Chris Columbus directs this delightful, much anticipated murder mystery, based on TV presenter Richard Osman’s debut novel. There are so many familiar faces, you feel like you’re surrounded by old friends. Mirren, Brosnan, Kinglsey and Imrie star as the four irrepressible retirees, Elizabeth, Ron, Ibrahim and Joyce, who spend their time solving cold case murders for fun. When an unexplained death occurs on their own doorstep, their casual sleuthing takes a thrilling turn as they find themselves with a real whodunit on their hands. It’s so much fun watching them dissect the clues, whilst devouring Joyce’s delicious cakes, which are also used to extract information from the oblivious DCI Hudson, who loves his food. Fun is the operative word. It’s definitely not perfect, but it is charming… yes, I don’t use that expression often. Sit back, relax and enjoy the gorgeous surrounds of Englefield House in Berkshire. Even I could perhaps be persuaded to retire and live there… perhaps.

Oxford is always a beautiful location to spend a few hours, taking one back to the times of Inspector Morse and Sergeant Lewis. Romantic comedy is not my usual choice of genre, but this film is better than most on offer, and no one gets murdered, which is usually the case in Oxford, only on TV, of course. Although a comedy, it does lean towards the emotional so you may need the tissues. Anna is an ambitious young American woman, who sets out for Oxford University to fulfill a childhood dream. This is a plot which seems to be doing the rounds of late, a quirky girl from the US moving to Britain to find herself. Anna has her life completely on track until she meets the charming and clever Jamie, who profoundly alters both of their lives. We have seen this scenario many times, but there is a slight variation here… but only just.

Amy Poehler directs, co-writes and stars in this mostly funny comedy set in Napa, California. I’m sure many of you have taken the wine tasting tour, which can have hilarious consequences. Favourite quote, “Mmmm, this one’s good. What’s it called again? White wine. I frickin’ love it.” Lifelong, best friends, come together to honour Rebecca’s 50th birthday. A scenic Napa getaway organised by the uptight Abby. Workaholic Catherine, post-op Val, homebody Jenny and weary mom Naomi are all sold on the chance to relax and reconnect. But as the alcohol flows, real world uncertainties intrude on the punchlines and gossip, and the women begin questioning their friendships. Loved Jason Schwartzman’s paella cooking Devon, and Cherry Jones’s card reading Lady Sunshine. An entertaining, wine tasting trip around Napa with jokes.

This so-called erotic thriller is high on the Netflix Viewer’s list, apparently. Thrilling… not that much. I’ve been thrilled by the best so perhaps I’m a little jaded. Erotic… if you’re into a variety of sex and bare breasts. Again, I have seen Last Tango in Paris and Cronenberg’s Crash, so my erotic threshold may have been reached. But if you’re going to be eroticised and thrilled you may as well do it in the stunning Mallorca. The lovely Lilli visits her sister Valeria and is surprised to learn she’s engaged to a Frenchman, Manu. She spontaneously meets nightclub manager Tom, sparking an instant connection. But is all as it appears? Of course not! There are dark secrets lurking behind the island’s swinging parties organised by a shonky real estate salesman. Watchable, but only just, and that’s due to Mallorca, which I’ve put on the to do list.

I saw this emotional drama described as a “toxic mess.” I think that’s a little unfair as it did hold my attention just for the manic pace of events that unfolded during one night. Vanessa Kirby is superb as the troubled Lynette, who juggles multiple jobs, not all of them on the level, whilst also caring for her abrasive mother Doreen and older brother Kenny. Lynette has gone without so she can save cash to purchase the ramshackle home her family has rented for decades, but she needs her indifferent mother’s signature and therein lies the problem. A problem that sees Lynette forced to undertake a desperate journey to confront dangerous people who owe her money. Zack Gottsagen stars as her brother Kenny who stick by his sister’s side as all hell breaks loose.

There is so much great content coming out of Turkey, that I find myself often adding films and TV series to my watch list. This is a beautiful film, which will have you reaching for the tissues. After years behind bars, for a crime he didn’t commit, Baran has come home to rebuild his life, but it is difficult to overcome the scepticism of those he knew previously, especially when he is searching for a job, and to forgive a family betrayal. Through a tragic event, Baran is forced to become the carer of his niece Lidya and finds an unexpected bond he never envisaged. Lidya captures the heart of everyone who meets her.

Sam Cooke was much loved in our house in my youth. My older sisters introduced me to his music and that beautiful voice. I was 14 years old when he was tragically killed in 1964. But his music was all I knew of him. I didn’t realise that he was an activist and a central part of the human rights movement, together with Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X and Jim Brown. This documentary explores the investigation into the circumstances and controversy surrounding Sam Cooke’s murder, through interviews with family, friends, journalists and academics as well as archival footage. A beautiful person and artist whose voice will endure.

There is more to Devo songs than just giving one the uncontrollable urge to dance around the room. In 1980, new wave band Devo scored a hit with “Whip It” and gained mainstream success with their message of societal “de-evolution”, formed in response to the 1970 Kent State shootings, the archival footage of which is so disturbing. A revealing story of a band’s struggle to achieve success before MTV or social media existed, and to try to influence record company executives who didn’t “get them.”

After the initial media coverage of Jussie Smollet’s alleged attack, coverage became scarce down our way. So it was with some interest that I watched this documentary which features an interview with Jussie Smollett, plus talks with police, lawyers and investigators claiming new case evidence. The tag line is that viewers can judge who’s telling the truth about the case. I’ll leave that up to you.