Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot (out Sep 27) is a biopic which tells the life story of John Callahan - a man who became a quadriplegic at age 21 and, while battling severe alcoholism, turned his attention to drawing cartoons. Joaquin Phoenix is a good fit for the lead role. Parts of the film are a little sluggish but Callahan is an interesting person to observe. Grade: B.

Night School (out Sep 27) is from the director of Girls Trip and while that had strong characters, memorable scenes, and great one-liners, this is the complete opposite. It’s a messy, woefully dull comedy that fails to extract any laughs from its silly premise - the tale of a lazy guy who returns to school after a 17 year absence so he can graduate and get a better job. Grade: C.

McKellan: Playing the Part (out Sep 27) is an interesting documentary about actor Ian McKellan as he reflects on topics such as his upbringing, sexuality, love of theatre, awards season, old age, and the making of key films (e.g. Lord of the Rings). I could listen to him talk for hours. Grade: B+.

Alpha (out Sep 27) is family-themed drama set 20,000 years in the past about a teenage boy who goes on a lengthy hike across perilous terrain to be united with his tribe. It's a creative project (complete with made-up dialogue and subtitles) but the storyline isn't too ambitious. Grade: B.

Custody (out Sep 27) is a French drama that delves into the complexities of a relationship breakdown when children get caught in the middle. Director Xavier Legrand uses a number of techniques to create a tense, uneasy experience for the viewer. The unrelenting narrative and flawless performances make this a powerful piece of cinema. Grade: A.

The House with a Clock in Its Walls (out Sep 20) has a likeable performance from youngster Owen Vaccaro but it's a strange, jumped story that never fully comes to life. It's the tale of a boy and his uncle who try to solve a supernatural-style mystery. Grade: C+.

I Am Paul Walker (out Sep 20) is a lovingly made documentary about the life of the late actor but it feels too much like a puff piece. Certain parts are repetitive (Paul loved to go "off the grid") and it's narrow in terms of the interviewees (just a lot of friends and family). Grade: B-.

Smallfoot (out Sep 20) is based on a great concept - what if there are a bunch of yetis who live in harmony but have their lives upended when they stumble across a "Smallfoot" human? The messages in animated features tend to get repetitive but this feels fresh with its exploration of power, truth, control and “fake news”. Grade: A-.

Johnny English Strikes Again (out Sep 20) sees Rowan Atkinson reprise his role as a hapless MI7 agent who is called upon to save the day after a massive cyber attack is made against the UK. It's just a series of set pieces that offer next-to-no laughs. Grade: C.

Ladies in Black (out Sep 20) is set in Sydney, 1959 and follows a group of women who work at a David Jones style department store. This is a fun, easy-to-like comedy/drama about good things happening to good people. Julia Ormond and 17-year-old Angourie Rice are the pick of the terrific ensemble cast. One of the best Aussie movies of the year. Grade: A-.