THIS week’s two major releases might launch us into advent but neither could truly claim festive connection. At least one, though, is a gift worthy of a prime spot beneath Skipton’s typically impressive High Street Christmas tree.

First up, Elizabeth Banks - star and director of The Hunger Games and Pitch Perfect 2 - resurrects 70s hit series Charlie’s Angels with mixed success and a limp stateside box office.

Never exactly lauded by critics, the Charlie’s Angels franchise has enjoyed decades of popularity since its 1976 debut. This was the story three police academy graduates - Sabrina Duncan, Jill Munroe, and Kelly Garrett - who, dissatisfied with sexist desk work assignment for the LAPD, found more thrilling employment as private investigators for the Charles Townsend Agency. More thrilling for them and indeed millions of viewers across the globe.

Though offering a new trio of leading Angels, Banks’ film follows essentially the same premise. Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott and Ella Balinska play Sabrina Wilson, Elena Houghlin and Jane Kano, a trio of sharp, fearless and fiercely intelligent women who unite when a traitor is unearthed in the midst of the agency. Only two of three open as official Angels and yet you can be sure that the recruitment of the third by the end occurs with one eye on future sequels.

Sadly, such films may never come. Released last week in America, the film suffered a disappointing opening, spurred by general disinterest and a mixed reception from reviewers.

On the whole, the fate’s a pity. Banks’ Angels is no heavenly slice of perfection by any means but it’s hard not to warm to its slick energy and strong cast.

More likely to seize the attention is Rian Johnson’s stellar whodunnit Knives Out. Boasting an all star cast - Daniel Craig! Jamie Lee Curtis! Chris Evans! - the film brings fresh twists to the grand tradition of cinematic murder mysteries and lands somewhere between Get Out and Logan Lucky in tonal composition. Certainly, Craig has every bit as much fun here as he did in the latter Steven Soderbergh heist comedy. It’s enough to make you wonder whether he’s wasted in dour Bond outings. Almost.

Go into this one blind and enjoy the ride. It’s crowd pleasing fun, daft as a brush and much smarter than it might initially seem.