127 Hours

In an excellent start to 2011, Danny Boyle's 127 Hours opened in cinemas this week. The film is based on the true story of Aron Ralston, a rock climber who in 2003 was forced to make the ultimate survival decision when his arm became trapped by a boulder.

Most of us know what this decision entails and it's an inevitably graphic and disturbing scene that - let's face it - is difficult viewing at best. The stories of audience members fainting in cinemas has only made matters worse, but don't let that put you off - this film is much, much more than a bloody gore fest.

127 Hours - James Franco

In simple terms, this is why you should watch 127 Hours:
- It's Danny Boyle at his absolute best.
- James Franco is nothing short of mesmerizing as Ralston.
- It's a perfect runtime at 94 minutes long. Not enough (clever) films manage this.
- The soundtrack, from start to finish, is just so damn cool.
- It's funny. No really, it is.
-  That said, it's moving and emotional and you will probably need tissues.
- Just one man stuck in a canyon? Think again.