Triple 9 (out Mar 3) is a complex story with simplistic characters. The two don’t go together. The wife of an imprisoned mobster enlists a group of criminals to help obtain evidence that could clear his name. The film is sketchy when it comes to their backgrounds and motivations. It's lacking in tension when it needs it most. Grade: C+.

The Finest Hours (out Feb 25) is set in 1952 and recounts the true tale of a large oil tanker that struck trouble in a severe storm off the coast of Massachusetts. This may be a powerful true story but for some odd reason, the three-man screenwriting team have packed it with distracting, unnecessary clichés. It’s oversimplified and lacking in tension. Grade: C+.

Pride & Prejudice & Zombies (out Feb 25) sounds fun on paper but this spoof has only has a few jokes that hit the mark. Knowledge of Jane Austen's classic novel will help you get some of the more obscure references. Grade: C+.

Son Of Saul (out Feb 25) looks at the Holocaust through the eyes of a Hungarian prisoner working at Auschwitz. With its distinctive cinematography and unorthodox narrative, it is a World War II film that will leave an impression. Grade: B+.

Noma: My Perfect Storm (out Feb 25) is a documentary about a chef who started from small beginnings and created a world renowned restaurant in Copenhagen. It's very repetitive and it struggles to make the most of its subjects and their backstories. Grade: C+.

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (out Feb 25) depicts a true story (a departure from director Michael Day). The year is 2012, the setting is Libya, and the heroes are private military contractors from the United States. It's hard to knock the film's spirit and intent but it's very light when it comes to the "bigger picture" of the war itself. Grade: B-.

Gods Of Egypt (out Feb 25) is a ridiculous, over-the-top fantasy that doesn't make a lot of sense. Characters have super powers when convenient. This may have worked better as a comedy but instead, it's trying to be a deeper, spiritual drama (with a chunk of romance thrown in). Brenton Thwaites the pick of the cast. Grade: C+.

Hail, Caesar! (out Feb 25) is a goofy crime caper set against the backdrop of 1950s Hollywood. There are more than enough laughs but the premise lacks the entertaining complexity that I fondly remember from other Coen Brothers movies. Some cast members don't even require a wardrobe change (their roles are tiny) but Josh Brolin is terrific in the lead. Grade: B.

Concussion (out Feb 18) is based on actual events and sees Will Smith star as a doctor trying to create awareness about the long-term brain injuries suffered by gridiron players. Parts of the film are quite clunky but it's still an important story that needs to be told. Grade: B.

Risen (out Feb 18) tells the story of Jesus Christ's resurrection and is told through the eyes of a Russian soldier. I'm describing this as CSI: Jerusalem. It's more of a crime-thriller as the solider tries to hunt Jesus's location and see if the rumours are true. I don't think it adds much to what Catholics would already believe. Grade: C+.