Space Jam: A New Legacy (out Jul 15) is 99% commerce and 1% art. Almost every creative decision (casting, other movie references, the film itself) feels like it’s been made for box-office/promotional reasons as opposed to crafting a fun, engaging, creative storyline. Don Cheadle isn’t too bad as the villain. Grade: C.

Nine Days (out Jul 15) is a curious drama about a mysterious man from the afterlife (or somewhere similar) who interviews people to decide which souls are worthy to be born in the real world. It’s a great concept but there’s a lack of tension, meaning in the film that prevented me from fully latching on. Grade: B.

Alex Ferguson: Never Give In (out Jul 15) feels like it’s only scratching the surface and it could have used a broader range of interviews… but it’s still great to hear the inner thoughts of the legendary football manager as he reflects on his highs and lows. You’d almost call this an autobiography. Grade: B.

Black Widow is a mixed bag. The villain is a "nothing" character, the laughs often miss, and the over-the-top action scenes smother the story. Thankfully, David Harbour and Florence Pugh elevate the material and create characters worth rooting for. Grade: B.

Escape Room: Tournament of Champions (out Jul 1) is an adequate follow up to the 2019 original. It's a carbon copy in terms of format and it rushes too quickly through its "puzzles" but I like the concept and the lead characters. Grade: B-.

Werewolves Within is centred around a newly appointed park ranger who, as the title suggests, sees some weird things in a small, remote, snow-covered town. The introductions drag on for too long but once it all goes crazy, the film wins laughs. Grade: B.

Perfumes is a French tale about a struggling chauffeur who strikes up an unlikely friendship with a renowned, introverted perfumer. The connection between these two doesn’t ring true but there are nice scenes where they open up and stretch away from their comfort zones. Grade: B.

Herself is a British drama about a mother who escapes her abusive husband and, despite having next-to-money, tries to build a small house to provide for her two daughters. Clare Dunne carries the film with her passionate portrayal of a woman who needs help but is reluctant to ask for it. Grade: B+.

Little Joe is a curious drama about a single mother who genetically engineers a plant that, when you smell it, makes people happy. Does it have at side effects though? It’s like a horror film that’s not a horror film. The look (there’s lot of green) and sound make it all rather unsettling. Grade: B.

In the Heights (out Jun 24) is a film based on the Tony Award winning musical from 2008 of the same name. The narrative is a touch “light” in that there are no real villains, not much suspense, and a formulaic love story. Still, it has a wonderful, infectious energy thanks to the cast, locations, songs and themes. Grade: B+.