Quo Vadis, Aida? (out Feb 17) was nominated at last year’s Oscars for best international feature. Taking place in July 1995 and based on actual events, it’s the story of a Bosnian woman, working for the UN, who tries to save her family when Serbian troops invade the town. Shot like a documentary, this is a powerful, depressing piece of cinema that shines the spotlight on events that should never be forgotten. Grade: A.

Aline (out Feb 17) is inspired by the life of Celine Dion and is the story of a young singer’s rise to fame. Just because a person is talented and famous doesn’t necessarily mean they’re interesting enough for a feature film. It’s like a shallow highlight reel of Dion’s life. Needed a narrower, deeper focus. Grade: C+.

Marry Me (out Feb 10) is reminiscent of Notting Hill in that it’s about a world famous female celebrity (this time a music staff) who enters a relationship with a complete stranger (this time a school math teacher). I don’t mind the pairing of Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson but while Notting Hill made it look so effortless, Marry Me is mishmash of scenes that lack credibility and coherency. Grade: C+.

Blacklight (out Feb 10) is a Liam Neeson helmed thriller about a tired, ready-to-retire-to-spend-more-time-with-his-family FBI operative trying to protect undercover agents in the field. Shady government officials, moralistic journalists and a hero who is always in the right place at the right time. None of this is particularly convincing. The same can be said for the action scenes too. Grade: C+.

Death on the Nile (out Feb 10) sees Kenneth Branagh reprise his role as dessert-loving detective Hercule Poirot as he gets involved with another murder mystery. The huge cast includes Annette Bening, Russell Brand, Gal Gadot and Sophie Okonedo. The pay-off isn’t too bad but it’s a sluggish lead up. Grade: B-.

Drive My Car (out Feb 10) is a complex movie with a simple title. Strap yourself in for... an epic 3-hour Japanese drama about an acclaimed theatre actor staging an unorthodox production of Anton Chekhov’s classic play, Uncle Vanya. Parts feel unnecessarily long and drawn out but there’s much to digest here. Interesting characters who do strange things. Grade: B+.

Benedetta (out Feb 10) is based on actual events and is the story of a 17th century nun who has visions of Christ while also engaging in a lesbian love affair. Standard stuff really. An eyebrow-raising blend of spirituality, scepticism and sex. Not sure it'll get the Pope's recommendation but this is wild ride courtesy of French director Paul Verhoeven. Grade: B+.

Moonfall (out Feb 3) is a tired, cliché-laden, over-the-top film about an eclectic group of heroes trying to save the planet when the moon dramatically changes orbit. This might have worked if it didn't take itself so seriously. The audience for this doesn't include me. Grade: C-.

Jackass Forever (out Feb 3) adds little to the franchise. It's so low on new ideas that it resorts to stealing from a Family Guy spoof. It lacks big, memorable stunts and the while the cast are clearly having fun, I'm not sure broader audiences will be equally entertained. For devoted fans only. Grade: C.

Belfast (out Feb 3) is a likeable crowd-pleaser that also provides a few plot points to reflect upon. Set in Belfast 1969, it's not so much about The Troubles but rather a coming-of-age tale centred on a 9-year-old boy. His parents and grandparents shower him with love and wisdom... while also trying to shield him from the world's harshest realities. Superb with moving performances. Grade: A-.