2012 is well underway and there's a great range of original version films showing along the Coast. Spy shenanigans with Ethan Hunt, mystery and intrigue with Holmes and Watson and a girl with a very scary tattoo are just the tip of the iceberg. We recommend you take it easy this weekend and head to the movies to see some of these gems on the big screen!

This week you can enjoy the thrilling action adventure Mission Impossible 4 with Tom Cruise returning as vetran undercover agent, Ethan Hunt. Fantastic reviews all round for this jaw dropping epic which was the first live action attempt for Pixar Director Brad Bird. Tom doesn't look a day older and continues to wow the crowds with death-defying stunts, clever gadgets and exotic locations. 

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This week's festive offering is Arthur Christmas, the new 3D CG-animated family comedy from Sony showing at Plaza Mayor. Topping the pops with great reviews all round, it delivers a funny and fresh serving of Christmas cheer. A must for all the family! If it's too far for you, Vicky the Viking 2 is also showing in Fuengirola. Enjoy!

Until December 20, readers can avail themselves of a 15 per cent discount on all books on the site by entering the promo code ESSENTIAL on checkout (this discount applies to books which are already discounted but NOT to certain eBooks and Special Offers).

WORDS from the Publisher, IAIN BLACKWEL

Once again the countdown to Christmasis on and by the time this magazine is in your hands, like most people here in Spain, you will no doubt be reflecting on the season of goodwill. It is of course a traditional time for sharing, enjoying festivities and being with family, but it also makes us think of those less fortunate. In our bumper Christmas issue, we focus on both sides of this divide.

The Salón Andalucia at the Hotel Puente Romano was the venue for the glittering Marbella Awards Gala Evening which took place on Saturday the 19th of November. Organised by Essential Magazine and in association with Jyske Bank, this prestigious event was attended by over 250 guests and involved the presentation of 16 Awards to Marbella's most popular companies covering a range of business categories.

The must-see film playing along the Coast this week is Tintin who continues his Moroccan adventures  with Captain Haddock and Snowy. The new release is Tower Heist which brings together the unlikely pairing of old school comic genius Eddie Murphy and Hollywood box office darling Ben Stiller. Fun and easygoing, it's an enjoyable caper that raises a good few hearty laughs!