The trailers for it and most descriptions of it don’t do it justice. They make it seem like a playful fantasy film for children, a ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ for little kids but it’s real strength is in the human relationships on show. The film is about two preteens, Jess and Leslie, who are social outcasts for different reasons but become friends and each brings out something positive in the other. Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb play the characters quite well and will surely progress successfully in their careers.

What drew me to watch this film in the first place was of course the presence of the beautiful Zooey Deschanel. She plays a teacher who provides inspiration to the children in her music classes, particularly to Jess. And as in some of her previous films, Zooey gets the chance to showcase her singing and musical talents.

‘Bridge to Terabithia’ would be pretty meaningless to young children. Preteens and older will get much more from it but I recommend it to all adults too. It’s an excellent and emotional film and easily gets 8 crumbs out of 10 from me.

Anyway, here in no particular order other than alphabetical are my 10 favourites from the last year.

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days – gritty Romanian film which won the Palme d’Or about a young woman struggling to help her friend organise an illegal abortion.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford – sedate but intriguing Western about the last few months in the life of infamous outlaw Jesse James and the man who killed him. Casey Affleck gives one of the best performances of the year.

Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead – an interesting thriller about a robbery gone wrong and its repercussions.

Bridge to Terabithia – a beautiful, inspiring and emotional tale about two preteens who become friends and create their own fantasy world.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly – amazing French film based on the true story of a man who becomes totally paralysed in all but his left eye.

Eastern Promises – intense and violent thriller about a Russian mob family in London.

Into the Wild – fantastic film about a young man who gives up his life to pursue his dream of living among nature in the Alaskan wilderness.

No Country for Old Men – the Coen brothers back to their best with a film noir about a man on the run and his determined pursuer.

There Will Be Blood – brilliant and courageous character study of a charasmatic, success-driven oil prospector.

Zodiac – excellent procedural thriller about the obsessive hunt for a serial killer.