Ruben Guthrie (out Jul 16) is a dreadful Aussie film about an alcoholic advertising guru who takes a year off grog to win back his fiancé. Every character feels over-the-top with the exception of Ruben's bearded kayaking friend. It's a serious subject matter but this film is very hard to take seriously. Grade: C-.

Magic Mike XXL (out Jul 9) sees Channing Tatum (aka Mike) team up with his buddies after a 3 year absence and head to the annual stripper convention (yes, such things exist). Director Greg Jacobs has a good eye and the film's female presence has been given a boost with Amber Heard, Jada Pinkett Smith and Andie MacDowell who are all terrific. Only weak point seems to be stripping scenes themselves (not that I'm an expert). Grade: B+.

Madame Bovary (out Jul 9) is set in the mid-to-late 19th Century and centres on a young woman (Mia Wasikowska) who, bored with her husband, is thinking about someone new. The story may be 160 years old but the messages contained in Madame Bovary feels just as relevant today. The grass isn't always greener on the other side. Grade: A-.

Amy (out Jul 2) is a documentary that reflects on the life of British singer Amy Winehouse who passed away in 2011. Director Asif Kapadia (Senna) uses interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and old home movies to show that Winehouse was just an ordinary young woman battling to find her true self. Grade: B+.

Terminator Genisys (out Jul 2) is set in 2029 and follows a guy who travels back to 1984 to tell someone to travel forward to 2017, as opposed to 1997, so as to save the human race. It's a little confusing and the villainous activities feel half-baked. Don't know if there's enough to reinvigorate franchise the special sound & visual effects artists do their best to make it sound/look cool. Grade: B-.

Ted 2 (out Jun 25) isn’t as funny as the original. I’d add that it’s not as crude or random (which works against the film). There are laughs… but the best already appear in the film’s trailer. Grade: C+.

Far From The Madding Crowd (out Jun 25) is based on the 19th century Thomas Hardy novel and follows a young woman (Carey Mulligan) who inherits a wealthy estate and finds herself pursued by three suitors. Some parts are rushed (particularly the ending) but it's still a likeable drama with a great setting. Grade: B.

Love & Mercy (out Jun 25) tells the true story of Brian Wilson, the acclaimed songwriter behind The Beach Boys. Thanks to a superb performance from Paul Dano (he plays the younger Wilson) we’re able to get inside his character’s head and appreciate his creative vision. The 1980s subplot involving his controlling therapist shows that truth is often stranger than fiction. Grade: B+.

Wild Tales (out Jun 18) is a Spanish comedy/drama that features 6 distinct short stories about the power and effects of revenge. I enjoyed the concept and each story held my attention. Can see why it was nominated at the Academy Awards for best foreign language film. Grade: A-.

Minions (out Jun 18) is a spin-off prequel that focuses its attention on the short, yellow, unintelligible creatures from the Despicable Me movies. Unfortunately, they're not as interesting or exciting as Gru - the best part of those earlier movies. Sandra Bullock plays the keynote villain here but isn't given enough screen time. Grade: B-.