Ender's Game (out now) focuses on a young kid brought into a military program to help protect the earth from a pending alien invasion. This was a little better than I expected. Performances won't blow you away but the story taps into some interesting moral/ethical dilemmas that got me thinking. Grade: B.

Delivery Man (out Dec 3) is the story of a man (Vince Vaughn) who discovers that he's the father of 533 children after donating to a sperm bank two decades ago. It's trying to be a "warm & fuzzy" crowd pleaser but a few elements don't work (such as the girlfriend and the strange clingy kid). An interesting idea but just a so-so execution. Grade: B-.

Kill Your Darlings (out Dec 3) follows a group of young poets in the 1940s and their efforts to discover who they are - both on the page and off the page. The story is a little blurry in the later stages but the great cinematography and editing (coupled with the 40s music) gives the film a distinctive visual presence. Nice performances too. Grade: B+.

Night Train To Lisbon (out Dec 3) has an unconvincing current day storyline with Jeremy Irons... but when it delves into the past and explores Portugal's oppressive history (through the eyes of a doctor rebelling against authority), it's far more interesting. Grade: B-.

On My Way (out Nov 28) is a slow-paced French drama about a sixty-something year old woman (Catherine Deneuve) who goes on a road trip with her grandson. There's not a lot happening here and it's hard to work out what I should take away from it. Grade: C+.

One Chance (out Nov 28) is the tale of a mobile phone salesman from Wales won the 2007 series of Britain's Got Talent. It doesn’t work. I’m not dissing the achievements of Paul Potts but this is a formulaic exercise in “feel good” cinema that fails to recreate this inspirational tale. There are some strange production choices too (e.g. dubbing the real singing voice of Potts over the top of actor James Corden). Grade: C.

Filth (out now) is the tale of a manipulating, conniving, drug-taking police detective (James McAvoy) who is trying to solve a murder and earn a promotion. There's some fun to be had in the early scenes but as the film moves into its darker chapter, it becomes hard to take seriously. Grade: B-.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (out now) comes together well. Events feel a little rushed at times (always a problem with a book adaptation) but the strength of the story and its characters make this an engaging franchise. It has a lot more to offer than action and romance. Grade: A-.

Adoration (out Nov 21) is a curious Australian film about two middle aged women... who start dating each other's 18-year-old sons! It poses some intriguing moral dilemmas but is spoiled by lengthy gaps in the film's timeline and an overarching credibility issue (how do those around them not realise this is going on)? Grade: C+.

Jackass: Bad Grandpa (out now) isn't as fun as other films in this franchise. There are a few laughs but the best material can be seen the trailer. Further, the attempt to weave a narrative through this politically incorrect tale of a devious 86-year-old and his young grandson doesn't work. Grade: C+.