he is blackmailed into hijacking a plane full of gold bullion - with the gang lord's psychotic nephew Jimmy Silk (Sam Rockwell) in tow. Then the double-crossing starts. Full of drama with a witty script, the film sees Hackman in fine form, boosted by solid support.

HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE (PG):

On his 11th birthday, Harry Potter learns he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses magical powers. Soon he is at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he befriends Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint). But there are enemies to fight, including sinister Professor Snape (Alan Rickman) and classroom bully Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton). For Potter die-hards or beginners, this film is a joy to watch.

THE OTHERS (12): On Jersey during the Second World War, Grace (Nicole Kidman) waits patiently with her children Anne (Alakina Mann) and Nicholas (James Bentley) for the return of her husband Charles (Christopher Eccleston). The family lives in a large Victorian mansion, a place of secrets and strange voices on the wind. The arrival of three new servants has a dramatic effect on the house, catalysing a series of increasingly bizarre episodes which threaten the sanity of Grace and the children. An intelligent psychological thriller which chills without recourse for gore or bloodshed.

LEGALLY BLONDE (12): Ambitious Warner Huntington (Matthew Davis) is dating glamorous Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon). But when he gets to Harvard Law School, he dumps her believing it would be career suicide for an aspiring political heavyweight to date a blonde. Elle is devastated and her misery is compounded when she learns that Warner is dating a brunette. Determined to win her man back, she schemes her way into Harvard, where she discovers a wealth of untapped legal savvy. One of the most entertaining films of the year. This particular blonde has the most fun.

AMERICAN PIE 2 (15): More gross-out comedy from the crew that brought you the ludicrously successful American Pie. Pastry will never be the same again.

ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE (PG): Adequate cartoon fable from Uncle Walt.

CHICKEN RUN (U): Foul dealings of a poultry nature.

CATS AND DOGS (PG): Taking the woof with the smooth.

SHREK (U): A giant among animated delights.

n Please note that bookings are now being taken for LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING (PG) which will run from Wednesday, December 19 to Sunday, December 23