Mr. Burton (out Aug 14) is an interesting biopic about the arts-loving school teacher who helped shape the career of Welsh actor Richard Burton in his early years. With great lead performances, it’s a reminder to reflect on the people in our own lives who have made us who we are today. Grade: B+.

The Life of Chuck (out Aug 14) won the People's Choice Award at last year's Toronto Film Festival and is based off a Stephen King short story. The narrative revolves around Charles Krantz (Tom Hiddleston), a character we see… but don’t really get to know. The strong direction of Mike Flanagan helps compensate. Grade: B.

Weapons (out Aug 7) holds your attention from start to finish and is not a film you'll easily forget. Creatively told from six different perspectives, it's a horror-thriller about 17 children from the same class at elementary school who all go missing in the middle of the night. Great characters, great performances, great direction, great ending. Grade: A.

Freakier Friday (out Aug 7) is a sequel to the 2003 cinema release. The stakes have been raised as, instead of two people switching bodies, we now have four. The themes are laid on thickly and several of the character personalities are rushed but there’s still a likeable spirit to Freakier Friday, elevated by the cast, which makes it worthwhile. Grade: B.

Future Council (out Aug 7) is an Australian documentary about a group of youngsters who, concerned about the environment, travel to Europe and chat to corporate big-wigs about sustainable business practices. Not sure it's telling us anything new but a worthy endeavour. Grade: B-.

Bride Hard (out Jul 31) is a dreadful comedy about an undercover government agent (Rebel Wilson) to finds her work and personal life collide when armed assassins rock up at her best friend's wedding. I like the casting choices but the premise is so disjointed and far-fetched that attempts at humour miss the mark. Grade: C-.

Together (was Jul 31) was shot in Australia and is a horror-thriller about a long-term, unmarried couple who uncover a mysterious "force" in a cave which makes them unable to be apart. Starring Dave Franco and Alison Brie, see it with friends as you’ll have fun debating afterwards! A cool concept. Grade: B+.

When Fall is Coming (out Jul 31) is a French drama about an elderly woman trying to reconnect with her daughter and grandson. With a few interesting twists, it's a strong outing from director François Ozon. Really enjoyed the fact he keeps audiences on their toes and doesn't spell everything out. Grade: A-.

The Stolen Painting (out Jul 31) is a current day French drama centred on a valuable work of art thought to be lost during World War II. The owners and auctioneers work hard and tell a few lies to try to secure the best price. Not sure the film has a clear purpose (lots of subplots that don't really gel) but liked the offbeat nature to several characters. Grade: B-.

The Friend (out Jul 31) is a weird comedy-drama about a New York City based woman (Naomi Watts) who comes into the possession of a large dog when a colleague passes away. Thought it would offer a bit more than a "dogs are great" vibe. Grade: C+.