Emily (out Jan 12) is the directorial debut of Australian actor Frances O'Connor (Mansfield Park) and is a semi-factual, semi-imagined look at the upbringing of acclaimed 19th century writer Emily Brontë. The romantic subplot is a tiresome and cliched but thankfully, the film is better when exploring Emily's introverted nature and "hot and cold" family dynamics. Grade: B.

The Amazing Maurice (out Jan 12) is an animated feature about a mischievous cat who teams up with a pipe-playing kid to con folks out of their money. In visiting one particular town, he stumbles across a perplexing mystery. I liked this more than I expected. Hugh Laurie has just the right voice for the title role. Grade: B.

The Fabelmans (out Jan 5) won the People's Choice Award at the 2022 Toronto Film Festival and is a semi-autobiographical tale based on Steven Spielberg's upbringing. I'm mixed on this. The supporting players are one-note and underpowered (the "bullies" are the best example) but 20-year-old newcomer Canadian Gabriel LaBelle is excellent in the lead role and gives you a reason to care for 151 minutes. Grade: B.

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (out Jan 5) is a mockumentary about a cute, talking, one-inch-tall shell named Marcel who is trying to locate his family. It’s not often you can say that a family film offers a similar level of material/jokes to appease kids and adults in equal measure. The blend of reality and fiction is fun, and the emotional climax hits all the right notes. Grade: A-.

Mummies (out Jan 5) is an animated feature so utterly stupid that it kind of works. Two ancient Egyptian mummies travel to current day London to recover a valuable ring. It's a winner for its humorously lame gags and song choices. The damaged painting earned a laugh-out-loud moment from me. Grade: B-.

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.