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Wreck It Ralph arrives as an animated adventure directed by Rich Moore, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. John C. Reilly and Jack McBrayer give Wreck It Ralph a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Wreck It Ralph comes into focus without a long explanation: Ralph is tired of playing the role of a bad guy and embarks on a journey to become a video game hero. Across its 1h 41m running time, Rich Moore keeps

The Lorax arrives as an animated adventure directed by Chris Renaud, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Zac Efron and Taylor Swift give The Lorax a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in The Lorax comes into focus without a long explanation: A 12 year old boy searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. Across its 1h 26m running time, Chris Renaud keeps The L

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted arrives as an animated adventure directed by Eric Darnell, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Ben Stiller and Jada Pinkett Smith give Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted comes into focus without a long explanation: The Madagascar animals join a struggling European circus to get back to New York, but f

Ted arrives as a comedy directed by Seth MacFarlane, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis give Ted a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Ted comes into focus without a long explanation: John Bennett, a man whose childhood wish of bringing his teddy bear to life came true, now must decide between keeping the relationship with the bear, Ted or his girlfriend, Lori. Across its 1h 46

Brave arrives as an animated adventure directed by Mark Andrews, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Kelly Macdonald and Billy Connolly give Brave a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Brave comes into focus without a long explanation: Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Across its 1h 33m running time, Mark Andrews keeps Brave dependable

The Amazing Spider Man arrives as an action film directed by Marc Webb, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone give The Amazing Spider Man a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in The Amazing Spider Man comes into focus without a long explanation: After Peter Parker is bitten by a genetically altered spider, he gains newfound, spider like powers and ventures out to save the city fro

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 arrives as a romance directed by Bill Condon, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson give The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 comes into focus without a long explanation: After the birth of Renesmee/Nessie, the Cullens gather other vampire clans in order

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey arrives as a fantasy directed by Peter Jackson, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Martin Freeman and Ian McKellen give The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey comes into focus without a long explanation: A reluctant Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, sets out to the Lonely Mountain with a spirited group of dwarves to r

Skyfall arrives as an action film directed by Sam Mendes, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Daniel Craig and Javier Bardem give Skyfall a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in Skyfall comes into focus without a long explanation: James Bond's loyalty to M is tested when her past comes back to haunt her. Across its 2h 23m running time, Sam Mendes keeps Skyfall controlled while retaining warmth. ⁠ The most use

The Hunger Games arrives as an action film directed by Gary Ross, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson give The Hunger Games a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in The Hunger Games comes into focus without a long explanation: Katniss Everdeen voluntarily takes her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games: a televised competition in which two teenagers from each of the t

The Dark Knight Rises arrives as an action film directed by Christopher Nolan, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Christian Bale and Tom Hardy give The Dark Knight Rises a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in The Dark Knight Rises comes into focus without a long explanation: Bane, an imposing terrorist, attacks Gotham City and disrupts its eight year long period of peace. Across its 2h 44m running time, Chr

The Avengers arrives as an action film directed by Joss Whedon, and its first strength is a clear sense of purpose. Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans give The Avengers a recognisable human centre before the larger mechanics take over. The central situation in The Avengers comes into focus without a long explanation: Earth's mightiest heroes must come together and learn to fight as a team if they are going to stop the mischievous Loki and his alien army from enslaving humanity