Runner Runner (out now) is a thriller that isn't all that thrilling. Justin Timberlake stars as some kind of "finance guru" who starts working for a shady guy in Costa Rica (Ben Affleck) who runs an online poker website. I like the subject matter but this storyline is too neat, too easy, too familiar. Grade: C+.

The East (out now) stars Brit Marling as an undercover agent who infiltrates a U.S. based terrorist group that seeks revenge against major corporations. The film tries to blur the lines between right and wrong (that's a positive) but unfortunately, there are one too many plot details that don't add up. Grade: B-.

The Turning (out Sep 26) is a very different film-going experience. Based on the novel by Tim Winton, it's a 3 hour film with 17 short stories. It's a mixed bag in the sense that some stories have a strong emotional climax while others are dull, puzzling. It's still to be commended for its boldness (and the fact it comes with a 20 minute interval - a nice touch). Grade: B.

Grown Ups 2 (out Sep 26) is the worst thing since time began. There is no plot, no message. It is offensively awful. Grade: C- (only because that's as low as I go).

Percy Jackson: Sea Of Monsters (out now) is an improvement on the original and while there's not a lot for the adult crowd, it's a fun, easy-to-like adventure that should entertain teenage audiences. Grade: B.

Stories We Tell (out Sep 26) is a wonderful documentary from 34-year-old Canadian filmmaker Sarah Polley (Take This Waltz) that follows her efforts to locate her biological father. This is a film that builds intrigue and offers a few surprises. Just when you think you know where it’s heading and what it’s emphasising… the film unexpectedly changes direction. It’s so beautifully done. Grade: A-.

Mood Indigo (out now) is from Michel Gondry - director of the brilliant Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind. Again blending fantasy with reality, this French romantic comedy/drama is muddling at first but it warms up to a heartfelt climax. Grade: B.

One Direction: This Is Us (out Sep 19) will be loved by "Directioners" but this film is impossible to recommend to anyone else. Asking no tough questions, it's just a puff piece designed to promote the One Direction brand. Did director Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) have a clause in his contract preventing from including anything remotely negative? Grade: B-.

Planes (out Sep 19) is an uninspiring animated flick about a crop duster who dreams of winning a lucrative around the world flight race. I can't believe I'm saying this about a Disney film... but this is not good. The storyline is monotonous and the characters are boring. Nothing here for the adults. Grade: C+.

Turbo (out Sep 19) is the story of a snail who wants to become a racing driver and prove that no dream is too big. It's a message we've seen again and again but I still enjoyed this family-orientated flick that is kept simple enough for kids to enjoy. Grade: B+.