Hillbilly Elegy (out Nov 12) is based on a true story and follows a 20-something-year-old trying to get his foot in the door at a prestigious law firm while also escaping his troubled upbringing. The performances from Amy Adams and Glenn Close are "flashy" but it feels like we never really get to the heart of any characters. Grade: B-.

The Furnace (out Dec 10) is a weighty Australian film set in 1897 and is the tale of an Afghan immigrant who uneasily teams up with an injured bushman in pursuit of wealth and a new life. Delving into a little-known part of this country's history, this is a movie with something to say. Grade: B+.

The Witches (out Dec 10) is based on the famed Roald Dahl book and is the tale of a young boy who teams up with his grandmother to take down a pack of conniving witches. It's not the greatest adaptation (I was hoping for something darker with more "meat on the bone") but I could see kids having fun with this. Grade: B-.

Words on Bathroom Walls (out Dec 10) follows a teenager in his final year of high school and trying to get good enough grades to be accepted into a leading culinary school. Unfortunately, his schizophrenia has made it difficult to study (he’s easily distracted) and forge friendships. The film succeeds because of the casting and its emotions. Kudos to all involved. Grade: B+.

The Prom (out Dec 3) is pitching itself as High School Musical but for a broader audience. It's based on the Tony Award nominated show and follows a group of celebrities-turned-activists trying to help a lesbian attend her high school prom. The humour is hit-and-miss and the story feels dated but it's still fun, colourful and catchy. Grade: B-.

Oliver Sacks: His Own Life (out Dec 3) is a documentary about the famed British neurologist and author. It was his work that inspired the Oscar nominated Awakenings (released back in 1990). He was an interesting guy and this is nice way to preserve his memory and legacy. Grade: B+.

The War with Grandpa (out Dec 3) has a Home Alone-type vibe and is the story of a 6th grader who, after being kicked out of his bedroom and moved into the attic, gets revenge by playing practical jokes on his cunning grandfather. This is a film for kids and I think they'll enjoy it. The interplay between the leads, 77-year-old Robert DeNiro and 16-year-old Oakes Fegley, is great. Grade: B.

The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (out Dec 3) is a fascinating documentary from start to finish. We begin with their upbringing here in Brisbane, we culminate with their final works, and in between we explore the brilliant music that saw them inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. There of lots of interesting subplots (e.g. the death of disco) and there really is something for everyone. Grade: A.

The Trouble with Being Born (out Dec 3) is a provocative, thought provoking drama about a 10-year-old android girl and her connection with others. I'm fascinated by the issues explored here but it's overly ambiguous in places and therefore doesn't make the most of its premise. Certain to get people talking. Grade: B+.

How Do You Know Chris? (out Dec 3) is a low-budget Australian drama about a man who invites a group of unconnected friends to a party for reasons they're not sure about. It doesn't stick the landing but I like the intrigue and the collection of good performances. Grade: B.