The Princess Bride (1987, dir. Rob Reiner)

A grandfather reads a fairy story of true love to his ill grandson. Excellent distillation of the William Goldman novel, with the right balance of thrills, jokes, well-sketched characters, and a cast that knows exactly the movie they’re in. Lots of fun throughout.

Here’s the trailer

Moneyball (2011, dir. Bennett Miller)

A baseball team manager tries an unorthodox approach to player selection. Based on the Michael Lewis non-fiction account, this is a riveting sports drama from perhaps unpromisingly uncinematic – though excellent – source material. A smart script, understated playing, and keen observational direction make this a modern classic. Recommended.

Here’s the trailer.

Blade Runner 2049 (2017, dir. Denis Villeneuve)

A replicant assassin uncovers a decades-old conspiracy. A worthy follow-up to the Ridley Scott classic; 2049 is deliberately-paced, but stunning in places and gorgeous to look at throughout. Recommended.

Fancy another 255 opinion? Here’s Xussia’s take.

Everest (2015, dir. Baltasar Kormakur)

Drama based on the ill-fated 1996 Hall/Fischer Everest expedition. Generally solid, respectful and well-acted mountaineering epic, slightly undone by over-use of CG and by some awkward directorial choices which rob the movie of tension.