The Bad Guys 2 (out Sep 18) is a step-up on the 2022 original and is an excellent animated, family adventure with a story that engages from start to finish. All the characters get a chance to shine with fun subplots and the voice work is fantastic. Grade: A-.

Kangaroo (out Sep 18) is an Aussie family film about a washed-up TV weatherman who rediscovers himself while looking after orphaned kangaroos in the outback. I liked the supporting cast (Rachel House is MVP) but the film focuses on the wrong person. The redemptive arc provided to the weatherman is laden with cliches. The more interesting, complex character is a teenage girl played by Lily Whiteley. Needed more of her! Grade: C.

The Long Walk (out Sep 11) is based on a Stephen King horror novel and is the story of young men in a winner-take-all walking contest where they must maintain a 3 mile an hour pace or be executed. It's already a great premise but the superb performances of the cast make it an affecting tale of friendship. Beautifully directed (characters are constantly moving obviously), this is not a film you'll easily forget. Grade: A.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (out Sep 11) is not exactly sending the series out "with a bang” but it's a serviceable climax which provides safe, crowd-pleasing content as opposed to anything new. Tension is lacking (everyone is so polite and nice) and the character arcs close out with minimal fuss. Props to Penelope Winton for getting the best out of her one-liners (she's the funniest by far). Grade: B-.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle (out Sep 11) is a Japanese animated feature which serves as a sequel to a popular anime television series. It's clearly for existing fans. I haven't seen the show and had next-to-no idea what was going on. Still, I can appreciate the craft of the beautiful animation. Grade: B.

Splitsville (out Sep 11) begins with two (seemingly) happy married couples but over the course of several chapters, their respective relationships deteriorate in humorous fashion. This is nutty entertainment which goes on wild, unexpected tangents. It never feels like the cast are deliberately trying to be funny… which only makes it funnier! Grade: B+.

Sketch (out Sep 11) is an odd family movie about a young girl with the ability to draw monsters in a notebook and make them come to life. Not a bad effort but it struggles in trying to blend light humour with dark themes. Grade: C+.

The Conjuring: Last Rites (out Sep 4) is billed as the final instalment in the franchise and perhaps it’s finally run out of puff. I enjoyed the first three outings, but this is lacking fresh ideas and slow in terms of pacing. A ho-hum story about demons with the same visual trickery we’ve come to expect. Grade: B-.

The Roses (out Sep 4) is a comedically-framed tale of a married couple who, over several years, see their relationship disintegrate. The opening two acts are fun with witty conversations and shifting power dynamics. Stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman are great. Unfortunately, the closing half-hour lost me with its over-the-top, screwball comedy approach. Supporting characters also needed more to do. Grade: B-.

Fight or Flight (out Sep 4) is a quirky combination of Snakes on a Plane and John Wick. It’s got a barrage of contract killers trying to claim a bounty by killing a specific target… and the action takes place mid-flight where escape options are limited. With a fun lead turn from Josh Hartnett, the provides surprising laughs and bloody battles. The action is well directed. Grade: B.