A Hidden Life (out Jan 30) tells the true story of an Austrian farmer who was persecuted for refusing to pledge his allegiance to Adolf Hitler during World War II. As he’s done in the past, director Terrence Malick wants to show us how beautiful and simple the world is… but then contrast that with the complexity of humanity and the issues that we create for ourselves. Grade: A-.

Midway (out Jan 30) is a bloated, confusing, cliché-laden World War II movie that isn’t worthy of the actual events it is trying to recreate. The characters feel like they've been lifted from a 1980s action movie and the dialogue is dreadful. Many other filmmakers have done it before when it comes to powerful WWII movies… and done it much better. Grade: C.

Underwater (out Jan 23) stars Kristen Stewart as an engineer who finds herself trapped in a research station at the bottom of the ocean after it is attacked by a mysterious creature. While a few plot elements left me scratching my head, this is still a fast-paced, effective thriller. Grade: B.

Like a Boss (out Jan 23) is a comedy about two women (Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne) who argue over the direction of their struggling cosmetics company. It's about the value of life-long friends (a worthy message) but the execution is dismal. The story makes NO sense. Jennifer Coolidge is the only member of the cast who earns genuine laughs. Grade: C-.

Just Mercy (out Jan 23) draws from the autobiography of Bryan Stevenson and tells the story of an African American lawyer who founded an organisation in the late 1980s to provide legal assistance to those denied a fair trial. The performances are very good (including stars Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx) and it's a film that offers much to reflect upon. Grade: B+.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood (out Jan 23) is centred on a cynical magazine writer (Matthew Rhys) who finds his view of the world transformed after reluctantly agreeing to interview the famed entertainer, Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks). I'm not sure it digs deep enough into Rogers but it’s hard not feel better about life while watching his calm demeanour and listening to his comforting voice. Grade: B+.

Dolittle (out Jan 16) stars Robert Downey Jr in the famed role of a doctor who can talk to animals. I'm not quite sure what they were hoping for but Downey Jr's odd, mumbling persona didn't work for me. It's like he's trying to come up with a kid's version of his Sherlock Holmes character. Grade: C+.

Go! (out Jan 16) is the story of a teenager who develops a love for go-kart racing has his eyes on the national championship. It's incredibly formulaic but it's still nice to see Australian dramas pitched at younger audiences. Just wish it took a few more chances. Grade: B-.

Bad Boys for Life (out Jan 16) is a tired, formulaic, seen-it-all-before buddy cop movie. It's the kind of movie that will make a little money and be all but forgotten about in a few weeks. Our two heroes (Will Smith and Martin Lawrence) argue about nothing, struggle with a case a blind monkey could solve, and are helped at just the right moments by a team of personality-free "young guns". Grade: C.

Bombshell (out Jan 16) delves into the final months of Roger Ailes tenure as the CEO of Fox News in 2016. The film succeeds in illustrating the toxic culture that can exist in the workplace. Stars Charlize Theron, Margot Robbie and Nicole Kidman have created interesting characters. Hopefully the film will get people talking. Grade: B+.