Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths (out Nov 17) is another terrific film from Oscar winning director Alejandro G. Iñárritu. It's about a successful journalist reflecting back on his life through a series of events that blend fantasy and reality. Wonderfully shot. Much to reflect upon. Grade: A-.

Blueback (out Jan 1) can’t fully capture the essence of Tim Winton’s 1997 family-orientated book but it’s not a bad effort. The weaker subplot is about protecting the environment from simplistically villainous fishermen and property developers. The stronger subplot is about the unescapable bond that exists between a parent and their child... and how difficult it can be to let go of the past. Grade: B-.

A Man Called Otto (out Jan 1) has some nice "warm and fuzzy" moments towards the end but the lead up is a mixed bag. Instead of being a genuine crowd-pleaser about a "nasty, bitter old man" who changes his ways through newfound friendships... it felt like a movie about a guy merely pretending to be a "nasty, bitter old man". I didn't buy Tom Hanks in the lead role. The way it deals with darker stuff (eg suicide attempts) is also awkward. Grade: B-.

I Wanna Dance with Somebody (out Dec 26) is, as you’d expect from the title, a biopic of Whitney Houston. It’s more a celebration of her talent than a deep look into her troubles (covered in previously documentaries). I can live with that… just. The cast give it a boost with English actress Naomi Ackie very good in the lead role. Grade: B.

The Banshees of Inisherin (out Dec 26) is an engaging, thought-provoking 1923 dark comedy about two friends on a remote Irish island who have a bizarre falling out. There are many rich, fascinating layers to peel back here. Every member of the cast is in peak form. Grade: A.

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (out Dec 26) is the tale of an anxious boy who, to his benefit, befriends a singing crocodile. I liked this. It moves at a quick pace and the real-life themes (family, insecurity) are nicely balanced against the humorous absurdity of a singing crocodile living in New York City. 13-year-old Winslow Fegley is great in the lead role. Grade: B+.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (out Dec 26) is a coherent, engaging animated feature that sees Antonio Banderas reprise his role as the heroic feline. This time around, he displays an interesting vulnerability while going in search of a wishing star that can grant him more lives. Grade: B+.

The Lost King (out Dec 26) is a clumsy comedic drama about a woman (played by Sally Hawkins) who helped discover the lost grave of Richard III in 2012.  The fantasy scenes add nothing. It’s as if there was only enough material for a 30-minute short story but writers Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope unnecessarily pad it out to 108 minutes. Grade: C.

Triangle of Sadness (out Dec 26) won the Palme d’or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Split into three distinct chapters and centred on a luxury yacht trip gone wrong, it’s a great movie film to discuss with friends as it explores class structures within society. For those who don’t want to delve deeply into messages, this can still be enjoyed as a wild, outlandish spectacle (complete with projectile vomiting). Grade: A-.

Ennio the Maestro is a two-and-a-half hour documentary about the iconic film composer which includes interviews with the likes of Quentin Tarantino, Clint Eastwood and John Williams. Detailed and riveting. Grade: A-.