Perfect for Hallowe’en family viewing is this inventive and suitably scary film, with the obvious influence of executive producers Stephen Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future).

Three kids speculate on the goings-on in the house opposite and its particularly nasty resident. The malevolent neighbour is a familiar character in films, from the recent Up to the classic To Kill a Mockingbird. In this, it’s Steve Buscemi as Mr Nebbercracker, who confiscates anything he finds on the lawn. So the three decide to face their fears and keep the house under surveillance, gathering photographic evidence to present to the police. Things change when they decide to enter the house themselves, only for it to come to life, breathing, snarling and gobbling up all around it.

Animated in the style of The Polar Express, Monster House has laughs and scares, and is ideal family viewing for the Bank Holiday weekend.