Io Capitano (out Mar 21) is the story of two Senegalese teenagers who seek illegal passage to Europe in search of a better life. Delving into subjects such as immigration and inequality, the film shows the best and worst of human nature. Great characters with a curiously upbeat music score. Grade: B+.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (out Mar 21) is an uninspired entry in the franchise. It's heavily focused on nostalgia and replicating jokes/subplots from the earlier 4 films. Wish it was more adventurous. Stuff involving young star McKenna Grace is a saving grace (but even that is problematic at times). Grade: C+.

Immaculate (out Mar 21) is formula over creativity. It’s the tale of a nun who signs up to a Italian convent and finds some really weird stuff going on. Star Sydney Sweeney isn’t too bad, but the script makes little sense and the blending of genres (everything from violent horror to spoofy comedy) doesn’t work. Grade: C+.

Wicked Little Letters (out Mar 21) is not particularly deep or complicated (there’s a lot of repetition) but the actors elevate the material. Set in 1920s England, a series of filthy, profanity-laden letters have been sent to the home of a middle-aged religious woman (Olivia Colman) and she suspects her next-door neighbour (Jessie Buckley) is responsible. Framed as a dark comedy, I had fun with this (villainous characters really get under your skin). Grade: B+.

You'll Never Find Me (out Mar 14) is a low budget Australian thriller set in one location (a rundown demountable home) with just two characters. Didn't mind the dynamic between the pair but the narrative is contrived. Grade: B-.

Love Lies Bleeding (out Mar 14) is a love story (which works) with a few other crime/drama elements bolted on (which don't work). Set in 1989, it's centred on two young women, one a gym manager and one a body builder, who fall in love. Wasn't sold on the director (weird sound, visual choices) but liked the two leads, Kristen Stewart and Katy O'Brian. Grade: B-.

Imaginary is a horror flick about an evil teddy bear.  The actors are solid (young Pyper Braun is particularly good) but the script is nonsense.  A mishmash of ideas stuck together weak glue.  Hard to rationalise character’s emotions and actions.  Grade: C+.

How to Have Sex (out Mar 7) is not to be missed. It's the story of three 16-year-old British girls who go on a drunken "schoolies" style island holiday in Greece. Sensational, natural performances. It also has something to say about it has something to say about sexual consent, party culture, peer pressure, jealously, responsibility, alcohol, and friendships. Grade: A-.

The Great Escaper (out Mar 7) is based on the true story of Bernard Jordan, an 89-year-old World War II veteran from England who "escaped" from his nursing home and attended the 70th anniversary of the “D-Day” Normandy Landings in France. The film is underwhelming... except for the performances of British stars Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson. Grade: B-.

Cabrini (out Mar 7) isn't covering enough to justify a 145-minute runtime - it rehashes the same subplots again and again. Still, it's a semi-decent true story about a nun in New York City who fights the "establishment" to help the poor communities. Grade: B-.