12 Films At Christmas - 1 & 2

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas - we've even got a bit of the bloody snow still lying around. Thus it is right that we should start this year's dozen with a Christmassy offering. We came to Disney's A Christmas Carol with some trepidation - after all you cannot help but know the plot and the Disney imprimatur can sometimes indicate sentimental schlock. But have no fears, this computer animated version is very good - certainly not one for children (or others) of a sensitive disposition, some of it genuinely dark and scary. 6.5/10. No make that 7/10.

The Groupie was out at her office party last night so I watched L.A. Confidential. This is a very superior noirish thriller with two Antipodeans, Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce excelling themselves as very different LA cops who are thrown together in a compromised battle against corruption. A stylish addition to the genre. 8.5/10. In the intellectual near vacuum that currently poses as arts commentary, I suppose we will be enjoined to feel guilt at enjoying this great film because its cast does include the pariah Kevin Spacey. Just as we must not enjoy Wagner. Don't even strart me.