Split (out Jan 26) is a tricky film to discuss. On one hand, it's about a guy with multiple personalities who kidnaps three girls. On the other hand, it's something quiet different. Director M. Night Shyamalan builds intrigue through the opening two acts but I expected more from the finale. Could have easily watched another half-hour. Grade: B.

Live by Night (out Jan 26) is a gangster flick about a man looking to get revenge at those who have wronged him. It's trying to be gritty and realistic but there's a dullness to the leading character (played by Ben Affleck) that makes it hard to be too excited about. Grade: B-.

Moonlight (out Jan 26) follows a kid named Chiron who is from a poor, troubled neighbourhood in Miami. It is split into three segments with each providing a glimpse of Chiron’s at key points in his life. This is a remarkably good movie about one man trying to find love and his place in the world. The performances are hard to fault. Grade: A.

Lion (out Jan 19) is a true story and an emotional story. It follows an Australian man's search to find his Indian family who he hasn't seen in more than 20 years. It’s hard not to feel a tingle down your spine as the film’s reaches its climax. My eyes were moist. Grade: A-.

Monster Trucks (out Jan 12) is about a high school student who befriends a mysterious, oil-loving sea creature. This film has been plagued with production problems and that's evident when looking at the finished product. The script doesn't flow well and several subplots add up to nothing. Grade: C.

Jackie (out Jan 12) is a rare U.S. film that focuses on the life of a First Lady as opposed to a President. Headlined by a beautiful performance by Natalie Portman, this offers a lot of food for thought. What is more important - what we do or how we are remembered? Grade: A-.

Ballerina (out Jan 12) is a simple, lightweight animated feature about an orphan girl who travels to Paris and becomes a ballet dancer. Elle Fanning and Dane DeHaan impress with their voice work but the premise lacks spark and originality. Grade: B-.

Collateral Beauty (out Jan 12) is the tale of man struggling to overcome a tragic event. Parts of this film come across as unnecessarily mean-spirited. Further, there are subplots designed to make us feel empathy for the friends that are unrealistic and manipulative. Very disappointing. Grade: C.

Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life (out Jan 12) is a chaotic family comedy that tries to win audiences over with its silliness but fails miserably. A troubled kid tries to "take on the establishment” and embarrass his school's controlling, sexist principal. Grade: C-.

The Edge of Seventeen (out Jan 5) stars Hailee Steinfeld as a teenager who needs to take a good hard look at herself. I can’t pretend to relate to the troubles of a teenage girl in today’s society but this comes across as realistic and authentic. We all make mistakes and that's just part of life. Grade: A-.