Cry Macho (out Nov 25) is the tale of an aged, washed-up rodeo champ (Clint Eastwood) who travels to Mexico and goes in search of the teenage son of a long-time friend. It’s a mix of good and bad. On one hand, there are nice dramatic moments between the two leads. On the other hand, there are nonsensical parts where nothing feels true (often involving cops and bad guys). Grade: B-.

Titane (out Nov 25) won the Palm D’or at the Cannes Film Festival and marks the second feature film of director Julia Decournau (Raw). It’s an excellent horror-thriller about a 32-year female serial killer who loves cars. Simultaneously creative and messed-up, this is a film that constantly surprises. Grade: A-.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage (out Nov 25) has lots of carnage! It’s a quick-paced, decent follow-up to the 2018 original. Whilst it doesn’t advance these characters in any way, there are laughs to be had in watching Venom interact with Eddie Brock (played by the versatile Tom Hardy). Grade: B.

Lion Spy (out Nov 25) is a documentary about a young female conservationist who infiltrates a group of animal poachers in Africa and films their shocking actions for the world to see. Short, concise, interesting. Grade: B+.

A Boy Called Christmas (out Nov 25) is an adventure about a young kid who goes in search of mystical land of elves. The film doesn’t know how to handle the semi-villainous father subplot but for the most part, it’s fun and full of festive spirit. Grade: B.

Back Luck Banging or Loony Porn (out Nov 25) is probably the most bizarre film I’ve seen this year. Parents at a Romanian school try to have a teacher removed when a sex tape involving her appears online. Split into three very different chapters and framed as a dark comedy, it’s a wild, memorable ride. Grade: A.

Best Sellers (out Nov 25) is the comedic tale of a young publisher who goes on a book tour with an elderly, drunk, reclusive author to help save her struggling business. Doesn’t make a lot of sense but it’s still moderately interesting to watch stars Michael Caine and Aubrey Plaza play off each other. Grade: B-.

Stray (out Nov 25) is a 70-minute documentary that follows three stray dogs walking through the streets and parks of Istanbul, Turkey and their various interactions with people and other animals. Not much dialogue (obviously) but I’d also argue there’s not much to take away from it either. Grade: C+.

The Boss Baby: Family Business (out Nov 25) is a sequel to the 2017 original and is about two grown adults who are transformed into youngsters to help infiltrate a school and spy of their mischievous principal. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, it all feels over-the-top hectic. Grade: C+.

Blue Bayou (out Nov 18) is a moving drama about a poor American family in need of a good break. The climax is a little rushed and forced but writer-director-star Justin Chon is terrific as the father - a man who follows every right decision with a wrong one. Grade: B+.