Mono's Paul Platt looks at what's on now and coming soon

The movie industry is simmering before the release on December 17 of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. But until then there's plenty to keep your eyes busy.

Next Friday Brother Bear is released. This animated gem is about a vengeful hunter, out to kill a bear, who gets magically turned into one himself and then finds he needs the help of a bear cub. It features the voices of Joaquin Phoenix and Rick Moranis, and even the songs of Phil Collins.

S.W.A.T. is an absurd action flick adaptation of the 70s TV series. Starring Samuel L Jackson, Colin Farrell and, most intriguingly, rap god LL Cool J. S.W.A.T. covers the mayhem involved when a drugs lord in custody offers £100m to whoever frees him. God bless the LAPD's Special Weapons and Tactics team, just in case you were wondering.

Also up is Timeline, an adaptation of Michael Crichton's bestseller about time travel.