Runt (out Sep 12) is an Aussie family drama that is ridiculously cheesy and unrealistic... but the cast are so damn likeable that they make it fly. Younger Lily LaTorre is terrific as an 11-year-old girl who enters her lucrative pet dog in an obstacle race to help save the family farm. Grade: B+.

Harold and the Purple Crayon (out Sep 12) is based on the 1955 children's picture book and is about the tale of a 4-year-old boy who, powered by a magic purple crayon, can draw anything he wants and then make it come to life. The writers have gone with a live-action adaptation (like the idea) but I expected more laughs and creativity. The characters’ misadventures aren’t particularly interesting. Grade: C+.

Kneecap (out Aug 29) is an original biopic about a young, three-member rap band from Northern Ireland who began their rise to stardom in 2017. It's a funny, no-holds-barred look at life their interactions with family, fans, police, and drug dealers. Grade: A-.

Last Summer (out Sep 5) is a conversation-starting French drama about a middle-aged woman who has an affair with her rebellious 17-year-old stepson. The striking cinematography (lots of intense facial close-ups) and strong performances make this a confronting movie. Grade: B+.

Thelma (out Sep 5) is an exceptional comedy about a 93-year-old woman (June Squibb) who goes in search of those who scammed $10k from her. It may sound goofy but it's anything but. The performances are top-notch, the jokes are hilarious, and there's a strong emotional undercurrent. It also has something to say about the way we approach ageing. Grade: A.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (out Sep 5) is an average sequel to the 1988 original. The interplay between Winona Ryder and Jenna Ortega is the film’s strongest attribute but the rest is largely forgettable.  New characters are played by Justin Theroux and Monica Bellucci but they’re so one-note and undeveloped that you can’t take them seriously. Grade: C+.

AfrAId (out Aug 29) is a thriller about a family who adopt a revolutionary AI device to manage their home. There's early intrigue but the film weakens in the final half. Underwhelming finale. Grade: B-.

Midas Man (out Aug 29) is an interesting biopic about Brian Epstein, the man who managed The Beatles despite having no prior experience. It's only scratching the surface in terms of narrative, but I liked the lead performance of Jacob Fortune-Lloyd and the lighter tone served by director Joe Stephenson. Grade: B+.

A Horse Named Winx (out Sep 5) is a documentary that provides a nice summary of a great chapter in Australian horse racing. In addition to the famed horse, the film has a strong focus on trainer Chris Waller and regular jockey Hugh Bowman. In terms of Winx's achievements, the filmmakers zero-in on the four Cox Plate runs and the 33-consecutive wins. Offers something for everyone. Grade: B.

Strange Darling (out Aug 22) is an effectively told thriller about a serial killer going in search of new victims. The unorthodox structure makes it very memorable! Superb performances too! Grade: A-.