DVD: Skellig (PG)

John Simm never feels like the right size (the cop in Life of Mars) or seem to have the sufficient degree of menace (The Master in Dr Who) for a lot of his roles, but he is never less than convincing or compelling.

And although this is ostensibly about the relationship between a shy young boy, Michael (Skye Bennett), and a smelly, beer-loving angel, Skellig (Tim Roth), it's Simm that gives Annabel Jankel's adept adaptation of David Almond's novel impetus and heart. Michael's family have moved into a crumbling wreck. His father (Simm) works overtime to make ends meet, his mother (Kelly McDonald) is expecting a baby girl. While Michael discovers Skellig in the family's rotting shed, his sister clings to life in an incubator. A nicely paced and heartfelt children's drama.