11. The Golden Compass

THE Golden Compass is based upon Northern Lights, a Philip Pullman novel, and is festooned with dazzling action set pieces.

12. Satisfying twists in Sleuth

KEEP alert, Sleuth is a film that twists you inside out. First you have the old, wise and successful man. Witty, power-crazy and loaded, Andrew Wyke (Michael Caine), appears unflappable.

13. Hairspray is based on one dancer’s dream

When I initially saw the trailers for Hairspray at the cinema I was dubious. In fact I believe my specific words were ‘It looks rubbish’.

14. A film to make you think

For the first time since The Legend of Bagger Vance in 2000, Robert Redford takes the directorial reins for this soapbox-cum-war movie that is more talk than action.

15. Harry Potter is back to take on the Order of the Phoenix

I HAVE a secret confession – I quite often think about what it would be like to live in Harry Potter land, attend Hogwarts and perform spells.

16. Series four of Peep Show centres on a wedding

NOW in its fourth series, Peep Show has gone from strength to strength.

17. Grave humour on offer

From American director Frank Oz comes this otherwise entirely British-flavoured irreverent comedy that belatedly attempts to cash in on the success of Four Weddings and a Funeral.

18. A powerful, violent film

Horror maestro David Cronenberg takes another departure from his usual self-penned surreal horror fare to work once again with his leading actor from A History of Violence, Viggo Mortensen.

19. A sprinkling of Stardust

Despite its starry cast Stardust has so far received a cool reception.

The story is based on the novel by Neil Gaiman, with a screenplay written by Matthew Vaughn and Jonathan Ross’s wife, Jane Goldman.

20. Rat’s tale really stands out

After the massive success that was The Incredibles, a follow-up from writer/director Brad Bird would always be hotly anticipated and his latest animation, Ratatouille, doesn’t disappoint.