Tons of movies out there, but which one to see? Let me give you a guided tour on what’s on the big screen this week  – keeping in mind that you may really need to see a spooky film this Halloween weekend… so why not start with…

…’Burke & Hare’, legendary comedic director John Landis’ return to directing in twelve years had us all aflutter to see how good it is. Weirdly, though, the screenings were sparse: we saw more of this film on the sides of buses than we did in the critics’ screening rooms. So, yes, it is a good-looking, well intended comedy with terrific performances (especially from a then-pregnant Isla Fisher), great cinematography and lot of warm fuzzies. Alas, it is not the yonkfest we wanted but it will do. Simon Pegg proves he has drama chops – the man can hold the screen. The best bits? Fantastic cameos from Christopher Lee, Paul Whitehouse (perhaps the most amazing bit of the film) and a good supporting role for Ronnie Corbett. Watch the trailer yourself right ‘ere.

‘The Kids Are All Right’ is a hoot – and it is THE film to see this week if you’re not Burk’n'Haring it. Julianne Moore and Annette Bening star as partnered mothers each raising a child by the same sperm donor. Not that the kids know it is Mark Ruffalo, but they soon find out – and then life gets very interesting. A bright, emotional film with real-life resonances and some good laughs. Lisa Cholodenko directs. Watch the trailer here and see what you think?

‘The Hunter’ is an intense, almost dialogue-free allegory on the Iranian political situation concerns a criminal who revolts against authority. (If I tell you any more, it’ll run the surprises.) The director also stars in this hard to watch film that is often slow and boring, but sometimes beautiful.

‘Involuntary’ is a weird but intriguing Swedish dramatic comedy about how we’re all voyeurs. Of course, if you know that, this film – made of 5 different vignettes which do not intertwine – will just seem like life. It has some amusing moments, but no real story. A multi-award winner on the international film festival circuit, though, so there. The trailer is in Swedish but that makes no difference at all.

‘Forbidden’ (1932) is the first of two re-releases of the legendary director Frank Capra. This one stars the fabulous Barbara Stanwyck who had to be taken to court to play this role as a librarian who falls for a married man on a ocean cruise. Why is it melodrama from a man such as Capra? This is what he said: “I wrote an “original” story, Forbidden…I had yet to learn that drama is not really just actors weeping and suffering all over the place. It isn’t drama unless the audiences are emotionally moved.”But great performances anyway – even if Stanwyck injured her back being thrown from a horse during filming – and it features an early role of Ralph Bellamy, who went on to be one of the rich old guys in ‘Trading Places’ (You can also rent Capra films here.) See the trailer!

‘It Happened One Night’ is a better known Capra film, notable for its stars Clarke Gable and Claudette Colbert, a spoiled heiress who daringly raises her skirt to hitch a ride. This is an amazing film – pacy and talkative – which, if it were made today, would be a huge hit. It won all five of the major Oscars of its year. (It is ALWAYS better on the big screen but you can rent it here.)

‘Saw (3D)’ Trailer if you dare? And the last piece of the puzzle is YOU! Whodathunkit? Go ahead, and click on the official site. If you’re a fan, you’ll love this. If not, erm, you won’t. “From the beginning, you’ve watched others suffer…” So, now it is OUR TURN. Is this the real end of the most successful horror franchise ever? Let’s hope so, otherwise Daniel Radcliffe will end up playing in the remake 50 years from now.

‘Out of the Ashes’ a nice cricket documentary executive produced by Sam Mendes who was married to Kate Winslet. (You should see ‘Wonderous Oblivion’ if you really like cricket – get that here). This is a really quite good doco about the Afghan cricket team’s attempt to reach the World Cup. Very cool.

‘Spiderhole’ – squatters rights & wrongs.  Atmospheric Irish horror, with gorgeous young students, etc.  See the trailer (predictable?) Official site here. Standard low-budget fare; cinematography pretty nice. Is it Halloween and nobody told me?

‘This Prison Where I Live’ an oddball lumpen documentary highlighting  Burmese comedian sentenced to prison for 35 years. Important topic. Clumsily handled. No laughing matter. See the trailer: Yes, no one does know there are comedians in Germany or Burma, true.