Scream VI (out Mar 9) shows there’s life in this franchise yet. It makes the most of locations (like subways) in its New York City setting, and it will keep audiences guessing throughout. No one acts in a rational manner but, because of the film’s spoof-like nature, this makes it all the more fun and entertaining. Grade: B+.

Till (out Mar 9) is a very good 1950s drama about an African American mother seeking justice after her 14-year-old is brutally murdered while visiting cousins in Mississippi. This is well told and well acted. Can't ask for much more in generating the necessary emotions. Grade: A-.

Champions (out Mar 9) is based on a Spanish film which was based on a true story. A self-centred basketball coach (Woody Harrelson) is forced to coach a team of intellectually disabled players as part of community service. It's predictable but the cast, with an emphasis on Kaitlin Olson and the players themselves, make this work. Grade: B.

To Leslie (out Mar 9) is repetitive at times but it’s an affecting tale about a homeless woman who, for the most part, is constantly self-sabotaging any chance she has to get her life back on track. Andrea Riseborough earned an Oscar nomination for her great performance as the film’s alcoholic, chain-smoking, always-lying, train wreck protagonist. Grade: B+.

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed (out Mar 9) is an Oscar nominated documentary about the life of artist Nan Goldin and her efforts to draw attention to opioid addiction. Relying as much on photography as it does video, Goldin is a fascinating individual for whom no subject is off limits. Grade: A-.

Shackleton: The Greatest Story of Survival (out Mar 9) is a rudimentary documentary about the famous Irish explorer and a troublesome voyage to Antarctica in 1915. Moderately interesting if you haven't heard this tale before but it's more of a high school history lesson than an inspiring, captivating movie. Grade: B-.

Creed III (out Mar 2) has a slightly iffy set up (characters not always staying true to themselves) but it comes together nicely with a well-paced, energising finale. Michael B. Jordan, who also serves as director, and Jonathan Majors, as a freshly introduced character, are both excellent in the lead roles. Grade: B+.

Empire of Light (out Mar 2) doesn't fully live up to its potential but it's worth recommending for its homage to a pre-digital world of cinema. Set in 1981, it's centred on a middle-aged woman (Olivia Colman) who manages a slightly run-down, two-screen movie theatre in southern England. Grade: B.

Cocaine Bear (out Feb 23) is “inspired” by actual events and is a horror-comedy about a cocaine-fueled bear who goes on a murderous rampage in a national park. Every character is dull (you won’t care about a single one) but the film does work when the bear is centre stage and ripping people’s limbs off (that’s an indication of the violence if you’re a bit squeamish). Grade: B-.

Missing (out Feb 23) is made in the same style as Searching (2018) and is the story of an 18-year-old girl from Los Angeles who, using only her tech devices, tries to locate her mother who has disappeared on a Colombian holiday. This is completely bonkers and doesn't always make sense... but I was kept engaged but its many twists and turns. Moves at a fast pace. Also a great endorsement for multi-factor authentication! Grade: B+.