Girl with a Pearl Earring: Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring and other treasures from the Mauritshuis Museum are featured in this documentary which is the third in the current Exhibition on Screen series screening at Cinema Nouveau. *** TS
Pride: Feel-good, poignant crowd-pleaser which neatly balanced heart and formula. It is a little bit funny, a little bit sad, and a whole lot of entertainment. **** TS
Taken 3: Badly edited action sequences, clichéd characters and worn-out plot for an action film with no thrills or spills. Even Liam Neeson looks bored. ** TS
Unbroken: Well-made, well-intentioned bio-pic which hits all the expected notes a would-be epic wants to hit, directed by Angelina Jolie the story of Olympian Louis Zamperini is rousing, if rather heavy-handed. *** IND
Best of Me: The divide between fans and detractors of films adapted from Nicholas Sparks books grows deeper, helped along by this melodramatic, mawkish offering. ** HR
Big Hero Six: This bright, smart and just a little scary animated adventure story has something for everyone. Plus, a very cool robot that just wants to be your friend. **** TS
Birdman: Alejandro González Iñárritu directs an ambitious technical showcase powered by a layered story and outstanding performances from Michael Keaton and Edward Norton. **** WP
Exodus: Gods and Kings: If you know nothing about Moses and the cursed Egyptians, this might float your boat. If you’re even vaguely familiar with the Bible story though, it’s not going to sit right. ** TS
Foxcatcher: A chilling true crime drama which gives Steve Carrell, Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffallo very meaty roles to dig their teeth into. **** WP
Gloria: Tour de force performance from Paulina Garcia as an almost 60-year-old who grabs life by the horns and makes the most of it because if life’s not for living, then what’s it for? **** DdB
Into the Woods: Appealing, fun, funny Disney musical with huge, well-choreographed singing sequences and gorgeous visuals. And, Johnny Depp as a singing wolf for all of five minutes. *** TS
John Wick: Keanu Reeves in a black suit, kicking ass and not bothering to take names, because someone killed his dog. Great action sequences, beautiful cinematography but don’t expect much from the otherwise clichèd script. *** TS
Knysna: Hollywood rom-com by die see en in Afrikaans. He has an inferiority complex, she is worth so much more. Can they connect? Who cares. ** TS
Meistersinger von Nürnberg: James Levin conducts Wagner’s epic human comedy at the New York Metropolitan Opera House, starring South-African born tenor, Johan Botha, as Walther. Filmed on December 13. **** PB
Mr Turner: Finely crafted bio-pic about British master painter of light, JMW Turner. Timothy Spall puts in a mesmerising performance as the emotionally stunted artist who evoked so much emotion with his work. **** TS
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb: Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) and his motley group of historical characters embark on a new (mis)adventure – this time in London – as they try to save The Tablet of Ahkmenrah that keeps the magic alive. Shabby plot, limp gags and, overall, a disappointing farewell to the franchise. ** DT
Paddington: The marmalade-loving bear from Peru is realistically brought to life on the streets of London, amidst gorgeous art design, bringing home the idea that there is a home for everyone. **** TS
Seventh Son: An over-designed, under-conceived fantasy epic which doesn’t capitalise on the talents of Jeff Bridges or Juliane Moore. ** HR
St Vincent: Bill Murray is excellent in this character study about a hard-drinking, cantankerous old man who agrees to babysit the kid next door. **** TS
Tinker Bell and the Legend of the Neverbeast: Cute, sweet animated kids’ movie in which animal fairy Fawn teaches Tinker Bell and friends not to judge an animal by its fangs. *** TS
The Judge: Robert Duvall gives an understated performance as the gruff, firm titular character opposite Robert Downey Jr’s cocky lawyer in this family drama about fathers and sons. *** TS