The Christmas holidays are almost here and what better way to stay out of the cold than to settle down in front of a movie? Helen Bennett & Tom Burkitt choose their top five recommendations.

Action/Adventure: Iron Man 2
Robert Downey Jr returns as the infamous bachelor playboy, Tony Stark, and faces new trials in the form of managing and being able to justify his vigilantism as the mechanic marvel, Iron Man. With supporting cast members Don Cheadle as Col James Rhodes instead of former actor Terrence Howard and Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts, Stark is being pressured by the government to relinquish his role as an unofficial protector, accusing him of being in possession of dangerous weaponry in the form of the Iron Man suit. Not only must he face judge and jury, Stark is about to be attacked by the executioner, rival Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) and his merciless Russian associate, Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke), who both want revenge on Stark. With tongue-in-cheek humour and blow-your-socks-off action and special effects, Iron Man 2 is assured to sit well with fans of the first film and thrill-seeking audiences everywhere!

Sci-Fi/Thriller: Predators
Director Robert Rodriguez reinvents the much-loved science fiction thriller series from 1987 into a modern sensation with the newly appointed sequel, Predators. Following a similar story to the first instalment starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, this film is about a group of Earth’s deadliest killers that band together to find a way off of a strange and unknown world whilst being hunted by a relentless enemy that have put them there and intend for them to never leave alive. Starring Adrien Brody as the mysterious and elite Royce, Predators captures every essence of the first film successfully where Predator 2 – starring Danny Glover – failed. This is an action-packed cinematic experience in a beautiful jungle setting which not only conveys a story of survival of the fittest but explores the mind and attitudes of some extremely twisted and dangerous characters. A beautifully crafted piece, Predators will grip you and won’t let go!

Drama: The Blind Side
The Blind Side tells the true story of how Michael Oher, American football star, came to become part of the Tuohy family. Having been in and out of foster care throughout his childhood due to his mother’s drug and drink addictions, Michael enrolls at Briarcrest Christian School with low grades and seemingly no hope. When Michael finds himself homeless again, Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, parents to children at Michael’s school, take him in. As the Tuohys learn about Michael’s traumatic past, they learn to love him as their own son, and Michael becomes part of the family. During this time, Michael’s football talents are discovered and, with a little help from his new family, he becomes the football star that he is today. The Blind Side will leave you feeling inspired and you’ll want to watch it over and over again.

Comedy: Kick Ass
If you like Hot Fuzz and Shaun Of The Dead, you’re sure to love Kick Ass. Dave is a regular teen from New York City until, unbeknown to his friends and family and despite his lack of powers, he decides to become a superhero. However, the life of a secret teenage hero never did run smoothly and when Dave runs into Big Daddy and Hit Girl, his world is turned upside down. No longer hunting down lost cats, Dave joins them to hunt down New York mobsters and villains. With Nicholas Cage, Mark Strong and Aaron Johnson, Kick Ass is a high octane, fun-filled thrill ride which will have you in stitches. With comedy, action and romance, it is a film for everyone.

Family: Toy Story 3
Reprising their signature roles as the faithful Woody the cowboy doll and the courageous space ranger, Buzz Lightyear, Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are joined by most of the original cast of the previous two films and some new actors including the all-American man of talent, Ned Beatty, who plays the tyrannous “Lots-o-huggin” bear and Timothy Dalton, who voices a thespian cuddly hedgehog toy, Mr Pricklepants. This finale to the trilogy captivates the imagination of a fresh young generation. With light-hearted comedy and cinematic adventure, this colourful and beautifully moulded epic will bring warmth to the whole family and take us all back to a place in our mind where we’re still children. Disney Pixar has done it again, and Toy Story 3 is the best yet.