What’s it about?
A father raising his family of six children in the American wilderness, using a strict regime of training and learning, finds his life – and parenting – turned upside down when’s he forced to return to the real world.

What did we think?
Angela Young says: This beautifully imagined film is a joy to behold, confidently tackling topics as diverse as socialism, survivalism, mental illness, social justice and what constitutes the ‘right’ way to bring up your children in our muddled modern world. A great tale of familial love and loss, it brilliantly documents nature crashing headfirst into contemporary America. Viggo Mortensen’s performance as rugged, determined father Ben is brilliant, his authority and stern morals never enough to stop the viewer vouching for him every step of the way. Eldest son Bo, played with raw emotion by George Mackay, provides some great moments, of gripping drama as well as twinkling comedy, and the rest of the kids provide star turns.

What’s it about?
A camera crew catches up with David Brent, the former star of the fictional British TV series The Office, as he now fancies himself a rockstar on the road.

What did we think?
Cindy Nelson says: Ricky Gervais has once again mastered the art of delivering an excruciatingly funny, awkward and tragic tale of the sad clown. If you love the way Gervais can offend, make you laugh, AND make you think at the same time, do not miss this catch up/Christmas special on the big screen, featuring genuinely catchy tunes.

What’s it about?
Two childhood friends exploit a loophole to win a US military contract, and eventually find themselves rich … and in way over their heads.

What did we think?
Angela Bowen says: Jonah Hill steals the show in this watered down concoction of The Big Short, Wolf of Wall Street, and Good Fellas. It’s not as boobs-in-your-face, cocaine-on-the-ceiling as you might expect, but War Dogs delivers a gritty take on true events with some decent chuckles.

What’s it about?
A retelling of the classic hero story: a boy’s magical powers grow as he embarks on a mystical quest – all while playing beautiful shamisen music and creating incredible origami creatures.

What did we think?
Dan Beeston says: Read off the page Kubo is a simple fable: a basic hero’s journey with the requisite sword, armour and helm picked up along the way. The true magic is just how visually splendid the whole piece is. The film is a triumph of stop motion animation. To see these puppets come to life is jaw dropping. Children and lovers of art should immediately rush out and see it. For everyone else? It’s just another okay story. Three stars.

Stephen Scott says: The use of clay animation is a dying art and helps set this film apart. The plot lines exposing youngsters to alternative religious views, cultural practices, and the importance of heritage are the other major selling points. If you have a kids, take them and enjoy a family bonding. Three and a half stars.

What’s it about?

When ghosts start to plague the people of Manhattan, four women with paranormal expertise and badass skills band together to save the city. Who you gonna call?

What did we think?

Francesca Percy says: Hallelujah and praise Zuul! It’s been a long time since I saw a movie and wanted to go right back in and see it again; but this fun, joyous, smart, ridiculous, hilarious film made me want to.

As a die-hard fan of the original I was apprehensive about this re-boot, but it has the same fantastic spirit and strikes the right balance between honouring the past and forging a new path. The new ghostbusting foursome are a treat to watch (plus Chris Hemsworth’s comedic side really shines), as are the special effects; from the old-school toys to the new flashy ghosts.

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

Maggie (Greta Gerwig) plans to have a baby on her own through artificial insemination, but switches tracks when she falls for a handsome teacher, John (Ethan Hawke), who is already married with kids to a shrewd academic, Georgette (Julianne Moore).

WHAT DID WE THINK?

Dominic Barlow says: Writer-director Rebecca Miller (The Private Lives of Pippa Lee) returns after seven years with this deeply enjoyable screwball romance set in New York City. Gerwig is on fine form as ever, but the entire cast – also including Bill Hader, Maya Rudolph, and Travis Fimmel – turns in amazing and funny performances. Filmed with gorgeous winter scenery and costuming, it’s a warm and affecting story about our obligations to the ones we love.

What’s it about?
Ten years after leaving the jungle, Tarzan and Jane must return to save Africa from Christoph Waltz, who wants diamonds, or slaves, or colonialism, or something.

What did we think?
Amy Currie says: Just awful. Alexander Skarsgård’s Tarzan is entirely without charm and personality. Margot Robbie makes desperate attempts to compensate by being as sassy and vivacious as she possibly can, which is even worse. She ain’t your grandma’s Jane! Am I right, ladies? Christoph Waltz tries vaguely as a pantomime villain in white linen, and is the best thing in it with the exception of a CGI baby elephant. Oh, and Samuel L Jackson is Tarzan’s wisecracking cowboy sidekick who fires a machine gun and jokes about licking testicles. At least the animals don’t talk.

What’s it about?
Teen angst, neo-nazis and punk rock. What could go wrong?

What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: “Pretentious twaddle” was all I thought for the first half hour: a meandering tale following a punk band that’s rejected the internet because music is “in the now”. Then they get a paying gig. Character backstory is over. Now everyone is going to die by bite, blade or bullet cartridge.

Patrick Stewart is the creepiest neo-nazi you’re going to see in a long, long time.

What’s it about:
A drone-led terrorist capture mission in Kenya takes an unexpected turn, throwing up an intriguing ethical dilemma for all those involved. In one of his last roles, Alan Rickman plays a typically cynical general, with Captain Phillips’ Barked Abdi in a pivotal on-the-ground role.

What did we think: 
Angela Young says: This extraordinarily-gripping thriller keeps you guessing and mulling all the way, as you see through the eyes of the frankly bizarre world of modern remote warfare, tiny beetle drones and all. Superb performances from a global cast and an excellent script combine to make this a winner that’ll leave your cogs turning long after you leave the cinema.

It’s got Helen Mirren and Alan Rickman in it. That should tell you all you need to know.