For a few days over Christmas and New Year many of us will spend a few moments thinking about the year that's been and maybe what the future holds.

It's no surprise then that films released at this time of year often have a reflective/redemption theme.

Let's get touchy feely

A Christmas Carol (Scrooge) is probably the most famous example. James Stewart discovering how the world would be different without him in It's A Wonderful Life, is another.

Add to the list The Family Man. Nicolas Cage is the man in question. He seemingly has it all - good job, loads of money, any woman he wants. But is he happy? Well, actually he is. But then events start to overtake him.

Let's get even more touchy feely

Cage's character, Jack Campbell, wakes up one Christmas morning to discover he's lying in bed next to college sweetheart Kate (Tea Leoni). Lucky him you might think. The only trouble is, he ditched Kate several years previously to pursue his successful Wall Street career (shades of Ebenezer breaking up with his betrothed).

Someone gimme five. I want to get touchy feely again

What he's been given is a chance to see what life would have been like if he'd stayed with Kate all those years ago. No fancy cars, no posh meals, just hard work, good friends, a loving wife and family. Guess which he prefers?

It's all Hollywood gush of course, but take a hankie with you. If you don't shed a tear at the film, you might need it for your runny nose!