She Said (out Nov 17) can't quite match the brilliance of the Oscar winning Spotlight but this real-life tale of two New York Times journalists bringing the Harvey Weinstein allegations to light makes for compelling viewing. Hard not to be moved by scenes where abused women finally open up after years/decades of silence. Also of interest is the power of non-disclosure agreements. Grade: A-.

The Velvet Queen (out Nov 10) is a documentary which follows a nature photographer and a writer as they travel to Tibet to explore the terrain and its wildlife. The "holy grail" will be to catch a glimpse of the reclusive snow leopard which lives high atop the mountain peaks. Relying largely on imagery and music, it's not a life-changing doco but it reminds us of the many beautiful, fascinating animals we share the planet with. Grade: B.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (out Nov 10) is a disappointing sequel. For a movie which is 161 minutes long, I expected a stronger, deeper narrative. There’s a lot of people making threats and talking up a “big game” but their motives are flimsy, simplistic and repetitive. Grade: B-.

The Good Nurse (out Oct 20) is based on a true story about a hard-working nurse who suspects something is amiss about a colleague. A few parts are over-egged (like scenes involving the suspicious police) but for the most part, it's an interesting tale. Grade: B. 

The Wonder (out Nov 3) is an interesting, well-assembled period piece. The opening suggests intrigue, the middle offers meaningful character development, and the finale provides food for thought. Set in a small Irish village in the year 1862, it's the tale of a nurse (Florence Pugh) investigating the hard-to-believe claim of a healthy 11-year-old girl who hasn't eaten for four months because she was touched by God. Grade: B+.

All Quiet on the Western Front (out Oct 13) is a German production which follows a group of tired, forlorn soldiers in the final days of World War I.  It’s a familiar story (naïve kids wising up to the futility of war) but the exceptional production values and performances will stick with you. Grim and powerful. Grade: A-.

Armageddon Time (out Nov 3) is a semi-autobiographical drama which allows director James Gray to recount his rocky 1980s upbringing in Queens, New York. It’s not a groundbreaking tale but the strong performances create characters worth showing an interest in. Grade: B+.

Sissy (out Nov 3) is an Australian horror-drama centred on a hen’s party and an estranged friend. There are some interesting elements here (cinematography, score, concept, social media) but the narrative loses its way in the contrived second half where farce overshadows impact. Grade: B-.
 

Whina (out Nov 3) is a New Zealand drama which spans several decades and recounts the life of Dame Whina Cooper who helped fight for the rights of Māori people and the ability to retain their lands. There's a lot to unpack in two hours but the filmmakers give it a good crack. Grade: B+.

Bros (out Oct 27) is a romantic comedy (Billy Eichner) about a successful, middle-aged guy who isn't looking for a relationship... but stumbles into one unexpectedly. It's trying too hard to be funny in places but it's still an easy, light-hearted watch. Grade: B.