Starring: Tom Cruise, Robert Redford, Meryl Streep

The plot: This contemporary drama boasts three interlocking narratives: two American soldiers trapped behind enemy lines in Afghanistan, their college professor (Redford - who's also directing) agonising over their fate in California, and a presidential candidate (Cruise) in Washington, giving a politically explosive interview to a jaded journalist (Streep).

Believe the hype? Provided that the audience isn't suffering from an acute case of Middle-Eastern crisis fatigue, 'Lions for Lambs' could scoop both Oscar and box-office gold.