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.

Sentimental Value (out Dec 26) is an excellent Norwegian drama from director Joachim Trier (The Worst Person in the World). Dealing with forgiveness and legacy, it's the tale of an ageing father who, having put work ahead of family for decades, tries to make things right with his two semi-estranged daughters. It features wonderful performances, a great opening monologue, and flourishes of humour. 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-.

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-.

Avatar: Fire and Ash (out Dec 18) can be described similarly to the 2022 sequel. The quality of the visuals/animation is incredible, and the fight sequences are easy to follow. It puts other action movies to shame. However, narrative remains the weakest element. For the most part, you’ve got the same heroes fighting the same villains and making the same choices in putting family above all else. Grade: B+.

The History of Sound (out Dec 18) is a Brokeback Mountain-style tale set in the early 20th Century. Liked the first half of the movie with the character intros and the exploration of early sound recording but it weakens in the second half when the two leads, played by Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor, are separated. Grade: B.