Red One is the major Hollywood release this week, ushering in this year’s round of Christmas movies early enough to make it a family favourite once it hits streaming.

Santa Claus has been kidnapped and it’s up to Dwayne Johnson as the North Pole’s chief of security, Chris Evans as a cynical bounty hunter on “the naughty list” and a talking polar bear to recover him.

Nearly everyone involved in this film has tremendous appeal and goodwill (J.K. Simmons, Lucy Liu), including director Jake Kasdan.

The trouble may be in the way the silly, family film premise is being handled as a bit too much of a film for “grown-ups”, emphasising the action more than the comedy.

Home grown gem Audrey, is a satirical and darkly comic film from Natalie Bailey.

Ronnie Lipstick (Jackie Van Beek) put her film career on hold when she had children, but was determined that her daughter Audrey would become a star.

When an accident causes Audrey to fall into a coma, “Mother-of-the-year” Ronnie takes her daughter’s place in the teen drama program to ensure her legacy.

A horror film from just across the pond, Grafted, is the debut feature from NZ filmmaker Sasha Rainbow.

A gnarly and intense body-horror flick that explores the lengths to which someone might go to be accepted, this film carries some genuine social insight along with visceral effects.

Wei, a uni student of Chinese background, faces rejection and vitriol from people in her life who don’t see her value.

Her obsession, however, is in completing her scientist-father’s work involving skin grafting, but all the bullying is pushing her to extreme lengths.

Not for the faint of heart.

Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom comes to select screens this week.

It is a feature film continuation of a Japanese anime series that teenagers in your home may have seen on Netflix.

Honestly, this one’s only worth it for those who already know about it.

Among the most bizarre films released this year is Sasquatch Sunset.

From off-beat filmmakers Nathan and David Zellner, this piece of cinema mimics the style of “nature narrative” movies like The Bear, by way of the mockumentary format.

The film follows a family of Sasquatch living in the wilds of California.

With nary a line of dialogue or word of narration, the story follows the quartet as they try to survive in a confusing world.

A documentary of the iconic Bondi Icebergs, The Pool, seeks to be a celebration of Aussie spirit and inclusivity.

Something of a personal piece for director Ian Darling, who counts the spot as his favourite place to swim, his hope is that the film will be a beautiful exploration of the ways in which we crave and build communities.

Finally a sequel to a Thai horror film from last year comes to select screens as Death Whisperer 2.

The kind of film that picks up the threads of the previous entry, it is the tale of a family haunted by a vengeful and cruel spirit.

Those of you who might be curious, but feel you should check out the first film before trying this one, just know that by the time you find Death Whisperer you’ll likely have missed your chance to see the sequel.

By Lindsay HALL