King KongKing KongPeter Jackson's back and he's got a big ape in tow. King Kong is officially here.

But what if you don't fancy any monkey business? We've got the best of this week's flicks reviewed to help you decide. 

KING KONG

Certificate: 12     Running time: 187m

What's it about? Wannabe starlet Naomi Watts finds herself empathising with a monster ape after she is offered as a human sacrifice in this blinding remake of the 1933 original.

What's good? Pretty much everything. Lord Of The Rings director Peter Jackson takes his time setting up the characters only to unleash a full hour of action, including a mind-blowing battle between Kong and three T-Rexes.

The Family StoneThe Family StoneWhat's bad? There's a bit of dodgy CGI but this is a minor gripe in a story of heart, mind and muscle told with visionary panache by a master.

Worth a look? You'd be mad to miss it. Action wise, nothing comes close and the final iconic scene atop the Empire State Building will have you blubbing.

Click for full skymovies.com KING KONG review


THE FAMILY STONE

Certificate: PG       Running time: 103m

What's it about? There's a frosty welcome from the boho Stone family when the eldest son pitches up for the family Xmas get-together with reactionary city slicker Sarah Jessica Parker in tow.

LassieLassieWhat's good? Even in the season of goodwill, it's difficult to find anything charitable to say about this smug comedy strangled by an irritating strand of political correctness.

What's bad? Where to start. The son who is gay and deaf hoping to adopt a baby with his black boyfriend (while the family sign madly around him) takes a bit of beating.

Worth a look? No. Even stars the calibre of Diane Keaton, Claire Danes, Luke Wilson can't save this sorry seasonal mess.

Click for full skymovies.com THE FAMILY STONE review


LASSIE

Certificate: 15      Running time: 98m

What's it about? A faithful collie trudges hundreds of miles back to the Yorkshire family that were forced to sell him because they were so skint.

What's good? Brideshead Revisited director Charles Sturiddge eschews fancy animatronics and lets the story tell itself with the help of Samantha Morton, Peter O'Toole and Gregor Fisher.

What's bad? Kids used to retina-frazzling CGI might find the pace a little ponderous but there's nothing wrong with an old-fashioned tale delivered in an old-fashioned manner.

Worth a look? Maybe. Lassie's made the big and small screens hundreds of times before and this is no disgrace to that noble tradition. Give it a go. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Click for full skymovies.com LASSIE review