2011 was a great year for British film. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Harry Potter might have grabbed the headlines but there was plenty more on offer as these films show.

The opening to a horror film is a crucial part of the genre. It is the director’s chance to take hold of his or her audience and not let go. A poor beginning could destroy the entire film.

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.

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…

Too much TV is bad for you – or so say the “adults”. Speaking for a generation of ten-year-olds out there – “so what”! But hang on a minute…

The Temptress. The allure of female beauty and those characters who know exactly how to dominate their male counterpart through sexuality.

Spoilers ahead as Rob Keeling takes a look at that mysterious, sometimes infuriating but always enthralling, film finale: the downbeat ending.