A Complete Unknown (out Jan 23) doesn't follow music biopic norms and is a fitting tribute to the iconic Bob Dylan. It's focused more on WHO he was as opposed to WHAT he did. There are a lot of songs (you could almost call this a musical) and its through Dylan’s own lyrics that we understand his personality and perspective on the world. Timothée Chalamet is wonderful in the lead role. Grade: A-.

The Brutalist (out Jan 23) is a 3 ½ hour epic set in 1950s Philadelphia about a Hungarian-Jewish immigrant architect (Adrien Brody) in pursuit of the "American Dream". This is a sensational film. The characters are multi-dimensional (both heroic and flawed) and the themes are as relevant today as they've ever been. Grade: A.

Sing Sing (out Jan 16) is a brilliant drama based on the true story of a theatre group established inside a maximum-security prison. With a cast featuring many ex-cons who were part of the programs, it's a moving tale about the way "art" can provide hope and friendships. Grade: A.

Magic Beach (out Jan 16) is an ambitious Australian family film from director Robert Connolly. Based on the 1990s children’s book authored by Alison Lester, it consists of 10 animated short stories. I applaud the fresh approach (different styles of animation, minimal dialogue) but I'm worried the lack of a clear, simple narrative will puzzle/bore the target audience. Grade: B-.

Wolfman (out Jan 16) is the latest Hollywood take on the man-turned-werewolf creature who was first seen on screen in 1941.  Australian director Leigh Whannell (The Invisible Man) gives it his best shot with the creepy setting and noises (thumbs up to the sound engineers) but, in the same vein as previous Wolfman flicks, I didn’t find the character that interesting. Grade: B-.

We Live in Time (out Jan 16) is a romantic drama spanning several years about a couple forced to make a series of decisions when one is diagnosed with cancer. The jumbled timeline doesn't add much and a few plot points feel forced (the cooking contest). Still, I like the pairing of Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh as well as the music score from Bryce Dessner. Grade: B.

Emilia Pérez (out Jan 16) is touted as a serious Oscars contender... but I am not a fan. It's the tale of a Mexican gang leader who fakes his own death, leaves his family behind, and has a sex change operation to start a new life. The plot, which becomes a darker version of Mrs Doubtfire, lacks credibility. My biggest grievance is the redemptive character arc given to the title character. Grade: C+.

Den of Thieves: Pantera (out Jan 9) has a similar vibe and approach to the 2018 original. It's a slow opening half but then gets more exciting as the bad folk execute an elaborate robbery. Doesn't make a lot of sense and the supporting players lack spark but aside, it's half decent action movie. Grade: B-.

Monster Summer (out Jan 9) is pitched at the teenage crowd and is a Stranger Things-style thriller about kids terrorised at Martha's Vineyard by a witch. It doesn't make much sense (the adults' lack of concern is laughable) but the interactions between the kids provide an emotional heartbeat which gives the film a boost. Grade: B-.

Conclave (out Jan 9) is from German director Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front) and is a drama-thriller about Catholic Cardinals who meet in Vatican City and form factions in selecting a new pope. It gets too “twisty” at times but just like a Knives Out-style whodunit, you’ll be speculating throughout about who’s playing who. The music, cinematography, and production values are superb. Grade: A-.