Synchronic (out Feb 11) is a multi-genre film about two paramedics confused by a series of deaths/injuries related to a new designer drug. I didn’t care a lot about the characters and their troubled backstories but in terms of the film’s time-twisting concepts, I was intrigued. Grade: B.

Another Round (out Feb 11) is a darkish comedy from Denmark about four male high school teachers who try to maintain a continual blood alcohol content of 0.05% throughout the day to see if it will improve their lives. This could easily have been a silly, far-fetched comedy but director Thomas Vinterberg isn't "preachy" and he's created real, honest human beings. The ending is the right one. Grade: B+.

The Nest (out Feb 4) is centred on an interesting character - a superficial, compulsive liar (Jude Law) who puts an exhaustive amount of time into “appearing successful” as opposed to doing the hard yards and earning his achievements. The film deserves a look but his arc is limited and it feels like an opportunity has been missed to make something more distinct and memorable. Grade: B-.

Wrong Turn (out Feb 4) is a horror-thriller about 6 youngsters who go on a hiking trip and encounter some unpleasant people, There are glimpses of something edgier (shades of Midsommar) but for the most part, it's a formula-driven flick with not-so-bright characters and illogical plot points. Grade: C+.

News of the World (out Jan 28) is set in Texas 1870 and follows a former Confederate Army captain (Tom Hanks) who now makes a living reading newspaper stories in town halls to those with “10 cents and the time to hear it.” Tom Hanks is terrific, 12-year-old newcomer Helena Zengel is unforgettable, and director Paul Greengrass excels in capturing 1870s America. Grade: A-.

High Ground (out Jan 28) reminds us that the Australia we know today is the result of a darker, troubled past. Set in Arnhem Land in the early 1930s, it is centred on two unlikely people trying to negotiate a truce between white authorities and an Aboriginal tribe after a horrifying massacre a decade earlier. It struggles to balance up its many subplots but the lead performance of Jacob Junior Nayinggul, in his first acting gig, is a clear highlight. Grade: B.

Occupation: Rainfall (out Jan 28) is a sequel to the 2018 original. On one hand, it's great to see Australia is capable of making a special-effects laden sci-fi about an alien invasion (traditionally the domain of Hollywood). On the other hand, the dialogue is corny and it falls into the trap of mindless action over meaningful characters. Grade: C+.

The Marksman (out Jan 21) is a formulaic, seen-it-all-before thriller about a retired marine (Liam Neeson) trying to help a young Mexican boy evade a dangerous cartel. The characters are one-dimensional and the plot lacks coherence. Grade: C. 

Penguin Bloom (out Jan 21) is based on a true story and is about a Sydney family with a pet magpie. It doesn't get much more Aussie than that! Whilst character development is lacking in places, the film still delivers as an inspiring, feel-good tale about overcoming adversity. She only has a small role but, as she often does, Rachel House steals the show. Grade: B.