The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a horrendous mishmash of CGI-dependent action sequences and poorly-paced unconvincing drama; but rather like a dwarf in a river-borne barrel, it bobs along rather nicely. Also like a dwarf, it carries quite a lot of extra flab around the middle, but its unassailable charisma and magnificent facial hair…

There’s either rain or ninjas. Take your pick.

Ah, Jim Carrey. It seems as if everyone who is anyone has an opinion on this funnyman of big budget flicks – whether you adore his early works and abhore Mr Popper’s Penguins, prefer him to stick to comedy and steer clear of serious dramas (hello Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind) or simply want to see him dress up in a funny costume, it’s hard not to have an opinion about good old Jim. So, with THAT in the forefront of our minds, Sarah and Nina have launched into an almighty row…

Alan Cumming won’t be back for X-Men: Days of Future Past. FFS.

X-Men Days of Future Past will continue to focus on that pesky Magneto and his feelings.

Imagine Tyrion Lannister with SUPERPOWERS.

Massive reunion on the X-Men: Days of Future Past set.

A national treasure, a gay icon, a Shakespearean behemoth, a level 4 magnetic mutant and Mithrandir himself, Sir Ian McKellen is one of the greatest actors of all time. At the age of 73, our 5 foot 11 inches undertaker continues to astound, most recently in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Did you know that Sir Ian attended Cambridge University where he studied English, and that he only got a 2:2? NO!? Then you’d better read our Ian McKellen Cheat Sheet!

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is undoubtedly an event-movie, but can it overcome the ridiculously high expectations and accusations of technological awkwardness surrounding its release? Yes. Yes it can. All the criticisms leveled at the first film in The Hobbit trilogy might be justifiable, but Peter Jackson has still created a worthy prequel to the Lord Of The Rings. Big flashy set pieces, enjoyable and complex characters and an accessible yet captivating script add up to a movie you will be proud to one day have as the cornerstone of your DVD collection. You’ll never be so glad to return to Middle Earth.

Martin Freeman to sign up with Cash Money Records, Ian McKellen to buy a sold gold yacht