The Transporter Refueled (out Sep 10) is a weak sequel with a script so bland that not even Jason Statham returned for it. Ed Skrein steps into his shoes this time around. It's a seen-it-all-before action film that fails to excite with its fight and chase sequences. Grade: C.

Pixels (out Sep 10) sees the Earth come under attack from an alien race whose weapons replicate famous arcade game characters from the 1980s (e.g. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong). The emphasis is on explosions, spectacle and goofy characters which makes me think it’s aimed at a younger crowd. Why then is the only teenage cast member pushed so deeply into the background? A disappointment. Grade: C+.

American Ultra (out Sep 3) is an action comedy about a nerd-ish stoner who discovers he was once a subject in a top-secret government military program. Best described as a comedic version of The Bourne Identity, it's struggling for good laughs. Topher Grace an odd choice as a CIA agent with crazy amounts of power. Grade: B-.

Me & Earl & The Dying Girl (out Sep 3) is the tale of a socially awkward teenager who befriends a fellow high school student battling leukaemia. It feels like it's trying too hard in the early stages to be quirky and off-beat (many film references) but once it settles and you get to know these characters, it becomes an affecting drama. Grade: B+.

Straight Outta Compton (out Sep 3) chronicles the rise of a group of African American rappers (including Ice Cube and Dr. Dre) in the late 1980s. This film has it all - comedy, drama, tragedy and contract law. Some have been critical of its factual accuracy but I found it be an absorbing look inside a world previously unfamiliar to me. Grade: A.

Stalkher (out Aug 27) is a thriller about a woman who turns the tables on a guy who breaks into her house one night. She ties him up and they effectively chat for the remainder of the film with each trying to get the upper hand. It's a curious idea but the conversations couldn't hold my attention. Grade: C.

She's Funny That Way (out Aug 27) is a slapstick romantic comedy featuring a group of nutty / insane characters and overlapping stories. There's merit in the crazy premise but the dialogue is bland. Not enough on offer here. Grade: C+.

A Walk In The Woods (out Sep 3) is based on the novel by Bill Bryson and follows two ill-prepared hikers who attempt the 3,500km Appalachian Trail. A few parts feel over-exaggerated but the film features two great leading performances from Robert Redford and Nick Nolte who find the right balance of comedy and sincerity. Grade: B.

Ricki & The Flash (out Aug 27) stars Meryl Streep as a quasi rock star trying to reconnect with her middle aged children after a long absence. The film runs out of puff in the last 30 minutes but there are some awkward family exchanges along the way (such as a get-together dinner) that provide more than enough laughs. Grade: B.

We Are Your Friends (out Aug 27) stars Zac Efron as a talented DJ looking for his big break into the industry. Watching Efron and his posse go about their business is like watching an episode of Entourage without the comedy. They're a dull group of people but perhaps this will have more appeal to those familiar with a DJ's work. Grade: C+.