How Do You Know Chris? (out Dec 3) is a low-budget Australian drama about a man who invites a group of unconnected friends to a party for reasons they're not sure about. It doesn't stick the landing but I like the intrigue and the collection of good performances. Grade: B.

A Christmas Gift from Bob (out Dec 3) is a disappointing follow-up to the 2016 original and is the tale of an ex drug addict and his cat who live in London. It's not advancing these characters in any way and several subplots are corny and dull. Grade: C.

Happiest Season (out Nov 26) is a warm-hearted romantic comedy about a same-sex couple who visit one of their families for Christmas... except no one knows they’re a same-sex couple. It overcooks a few comedic elements but the wonderful performance of Kristen Stewart makes this a winner. She serves as the film's dramatic backbone and it allows those around her to overplay their eccentricities in search of laughs. Grade: B+.

Let Him Go (out Nov 26) is an effective drama-thriller about an elderly couple travelling across North Dakota in search of their missing daughter-in-law and grandchild. The performances from leads Kevin Costner and Diane Lane are excellent and the tension really ratchets up in the later stages. Grade: B+.

In the Name of the Land (out Nov 26) feels like the French equivalent of a Ken Loach film. It's the story of a middle-aged farmer who is struggling to pay the bills and can't catch a break. It starts to take on toll on the whole family. It's a touch slow to begin but the film's climax will leave an impression. Grade: B+.

American Utopia (out Nov 26) is a cool concert film that features musician David Byrne (Talking Heads) performing both new and old works with a bunch of gifted musicians on stage in New York City. Directed by Spike Lee, it makes you wish you were there in person to experience it. Grade: A-.

Lassie Come Home (out Nov 26) is a German adaptation of Eric Knight's famed book and is the story of a young boy and his connection with a Collie dog. This is a weak family flick. The fact it's been dubbed into English for audiences here further adds to the disappointment. Grade: C-.

All My Life (out Nov 19) is a romantic drama about a freshly engaged couple whose wedding plans are drastically changed when one of them is diagnosed with terminal cancer. I like the chemistry between leads Jessica Rothe and Harry Shum Jr. but it skirts around tougher moments and hence, the emotions don't resonate as strongly as they could. Grade: B.

Misbehaviour (out Nov 26) is a retelling of the 1970 Miss World beauty pageant which was significant for two key reasons - activists disrupted the live show and a black woman won for the first time. More than just a history lesson, the film tackles the subject from multiple angles and shows there were different perspectives and different lessons learned from those involved. Grade: B+.

Mank (out Nov 19) is a biographical drama that delves into the process and motivation behind screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz (Gary Oldman) as he wrote the script for one of the great films of all time, Citizen Kane. Provided you've done a little background reading beforehand (seeing the 1941 movie will help too), you'll be impressed by what director David Fincher (The Social Network) has been able to achieve in terms of narrative, performances and production design. Grade: A-.