The Nest (out Feb 4) is centred on an interesting character - a superficial, compulsive liar (Jude Law) who puts an exhaustive amount of time into “appearing successful” as opposed to doing the hard yards and earning his achievements. The film deserves a look but his arc is limited and it feels like an opportunity has been missed to make something more distinct and memorable. Grade: B-.

Wrong Turn (out Feb 4) is a horror-thriller about 6 youngsters who go on a hiking trip and encounter some unpleasant people, There are glimpses of something edgier (shades of Midsommar) but for the most part, it's a formula-driven flick with not-so-bright characters and illogical plot points. Grade: C+.

News of the World (out Jan 28) is set in Texas 1870 and follows a former Confederate Army captain (Tom Hanks) who now makes a living reading newspaper stories in town halls to those with “10 cents and the time to hear it.” Tom Hanks is terrific, 12-year-old newcomer Helena Zengel is unforgettable, and director Paul Greengrass excels in capturing 1870s America. Grade: A-.

High Ground (out Jan 28) reminds us that the Australia we know today is the result of a darker, troubled past. Set in Arnhem Land in the early 1930s, it is centred on two unlikely people trying to negotiate a truce between white authorities and an Aboriginal tribe after a horrifying massacre a decade earlier. It struggles to balance up its many subplots but the lead performance of Jacob Junior Nayinggul, in his first acting gig, is a clear highlight. Grade: B.

Occupation: Rainfall (out Jan 28) is a sequel to the 2018 original. On one hand, it's great to see Australia is capable of making a special-effects laden sci-fi about an alien invasion (traditionally the domain of Hollywood). On the other hand, the dialogue is corny and it falls into the trap of mindless action over meaningful characters. Grade: C+.

The Marksman (out Jan 21) is a formulaic, seen-it-all-before thriller about a retired marine (Liam Neeson) trying to help a young Mexican boy evade a dangerous cartel. The characters are one-dimensional and the plot lacks coherence. Grade: C. 

Penguin Bloom (out Jan 21) is based on a true story and is about a Sydney family with a pet magpie. It doesn't get much more Aussie than that! Whilst character development is lacking in places, the film still delivers as an inspiring, feel-good tale about overcoming adversity. She only has a small role but, as she often does, Rachel House steals the show. Grade: B.

Dawn Raid (out Jan 21) is a documentary that chronicles the ups and downs of New Zealand's first hip hop music label. It's repetitive in places (a lot of talking heads) but still interesting to see what two university dropouts, with no industry experience, were able to achieve in a short period of time. One for music lovers. Grade: B-.

Only the Animals (out Jan 21) is a French mystery-thriller about an unexplained death in a small, tight-knit community. It's broken up into chapters, each told from a different perspective, with clues dropped along the way. It's slow in places but it goes down paths you don't expect and I like the way it all comes together. Grade: B+.