Man Up (out Nov 5) doesn't always follow convention and is a short, fun, entertaining romantic comedy about a woman (Lake Bell) who takes a crazy chance on a blind date with the wrong guy (Simon Pegg). It features some great individual scenes and a supporting cast that is both level-headed and insightful. Grade: B+.

Freeheld (out Nov 5) is based on a true story and chronicles the efforts of a dying New Jersey police officer who wants to ensure her pension passes to her same-sex partner following her death. The connection between Julianne Moore and Ellen Page comes through strongly but the film makes a few missteps through the casting of Steve Carell and the limited insight into the government's views. Grade: B.

Mistress America (out Oct 29) is a lightweight comedy about two New York women who become best friends. There's a charm to the film but their misadventures get repetitive (one wants to open a restaurant, the other wants to be a published author). Grade: B-.

Sleeping with Other People (out Oct 29) is a romantic comedy/drama about two people trying hard to keep their successful friendship from turning into a messy relationship. There's some real, honest dialogue during the first two-thirds but the film can't quite stick the landing. Grade: B.

The Last Witch Hunter (out Oct 29) is about a man given the gift of immortality (Diesel) who has spent the last 800 years maintaining the truce between humans and witches. The film struggles to explore its fantasy world and it culminates with a weak, poorly directed action climax. Grade: C.

The Dressmaker (out Oct 29) is a viciously dark comedy that will catch many by surprise. Some moments are light and silly whilst other moments are tragic and confronting. It stars Kate Winslet as a thirty-something year old fashion designer who returns to her birth town to ask questions about her upbringing that she needs answered. Winslet is terrific but it’s Judy Davis who makes the more lasting impression as her cantankerous mother. Grade: B.

Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension (out Oct 22) is the sixth and final instalment in this successful horror franchise. What began with such hype and excitement in 2009 has finished with a whimper in 2015. The plot is thin and there's not much in the way of new frights and scares. Grade: C.

The Lobster (out Oct 22) is a wonderfully messed up comedy about a guy who has to fall in love within 45 days or else he'll be turned into the animal of his choosing. Set in a dystopian future, the film features ferociously dark humour but runs out of ideas in the later stages. Actors must have worked hard to keep a straight face. Grade: B+.

Burnt (out Oct 22) is a frustrating, pointless drama about a self-absorbed chef (Bradley Cooper) trying to put his demons (drugs, alcohol, women) in the past and earn a third Michelin star for his London restaurant. The supporting cast are underutilised, the script lack coherence, and the film is evasive about the chef's past. Hard to feel sympathy for such a troubled character. Grade: C.

Alex & Eve (out Oct 22) is a silly Australian comedy about a Greek Orthodox schoolteacher who falls in love with a Lebanese Muslim lawyer. Their friends and family aren't happy and it develops into a "Romeo & Juliet" type scenario. The dialogue is stiff and this doesn't have as much as charm as last week's UnIndian. Grade: C.