages to make a film about war, drugs and homelessness utterly enjoyable until (almost) the very last scene…

From French director Stéphane Brizé, Mademoiselle Chambon is a charming, captivating film that tells the story of a love affair between a married bricklayer and his son’s graceful teacher.

Page One, a documentary by Andrew Rossi of An Inconvenient Truth and Waiting for Superman, is perhaps the most involving and universally inspiring documentary of the year. Who would’ve thought it’d be about the New York Times?

What is it with horribly titled British films lately? First Swinging With the Finkels, now this? C’mon people, just name your film after a dinosaur, there’s loads of them left. It’d be much easier to sell a dark comedy set in a Scottish brothel (apparently they’re legal up there, fancy that!) if it was called Tyrannosaurus Sex. Just sayin. Luckily though, Spanking in Paradise is infinitely better than its dreadful title, a witty, surprisingly restrained and thoroughly Scottish gem.

Well, not scientifically speaking, unless you’re a lizard. But it will once this snow-lovin’ yeti gets his axe into you. Yep, they can use tools now. Power of evolution.

When China Met Africa is a indepth documentary about China’s economic foray into Africa in 2006. Described as a “rare, grass-roots view into one of the most important economic challenges of our age” by The Times, it’s just as exciting as it sounds.

Natalie Portman’s shiny new Academy Award is going to reflect an awful lot of spotlights on her over the next few years. This should be fine, of course, but it’s not ideal when the project currently in the post-Oscar glare is a distinctly average drama which she made before Black Swan and which has only just crept onto DVD. The only impossibility in Love and Other Impossible Pursuits is enjoying it.

“Blood Out” – Mexican Mafia Motto: To blood out is a requirement to leave a gang. To join, “blood in”, you must kill someone. The only way to leave, “blood out”, is to be killed yourself.
For a film that opened with crack, tits and hip-hop Blood Out was more than a little disappointing.

First time director Niall MacCormick more-or-less delivers with this sweet and predictable slice of countryside sexual politics. And lost childhood. And foundering careers. And growing up. And Alzheimer’s Disease. And some boobs (but only for a second). Basically, each character has a big oppressive thing hanging round his or her neck – if only there was a name for that… Did we mention it’s called ALBATROSS?