Grand Prix of Europe (out Jan 8 ) is an animated feature centred on animals involved in a grand prix competition. It's formulaic (gotta save the family business!) but it's cute and easily to follow for kids. Grade: B.

The Pout-Pout Fish (out Jan 1) is a no-no movie. Trying to piggyback of the success of Finding Nemo, it's a disappointing animated feature where the story is all over the place. Not sure what kids are supposed to take away from this. Grade: C.

Song Sung Blue (out Jan 1) is based on a true story and explores the interesting world of music impersonators. Mike (Hugh Jackman) and Claire (Kate Hudson) meet in the 1980s and create a tribute band honouring the work of Neil Diamond and Patsy Cline. Yes, there’s drama and tragedy, but the film wisely avoids including a formulaic villain (such as a dodgy manager). They’re likeable characters and you want them to succeed. Grade: B+.

The Choral (out Jan 1) is well-intentioned but trying too hard. Set in World War I, it's the tale of an English choirmaster (Ralph Fiennes) who rubs a few people up the wrong way because of his beliefs, work history and sexuality. For the most part it's a formulaic screenplay where the dialogue lacks spontaneity. The film’s highlight is a final-act sequence involving Tony Award winning actor Simon Russell Beale. Grade: B-.

Anaconda (out Dec 26) is far funnier than I expected. The 1997 movie was garbage (most would agree) and so writer-director Tom Gormican makes the right decision in this being a self-aware, spoof-like comedy. The chemistry between the characters is great. Grade: B+.

The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (out Dec 26) is nothing flash. A so-so animated adventure where SpongeBob meets a pirate and is taught lessons about courage and trust. Grade: C+.

The Housemaid (out Dec 26) is based on a novel and is centred on a new housekeeper dealing with a psychotic family. It's too long and too twisty (the final act takes a lot of explaining) but as a fun, trashy, Hollywood thriller... it's entertaining. Grade: B.

Kokuho (out Dec 11) is a 175-minute Japanese film following several decades in the life of a man who rises from nothing to become a kabuki performer. Touching on themes including culture, tradition, rank, power, friendship and brotherhood, there's a lot to think about and soak in. Grade: A-.

Rental Family (out Dec 26) is a weird drama about an American man living in Japan (Brendan Fraser) who gets a job as an "actor" fulfilling vacant roles in peoples' real lives. He's a kind-hearted individual but I didn't buy into his ignorance and naivety. How could he be dumb enough to not foresee the trouble he will ultimately cause? Grade: B-.

My Brother's Band (out Dec 26) is a French drama about an unwell music conductor who learns he is adopted and has an older brother. It's contrived, over-scripted in places but will have its audience. Grade: B-.