This Week's Cinema

Happy FeetWith less than three weeks until Father Christmas arrives, films are going festive.

Let Sky Showbiz's very own Santa Claus, Mr Tim Evans, advise you what's a Tickle Me Elmo and what's a lump of coal...

HAPPY FEET

Certificate: U     Running time: 108m

What's it about? After being ostracised from his colony, Emperor Penguin Mumble (Elijah Wood) hooks up with some Latino waddlers led by Robin Williams and attempts to solve the mystery of the disappearing fish.

What's good? Certain scenes - particularly a chase featuring a leopard seal - are simply breathtaking and the voice work of Wood, Williams as well as Nicole Kidman is first rate.

The HolidayWhat's bad? The eco message gets a bit heavy-handed and the running time could prove a little too much for younger fans.

Worth a look? Yes. It's a grand-looking slice of CGI and the toe-tapping song 'n' dance numbers featuring songs by the likes of Queen and Prince are ingeniously reworked.

Click for full skymovies.com HAPPY FEET review

THE HOLIDAY

Certificate: 12     Running time: 135m

What's it about? Posh Brit Kate Winslet and California girl Cameron Diaz swap homes and find romance with widower Jude Law and funny film composer Jack Black.

What's good? Everybody is easy on the eye and live in fab gaffs.

What's bad? Everybody is everything but easy on the ear and a two hour-plus running time for a romcom would even get the no-no from Relate.

Worth a look? Not really. Winslet is totally miscast while Diaz is getting a bit old in the tooth for these sort of roles.

Click for full skymovies.com THE HOLIDAY review

THE NATIVITY STORY

Certificate: PG       Running time: 101m

What's it about? It's a straightforward account of events leading up to the birth of Christ, with particular emphasis on the hitherto rather sketchy characters of Mary and Joseph.

What's good? It's simple. Director Catherine Hardwicke (Thirteen) opts for the unvarnished approach which - while worthy - is never dull and an antidote to dross like Deck The Halls.

What's bad? It's going to struggle against flashier seasonal fare.

Worth a look? Maybe. It looks fine and is well played... which is more than you'll get in Christmas With The Kranks.

Click for full skymovies.com THE NATIVITY STORY review