First and (for reasons that will become clear) last double review: Kings Speech and Black Swan- 9 out of 10

Attempting to compare and review two films as different as one about a 20^th century monarch overcoming a speech impediment and growing into an inspirational leader and another film about the mental disintegration of a ballet dancer is tricky. It's a bit like sewing together and comparing the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at the Portsmouth Guildhall and a Motorhead gig down the road at the Pyramids; completely different audiences, completely different talents, completely different expectations and so on.

However, these two films were both nominated for tonnes of awards earlier this year (and won a ton too) so they have a point of comparison; how good are they and which one is better. In answer to the first question, obviously, if you are put forward for the 'Best Film' category at every awards ceremony from the Academy Awards to the Guildford Film Lover's awards, the film(s) must be pretty damn good.

As a point of reference, earlier this year in the same week, I watched two other 'Best Film' nominees in Inception and The Social Network. I loved them both; the former for the innovative story (yes, I'm a simpleton) and the latter for the wonderful performances from Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield. However, these two (which again I watched on the same day, maybe I'll see True Grit and The Fighter next time) and this pair absolutely knock those two of the park for quality.

First up, The King's Speech. Pretty much every possible angle of praise that is conceivable has been used for this film and rightly so. Before this film, I was already in love with the work of Tom Hooper and this just cemented that love (not an obsession, I swears!). The storyline is wonderfully laid out, the acting superb in particular Geoffrey Rush and that other bloke (though I can't really see why Helena Bonham Carter was so feted for her role as it was far too stiff for me) and the biggest bug bear of mine, historical accuracy, is remarkably good.

Onto Black Swan. Whilst the first 15 minutes left me sceptical due to the slow, plodding progress of the plot and the tracking camera angles which left me feeling a bit disorientated and sick, I soon became completely engrossed in the movie. The use of cameras that focussed on faces and tracking movement rather than a fixed vantage point helped create a feeling of intimacy which brought the story to life as it framed the isolation the character of Nina felt.

Essentially, this comparison can be boiled down to a straight out fight between Colin Firth and Natalie Portman. The result? Dead heat. Both are stunning in their respective roles. Firth's portrayal of a stammerer is perfect as you can see the words get caught in his throat as he attempts to speak and the pain this, and the pressure he is under, is clear. Meanwhile, Portman displays the descent into madness brought about by the pressure of being forced into being two different beings is frightening intense and powerful.

Overall, I just prefer Black Swan for reasons I can't quite put my finger on (cue people saying that cos I'm a bloke there is only one reason). I think I prefer the atmospheric and intimate nature of the film and just enjoy the exploration of a mental breakdown and the metaphor that runs the length of the film regarding the nature of people. Which isn't to say The Kings Speech isn't very, very good either. One second thoughts, it's like comparing a Galaxy Ripple and a lasagne, both are pretty damn great in their own ways depending on your tastes.