Wolfman (out Jan 16) is the latest Hollywood take on the man-turned-werewolf creature who was first seen on screen in 1941.  Australian director Leigh Whannell (The Invisible Man) gives it his best shot with the creepy setting and noises (thumbs up to the sound engineers) but, in the same vein as previous Wolfman flicks, I didn’t find the character that interesting. Grade: B-.

We Live in Time (out Jan 16) is a romantic drama spanning several years about a couple forced to make a series of decisions when one is diagnosed with cancer. The jumbled timeline doesn't add much and a few plot points feel forced (the cooking contest). Still, I like the pairing of Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh as well as the music score from Bryce Dessner. Grade: B.

Emilia Pérez (out Jan 16) is touted as a serious Oscars contender... but I am not a fan. It's the tale of a Mexican gang leader who fakes his own death, leaves his family behind, and has a sex change operation to start a new life. The plot, which becomes a darker version of Mrs Doubtfire, lacks credibility. My biggest grievance is the redemptive character arc given to the title character. Grade: C+.

Den of Thieves: Pantera (out Jan 9) has a similar vibe and approach to the 2018 original. It's a slow opening half but then gets more exciting as the bad folk execute an elaborate robbery. Doesn't make a lot of sense and the supporting players lack spark but aside, it's half decent action movie. Grade: B-.

Monster Summer (out Jan 9) is pitched at the teenage crowd and is a Stranger Things-style thriller about kids terrorised at Martha's Vineyard by a witch. It doesn't make much sense (the adults' lack of concern is laughable) but the interactions between the kids provide an emotional heartbeat which gives the film a boost. Grade: B-.

Conclave (out Jan 9) is from German director Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front) and is a drama-thriller about Catholic Cardinals who meet in Vatican City and form factions in selecting a new pope. It gets too “twisty” at times but just like a Knives Out-style whodunit, you’ll be speculating throughout about who’s playing who. The music, cinematography, and production values are superb. Grade: A-.

Nosferatu (out Jan 1) is an above-average entry within the vampire genre. It’s not trying to sell big laughs, easy scares, and/or gruesome deaths. It’s more of a psychological drama about the way in which Count Orlok, who always has the upper hand, manipulates others in pursuit of his own desires. Grade: B+.

Paddington in Peru (out Jan 1) does enough to appease the masses. While it’s easy-to-follow, and has more fun, overexaggerated characters, headlined by Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas, it doesn’t feel as charming as the last two movies. It’s too much humour and not enough heart. Grade: B.

The Room Next Door (out Dec 26) is a disappointing outing from acclaimed Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar. It's the story of a woman dying from cancer who asks an old friend to assist with euthanasia. I was bored by the characters and, aside from the final 15 minutes, I was similarly bored by the narrative. Grade: C+.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (out Dec 26) introduces a new villain voiced by Keanu Reeves and is the best instalment in the franchise. Hits the mark in terms of humour and fun. Grade: B+.