The Running Man (out Nov 13) is based on the 1982 Stephen King novel which was also a 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger-helmed movie. Set in a dystopian world where contestants in a reality TV show are hunted by trained assassins, it starts promisingly but peters out with an increasingly unrealistic narrative and muddled tone. Grade: B-.

Two Prosecutors (out Nov 13) is an excellent drama. The slow-burn, observational approach is reminiscent of The Zone of Interest. Set in pre-World War II Russia, it's centred on a young lawyer investigating corruption within the Soviet Union's secret police force. Sticks with you! Grade: A-.

Predator: Badlands (out Nov 6) succumbs to a few action cliches but it's still an engaging underdog story. Production values are outstanding, thanks to skilled sound designers, engineers, make-up artists, prosthetics teams, and visual effects specialists. Grade: B+.

Die My Love (out Nov 6) is both interesting and elusive. Jennifer Lawrence stars as a young mum struggling with postnatal depression. The performances are great, but I wanted to see the character evolve in a more meaningful way, whether it be good or bad. Grade: B.

Kiss of the Spider Woman (out Oct 30) is part drama, part musical and centred on two men in an Argentinean prison who connect through the power of storytelling. Writer-director Bill Condon struggles with the material. We rush between scenes and it's hard to believe the transformation of these two characters. Tonatiuh is the only shining light with his charismatic performance. Grade: C.

Prime Minister (out Nov 6) is a documentary looking at Jacinda Ardern's leadership of New Zealand from 2017 to 2023. It comes across as a one-sided autobiography, but the behind-the-scenes footage provides great insight into the heavy burden of the role. Grade: B+.

Good Fortune (out Oct 30) may not work as a profound, message-driven piece but if looking for easy laughs, you’ll have a good time. It stars Keanu Reeves (the pick of the cast) as an angel who lets a struggling homeless man (Aziz Ansari) switch places with a successful millionaire (Seth Rogen) to show life isn't always greener on the other side. Grade: B.

Journey Home, David Gulpilil (out Oct 30) is a short, nicely-told documentary which pays homage to the late Australian actor by following the detailed, complicated plans for his burial in 2022. A fitting tribute that offers insight into Indigenous culture. Grade: B+.

Bugonia (out Oct 30) is about two conspiracy theorists who kidnap a pharmaceutical company CEO on the belief she is an alien. I liked the back-and-forth between the characters, but it's a contrived screenplay. The more you think about it, the less sense if makes. Grade: B.

Shell (out Oct 30) suffers from bad timing. The premise is so similar to The Substance that it's hard to watch it without making comparisons. Grade: C+.