Goodbye Julia (out Apr 4) is a heavy Sudanese drama about two very different families who interact after a tragic event. The acting is stiff at times but the story is interesting, moving and powerful. Grade: A-.

Origin (out Apr 4) explores caste systems around the world. Director Ava DuVernay takes an interesting approach. Rather than adapt a famed non-fiction book into a movie, it’s the story of the author’s journey in writing the book in the first place. The flashback scenes are often clunky and over-written, but the current day narrative and conversations are fascinating. Grade: B+.

The Tiger’s Apprentice (out Apr 4) isn’t overly ambitious but it’s still a fine, watchable animated feature for younger crowds to engage with. It’s the story of a 15-year-old who learns he has superpowers and must use them to defeat a villainous sorceress. Grade: B.

Housekeeping for Beginners (out Apr 4) is set in Macedonia and is the story of a lesbian couple who, after one is diagnosed with terminal cancer, make important decisions about their family’s future. Moves at a quick pace. Grade: B.

Before Dawn (out Apr 4) is an Australian-made film about young soldiers fighting on the front line in France during World War I. A worthy project but the dialogue is stiff and doesn’t befit the urgency/chaos of the situation. Takes a while but emotional finally ramps up in last half-hour. Grade: B-.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (out Mar 28) safely keeps the franchise kicking along but lacks a memorable “wow” factor to get people talking. The visual effects are terrific, and the monster battles are cool to watch. The rest is underwhelming. The human characters are dull, the death toll is treated as a triviality, and the tone changes far too often (between comedy and drama). If you liked the 2021 instalment, you might like this too. Grade: C+.

Perfect Days (out Mar 28) follows the day-to-day existence of a simple man who cleans public toilets in Tokyo. Winner of best picture at last year's Asia Pacific Screen Awards, this is a chill, mellow filmgoing experience with a great leading character. Grade: B+.

Kung Fu Panda 4 (out Mar 28) is a safe sequel which takes few chances. Our beloved panda teams up with a new acquaintance to defeat a power-hungry villain. Fine for kids but the petrol gauge of this franchise is starting to run low. Grade: B-.

Io Capitano (out Mar 21) is the story of two Senegalese teenagers who seek illegal passage to Europe in search of a better life. Delving into subjects such as immigration and inequality, the film shows the best and worst of human nature. Great characters with a curiously upbeat music score. Grade: B+.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (out Mar 21) is an uninspired entry in the franchise. It's heavily focused on nostalgia and replicating jokes/subplots from the earlier 4 films. Wish it was more adventurous. Stuff involving young star McKenna Grace is a saving grace (but even that is problematic at times). Grade: C+.