The Captive (out Dec 4) is a pathetic thriller about a father trying to track down his abducted daughter. The film's fragmented timeline appears to only serve one purpose - to try to hide the many plot holes. Why are the abductor's plans so elaborate? Why are the police so incompetent? Why are the issues of rape and torture skirted around? Grade: C-.

Exodus: Gods & Kings (out Dec 4) will rival Noah as this year's most "biblical" release. It follows Moses (back in 1300BC) as he freed his fellow Hebrew slaves from their tyrannical Egyptian masters. It's heavy going (the 2.5 hour duration doesn't help) and feels more like a dry bible reading in places than an engaging, epic motion picture. Grade: B-.

Human Capital (out Dec 4) is an Italian film that begins with a hit and run accident. The film then takes a step back and follows 3 different characters in the lead up to the tragic event. I was intrigued from the get-go and it's a worthy choice as Italy's entry for next year's Academy Awards foreign language category. Grade: A-.

Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (out Dec 4) follows the Cooper family who go through a wild assortment of dramas that provide a very different perspective on life. This is a good, old-fashioned family comedy. Kids will have no trouble following the simple storyline. Adults will be able to relate to the broad premise. Grade: B+.

A Thousand Times Goodnight (out Nov 27) is the story of a brilliant war photographer (Juliette Binoche) trying to balance career with family. Which is more important? A few moments are overplayed for dramatic effect but it's still a balanced film that gets you thinking about the many hats that must wear in life. Grade: B+.

Fat Pizza Vs. Housos (out Nov 27) is a one-note, morally bankrupt comedy that highlights all the people that make Australia so great - prison rapists, corrupt officials, slutty women, dole bludgers, drug dealers, arsonists, thieves and "retards". Just don't see the point of this. Grade: C-.

Serena (out Nov 27) is a dreary 1920s drama about a wealthy land owner who runs afoul of both the law and his wife. None of the characters are particularly endearing and it all leads to a finale that will leave you asking one question - "is that it?" Grade: C+.

Men, Women & Children (out Nov 27) follows a group of characters (some old, some young) trying to connect through social media, dating apps, blogs, adult websites, and online video games. It's the younger cast members that shine most brightly. A shame about the ending though. Most of the characters go through a life-changing epiphany that doesn’t ring true. Grade: B-.

When The Queen Came To Town (out Nov 27) is a documentary about Queen Elizabeth's maiden visit to Australia in 1954. It's not offering a lot in the way of insight. It's just a bunch of interviews overlaid with news footage. Fans of the Queen will enjoy but can't see it having much appeal to others. Grade: C+.

Nightcrawler (out Nov 27) follows a strange, socially awkward guy who takes footage of crime scenes and sells it to newsrooms at major TV networks. This film may shake you up a bit. Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a chilling, unsettling performance. He's created one of the creepiest characters that we’ve seen on screen this year. Grade: B+.