Cryptic crossword No 121

This is my first puzzle on this site, so feedback is very welcome!

I loved it! 13 and 17 were my favourites.

Thanks Xavier, this was fun! Lots of good clues with interesting (and themed) surfaces that resolved nearly. I especially liked 23a, 6d and 13d (lovely definition) . Spoilers below...

There is some lovely stuff here. 6d, 13d and 23a are particularly fine. 5d is clever, but Meles makes a useful comment about it. I confess I’m not entirely convinced by 22a and 16d, and the theme, such as it was, didn’t add much.. But for a first effort this is really good and I look forward to more.

Following feedback, 5D and 16D have been rewritten. I’ve also made the link between the film theme and the hidden theme a little more clear. Thank you to everybody who’s given feedback so far!

Took me a while to get into, but perseverance paid off. 13d made me chuckle when the penny dropped: I see enough of that in my day job :-D The back half of 23a was a nice construction

Very nice work Xavier, I must perhaps single out 8a with its &lit for especial mention - well done! - even though I had to look up 'ullage'. 23a also gets a 'like'. May I suggest, if you want to try this sort of 'theme' again, please give a thought to providing actual *cryptic clues* to the four 'specials'. I'm sure solvers would appreciate it. Let's see more from you!