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Based on Stephen Rebello's book 'Alfred Hitchcock and the making of Psycho', Hitchcock is a fascinating glimpse into the Master of Suspense's inner world, as both he and his dutiful wife and aide, Alma, battle censors, Paramount Studios and financial troubles when making the influential and controversial horror classic 'Psycho'.

In an Oscar nominated make-up transformation, Anthony Hopkins looks quite a lot like Alfred but much of the time, I do see and hear Hopkins rather than Hitch, though his characteristic mannerisms seem to be there. Helen Mirren plays Alma, the often exasperated but always dutiful wife who we find out, had far more influence on his films than we would dare believe. Scarlett Johansson plays Psycho's Janet Leigh and James D'Arcy is an uncanny double for Anthony Perkins.

It's quite an easy watch and a pleasant one and with enough juicy titbits for us film buffs to latch onto. It reminds us of how ridiculously the censors and Studios had a stranglehold, even with Hitchcock, who had just made an absolute smash with North by Northwest. That even Hitch had to mortgage his own home, in an effort to make Psycho and how it only ran in two cinemas, initially...

Don't expect a deep insight into Hitch's psyche, though this is covered a bit, often in a light-hearted way. So, in all, a lightly revealing slice of cinematic history, with quite a neat ending.

Firstly, to my surprise, my local lending library had this BFI Bill Douglas trilogy to rent for £1.90, for a week. The lady staff member added its second sticker on which they stamp the due date. It had been in the library since 2008. A few dozen borrowings in 5 years...

Secondly, all the reviews here outline much about the plot and story and its gritty, hard-to-take realism. I agree absolutely with all said. Radio Times online quote 'makes the relentless chill of poverty almost tangible'.

This is simple but extremely effective film-making, sparse dialogue, close-ups that show gestures and silence and natural sounds to accentuate those feelings. Heartwarming and heartbreaking, this is one film that is a must-see for all cineastes who think they know British film and really is on par with anything that the Italian or Russian greats have done.

You feel a certain numbness, a chill after viewing that tells you something - that it's touched you. Not too many films achieve that these days.

Unlike many - and many who have posted negative reviews here, I am occasionally endeared to Adam Sandler. Therefore, I gave this film every chance - spurred on by seeing Al Pacino of course and Katie Holmes' radiant sweet face always helps.

However, after 40 minutes the delete button the recording I'd made from Sky Movies sent it where it should have been consigned, even before it was scripted.

Sandler, as the drag 'twin' has a voice that will send armies of rats across rivers and entire continents to escape his high-pitched wail. The comedy, such as it is is more obvious than obvious and never funny. They often jibe at ethnic and taboo subjects but never have the smartness or follow up to make them acceptable.

As for Pacino, well, I did get to see him, in a big heavy parka jacket and false beard. Jack, or was it Jill? makes a lazy connection with Osama Bin Laden and our Al removes said false beard and it's suddenly 'Hey, it' me!'. Yes, you can see what I mean.

Lazy, boring, annoying and a big big waste of talent. And time. Don't waste yours - avoid.