"The Revenant," directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu

Movie, 2015

Revenge family drama in the trappers' Wild West, with a bear-attack, some mastery in muttering and portrayals of Indians which feel a little tired and old-fashioned. The sentiments and narrative also feel a little overdone, but against all these criticisms, the locations are stunning and brought out by some wonderful photography. The action sequences are full of grit and gore, and things are paced quite well. Those who enjoy the last man battling against the odds, there's lots to commend here; for others, the going maybe a little tougher.

"Locke," directed by Steven Knight

Movie, 2013

A concept film where, really, there's barely any concept and virtually no action, just a man in a car, driving in the night and talking to people, desperately trying to keep his world from unravelling. And that's it. The chances of this being a good film may appear slim, but it really works tremendously well. Inevitable plaudits have to go to an excellent performance by Tom Hardy, although the script and pace are also magnificent. Not a comfortable watch and not for everyone, but this is really compelling stuff.

"The Drop", directed Michaël R Roskam

Movie, 2014

While this is a film with huge potential for failure - a slurring method acting loner, rescued dog etc. - this slow burner builds a tense and twisting plot and genuine foreboding atmosphere. There's also a refreshing straightforward setting and story telling with no artsy tricks, crushing soundtrack or CGI, just the goings on in a bar, its assistant manager and people orbiting him. Slow and glorious for it, even if the pooch occasionally gets tiring.