REBEL IN THE RYE:

The women are reduced to caretakers and hardly important members of the family. It’s only when Linda Cardellini’s character speaks out in one of the scenes that there is some intention to balance out the gender dynamics. Sadly, it fizzles into the madness.

It was uncomfortable seeing girls, probably younger than 13, drunk on screen. This might have been done in pursuit of comedy, but it comes across as desperate and irresponsible. And the same child in another scene armed with a shotgun for Turkey hunting? The same firearm she accidentally shoots one of the grandfathers with, by the way. Another irresponsible move.

The film is a bad guide for parenting and a bad example of positive gender dynamics. What it gets slightly right, is the cheesy, festive cheer. The knitted Christmas-themed sweaters are cute in an old-school way. The film also explores the values of kindness, sharing and forgiveness. It’s an okay movie, relaxed enough for festive viewing.

The world of legendary writer J D Salinger is brought vividly to life in this revealing look at the experiences that shaped one of the most renowned, controversial, and enigmatic authors of our time. Set amid the colourful backdrop of mid-20th century New York City, the film follows a young Salinger as he struggles to find his voice, pursues a love affair with famed socialite Oona O’Neill, and fights on the frontlines of World War II. It’s these experiences that inform the creation of his masterpiece, The Catcher in the Rye, bringing him overnight fame (and notoriety) and leading him to withdraw from the public eye – for the rest of his life. Based on the book J D Salinger: A Life Raised High by Kenneth Slawenski. Starring Nicholas Hoult and Kevin Spacey.