If you have some free moments in between work experience and revision there are several new films on release which are entertaining and also give some useful background to some of the things we have already talked about and which will come up next year. “In the Loop” is a feature film version of the Armando Ianucci series “The Thick of It.” (already in the library). This is a hilarious and well judged (if extremely foul mouthed) piece about political spin, based on a scenario similar to the Iraq war and the dodgy dossier. The Alistair Campbell character is truly repulsive. “State of Play” also arises out of a (British)TV series and is a thriller which  the perils and pressures of investigative journalism – unfortunately in the translation to the big screen the location has shifted  from London to Washington but at least Helen Mirren has a starring role. Thirdly “Fifty Dead Men Walking” is another thriller set amidst the Nothern Irish troubles – which we will be covering next year. Enjoy.