Mortal Engines (out Dec 6) has a creative setting but a not-so-creative storyline. It transports us roughly 1,700 years in the future where a cataclysmic event has all but annihilated the human race. I liked the cities on wheels and the green-eyed robot but the heroes and villains in this ensemble are too simple and easy to read. Grade: B-.

Anna and the Apocalypse (out Nov 29) fits into a genre with which I am not familiar - a zombie Christmas musical comedy. There are some amusing songs but the storyline isn't adventurous and it runs out of gas in the final act. Grade: B-.

Can You Ever Forgive Me? (out Dec 6) is based on the true story of Lee Israel, a struggling writer who forged personal letters from deceased authors in the 1990s to help pay the rent. Melissa McCarthy and co-star Richard E. Grant deserve praise for creating rich, complex, interesting characters. Audiences will form different opinions of them but hopefully most will agree this is one of the year's best films. Grade: A.

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (out Nov 22) is loosely based on Marius Petipa's 19th Century ballet and is the story of a young girl who travels to a mysterious kingdom and must intervene when war breaks out. There's not a huge amount of depth to the narrative here. Grade: B-.

The Grinch (out Nov 29) is an animated film based on the much loved 1957 children's book from Dr. Seuss. This is acute film that should appeal to kids in the lead up to Christmas. In particular, I enjoyed the attention to detail in the town of Whoville and the rhyming narration from Pharrell Williams. Grade: B+.

Creed II (out Nov 29) is a little safer, more predictable than its 2015 predecessor. The longer it goes, the more familiar it seems. That said, it should win over most paying customers because of the two strong performances from its leading men - 31-year-old Michael B. Jordan (his body will be the envy of all) and 72-year Sylvester Stallone (who has perfected the art of self-pity). Grade: B.

Lean on Pete (out Nov 29) is a moving drama about a quiet teenager who gets a job as a horse trainer and in the process, his eyes are opened to the complexities of the world and the responsibilities of being an adult. Charlie Plummer is terrific in the lead role. Grade: A-.

Normandy Nude (out Nov 29) is a French comedy about a small town who tries to raise public awareness for their struggling farms by posing nude for an acclaimed American photographer. There are a few nice laughs but parts of the narrative feel forced and unrealistic. Grade: B.

Robin Hood (out Nov 22) is a muddled retelling of the famed story. Taron Egerton brings charisma to the lead role but it's one of the few positives in a questionable production. Grade: C+.

Widows (out Nov 22) is a winning crime thriller directed by Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave) and co-written by Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl). It's the tale of 3 widows who follow in the footsteps of their late husbands and try to execute a $5 million heist. The film wins points for great dialogue and unpredictable nature. Quick splashes of violence and a few cool twists will catch audiences off-guard. Grade: A-.