As an ex-Maths teacher with two sons who played baseball I was fascinated by the book "Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game" by Michael Lewis when I read it in 2004. The book, and now the film, tells the true story of how the manager of the under-funded Oakland Athletics baseball team used complex algorithms to determine which players should be bought and sold to form a team which could outplay much wealthier clubs to great success. It may sound an unlikely story to film but it works. Part of the film's appeal is the controversy and fallout when this tradition-bound game reacts to the unconventional but successful method.

You don't need a maths or baseball background to enjoy this film, but it helps if you like a good underdog story. The film has won awards for Brad Pitt's fine portrayal of real-life team manager Billy Beane and for best adapted screenplay, and it is expected to be nominated at the Oscars. Philip Seymour Hoffman adds to his impressive CV playing Art Howe, the traditionalist team manager with playing and scouting experiences who is doubtful of the new, scientific approach. If you enjoy seeing the Canberra Raiders triumph over rich Sydney teams who have poached our best players, you'll love this film. Sports-lovers should not miss this, and those who would normally avoid sports-based films might be surprised by this interesting, endearing film.

"You can't handle the truth!"

Although it's this line that the film is probably best known for - thanks to its immortalisation in countless parodies - A Few Good Men is far more than just histrionic line reading. A rousing, electrifying courtroom drama that became the blueprint to many such films that followed, it was nominated for four Academy Awards in 1992, including Best Picture, and we're celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with a special screening following the similarly Aaron Sorkin-scripted Moneyball.

When two U.S. Marines are accused of murdering a colleague, and it appears that they may have been following illegal orders, naval investigator Joanne Galloway (Moore) requests to defend the men. The military, however, inexplicably assigns Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee (Cruise) to the case, a naïve young lawyer with no court experience whatsoever and a reputation for taking the easy way out. Convinced that the two men were wrongfully accused, and that their trial is being interfered with, Galloway forces her way onto the case and becomes co-counsel to the defence. Her strong sense of justice initially conflicts with Kaffee's carefree attitude, but the two soon begin to see eye-to-eye when their investigation leads them to the Marines' eminent commanding officer, the incorrigible Colonel Nathan R. Jessup (Nicholson).

Infinitely quotable, and featuring a positively crackling script by Sorkin brought to life by an all-star ensemble cast of actors at the top of their game, A Few Good Men is an extraordinarily compelling film and an absolute must-see.

"Are we clear?"