Arctic (out Feb 14) is an Icelandic film about a man who survives a plane crash near the remote, freezing Arctic Circle and then must find a way home. I feel like I've seen this story a few too many times in other movies but I like the approach from director Joe Penna. It's similar to All is Lost in that the emphasis is on visuals rather than dialogue. Grade: B.

Capharnaüm (out Feb 7) uses non-professional actors to tell the story of an astute 12-year-old boy from Beirut who tries to escape from poverty stricken family to make a better life for himself. Nominated for best foreign language film at the Academy Awards, this is a moving story. Grade: B+.

Cold Pursuit (out Feb 7) is centred around a man (Liam Neeson) seeking revenge after the murder of his son. It may sound like your typical Neeson movie but this is anything but! It's an hilarious black comedy that goes off on some wild, surprising tangents and features some memorable supporting characters. Grade: A-.

Escape Room (out Feb 7) follows in the footsteps of the successful Saw franchise and is about a group of strangers who are invited to participate in a new escape room and suddenly find themselves fighting for their lives (in addition to the exit). There are plot holes and a few odd stylistic choices from director Adam Robitel but I still loved the concept and the cool sets. It held my attention all the way through. Grade: B.

On the Basis of Sex (out Feb 7) follows on from last year's successful documentary about iconic U.S. Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg (RBG) and is a dramatic biopic that focuses on a particular case argued by Ginsberg (played by Felicity Jones) that sought to change the laws regarding gender-based discrimination. This is an interesting, eye-opening story with Jones astutely portraying Ginsberg as a determined, passionate woman. Grade: A-.

The Hate U Give (out Jan 31) is a little preachy in places but it's still a very strong young adult drama about an African American girl who must decide what to do after seeing her unarmed friend shot and killed by a police officer. Amandla Stenberg gives a superb lead performance. There's lots to take away from this. Grade: B+.

The Front Runner (out Jan 31) tells the true story of Gary Hart - a man tipped to win the U.S. Presidency in 1987 but who dropped out after the race after being involved in a scandal. The film will get you thinking about the line between what is public and what is private when it comes to politicians. You may not agree with everything but it's a great conversation starter. Grade: A-.

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.