Amazing Grace

This film charts the political career of William Wilberforce, of which a great deal of time was spent trying to persuade fellow members of parliament of the barbarism and depravity of the slave trade - a system that was keeping the kingdom's coffers lined.

The acting is sublime; to be expected from such a talented line-up and Ioan Gruffudd proves his worth as the leading man. Whilst the action is kept firmly away from the Indies, we are left in no doubt as to the horrors of slavery and the savagery of this shameful period in history.

There Will Be Blood

I know I should like it – Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Thomas Anderson – but it didn’t float my boat. There, I’ve said it, and may the Oscar fairies strike me down with their wispy wands for failure to engage in this extremely long film in which nothing much happens.

I know it’s a character study but it felt like an extended showpiece for Mr Day-Lewis – a chance to put his once-a-decade film appearance to good use. To be fair he was excellent but there’s only so much charisma one man can exude with little back-up from fellow characters, plot or storyline.

Mamma Mia!

A group of Hollywood A-listers burst into impromptu song in this all-singing all-dancing feelgood romp around a Greek Island.

If that floats your boat then you’ll be in cinematic heaven with this bizarre tribute to Sweden’s most famous export. Whilst the DVD is set to be a record-breaker in terms of sales, it’s pure entertainment value with little below the surface to tickle the fancy of serious film buffs.

You might want to avert your eyes when the previous Mr Bond demonstrates that he’s not a natural singer.