What’s it about?

Set after the events of Batman V Superman, a task force of bad guys is assembled and blackmailed into saving the world from other bad guys, vigilante style.

What did we think?

Elizabeth Best says: It’s not that Suicide Squad is bad. It’s just not… anything. It’s a long, plot-less fight scene, with too many people to pay attention to, moving too fast to actually lock on to anything. Simply put? It’s frenetically boring. Where’s all the fun from the trailer? Characters get loads of screen time but aren’t explored in much depth (Captain Boomerang is an extended punchline, Harley Quinn is a sexy extended punchline, Diablo is the meta-human equivalent of a Bic lighter). Not very much happens except baddies fight baddies to avoid “goodies” (who are kinda baddies) from blowing their heads up. I can’t help but think think DC have done this whole thing backwards; in trying to do an Avengers-style movie, they forgot that all the Avengers had solo movies to establish their characters before they got thrown in together to defeat the big bad. The Suicide Squad aren’t given the same opportunity and as a result we’re still kind of clueless about who they are. Even Jared Leto’s much-hyped Joker doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

Meh. Just meh.

What’s it about?

Several seasons into their “five-year mission”, the crew of the Enterprise, led by the cocksure yet jaded James Tiberius Kirk (Chris Pine) and his emotionally detached scientific officer Spock (Zachary Quinto), heed a distress call from uncharted space. It’s a trap! Oh, wrong franchise.

What did we think?

Ben Bissett and Elizabeth Best say: Beyond may be the title card, but this film asks us to boldly go where we’ve gone before. Set pieces that look like they’re straight from the halcyon TV series, populated by aliens that resemble demons from Buffy meld to create a film that pays fond, knowing homage to the old days of the Enterprise, stardate, oh, whenever Shatner was on the bridge. As always, Star Trek is about the relationships, most importantly that of Spock and Kirk, and the actors all deliver here. The message, that unity is stronger than division, resonates in our uncertain political times, and it’s treated with a great deal of reverence. Colossal visual effects are, as per its predecessors, off the planet (sorry) yet the most powerful image in the movie is a single photograph towards the end. Prepare to wipe a tear away, Trekkers.

What’s it about?
A recently escaped Joker targets Batman, Commissioner Gordon and his daughter Batgirl in a depraved mission to prove a point: We’re all just one bad day away from going mad.

What did we think?

Clint Skene says: True to the comics as if it was ripped from the pages itself, scenes play out more as art than straight feature. Each scene leaves you more uneasy than the last as The Joker raises the stakes of depravity with each passing second (including an incredibly upsetting song and dance number). It’s high drama, confronting themes and squeamish moments, married with an atmospheric score and amazing performances from Batman alumni Mark Hamill, Kevin Conroy and Tara Strong. This is definitely another smash hit for WB Animation. The Killing Joke is a remarkable and much welcomed addition to the DC Animated universe.

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.