Most moviegoers start salivating when they see these three things on a poster: ''based on a true story", ''written by the Coen brothers" and ''directed by Steven Spielberg". Bridge of Spies is a classic piece of Hollywood Cold War entertainment that delivers on the promises of its publicity to provide a well-executed, thrilling story of one man's struggle to do what his country asked him to in an uncertain and difficult time.When Russian spy Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) is arrested by the FBI, the US government is keen to show the world that he will receive a fair trial, and recruits insurance lawyer James B Donovan (Tom Hanks) to defend him.Reluctantly, Donovan, much to the irritation of the powers that be, fights Abel's case all the way to the Supreme Court in an effort to spare him the death penalty in spite of public disapproval and taunts.Then the Russians capture U2 spy plane pilot Francis Gary Powers (Austin Stowell).Called to duty once again, Donovan sets off for East Germany where he negotiates with the KGB and the Stasi for the exchange of Powers for Abel.It's decidedly old school in its approach but each element of the film is deftly handled and the only true indications of Spielberg's presence are in the small details - cutaways to things other directors might not notice and a recurring use of mirrors to emphasise the duality of the enterprise.Longtime Spielberg cinematographer Janusz Kaminski creates frames of dark shadows and desaturated colours that provide a striking visual counterpoint not only to the drabness of the Soviet bloc but to the murky world of espionage as well.Spielberg also restrains his tendency to over-use music for sentimental purposes until the last 15 minutes and allows the script, performances and atmosphere to do their work.With a strong honest-Joe performance from Hanks, complemented by a quietly ironic turn from Rylance (whose star is rising since his performance as Thomas Cromwell in Wolf Hall) and notable cameos from Alan Alda, Jesse Plemons and Sebastian Koch, it's a strong ensemble piece that will probably put it high on the lists when Oscar-nomination time rolls round in January.In the age of the blockbuster and style-over-substance schlock that many might argue he helped to create, Spielberg shows that he's still a master at marrying style with substance to provide classical movie pleasure, both satisfying and intelligent.What others sayWho doesn't like to cosy up to an old-school spy thriller that knows how to build tension and tighten it?Peter Travers, Rolling StoneSteven Spielberg can't help but make the kind of inspiring, classically constructed drama that we keep being told Hollywood doesn't produce any more.Ann Hornaday, Washington Post'Bridge of Spies' is a bit of dull historical theatre. Kofi Outlaw, Screen RantAlso openingWAR ROOMAlex and Stephen Kendrick's faith-based film argues that domestic abuse can be cured by retiring to a bunker and praying. It's an odd plan of attack. Jordan Hoffman, theguardian.comWALK IN THE WOODSBased on Bill Bryson's chuckle-out-loud chronicle of his Appalachian tramp with an old friend. It's unexpectedly moving and occasionally delightful to spend time with cinema titans Robert Redford and Nick Nolte.Manohla Dargissept, nytimes.co.zaSCOUTS VS ZOMBIESThe hit-and-miss humour is more than forgivable as it manages to deliver a wide variety of jokes. James Shotwell, Under The Gun ReviewBIG STONE GAPAll about community and coming together, filled with colourful characters and swanky 1970s fashions. Kate Erbland, indiwire.com..