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+.

The Dead Don't Die (out Sep 26) is an offbeat comedy-horror flick from director Jim Jarmusch. It's what you'd expect if you took the characters from Fargo and then added a bunch of zombies. If you embrace its quirkiness, you'll have fun. Grade: B.

Ride Like a Girl (out Sep 26) is a comedy-drama that chronicles the upbringing of jockey Michelle Payne and the lead up to her history making win in the 2015 Melbourne Cup. There's some really cheesy stuff in this but it's still an interesting story. The interaction between Michelle and her father is the film's highlight. Grade: B-.

Buoyancy (out Sep 26) is a moving story about a 14-year-old kid from Cambodia who, in looking for work, is taken in by a group of people smugglers. It's a simple tale but it's been well told by director Rodd Rathjen. Eye-opening. Grade: B+.

Abominable (out Sep 19) is a cute, fun animated film about a curious Yeti who befriends a young girl and needs help getting back to Mount Everest. The characters are great but it's the film's "magical" elements that make it a little different from your standard American kids film. Grade: A-.

Rambo: Last Blood (out Sep 19) is a limp, disappointing end to this Sylvester Stallone led franchise. It's amazing how little can happen (in terms of character development and action) inside of 90 minutes. Grade: C.

Ad Astra (out Sep 19) is a space mystery starring Brad Pitt. I like the editing, the cinematography and the music. Director James Gray knows how to build intrigue. Unfortunately, it's lacking in terms of story. It's trying to sell a deep, profound message but I struggled to buy into it. Grade: B-.

Halston (out Sep 19) is a documentary about the acclaimed fashion designer but is more about the up-and-down nature of his business activities than his actual designs. Interesting but repetitive. Grade: B-.