Paddington (out Dec 11) follows the much loved Peruvian bear as he moves to London and goes in search of a new life and a new family. The special effects are superb (seamlessly mixing animation with live action) and the film's heart is squarely in the right place. Not fully sold on Nicole Kidman as the villain but the remaining cast are terrific. Grade: B+.

Horrible Bosses 2 (out Dec 11) can be summed up by doing a "cut and paste" job from my review of the 2011 original. It's a far-fetched comedy that works because (1) it is so over-the-top, (2) it has great comedic chemistry between its three leads - Jason Bateman, Charlie Day & Jason Sudeikis, and (3) the supporting cast steal the show at any opportunity. Grade: B+.

The Green Prince (out Dec 4) is a documentary about the son of Palestinian leader who became a valuable Israeli spy. It's an interesting story but with a lack of available footage, the film relies too much on "talking heads" and recreations. Grade: B.

The Captive (out Dec 4) is a pathetic thriller about a father trying to track down his abducted daughter. The film's fragmented timeline appears to only serve one purpose - to try to hide the many plot holes. Why are the abductor's plans so elaborate? Why are the police so incompetent? Why are the issues of rape and torture skirted around? Grade: C-.

Exodus: Gods & Kings (out Dec 4) will rival Noah as this year's most "biblical" release. It follows Moses (back in 1300BC) as he freed his fellow Hebrew slaves from their tyrannical Egyptian masters. It's heavy going (the 2.5 hour duration doesn't help) and feels more like a dry bible reading in places than an engaging, epic motion picture. Grade: B-.

Human Capital (out Dec 4) is an Italian film that begins with a hit and run accident. The film then takes a step back and follows 3 different characters in the lead up to the tragic event. I was intrigued from the get-go and it's a worthy choice as Italy's entry for next year's Academy Awards foreign language category. Grade: A-.

Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (out Dec 4) follows the Cooper family who go through a wild assortment of dramas that provide a very different perspective on life. This is a good, old-fashioned family comedy. Kids will have no trouble following the simple storyline. Adults will be able to relate to the broad premise. Grade: B+.

A Thousand Times Goodnight (out Nov 27) is the story of a brilliant war photographer (Juliette Binoche) trying to balance career with family. Which is more important? A few moments are overplayed for dramatic effect but it's still a balanced film that gets you thinking about the many hats that must wear in life. Grade: B+.

Fat Pizza Vs. Housos (out Nov 27) is a one-note, morally bankrupt comedy that highlights all the people that make Australia so great - prison rapists, corrupt officials, slutty women, dole bludgers, drug dealers, arsonists, thieves and "retards". Just don't see the point of this. Grade: C-.

Serena (out Nov 27) is a dreary 1920s drama about a wealthy land owner who runs afoul of both the law and his wife. None of the characters are particularly endearing and it all leads to a finale that will leave you asking one question - "is that it?" Grade: C+.