AMAZING

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…

In 2009, a zombie film by the unassuming name of Colin premiered at Cannes Film Festival. Made by young filmmaker Marc Price for the bafflingly low sum of £45, Colin proved to be a surprise hit, attracting the attention of Mark Kermode, The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw and – most impressive of all – Martin Scorsese, who described the film as taking the “zombie idea to another level”. Where next, then, for the man who started so conspicuously well? Price’s answer was to tackle an emotional drama, and the result is his second feature Magpie. We met up to discuss his newest film, his biggest inspirations and what’s next.

Make some effort, Pete.

Infinite cash Vs Probable agonising death. Quick cost benefit analysis… Let’s send Martin Freeman in instead

This week’s movie releases includes the Jack Black helmed Bernie. The reappearance of this lovably rotund gentleman got us thinking: what do we really know about this intrepid comedian? True his name has been a familiar sight to us for a number of years now but does that mean we actually have a line on the man that lies behind it? Probably not! So here it is! A nice compact little compilation of facts that will come to the rescue in any given Jack Black-related situation. No, no, no need to thank us! It was our pleasure!

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.

James Cameron is “living in Pandora” while writing the Avatar sequels. Is he on something?

The quiffed detective and his faithful dog Snowy are set to return to the big screen in 2015, but Spielberg will be taking a back seat.

Bilbo and co are making tons of dough