Ben is Back (out Jan 31) is the story of a worried mother (Julia Roberts) trying to help and connect with her drug-addicted son (Lucas Hedges) who has unexpectedly returned home for Christmas. The performances are great but the film is unnecessarily formulaic in places. Grade: B.

Free Solo (out Jan 24) is nominated at the Oscars for best documentary and it provides a breathtaking look at a 32-year-old rock climber as he tries to become the first person to scale a 900m rock formation in Yosemite National Park with no ropes, harness or protective equipment. Edge of your seat stuff! Grade: A-.

Eighth Grade (out Jan 24) is an outstanding debut feature from first-time director Bo Burnham. It's the story of a shy, nervous, anxious girl trying to make friends and navigate her way through the final week of middle school. Newcomer Elsie Fisher has created a fascinating leading character. I was cringing (in a good way) at some of the dialogue. Grade: A.

The Mule (out Jan 24) is too simple and heavy-handed in places but it’s still a likeable crowd pleaser that showcases a great true story. It's based on actual events and follows an 87-year-old man from Indiana (played by Clint Eastwood) who was making big money while transporting drugs across the United States for a Mexican drug cartel. He was considered to be the oldest drug mule in the world! Grade: B.

Green Book (out Jan 24) is set in 1962 and chronicles the (supposedly) true story of a renowned black pianist and the friendship he forges with his white driver/bodyguard as they go on a road trip through Southern America. It's predictable but it's still a warm-hearted crowd pleaser that achieves its mission thanks to the two stellar performances from Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen. Grade: B+.

Storm Boy (out Jan 17) is the second film to be based off Colin Thiele's children's book (the original came out in 1976) and it's a dull, overly simple drama about a boy who befriends three pelicans. The worst of the subplots involves a wealthy old man (played by Geoffrey Rush) and an odd business deal. Grade: C+.

The Kid Who Would Be King (out Jan 17) puts a current day spin on the famous story of King Arthur. A young boy, who is bulled at school, pulls a sword from a stone and then teams up with friends to save the world. There's a fun performance from Angus Imrie (who plays Merlin) but there's not much else that will get the heart pumping. Grade: C+.

Loro (out Jan 17) is the latest from director Paolo Sorrentino (The Great Beauty) and dissects the life of wealthy Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. The music and visuals leave an impression but it's a long slog (2 hours, 30 minutes) that gets repetitive in sections. Grade: B.

Glass (out Jan 17) is the third film in the M. Night Shyamalan superhero series and it's essential that you've seen the first two - Unbreakable and Split. I'm a fan of his approach (trying to create more realistic, self-aware superheroes) but what's intriguing in the early scenes becomes tired by the end. Grade: B-.

Mary Queen of Scots (out Jan 17) feels like two hours of pointless power games. Mary has her eyes on the English crown but Elizabeth is quick to rouse her supporters and prevent an uprising. The film’s problem is that we don’t know what either side is about, aside from differing religious views, and so it’s hard to work out who to cheer for. Grade: C+.