Michael H. Profession: Director is an insightful, intriguing and concise look into the work, motives and personality of Michael Haneke. Yves Montmayeur, the man behind the ‘making of’ extras on Haneke DVDs, uses his exclusive behind-the-scenes access to paint an informative and critical portrait of the man, the myth, the monster. Unmissable for any Haneke fans, or anyone interested in film directing.

Seeing director leviathans Steven Spielberg, James Cameron and Peter Jackson reduced to giggling, bright-eyed fanboys gushing over Ray Harryhausen is quite something. They have good reason to go weak at the knees – Ray Harryhausen Special Effects Titan is a fascinating insight into the life’s work of one man with a love of animation in his DNA.

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone is not as incredible as its title leads you to believe – but it certainly has some tricks up its velvet, sequinned sleeve. The story of an egotistical, sex obsessed professional and how he responds to his devastating fall from grace has become a ‘frat pack’ family favourite – just replace male model, ice skater or anchorman with old-school magician and you’ve got the picture. Although The Incredible Burt Wonderstone boasts fewer iconic moments than its predecessors, its absurdity, campness, sentimentality and outrageous encore earns it a place among them.

Humourous, sad and surprisingly uplifting despite its subject matter, I Am Breathing makes you think about the little things we take for granted. Neil Platt’s positive outlook and emotional strength in the face of unimaginable devastation make him a true hero. There couldn’t be a better ambassador for his cause.

Created by one of the most renowned Japanese Science Fiction manga authors, Shotaro Ishinomori, Cyborg 009 tells the story of nine regular humans who were kidnapped and turned into cyborgs with specific super-human abilities. The comic was printed from 1964 till 1981 and spawned 3 motion pictures, 3 TV series plus a game. Last year, Kenji Kamiyama brought this super-hero ensemble back to the big screen in a reboot that was to be souped up by all the best in new technology.

Beyond The Hills is a moving and beautifully shot tale that challenges your own beliefs and ideas about religion. Is it archaic? Does prayer work? Does it hurt or heal? The issue is handled with sensitivity, while the chemistry and sheer talent of the two female leads ensures the central relationship transcends “Lezzers! Get in!”. File this one under Films That Make You Think.

You know the end is truly near when even little indie pics opt to remake rather than create anew. Franck Khalfoun’s Maniac is in fact a slightly artier version of William Lustig’s 1980 horror flick of the same name. The original was nominated for a Saturn Award and inspired Dennis Matkosky to compose the song “Maniac” of Flashdance fame. With the 2013 version we get essentially the same plot with only a slightly unusual choice in filming to make it stand apart.

Bruce Willis waves goodbye to integrity and for some reason takes on a very minor, very pointless role in Fire With Fire – the type of film you make do with on a Friday night when nothing else is on, or get recommended after having watched Cop Out (mistakenly) on Netflix. While there are some decent performances, the majority of the action – along with the film – is forgettable.

In 1984, Patrick Swayze, Charlie Sheen, Lea Thompson and Jennifer Grey took up arms in guerrilla warfare to safe-guard their America from the the Soviet Union and its Cuban and Nicaraguan allies. In 2012, this premise was re-worked to suit the current political climate, making North Koreans the new big baddies. One was made at a time when the Cold War was still a heavy presence in U.S. culture. The other came about during a time of re-make madness.

It has taken Antique Bakery almost 5 years to make it to our lovely shores. Kind of surprising really since it is known to be one of South Korea’s most successful movies having raked in over a million movie goers within the first two weeks of its release. Time to see what all the fuss is about…