Zoolander 2 (out Feb 11) is dreadful. It's a shame because the original was so entertaining. The characters are trying far too hard to make these jokes work. Even the surprise cameos feel uninspired. Grade: C.

Brooklyn (out Feb 11) is set in 1952 and follows a young Irish woman (Saoirse Ronan) who immigrates to the United States. Battling homesickness, she meets an Italian guy determined to win her affections. This is a sweet, moving, gorgeously-shot tale that has the perfect balance of comedy and sentimentality. The characters are honest and genuine too. Will there be a better film this year? I don't think so. Grade: A+.

The Choice (out Feb 4) is a dreary romantic drama based on a Nicholas Sparks novel. It's hard to say too much without giving away plot details but it's about two unlikely people who fall in love and have to overcome adversity. It's the kind of movie where everything feels forced. Grade: C-.

Steve Jobs (out Feb 4) is structured as a three act play. It follows Jobs as he prepares for the public launch of three products - one in 1984, 1988 and 1998. By taking this approach, writer Aaron Sorkin has created something that feels staged and unrealistic. It’s as if every key person in Steve Jobs’ life wants to complain in the half-hour leading up to each launch. The good performances can't quite compensate. Grade: B-.

Anomalisa (out Feb 4) is a rarity - a stop-motion animated feature pitched at adults. It's no surprise that it's come from the creative mind of Charlie Kaufman (Being John Malkovich). The film follows a depressed writer travelling to Cincinnati for a public speaking event. It's a great conversation generator and I’m still reflecting on its style and themes. Grade: A.

Dirty Grandpa (out Jan 28) is crude, politically incorrect, and not much else. Some will laugh at the film's continual offensiveness but the thin plot feels like it was constructed as an afterthought. Grade: C.

Looking For Grace (out Jan 28) is an Aussie drama centred around 2 teenage girls who run away from home. The film follows multiple characters - some interesting, some not so much. It doesn't all come together in the end but the style should maintain your interest. Grade: B-.

Room (out Jan 28) is both horrifying and inspiring. A woman and her young son and held captive for 7 years in a tiny, soundproof room. When they finally escape, they face an even tougher battle to integrate back into society. The fact that it's told from the son's perspective is limiting in the later stages but the performances make this a tough, emotional ride. Grade: B+.

Spotlight (out Jan 28) is based on a true story and follows a team of investigative journalists as they dig deeper into the Catholic Church's cover up of child abuse in Boston. The script highlights the tough challenges that journalists face and the performances of the cast cannot be faulted. This is one of the best films I've seen in many years. Grade: A+.

The Hateful Eight (out Jan 21) is a three hour western from director Quentin Tarantino. A snow storm forces a group of people to take refuge in a remote cabin and not all will make it out alive. It's a little light in terms of story and humour but it has the terrific dialogue that has defined Tarantino's career. Grade: B.