Movie review: Winter's Tale

Colin Farrell and Jessica Brown Findlay are a marvellous match.

Children enjoy the luxury of imagination - something that adults dispense with as they grow older.

Some of the biggest and best films for younger people - such as the Harry Potter, Hunger Games and Percy Jackson franchises - have relied on that imagination, plus a dose of fantasy, to create wonderful adventures.

Now it is our turn. Park your analytical mind at the door and journey into a compelling fantasy and love story.

It didn't happen, it couldn't have happened, but it is a heartwarming story where good ultimately overcomes evil.

Peter Lake (Colin Farrell) is not too special an individual. He lives by his wits and has made quite a name for himself as a thief and safe cracker.

But he has also made a dangerous enemy - Pearly Soames (Russell Crowe), an agent of Lucifer himself and a force of evil. When Peter breaks into one last house before he flees town, he meets Beverly Penn (Jessica Brown Findlay), and falls in love instantly.

He can't get her out of his mind and, despite her fighting an incurable illness, Peter believes he has the ability to find a miracle cure for her.

Soames has other plans and finds a way to get to Beverly. He also believes he has rid himself of Peter.

Fast forward 100 years and we meet Peter again.

It is like time has stood still for him. He can't remember who he is, he just remembers a redhead who is his destiny.

Soames still rules New York and, when he learns of Peter's reappearance, he knows he must finish the job he started.

Peter soon realises that it wasn't Beverly he was put on Earth to save, it is a little girl he has just met.

Once again he must avoid the clutches of Soames long enough to save a very important life.

In a very classy and intelligent way, Winter's Tale is all about the triumph of good over evil.

But it is also much more than that and is a captivating fantasy drama.

(M) 100 minutes

Watch the trailer here: