Starring: Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Eva Green

The plot: Based on the Philip Pullman novel 'His Dark Materials: Northern Lights', the film is a star-laden fantasy set in a parallel universe. A girl called Lyra sets off on an epic journey to try to save her kidnapped friend. Braving encounters with armoured bears and witches, gobblers and gyptians, Lyra learns that her destiny is inextricably linked to the fate of her world.

Believe the hype? Big budget, big ambitions and even bigger names - this picture aims to be the holiday movie of choice for the whole family.