Mary Poppins Returns (out Jan 1) hasn’t improved on the original but director Rob Marshall has created something worthy to sit alongside. My mouth was sore from smiling so much and I was lured in by the songs and its nostalgic feel. There’s not a lot of nuance to the character but Emily Blunt is still wonderfully good in the title role. Grade: A-.

Holmes and Watson (out Dec 26) is one of the worst cinema releases of the year. There are no laughs to be had as Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly fail dismally in trying to turn the story of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson into a riotous comedy. Grade: C-.

Aquaman (out Dec 26) is a rare winning entry in the DC Extended Universe. Don't get me wrong - there are plenty of weaknesses including a formulaic, seen-it-before story and boring dialogue (particularly from Patrick Wilson as the villain). However, the wonderful direction of James Wan more than compensates. The film has a fresh, cool look and the action sequences look amazing on the big screen. Grade: B+.

The Favourite (out Dec 26) is a rich, dark comedy filled with great one-liners and unexpected twists. For an 18th century period piece centered on British royalty, there are a wonderfully surprising number of sexual references and “c-bombs”. The most riveting element is the interplay between the three lead actors - Olivia Coleman, Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone. A fascinating tale of power. Grade: A.

Vice (out Dec 26) struggles a little with the breadth of material and the abundance of characters. Many events feel over-simplified. Still, it's a blood-curdling look at the corruption and manipulation that has been at the heart of American politics for decades. Christian Bale is scarily convincing as Vice-president Dick Cheney. Grade: B+.

Ralph Breaks the Internet (out Dec 26) is a funny follow up to the 2012 original and follows our two heroes, Ralph and Vanellope, as they traverse the internet while on an important quest. I loved the depiction of the internet and there's also a worthy message for kids and adults to soak up. Grade: B+.

Cold War (out Dec 26) is from director Paweł Pawlikowski and is a Polish love story that begins in the late 1940s and is spread across several decades. Winner of the best director prize at the Cannes Film Festival, this is a concise (85 mins), powerful drama that beautifully recreates the vibe and feel of the era. Grade: A-.

Bumblebee (out Dec 20) is set in the 1980s and is the type of movie that could have been made in the 1980s! It's a fun Transformers origin story about a car-loving, adventurous teenage girl (Hailee Steinfeld) who finds herself on the run from just about everyone after a curious discovery. Grade: B+.

Colette (out Dec 20) is based on a true story and is set in the early 1900s. Keira Knightley stars as a young writer who becomes critical to the success of her egotistical husband. Great performances and an intriguing storyline. Grade: B+.

Peppermint (out Dec 13) stars Jennifer Garner as a woman who goes from simple mum to killing vigilante following the death of her husband and daughter. There's early promise but the film becomes less and less credible with each major plot development. Grade: C+.