Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (on Netflix from Dec 18) is a brilliant drama that takes place inside a Chicago recording studio on a hot summer afternoon in 1927. Based on the play of August Wilson (Fences), the film explores many topics (race, religion, money, music) but above all else, it’s a riveting tale of power. It’s easy to forget you’re looking at the likes of Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman (in his final role) given the way they embody their respective characters. Grade: A.

The Dry (out Jan 1) is a wonderful addition to Australian cinema. It's the story of an AFP officer returning to a small country town to look into a murder-suicide perpetrated by a close childhood friend. Eric Bana is terrific in the lead role (love his placid demeanour) and the film is loaded with memorable, distinctive supporting performances. Writer-director Robert Connolly, drawing from Jane Harper's award winning book, deserves praise for creating a credible whodunit. Grade: A-.

Dreamland (out Dec 17) is a slow, formulaic drama that never gets out of first gear. Set in Texas during the midst of the Great Depression, the story is centred on an unemployed young man (Finn Cole) who is seduced by an wanted outlaw (Margot Robbie) looking for a place to hide. These two characters have very limited arcs. Grade: C+.

The Midnight Sky (out Dec 10) is a George Clooney directed sci-fi flick about a team of astronauts returning from a long mission and a sick man on Earth (also Clooney) trying to warn them of an apocalyptic event. The screenplay is formulaic (it's very unoriginal in places) but I like the film's performances and technical elements (particularly the music). Grade: B-.

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+.