Stylebender (out Sep 28) is an above-average documentary and much of the credit belongs with writer-director Zoe McIntosh. Firstly, she’s found an interesting person in UFC Champion Israel Adesanya but secondly, and more importantly, she’s maintained a significant level of creative control which allows her to look at the subject matter from multiple perspectives. Grade: B+.

It Lives Inside (out Sep 21) has a few lulls but it's still a decent horror-thriller centred on a teenager seeing strange, demonic things. Grade: B.

PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie (out Sep 21) is simple and effective… and brand-building. I am CLEARLY not in the target demographic, but I can respect this for what it delivers - cute characters, simple dialogue, and noble themes. Not much for adults but an ideal film for pre-schoolers. Grade: B.

Retribution (out Sep 21) is reminiscent of the 1994 hit Speed. A businessman is driving his kids to school in Berlin when told there's a bomb under his seat which will detonate if he leaves the car. It’s hard to see audiences on the edge of their seats for this. The further it goes, the less sense it makes. Noma Dumezweni (as a police detective) gives the only above-average performance. Grade: C+.

Blue Beetle (out Sep 14) is the latest superhero flick and while it's not breaking new ground in terms of narrative and themes, it’s worth a look for its many positive qualities (worthy quotes, a charismatic lead performance, strong production values) and what it broadly represents for the Latin American community (the first live-action superhero movie with a Latino focus). Grade: B.

A Haunting in Venice (out Sep 14) is the kind of movie where you’re never bored… but you’re never blown away. It’s a ho-hum 1940s mystery that doesn’t offer up any shock-inducing twists and sticks to the well-worn mould. If you're a fan of whodunits, the Knives Out franchise is currently offering up more in terms of originality, humour, and characters. Grade: B-.

Last Film Show (out Sep 14) is a well-intentioned Indian flick about a 9-year-old boy who develops a love for cinema. His newfound hobby provides an opportunity to make new friends, create mischief, and open his eyes to the world. Ending drags but a nice story. Grade: B+.

Scrapper (out Sep 14) doesn't always make sense is a decent coming-of-age tale centred on a 12-year-old girl from London who, following the death of her mother, must build a connection with her estranged father. Great performances. Grade: B.

The Nun II (out Sep 7) lacks a strong enough plot to maintain one’s attention for two hours. Still, the film is to be admired for the cinematography of Tristan Nyby (The Dark and the Wicked) and the editing of Gregory Plotkin (Get Out) who help create some great individual scenes (e.g. a windswept magazine rack). Grade: B-.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 is the new frontrunner for worst movie of 2023.  Rushed subplots, haphazard editing, repetitive jokes, weird tonal shifts, and zero laughs.  Was there a script?  How did it all go so wrong?  Grade: C-.