Den of Thieves: Pantera (out Jan 9) has a similar vibe and approach to the 2018 original. It's a slow opening half but then gets more exciting as the bad folk execute an elaborate robbery. Doesn't make a lot of sense and the supporting players lack spark but aside, it's half decent action movie. Grade: B-.

Monster Summer (out Jan 9) is pitched at the teenage crowd and is a Stranger Things-style thriller about kids terrorised at Martha's Vineyard by a witch. It doesn't make much sense (the adults' lack of concern is laughable) but the interactions between the kids provide an emotional heartbeat which gives the film a boost. Grade: B-.

Conclave (out Jan 9) is from German director Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front) and is a drama-thriller about Catholic Cardinals who meet in Vatican City and form factions in selecting a new pope. It gets too “twisty” at times but just like a Knives Out-style whodunit, you’ll be speculating throughout about who’s playing who. The music, cinematography, and production values are superb. Grade: A-.

Nosferatu (out Jan 1) is an above-average entry within the vampire genre. It’s not trying to sell big laughs, easy scares, and/or gruesome deaths. It’s more of a psychological drama about the way in which Count Orlok, who always has the upper hand, manipulates others in pursuit of his own desires. Grade: B+.

Paddington in Peru (out Jan 1) does enough to appease the masses. While it’s easy-to-follow, and has more fun, overexaggerated characters, headlined by Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas, it doesn’t feel as charming as the last two movies. It’s too much humour and not enough heart. Grade: B.

The Room Next Door (out Dec 26) is a disappointing outing from acclaimed Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar. It's the story of a woman dying from cancer who asks an old friend to assist with euthanasia. I was bored by the characters and, aside from the final 15 minutes, I was similarly bored by the narrative. Grade: C+.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (out Dec 26) introduces a new villain voiced by Keanu Reeves and is the best instalment in the franchise. Hits the mark in terms of humour and fun. Grade: B+.

Anora (out Dec 26) is a conversation-generating film about a 23-year-old exotic dancer from New York City who falls in love with the excitable 21-year-old son of a Russian oligarch.  The opening act focuses on romance, the middle act is screwball comedy, and the final act develops into a meatier drama. Hard to pick a favourite amongst the exemplary performances. Grade: A.

A Real Pain (out Dec 26) is a dark comedy about two 30-something-year-old American cousins who go on a week-long tour through Poland to understand their family heritage. It’s a wonderful character study with Kieren Culkin having the flashier role as the bipolar Benji while Jesse Eisenberg, who serves as writer-director, is also excellent as an introvert with obsessive-compulsive disorder. The film deftly mixes comedy, drama and heart in achieving its goals. Grade: A.

Parthenope (out Dec 26) is the kind of movie you’d expect from director Paolo Sorrentino (The Great Beauty). It doesn’t always make sense but the soft music and beautiful cinematography generate a hypnotic vibe that lure you in. A movie with something to say about love, beauty, ageing, and the city of Naples. Makes you reflect on life. Grade: B+.