Notwithstanding the breezy run-time, each of the characters get their due. Christophe Beck’s soundtrack also helps in keeping the pace jaunty, even during parts without dialogue, of which there are quite a few. This one will both charm the adults and keep the kids entertained.

Legend has all the elements of a period gangster film in place, along with dollops of additional dash and verve. It is stylish (the brothers are almost always in bespoke suits) and slick but somewhere down the halfway mark, takes a fearsome, dark twist. But more than anything else, it is a showcase for the formidable acting talents of Tom Hardy, last seen in the huge hit, Mad Max: Fury Road.

…this is definitely a gripping tale that’s worth watching.

Every once in a while, there comes along a sports drama film that challenges odds and defies expectations – much like the hero of this film, Apollo Creed’s son. While Stallone has not written this film, Ryan Coogler makes deft work with this subtle, moving and nuanced tale of interpersonal relationships.

What immediately makes this film more exciting than the previous installments in this series is that there’s a lot of action, a few scares too, and plenty of thrills to keep fans of this franchise well entertained. The only downside though, is an overly-protracted ending, which is reminiscent of how long the ending of the final Lord of the Rings movie was.

All in all, a fairly gripping tale.

Backed by a delightful cast and animation effects that are thankfully not over-the-top and too gaudy, Hotel Transylvania 2 is subtly intelligent and is a film that even the adults among the audience will not get fidgety sitting through – thanks to some scary images, exciting action and rude humor – while the kids have a ball.

Sure, there are shots of sole being filleted, scallops being diced, shallots caramelizing in a pan, garlic mashed potatoes being whisked and filet mignon steaks browning on a hot plate while being sauced over. But Wells’ Burnt puts the focus on Jones (Cooper) and his tantrum-laden temperament that’s apparently justified by the fact that he can cook better than anybody.

Vin Diesel and subtlety don’t necessarily go hand-in-hand. Accordingly, there are acrobatic battles with flaming swords, blazing shotguns and CGI ghouls aplenty. Caine and Wood dial in their performances but it’s Rose Leslie who is in form here; her character could have been explored in greater depth.

There’s plenty of doom and Gothic gloom in here but at its heart, this is a beautiful story (albeit a rather unusual one) of courage, and love.