Inside Out 2 (out Jun 13) is engaging from start to finish – a worthy sequel which, according to my own emotions, deserves a strong recommendation!  The production values are excellent, there’s a bunch of memorable characters, and there’s lots to reflect upon as the credits roll.  Anxiety and Pouchy are the pick of the new players! Grade: A-.

The Exorcism (out Jun 13) is a decent idea on paper, but events play out as expected, there are few surprises, and the casting isn’t quite right.  Drawing loosely from the making of The Exorcist in 1971, it’s centred on an actor (Russell Crowe) struggling to tap into his character while shooting an exorcism movie.  To complicate matters, weird things start happening on set. Grade: C+.

The Watchers (out Jun 6) marks the feature film writing and directorial debut of Ishana Night Shyamalan (daughter of M. Night Shyamalan) and is a supernatural horror film about 4 strangers trapped in remote forestland. Interesting ideas but Shyamalan struggles to weave them together into a smooth flowing story. Grade: B.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die (out Jun 6) is hit and miss. The plot makes no sense, the action scenes look like a computer game, and there's limited character exposition. That said, if you're in the mood for laughs above all else, the material is elevated by the likeable comedic chemistry between stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Supporting cast ain't too bad either. Grade: B-.

The Three Musketeers: Milady (out Jun 6) is the second and final instalment in the French adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ 1844 novel. In the same vein as the previous movie (released in Australian cinemas a few weeks ago), the epic production vales don't fully translate into epic emotion. Grade: B.

High & Low: John Galliano (out May 30) is an interesting documentary about the acclaimed fashion designer's rise to fame... and subsequent self-destruction. Offers plenty to think about in terms of addiction, forgiveness, and redemption. Grade: B+.

The Garfield Movie (out May 30) is another subpar attempt to bring Jim Davis's famed cartoon to the big screen. Adapted as an animated feature this time around, it's a formulaic, action-driven tale filled with one-dimensional characters. Grade: C+.

The Beast (out May 30) has shades of Cloud Atlas in that it's a long sci-fi drama set across several eras with the same two actors (Léa Seydoux and George MacKay) appearing in different settings. I struggled to latch onto the film's themes but can appreciate it's ambition. Grade: B-.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (out May 23) is another worthwhile instalment in George Miller’s distinctive franchise. I don't think it achieves the same originality and “edge of your seat” impact as 2015's Mad Max: Fury Road but it's hard not to impressed by the talents of the cast and crew. When it comes to action, Miller does it in his own way (and the world is better for it). Grade: B+.

Radical (out May 23) is Mexican film which won the Festival Favourite Audience Award at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. It's cheesy and simplistic in places but still easy to enjoy. Based on a true story, it's the tale of teacher who, in trying to turn around his school's performance, tries a new way of learning to engage his 6th graders. Grade: B+.