Queen & Slim (out Mar 12) is a tale of crime, grief and morality… that begins with a Tinder date. The film is pushing its themes too hard and there are some weird creative choices (e.g. a sex-scene interwoven with a riot) but the distinctive cinematography and great lead performances from Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith won me over. Grade: B+.

The Way Back (out Mar 5) is the tale of a struggling, middle-aged alcoholic (Ben Affleck) who reluctantly takes on the role of a high school basketball coach. I like the not-so-orthodox approach (e.g. the change of focus in the final half-hour) and the authenticity of the characters. Grade: B+.

Downhill (out Mar 5) is a vastly inferior remake to the 2014 Swedish release Force Majeure. It’s a boring, hollow, simplistic movie that lacks the nuance and darkness that made the original so great. Will Ferrell and Julia Louis-Dreyfus have been miscast and Miranda Otto looks like she's been borrowed from a Saturday Night Live sketch. A waste. Grade: C-.

Honeyland (out Mar 5) is a Macedonian documentary that takes us inside the world of a passionate beekeeper (she's such a cool character) struggling to keep her small business afloat in an increasingly corporate world. The crew deserve praise for their fly-on-the-wall approach which captures the drama so powerfully without the need for narration. Strong stuff. Grade: A-.

Escape and Evasion (out Mar 5) is an Australian drama about a soldier coming to grips with a mission gone bad. Lead actor Josh McConville does a stellar job illustrating the effects of post traumatic stress disorder but the screenplay isn't as strong as it could be (there's an odd plot device involving an inquisitive journalist). Grade: B-.

Dark Waters (out Feb 27) follows in the footsteps of A Civil Action and Erin Brockovich and is the true story of an environmental lawyer who takes on a major American company on behalf of a small client. The film struggles to juggle its many characters and themes but it's still an important film about the dangers of self-regulation. Grade: B.

Motherless Brooklyn (out Feb 27) is based on the novel by Jonathan Lethem and has been brought to the screen by writer-director Edward Norton (who also stars in the lead role). It's a well-told tale set in 1950s New York about an inexperienced private detective caught up in a complex case involving murder and corruption. Grade: B+.

The Invisible Man (out Feb 27) is an effective, memorable thriller. It's the story of a woman who is terrorised by her invisible husband (who she believed was dead). There's tension from start to finish, Elisabeth Moss is outstandingly credible in the lead role, and the crew make great use of sound and visuals. Grade: A.

Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears (out Feb 27) is based on a television show which is based on a book series. Set in the 1920s, it revolves around a woman who is best described as part detective, part socialite. I realise I’m new to these characters and the film is pitched at existing fans but, in giving an honest appraisal, I’m struggling to see the fuss. I liked the production values but they're not enough to overcome the dull dialogue and ham-fisted premise. Grade: C+.

The Lodge (out Feb 20) is a sticks-with-you thriller that begins innocuously and builds to a great climax. It's the story of two children and their soon-to-be stepmom who become stuck in a remote house during an intense snow storm. The less you know about it going in, the better. Grade: A-.