Manchester by the Sea (2016)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4034228/

Brooding, brutal and  incredibly depressing, Casey Affleck is excellent as a broken man forced to care for his nephew after his brother's death. The supporting performances, bleak backdrop and superb direction add to both the quality and the melancholy of the movie. A great watch.

Four stars

Wonder Woman (2017)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0451279

Finally a female-led superhero movie that totally nails it! Earnest, honest and totally badass, it's impossible not to love Amazonian princess Diana. With superb direction, the best fight scenes I've seen in AGES, a great supporting cast and even a tolerable romance it's very close to five.

Four stars

Alien: Covenant (2017)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2316204

Unless it's your first Alien viewing you'll be disappointed. Lazy storytelling with too many characters that die at such a rapid pace it's hard to keep up (or care). The aliens are gnarly and Fassbender is great but with only one scary scene overall it's very forgettable.

Two stars

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3896198/

With the near-impossible task of following its five-star predecessor, Vol. 2 did incredibly well to stick to the winning formula whilst offering something new. Although not quite as hilarious, it is every bit as sharp, mean and sarcastic, and the novel plot is action-packed enough to keep it exciting throughout.

Four stars

Moana (2016)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3521164/

Nicey nicey Disney film with fun songs, great animation and an excellently written protagonist. Missing quality comic relief, captivating plot threads or any scary characters but enjoyable enough if you want a feel-good, beautiful, light-hearted couple of hours.

Three stars

Get Out (2017)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5052448/

Black guy goes to visit white girlfriend's family for the first time and weird shit goes down. Creepy and thrilling with great acting and a super edgy soundtrack, this sinister drama borders on horror and is tinged with dark humour. Recommended watch for anyone into alternative films.

Four stars

Arrival (2016)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2543164

Fantastically minimal in its treatment of a gigantic theme, this beautifully nuanced sci-fi treats an alien landing with a sense of contained realism that is very rare. A slightly flat finale lets it down but overall this is a hugely enjoyable think-piece with impressive lead acting and direction.

Four stars

Prevenge (2016)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5154288/

Violent and initially shocking, this macabre tale of a pregnant widow's revenge mission loses its way a little once the initial couple of murders are committed. But it's a bold blend of comedy, drama and horror that is definitely worth a watch for anyone who enjoys an out-of-the-ordinary film.

Four stars*

* One of those is just for how daringly different it is

Knocked Up (2007)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0478311/

Less than half the jokes are funny. It portrays all men as underappreciated cool dudes and all women as idiotic shrieking harpies. Romance and childbearing aren't my favourite comedic subjects and the crude tone isn't quite enough to save it. Amusing enough not to switch it off... but only just.

Two stars

T2 Trainspotting (2017)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2763304/

Jam-packed with beautiful, melancholy nostalgia this sequel will please any Trainspotting fans. The gang are reunited in middle age, where old wounds are reopened and the power of lost youth hits home. Sentimental yet cruel, this trip down memory lane absolutely nails the near-impossible task of living up to expectations.

Five stars