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-.

India Sweets and Spices (out Feb 3) is the light-hearted tale of a college student from a wealthy Indian-American family who is frustrated by her parents' secrets and their snobby nature. The script and acting is like a trashy soapie in places but the likeable performance of Sophia Ali in the lead role makes it work. Grade: B-.

Queen Bees (out Jan 27) stars Ellen Burstyn as a woman trying to make new friends in a retirement community. The messages are sincere but the script is terrible. I appreciate these characters are supposed to be over-the-top for comedic effect... but they're just not funny. Grade: C.

The 355 (out Jan 13) is a tolerable action-thriller about a group of tough women, from government agencies across the globe, who team up to stop bad guys doing bad things. The heroes aren't too bad (liked their banter) but the villains are dumb and illogical. Grade: B-.