Where the Crawdads Sing (out Jul 21) is set in 1960s North Carolina and is the tale of a twenty-something-year-old woman on trial for murdering an ex-lover. The court room scenes are the most interesting element with David Strathairn the pick of the cast as the defence lawyer. As for the rest of the film (largely flashbacks), much of it comes across as a corny, trashy Mills & Boon romance. Grade: B-.

The Black Phone (out Jul 21) misses opportunities to become a standout within the action-thriller genre but it still held my attention all the way through. It's got a cool blend of drama, horror and supernatural, plus a super lead performance from 15-year-old newcomer Mason Thames. It's the tale of a kid trying to escape the clutches of a serial killer. Grade: B.

Official Competition (out Jul 21) is a Spanish comedy about a talented director (Penélope Cruz) trying to bring together two-big name actors (Antonio Banderas and Oscar Martínez) for a new movie. There's some terrific interaction between the characters but I'm not convinced this adds up to much. Grade: B.

Thor: Love and Thunder (out Jul 7) is a tiring, empty addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It's a lame comedy show for the first two thirds before shifting into something more dramatic for the final act. Lacks spark. Lacks originality. Grade: C+.

Minions: The Rise of Gru (out Jun 24) is an entertaining, frenetically-paced animated feature that keeps this franchise kicking. This time around, we follow an 11-year-old Gru who wants to join his favourite team of super villains. Grade: B+.

The Phantom of the Open (out Jul 14) is based on a true story and follows a hapless golfer (Mark Rylance) who sneaks his way into qualifying for the 1976 Open Championship. It's loose with the facts but Rylance is solid and it's hard not to cheer for a guy with such blind optimism. Grade: B-.

The Gray Man (out Jul 14) is a limp action flick about secret CIA operative programs and the dodgy people running them. Trying to be a more light-hearted version of Jason Bourne, this is predictable from start to finish. Grade: C+.

Ali & Ava (out Jun 30) is a Romeo & Juliet style tale set in England just outside of Leeds. Two unlikely 40-year-olds from very different backgrounds form a romantic connection. They’re happy… but everyone around them seems to have problems with the relationship. The two leads, played by Adeel Akhtar and Claire Rushbrook, are both excellent and there are worthy conversations shared between the pair. Grade: B+.

Haute Couture (out Jun 30) is a French drama about a wealthy, successful seamstress who is on the verge of retirement, and an unemployed, poor young woman who she grants a lucrative internship to. It’s tiring and repetitive. They’re cruel to each other, then they make up and talk about her “beautiful hands”, and then they’re cruel again, and on we go as if it’s a never-ending loop. Grade: C.

Lost Illusions (out Jun 23) is a French 19th Century drama which won seven César Awards (the French equivalent of the Oscars) including best film and best adapted screenplay. It’s a fascinating tale about a young journalist caught up in a dodgy media world. It’s filled with rich, interesting characters playing power games and trying to outmanoeuvre their adversaries. One of the year’s best. Grade: A.