Only the Brave

This fact-based drama reveals the considerable challenges of fighting wildfires in the parched, windy mountains of Arizona, highlighting the particular courage of those on the front line. More of a character actor than a bona fide movie star, Josh Brolin proves perfect casting as the leader of a local team hoping to win elite "hotshot" status, while Joseph Kosinski's smartly assembled movie allows us ample time to get to know the firefighters before the expected conflagration arrives. There's excellent supporting work from the increasingly impressive Miles Teller as a druggy dropout hoping the fire detail will bring redemption in the eyes of his pregnant girlfriend, and a potent Jennifer Connelly as Brolin's justifiably anxious other half. Engrossing fare it is too, rendering the flame-grilled final reel even more powerful, as the team must fight fire with fire. The result, thankfully not over-sentimentalised, is duly very moving - especially for viewers unaware of the true story behind the action.