Emerging in the 1980s was a series of films targeted at a younger audience through growing artistry in movie special effects. The childhood adventure film had never had it so good before or since.

Sometimes the build-up is prolonged, the music reaches a crescendo, there’s often last words like “It’s better this way” and “be there for mum”. Sometimes it is instant and over in a second, other times it is long-lasting, the heartstrings pulled so tightly tears burst from the eyes. Sometimes it is unexpected and shocking, other times it is bloody and violent, forcing you to turn away. Sometimes it is sad, sometimes it is relieving. Sometimes we care, other times we don’t. Sometimes it is significant, other times it is inconsequential. Sometimes we see it, sometimes we don’t.

Paul Giamatti, Dustin Hoffman and Rosemund Pike star in Richard Lewis’ excellent adaptation of the Mordecai Richler novel Barney’s Version.

John Carpenter returns to the director’s chair after a ten year absence with The Ward. But is this classically styled haunted house story any good?

Picture this. You’re alone. It’s stormy outside. Rain thrashes at the windows, wind rocks the house, lighting strikes, thunder roars. You go to the wardrobe for a warm blanket and hiding in there is…

Novelist Julia Leigh makes her filmmaking debut with Sleeping Beauty, a film that is destined to be loved and hated in equal measure.

Selma Blair stars in this Kevin Pollak co-written thriller about a house-bound girl who becomes the centrepiece of a convoluted con. Warning: film may be bad for health.

Oren Moverman re-teams with Woody Harrelson for his latest film about a dirty LAPD cop who is caught on camera beating a suspect. Can it live up to the excellent The Messenger?