Citizenfour (out Feb 19) is something quite special. It's a riveting documentary that takes us inside the world of Edward Snowden as he blew the whistle on the National Security Authority's secret surveillance activities in 2013. The actions of the NSA will shock. The approach of Snowden will intrigue. Grade: A.

Fifty Shades Of Grey (out Feb 12) is intriguing. Not only does it feature several sex scenes, it goes a step further and takes inside the world of S&M. It's just a shame the two leading characters aren't particularly interesting. He keeps pushing for control. She keeps pushing back. Was hoping for a bit more inside the two hour running time. Grade: B-.

What We Did On Our Holiday (out Feb 12) is a light, silly English comedy. Well, that's what I thought after the first 15 minutes. What follows is both shocking and unexpected. It's great to see the directors opening a few interesting doors but it's a shame they aren't brave enough to walk through them. Grade: C+.

Selma (out Feb 12) is the last of the Academy's best picture nominees to make it to Australia but it's been worth the wait. It's a fascinating exploration at the tactics used by Martin Luther King to change voter registration laws in Alabama 1965. Great performances. Great film. Grade: A.

The Gambler (out Feb 5) is a heavy, slow-paced drama about a depressed college professor who owes $260,000 to loan sharks as a result of a gambling addiction. I liked the blasé personality that Mark Wahlberg brings to the character. I just wish I understood a little more about what was going on inside his head. Grade: C+.

Kingsman: The Secret Service (out Feb 5) is a light hearted spy film that tries to offer something a little different from the heavier James Bond films. Well aware of the clichéd world in which it operates, the film throws in a few plot twists that you may not see coming. Takes a while to warm up but the ending is worth the wait. Grade: B+.

Mortdecai (out Jan 29) stars Johnny Depp as some kind of art dealer / crime solver. There are no laughs. It's just him doing an accent for 2 hours. Still 11 months to go in 2015 but hard to imagine that I'll see a worse film this year. Grade: C-.

Still Alice (out Jan 29) is a moving drama centred on a fifty-something woman (Julianne Moore) battling the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. It's more than just a tear jerker though. The film's even-handed look at the changing family dynamic is interesting and thought provoking. Grade: A-.

Foxcatcher (out Jan 29) tells the true story of a multi-millionaire who somehow became an Olympic wrestling coach (despite having no experience). While I was intrigued by the utterly bizarre tale... the lack of explanation regarding characters' actions left me wanting more. Grade: B-.

The Theory Of Everything (out Jan 29) encompasses the life of the renowned British cosmologist Stephen Hawking. Instead of concentrating on his many scientific achievements, the screenplay focuses on the relationship with his wife, Jane. Both Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones give terrific performances. At its heart, the film shows there are many ways to make a relationship work. Grade: B+.