Hugo (2011)

Watch this, a precious, highly stylised and drama-free whimsy about an orphan boy who discovers the magic of cinema, or simply recall instead that part of each Oscar award ceremony where the presenters heavyhandedly expound film's curative properties. 

★★☆☆☆ 

CINECAL: ONE SENTENCE REVIEWS

The Wicker Man (1973)

A policeman heads to a Scottish island to investigate a young girl's disappearance and discovers a veritable Pitcairn of pagan craziness, but the most troubling thing by far is the sight of Christopher Lee in a series of mustard-coloured skivvies.

★★★★☆

CINECAL: ONE SENTENCE REVIEW

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

Once again, Depp sports a deathly pallor in a Tim Burton fable, appearing here as Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka but in a daring departure from the source material, Wonka is centre stage with an embellished backstory that explains, cleverly and with fitting wicked humour, the chocolatier's desire for an heir.

★★★★☆

CINECAL: ONE SENTENCE REVIEW