Cast Away (2000)

Yet another Tom Hanks film. A FedEx engineer has his plane crash and survives four years on a desert island before making a raft and attempting to escape. It’s a moving story with a surprising amount of humour as a result of “Wilson” his football “friend”. It’s impressive how the film allows for the passing of time, with Hanks visibly losing weight as well as gaining hair. I also like the way it didn’t simply end with his rescue, but instead started to ask some of the “What now?” questions. The slight cop out was how well-adjusted he seemed after four years away from all human contact. Where were the psychologists and therapists?

Casablanca (1942)

Deservedly regarded as an all-time classic. It’s both unsentimental and hugely romantic. Humphrey Bogart and Claude Rains are especially charismatic; Ingrid Bergman less so. Rick’s Café is a place I would like to spend all my spare time at.

The Theory of Everything (2014)

Very moving biopic of Stephen Hawking, charting his medical decline, his scientific achievements and his complicated personal life. That’s a lot to cram in and the film does it elegantly and without sensationalism. Eddie Redmayne is convincing in the lead role. Felicity Jones is superb as his wife Jane, from whose memoir this was adapted (Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen).

Like Crazy (2011)

Starring Felicity Jones (of Star Wars: Rogue One fame), this is a refreshingly different love story. Its main selling point is the super-realist style that almost convinces you you’re watching a documentary. The highly believable scenes were mostly improvised and the result is a total lack of cliché. It’s particularly good at rendering moments of excruciating awkwardness. The male lead (Anton Yelchin) seems a little weak, but perhaps he’s meant to be. His other girlfriend is played by Jennifer Lawrence, who is as wonderful as ever. And the well-meaning London parents (who like a drink or three) are also completely convincing. It’s a sweet film that stays with you.