Small films released on the same day as major blockbusters

Here are a few of them… All are worth seeing.

Superbly shot and laced with unabashed Hitchcockian overtones,Transsiberianis well worth tracking down on VOD.

What kind of counter-programming could you possibly put up against a marketing avalanche like that?

Well, there was Stephen Frears drama,Philomena, starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan for one.

Interestingly, a documentary released on that very same day in July 2012 explored similar themes.

Unfortunately for the Siegels, there was a storm coming.

You could even watch them together for a particularly weird post-crash double-bill.

The comedyCyrusfared a little better in theatres, thanks in part to an impressively manic turn from Jonah Hill.

Tilda Swintons performance is a true highlight, even when the drama around her threatens to become cloyingly melodramatic.

Brooklyns Finestcertainly fared better thanThe Secret Of Kells,a beautiful animated film based on Irish myths.

Were hoping that feature gets the attention it deserves.

Reviews were mixed, but Paul Haggis kept the somewhat implausible plot thundering along like an express train.

Two other films fared less well on the 13th December.