Cheaper by the Dozen (PG) Dir: Shawn Levy

A depressing slide for veteran Steve Martin who, stuck at home with a dozen kids, juggles to keep the family together as his wife is out-of-town promoting her new book. Okay to fill a few hours; few new laughs.

Showing: Odeon Hereford

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (12a) Dir: Peter Weir

Russell Crowe captains a tall ship in a rousing 19th century drama of the seas - very authentically filmed. Not much above two ships, one sea and a big chase but more than enough to keep you gripped.

Showing: Odeon Hereford

Lost in Translation (15) Dir: Sofia Coppola

Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, fresh in their Bafta-award winning glory, portray a wonderfully poignant story of love in a foreign climate.

The former, an actor fallen from grace, filming whiskey ads in Tokyo, fills a void in his life with an intimacy found in friendship. The latter a young wife caught in the glare of flailing relationship. Honest beyond comfort.

Showing: Hereford Courtyard

Big Fish (PG) Dir: Tim Burton

An all-star cast lead an adventurous tale about William Bloom, a man trying to learn more about his father by reliving stories and myths recalled to him while his father lies on his deathbed. A film that defies category but fulfils expectation.

Showing: Malvern Theatres

Wondrous Oblivion (PG) Dir: Paul Morrison

Eleven-year-old David Wiseman is mad about cricket, even though his stunning ineptitude with bat and ball has made him the laughing-stock at school. When a Jamaican family move in next door, and build a cricket net in the back garden, he's in seventh heaven. Set in 1960s England, it's a tale of racial tension, inflamed emotion and cricket.

Showing: Wyeside, Builth Wells

Brother Bear (U) Dir: Aaron Blaise, Robert Walker

A young native American hunter seeks vengeance against a bear, only to be magically changed into a bear himself. A blend of animation, spirituality and Phil Collins.

Showing: Malvern Theatres