If you’re a squeamish sort who reaches for the sickbag whenever the sea starts to roll, then In The Heart Of The Sea might not be the best movie for you.

The latest drama from director Ron Howard, whose varied back catalogue includes respected dramas like Rush, Apollo 13 and Frost/Nixon and the odd stumble – big-budget dross like The Da Vinci Code comes to mind – is inspired by the true story which gave Herman Melville the basis for the literary landmark that is Moby Dick.

Chris Hemsworth leads a hunky cast in a tale of 19th century mariners setting out on an ill-fated expedition aboard a New England whaling ship Essex.

They soon encounter a terrifying gargantuan whale which is hell-bent on vengeance.

After a first bruising encounter, facing imminent starvation and everything the elements can throw at them, the remaining crew start to question their morality as they do the unthinkable just to stay alive.

But all the while the veteran first mate remains determined to bring down their giant tormentor.

Like many a Howard project, the film is adapted from a bestselling book, with Nathaniel Philbrick’s survival drama giving the director a chance to team up again with Rush star Hemsworth.

It has been respectfully received since it went on general release over the Christmas holiday, but didn’t blow the critics away.

It’s showing at Royston Picture Palace tomorrow, Friday, and on Saturday night at 7.30pm.

There’s also a Saturday afternoon screening for Star Wars: The Force Awakens at 3.30pm.

Find out how to book, and what else is in store, online at www.roystonpicturepalace.org.uk.

What’s new on the multiplex front? When high-concept thriller Olympus Has Fallen trashed the White House and racked up the box office cash, a sequel was never in doubt.

In London Has Fallen misfit security man Gerard Butler and suspiciously macho and fit US president Aaron Eckhart swing into action to foil a terrorist plot.

It’s just what you’d expect – slick, swift nonsense that will not stay in your mind for a moment, but it’s a rollercoaster ride while it lasts.

Also on offer is The Choice, the latest sappy romance based on a Nicholas Sparks book, with Teresa Palmer and Benjamin Walker the loving couple.

Hail Caesar! sees George Clooney team up with the Coen brothers again for a knockabout comedy set in Hollywood’s golden age. Also in the cast are Scarlett Johansson, Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, Channing Tatum and even Dolph Lundgren. High class comedy from an ensemble which clearly enjoys working together.