Oppenheimer (out Jul 20) will be spoken about for a long time.  Representing a slight pivot for Christopher Nolan (better known for action-thrillers), it’s a brilliant biopic about the American scientist credited with inventing the atom bomb in the 1940s. The editing sets a frenetic pace, the music is intense, and Cillian Murphy’s lead performance is extraordinary. It’s rare for a biopic to capture so many competing angles of a single individual. Grade: A.

Barbie (out July 20) is a creative Hollywood blockbuster which stands out from the pack. I’m stunned Mattel signed off on the edgy screenplay! It reminds of me a bright, colourful, entertaining Broadway musical. Using a mix of humour, dance, music, and over-the-top acting, director Greta Gerwig (Little Women) provides us with a fun two-hours where the purpose of every scene is to surprise, dazzle and entertain audiences. Grade: A-.

Sugar and Stars (out Jul 20) is based on actual events and is the French feelgood tale of a young man trying to follow his dreams and become a successful pastry chef. Predictable but comforting. Grade: B.

Joy Ride (out Jul 6) is an edgy, riotous comedy about four female friends on a working holiday in China. A good cast with solid gags! Grade: A-.

Insidious: The Red Door (out Jul 6) starts promisingly but the ending is a rushed fizzer. Feels like a filler episode of a long running TV series. Grade: B-.

The New Boy (out Jul 6) is an exhausting riddle. The performances are worthy, but the allegory of writer-director Warwick Thornton was lost on me. Grade: C+.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (out Jun 29) is an ambitious but messy entry into the franchise. Lots of interesting ideas but they aren't well executed. The action scenes don't flow (you never feel any suspense), the dialogue is corny and lacking in honest humour, and the villains are too flat. Grade: C+.

Carmen (out Jul 13) puts loose, modern-day spin on the acclaimed 19th Century opera. Enjoyed the dance numbers and the music score of Nicholas Britell. However, it's a thin storyline with stiff dialogue. Grade: B-.

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (out July 13) is an above average, well-polished action piece. I grew weary of the slightly repetitive chase for the mysterious key (they get it, they lose it, they get it, they lose it...) but the narrative is simple, the action is impressive, and the cast make it fun. Grade: B+.

Reality (out Jun 29) is a powerful drama about FBI detectives who visit the home of a young woman suspected of leaking confidential information. Drawing strongly from the transcripts of an actual event, this is simple, eye-opening, and thought-provoking. Grade: A-.