Strange But True (out Oct 17) is a poorly conceived drama about a young woman who becomes pregnant in strange circumstances. This is a bizarre film with everyone running around in circles and avoiding obvious questions to deliberately prolong the narrative. Grade: C.

Judy (out Oct 17) delves in a period in the life of 46-year-old Judy Garland when she travels to London in 1969 to perform a series of stage shows. There are small weaknesses in the script bu these are negated by the stunning performance of Renée Zellweger. The casting is perfect and she does a wonderful job capturing Garland’s blend of egotism and insecurity. A worthy character study. Grade: B+.

The King (out Oct 11) is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's plays (Henry IV and Henry V) and is the story of a reluctant English prince drawn into war with France. The themes are relevant in today's world and Timothée Chalamet is excellent in the lead role. Directed by Australian David Michôd. Grade: A-.

Hustlers (out Oct 10) is an appealing drama with strong performances, genuine laughs and a winning soundtrack. Based on a true story, it follows a group of strippers who, as part of a plan to get rich, engage in criminal behaviour to fleece male customers. It's a film that will get people talking. Grade: B+.

Working Woman (out Oct 10) is an Israeli film about a married mother who takes on a job in real estate and is subjected to harassment from her sleazy boss. Director Michal Aviad does a great job putting the audience in the mother's shoes. Grade: B+.

Gemini Man (out Oct 10) sees director Ang Lee use the latest in visual effects to pit a 51-year-old Will Smith against a 23-year-old Will Smith. The storyline doesn't make a lot of sense but credit to Lee for trying to create something different (including the higher frame rate). Grade: B.

Birds of Passage (out Oct 3) is a Colombian film centred on a man who starts a drug trafficking business in the late 1960s to impress his bride-to-be and her family. It’s interesting to watch the power-dynamic shift between the characters who are driven by a mix of self-interest and long-respected customs. Grade: B+.

Joker (out Oct 3) is a very different comic book movie in that it's focused solely on the "villain" with no mention of a hero. With a superb performance from Joaquin Phoenix, this is a grim, unsettling drama that you'll have trouble shaking off as you leave the cinema. A shame it's a stand-alone feature and not part of the DC Extended Universe as I'd love to see where it goes next. Grade: A-.

The Goldfinch (out Sep 26) is based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel and tells the story of a 13-year-old boy who experiences a tragic event and then struggles with the aftermath. I think there's a great story in here somewhere but the film struggles with the breadth of material (there are big gaps in the narrative) and its insistence to keep linking everything to an absurd subplot involving a painting. Grade: C+.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (out Sep 26) is an above average horror-thriller about a group of teenagers who find themselves taunted by the supernatural after a discovery in a haunted house. You're never quite sure where it's heading and it relies on story as opposed to simple scares. Grade: B+.