Saving Mr Banks (out Jan 9) explores the childhood of Mary Poppins author Pamela Travers and the reasons why she was so resultant to let Walt Disney adapt her books for the big screen. This is an interesting, likeable film with a few nice emotional elements. The scenes shared between Emma Thompson (as Travers) and Paul Giamatti (as her chauffeur) are the high points. Grade: A-.

Walking With Dinosaurs (out now) is the tale of a small dinosaur trying to find his place in the world. There are some rushed character transformations but the simple narrative, educational elements and cool visual effects should appeal to kids. Not a lot for adults. Grade: B-.

August: Osage County (out Jan 1) is based on the Tony Award winning play and is an observational character study about a family forced to come together following a tragedy. Some conversations are immensely entertaining while others are tiring, repetitive. It features terrific performances from Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Chris Cooper and Margo Martindale. Grade: B+.

Closed Circuit (out now) is a weak British thriller about two lawyers who are defending an accused terrorist but discovered there's a huge government conspiracy. I don't mind a good "cover up" flick but this doesn't work. Too many holes. Too many convenient moments. Grade: C.

The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug (out Dec 26) is the middle installment in Peter Jackson's new trilogy. There's more action this time around but it's a struggle to get excited about these characters and their goals. Parts I do not understand. Anyway, the cliff hanger ending gives me hope for next year's finale. Grade: B-.

The Railway Man (out Dec 26) is the true story of Eric Lomax - a British Army officer captured and tortured by the Japanese in 1942. From Australian director Jonathan Teplitzky (Gettin' Square), this is a powerful film about the horrors of war and, just as importantly, its after effects. It has a lot to say. Grade: A-.

Frozen (out Dec 26) is a Disney animated featured based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale The Snow Queen. I'm a big fan. Its focus is on telling an engaging story rather than smothering us with moral laden messages (like too many recent animations). The songs are also catchy with "Let It Go" sung by Idina Menzel the clear standout. Grade: A-.

The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty (out Dec 26) is the story of a man who has done nothing... who suddenly decides to do something. I like the idea of the "fairy tale" approach but some parts feel too forced. I'm not sure about the moral of the story either. Thumbs up for the soundtrack. Grade: B-.

Philomena (out Dec 26) follows an investigative journalist who tries to help a woman track down a son she was forced to give up for adoption almost 50 years ago. Not only is the film an interesting real-life drama, it also works as a buddy comedy thanks to the versatile performances of both Steve Coogan and Judi Dench. It offers laughs, tears and a few surprises. Grade: A.

Anchorman 2 (out Dec 19) will win laughs for its bizarre randomness... and not because it's well written. The plot is messy, the jokes are repetitive and improvisation is overdone. On the plus side, I did enjoy the many cameos in the film's finale. Grade: C+.