American Sniper (out Jan 22) is about Chris Kyle – a Navy SEAL who was credited with more than 160 enemy kills during the recent Iraq War. It’s a film that doesn’t really know what it wants to be. Is it a patriotic tribute to an American hero? Is it an unrealistic action-thriller? Or is it a relationship drama about a troubled couple? Don’t get me started on the ending. Grade: C+.

Birdman (out Jan 15) is one of this year's major Oscar contenders and follows an actor (Michael Keaton) trying to reboot his sagging career. It's funny, it's got some great performances, and it's been creatively shot (as if it's all one take). I wasn't quite sold on all of its messages though. Grade: A-.

Paper Planes (out Jan 15) follows an 11-year-old kid who has a crack at the Australian Paper Plane Championships. It’s a super-cheesy film that doesn’t always make a lot of sense… but its heart is in the right place. Also nice to see a family film made here in Australia. Grade: B.

Unbroken (out Jan 15) tells the true story of Louis Zamperini - an American soldier who was imprisoned by the Japanese during World War II. Most war dramas feature epic gun fights or heroic rescues. This is about something quite different – the power of human endurance. Directed by Angelina Jolie and starring British newcomer Jack O'Connell, Unbroken is tough to watch but also hugely inspiring. Grade: A-.

Dumb & Dumber To (out Jan 8) is a sequel to the popular 1994 comedy. Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels play two fools with single digit IQs who find themselves caught up in another bizarre caper. It's silly, harmless fun... but there aren't enough good jokes (or subplots) to drag this out beyond the opening 30 minutes. Grade: C.

Taken 3 (out Jan 8) is the final instalment in this successful franchise and is a standard, over-edited conspiracy thriller that adds little to the previous two films. Forest Whitaker shines as a sharp police detective but that's the only positive that comes to mind. Needed to take itself a lot less seriously (ala John Wick). Grade: C+.

Into The Woods (out Jan 8) is a big screen adaptation of the Stephen Sondheim 1980s musical. It mashes together several famous fairy tales and humorously shows that not everyone deserves to live "happily ever after". The casting is great, the voices are clear, and the plot is easy to follow. It's just a shame the film doesn't push its darker tones more strongly in the final act. Grade: B+.

The Imitation Game (out 1) tells the story of Alan Turing - an English codebreaker who made an invaluable contribution to the Allies efforts during World War II. It's an interesting tale with some powerful elements. However, the film is loose with its facts and makes an odd decision to downplay Turing's sexuality. Grade: B.

Penguins Of Madagascar (out Jan 1) is a spin-off from the popular Madagascar series and follows four heroic penguins who try to defeat a villainous octopus who is out to destroy their species. There are a few nice jokes for the adults but the story is a bit too "busy" for the kids. It also lacks many of the endearing characters (Alex, Marty, Manny) that have made this franchise so likable. Grade: B-.

Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb (out Dec 26) is trying to prolong this successful franchise but it's a tired-looking film with a weak plot and no new ideas. The humour also feels amiss and I suspect most jokes will be beyond the reach of younger audiences. Grade: C+.