What’s it about?
Judi Dench is Queen Victoria again in a film that explores the monarch and the the Indian servant who brought light to her final years.

What did we think?
Elizabeth Best says: Queen Victoria is humanised in a delightful way in this Stephen Frears film that’s “Based on true events… mostly.” The monarch’s life is oft visited in cinematic form, but Victoria and Abdul proves her rich history can still provide some surprises. Dench turns in another captivating performance as the regal figure whose crown has become all too heavy in her twilight years. Ali Fazal lights up the screen as her optimistic devoted “Munshi”, a teacher who provided Her Majesty a late-in-life spiritual awakening, much to the disgust of her children. An uplifting, emotional jaunt that’s made no less enjoyable by the fact that it doesn’t really push any boundaries.

What’s it about?
A group of bullied kids band together when a monster, taking the appearance of a clown, begins hunting children.

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Sadly, the scariest thing about the new iteration of IT is leaving New Kids On The Blocks songs running in my head.

Great performance from nearly the entire cast and impressive production values, but simply no tension. It’s actually an excellent 80s coming-of-age movie but let’s face it, that’s not what we signed on to watch.

What’s it about?
Every new step-dad has the occasional thought their new step-child could be evil, but what if they really are the Antichrist?

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Good silly fun with a lot of heart, Little Evil is, at first glance, an entertaining premise stretched to fill an entire film. However, Little Evil’s real strength is in its emotional impact rather than comedic value. Yes, it’s very funny with shout-outs to a range of the genre, but the nuances of emotions and relationships are surprisingly deep. From Evangaline Lily’s loving dedication to her son, to Adam Scott’s recognition of the child’s vulnerability, Little Evil has more than just good laughs. The fantastic cast (it also includes Sally Field and Kurgan from Highlander) well and truly delivers. While it’s not the cult classic he gave us with Dale and Tucker vs Evil, director Eli Craig entertains us enough to leave us looking forward to his third feature film.

What’s it about?
Middle-aged school friends reunite for a girls weekend in New Orleans which goes a little crazy. Wow. Didn’t see that coming.

What did we think?
Stephen Scott says: If Bridesmaids ‘raised’ the stakes in vulgar comedy, Girls Trip kicks it screaming into the cesspool stratosphere. Shitting in the street is so passé, now we piss on it from a great height. Literally. (And yes, millennials, this is literally being used correctly.) Whilst it veers dangerously close to standard Hollywood schmalz, a surprisingly poignant final speech makes it something you could recommend. But not for your elderly mother. Hell no.

I’ll never be able to look at grapefruits the same way again.

What’s it about?
A morally flexible airline pilot is recruited by the CIA to fly over Central America. He ends of taking side deals with just about every party available and becomes a highly successful drug smuggler. But how long can he burn the candle at four/five/six ends?

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: It’d be easy to describe American Made as a Tom Cruise mash-up. Flying with aviator sunglasses? Check. Being shown the money? Check. Flashing a cheeky smile and relying on charisma to get through tricky situations? Check! But while this based-on-a-true-story isn’t blockbuster material it is actually a fun romp combining political satire with larger than life antics that make you laugh AND engage you emotionally. Unexpected depth with nostalgic throwbacks makes this one stand out a bit.

What’s it about?
A man is raising his niece, who is a mathematical prodigy. Once her abilities have been discovered, her grandmother fights for custody.

What did we think?
Imogen says: Watch as one of the Marvel Chrises handsomes his way through this beige movie. It’s got everything you’ve ever seen in a heartwarming film:

1. a man who’s struggling to raise a child by himself,
2. (but does it in a unique and quirky way);
3. an equally unique and quirky child with a special talent;
4. a two-dimensional love interest character (Jenny Slate, you’re better than this);
5. a two-dimensional sassy yet wise black neighbour (Octavia Spencer, you’re WAY better than this).
6. an acoustic soundtrack and predictable outcome.