With more than 30 superhero movies in production, Declan Burke looks at the rise of the genre. Where once the cowboy saved us in the Western, now we turn to Batman or The Avengers to take on the bad guys. They are figures of hope - and a welcome distraction.

MOTHER’S DAY morning, and upstairs in bed, maternal bonds are being marked in time-honoured tradition, with phone calls from absent offspring, and tea and toast — with pot of hyacinths — brought to me by my youngest daughter.

Based on the book by Dr Seuss, ‘The Lorax’ is an environmentally conscious story of one boy’s noble quest to restore balance between avaricious mankind and Mother Nature.

It was an incredible night for The Incredibles as the film about a family of superheros who save the day dominated the 32nd annual Annie Awards.