Lights Out (out Jul 21) is a creative, effective horror film about a paranormal being terrorising a family. It is scared of light and so it will do whatever is necessary to make sure the lights are indeed out. Grade: B+.

Star Trek Beyond (out Jul 21) is a mixed bag. You know the characters are going to survive but the bleak scenario will still leave you asking the question - “how the hell are they going to get out this?" Unfortunately, the film weakens in the second half with a standard action finale and little character progression. Grade: B-.

Love & Friendship (out Jul 21) is based on one of Jane Austen's lesser known works. This is a delightful, entertaining comedy filled with wonderful dialogue. Some characters are manipulating, some characters are being manipulated, and some characters are powerlessly watching the manipulation unfold. Kate Beckinsale & Tom Bennett are the pick of the cast. Grade: B+.

Swiss Army Man (out Jul 14) is a peculiar drama about a man on a deserted island (Paul Dano) who befriends a flatulent corpse (Daniel Radcliffe) that washes up on the beach. It wins points for being different but it's a story that I didn't find particularly fulfilling. Grade: B-.

Sing Street (out Jul 14) is set in 1985 and follows a high school student from a poor neighbourhood in Dublin who forms a band to win the affection of a girl. This is a simple, funny, sweet, beautiful film. Directed by John Carney (Once), it's filled with great 1980s music and a bunch of new songs that I'm still humming. A movie for anyone and everyone. Grade: A.

Ghostbusters (out Jul 14) is no masterpiece but it's a still an enjoyable comedy that pays homage to the original while also creating a bunch of new characters. The biggest surprise is that the lesser known Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones outshine both Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy. Grade: B.

Our Kind of Traitor (out Jul 14) is an action thriller based on the novel by John le Carré. A British lecturer holidaying in Morocco is befriended by a Russian money launderer seeking help. Like previous le Carré adaptations, the characters act surprisingly sensibly and there’s a worthy ending that fits neatly with the lead up. Grade: B+.

Maggie's Plan (out Jul 7) is a romantic comedy starring Greta Gerwig, Ethan Hawke and Julianne Moore. It wins points for being slightly unorthodox but there's not a lot of substance to these characters and I grew tired of their quirky sensibilities. Grade: B-.

Mike & Dave Need Wedding Dates (out Jul 7) is a surprisingly entertaining comedy about two guys forced to find dates for their sister's wedding. The girls are as a crazy as the guys, there are plenty of great one-liners, and the supporting cast pull their weight. Grade: B+.

The Legend of Tarzan (out Jul 7) is a muddling film. The dull narrative is infused with quick flashbacks that show how Tarzan came to be. Christoph Waltz is a cheesy villain and Margot Robbie is given very little to do as Tarzan's kidnapped love interest. Grade: C+.