Our film fanatic gives his detailed verdict after going to see 'Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret' at the cinema. It's well worth a read...

Do people have dinner parties these days? Aside from Come Dine With Me, I'm not convinced they do. Or perhaps I just don't mingle in the right Ferrero Rocher serving circles.

Either way, it used to be said you should avoid discussing religion or politics at the dinner table. I remember storming out of an election night gathering of friends in 1997 during my University years, following a heated row about Tony Blair and New Labour.

Religion is another contentious topic, which brings me to this week's film - Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. I have to confess I wasn't familiar with the source material, a book by Judy Blume, but I really enjoyed everything about this film.

Set in 1970, and featuring a brilliantly chosen soundtrack including Shocking Blue's Venus, Stevie Wonder and Norman Greenbaum, it was one of the best movies I've seen this year, hands down.

At the beginning, we see 11-year-old Margaret (Abby Ryder Fortson) finding out her life is about to be uprooted, as her dad's promotion at work means a move from New York City to the suburbs of New Jersey ("it's only the other side of the river", assures her mum, played by an on-form Rachel McAdams). The film feels authentically 1970s, but at the same time very contemporary in its handling of the source material, which is no mean feat.

As well as a 'coming of age' tale, it also looks at one of life's biggest questions, as Margaret talks to God and tries to decide which religion might be the one for her. Her mum was raised in a strict Christian household and rejected that when her parents cut her off after she fell in love with her Jewish partner, and both parents have told her to make her own choice when she's a grown-up. She quickly becomes a member of a new 'secret club' of friends at school, and Elle Graham stands out as Nancy Wheeler, the leader of this self-styled cool clique.

It was just the right blend of humour, drama, and soul searching, and first crushes, first bras, and first kisses are all covered in the storyline. Admittedly, it's not the plot that is this film's strongest suit ; it's the nimble storytelling and strong cast who really gel together. Kathy Bates is reliably ace as Margaret's grandma, who feels the emptiness the most when she gets left behind in the Big Apple.

Some of the scenes when Margaret goes into a church, temple, and confession booth for the first time reminded me of the most spiritual day of my life (especially as someone who doesn't follow any religion) : the day I was warmly welcomed into a Bradford mosque for prayers after my father-in-law passed away. I felt closer to believing there might be something more than at any time in my life so far, and was overwhelmed by the warmth and humanity.

This is a lovely film, and I am confident you'll enjoy it, even if like me you have no knowledge of the book, or answers to the big questions it poses. An enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours. And no doubt a lot more subtle than Fast X, which I'll be reviewing for next week's column.

You can listen to Alex every weekday from 7am to 11am on Tameside Radio 103.6FM.