Firstly my confession. Im a huge fan of inspirational movies. Absurdly so. And I'm not alone. The inspirational movie has grown in popularity as it aims to be more than just "feel good"; they really want to inspire us, to make us feel that we too could do those things if we were in that situation. Touching the Void is perhaps the finest recent example of this; hell I wanted to climb Everest after seeing it, so I was keen to see the latest offering in this genre, after also having read the book. The movie is based on the true story of Chris Gardner (Will Smith), a man who really has had a tough background. No he didn't work for Defence. Coming from a tough background makes Chris keen to ensure that the same doesn't happen to his family so after a stint as a medic in the Navy he decides to set up a business selling medical supplies. Instead of huge success he finds huge failure, both personal and financial. A chance meeting with a stockbroker and a red Ferrari changes his life, but having to survive on meagre pay and care for a young son (Jaden Smith) makes life even harder for Chris as he pursues happiness (you'll see in the movie why it is spelt with a y). The movie at times can become overly sentimental; call this the Hollywood influence, so it won't be a cult classic like Touching the Void. I loved it though. It really reminded me that life isn't that bad and that there's always an option even when you think there's none. It is inspiring and it is a must see for 2007. See you there!'

Based on the play by William Gibson, which was based on Helen Kellers autobiography, The Miracle Worker is the story of the relationship between the blind, deaf and mute Helen Keller (Duke), and her governess, Annie Sullivan (Bancroft). In 1887 Annie arrives in Tuscumbia, Alabama, to undertake the seemingly impossible task of teaching language to the young Helen Keller through the sense of touch. Blind at childhood and hardened by her early years in institutions and the death of her younger brother, Annie realises that if Helen is to be helped she must be removed from the pampering influence of her mother and the domination of her father. Though Annie succeeds in convincing the family to allow her two weeks alone with Helen in a small garden house on the Keller property, the high-spirited and strong-willed child opposes her at every turn. At the end of the two weeks, however, Helen has learned to dress herself, eat with utensils, and understand the alphabet of touch, but she is still unable to comprehend that the words she spells are names for the objects she touches. The miracle of the film's title is the moment when Helen finally makes the mental connection. This unsentimental life-affirming film is immensely moving. Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke won Oscars for their performances. Their scenes together, often filmed in long takes, have the aura of spontaneity.'