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-.

Parallel Mothers (out Jan 27) is from acclaimed filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar and is the story of two single mothers, one 39 and the other 17 years of age, who become friends after meeting in the maternity ward of a Spanish hospital. It's not a great narrative (twists are obvious) but the film is redeemed by an interesting subplot involving an archaeological dig. Grade: B.

The Eyes of Tammy Faye (out Jan 27) recounts the story of a married couple who became famous televangelists in the 1970s. It's an interesting world (folks being duped out of money under the guise of "religion") but it feels like we're only scratching the surface and these characters are scrutinised as harshly as they should. Needed an outsider's perspective (e.g. that of the authorities). Grade: C+.

Nightmare Alley (out Jan 20) is a solid drama-thriller from director Guillermo del Toro about a carny-turned-successful-clairvoyant chasing a "big score" from a gullible new customer. You're never quite sure where the film is heading and the exchanges between the two leads, played by Bradley Cooper and Cate Blanchett, are fun to watch as they sneakily try to get the upper hand on the other. Grade: B+.

Belle (out Jan 20) is a Japanese animated feature about a shy, introverted teenager who becomes a word famous singer on a popular social media platform that allows her to retain her anonymity through the use of an avatar. It's a slow first half (feels repetitive with the character hardly changing) but builds into something decent. Grade: B.