Sometimes I find it nigh impossible to reconcile the reviews I read on here, with the film I've just viewed. On this occasion, I shan't even try, but rather concentrate on on my own appraisal.

For me, this is a wonderful film and a topical one in a world where power and wealth is concentrated in an an ever-decreasing circle. Yes, there is a stellar cast, but there is no using them to gloss over shortcomings and far from wanting the film to end, this is one of those films that left me pining the moment the credits began to roll.

I seem to say this too often these days, but my advice would be to ignore the haters who seem to relish downgrading other's work in some strange form of self-aggrandisement and instead park up with a friend or several, open a bottle of wine and let this quite incredible tale unwind in front of you with open minds and hearts. The pacing is fine, the performances as accomplished as the cinematography and there's an important life message beneath the outrageous conspiracy plot which just happens to be true. I'll leave you to discern that message yourselves and hope that you enjoy the craft and originality with which David Russell shares his tale as much as I did.