Zero Dark Thirty

UK Release Date: 25th January 2013
Directed by: Kathryn Bigelow
Starring: Jessica Chastain, Mark Strong

Synopsis: A chronicle of the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden after the September 2001 attacks, and his death at the hands of the Navy S.E.A.L. Team 6 in May 2011.

Smart, sophisticated and very tense.

Lincoln

UK Release Date: 25th January 2013
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field

Synopsis: As the Civil War continues to rage, America's president struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield and as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on the decision to emancipate the slaves.

Very well acted character piece

Django Unchained

UK Release Date: 18th January 2013
Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz

Synopsis: With the help of a German bounty hunter, a freed slave sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner.

A self indulgent Tarantino masterpiece. 

Les Miserables

UK Release Date: 11th January 2013
Directed by: Tom Cooper
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe

Synopsis: In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole, agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's daughter, Cosette. The fateful decision changes their lives forever.

Long and monotonous. Unsurprisingly disappointing.

Gangster Squad

UK Release Date: 10th January 2013
Directed by: Ruben Fleischer
Starring: Sean Penn, Josh Brolin

Synopsis: Los Angeles, 1949: A secret crew of police officers led by two determined sergeants work together in an effort to take down the ruthless mob king Mickey Cohen who runs the city.

Mindless enjoyable action. Guilty pleasure.

Texas Chainsaw 3D

UK Release Date: 4th January 2013
Directed by: John Lussenhop
Starring: Alexandra Daddario, Dan Yeager

Synopsis: A young woman travels to Texas to collect an inheritance; little does she know that an encounter with a chainsaw-wielding killer is part of the reward.

Embarrassing. A painful ninety minutes.

The Impossible

UK Release Date: 1st January 2013
Directed by: Juan Antonio Bayona
Starring: Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor

Synopsis: The story of a tourist family in Thailand caught in the destruction and chaotic aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Cliched, well acted popcorn flick.

Life of Pi

UK Release Date: 20th December 2012
Directed by: Ang Lee
Starring: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan 

Synopsis:
A young man who survives a disaster at sea is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away, he forms an unexpected connection with another survivor: a fearsome Bengal tiger.

Visually impressive. Shallow, overrated story.