Joe Bell (out Sep 23) is based on a 2013 true story and follows a father (Mark Wahlberg) going on a trek across the contiguous United States to raise awareness about bullying. It's a moving drama but curiously, Joe Bell is the least interesting character. Reid Miller is excellent as his 15-year-old gay son and Connie Britton is just as good as the mother trying to hold the family together. Grade: B+.

The Killing of Two Lovers (out Sep 16) is an intense, simply-told drama about a husband and wife undertaking a trial separation and the impact it has on them and their four children. With long takes, striking cinematography (e.g. camera kept at a distance), and a powerful climax, this film leaves an impression. Grade: A-.

Palazzo Di Cozzo (out Sep 16) is an Australian documentary about successful Victorian furniture salesman Franco Cozzo. Not sure there’s enough material to justify a full-length feature but I like what is has to say about changing times and dying businesses. Grade: B-.

Die in a Gunfight (out Sep 16) is a lame, exaggerated, narration-heavy, modern day knock off of Romeo and Juliet. Forget this and revisit Baz Lurhmann’s masterpiece with Leonardo DiCaprio and Clare Danes from 25 years ago. Grade: C.

Ainbo: Spirit of the Amazon (out Sep 16) is a trippy animated film about a teenage girl from the Amazon who goes on a journey to save her community from an environmental disaster. Worthy themes mixed with simplistic dialogue and an odd villain. Grade: B-.

Pig (out Sep 16) is a pleasant surprise. It's the story of a man who, after spending more than a decade living as a hermit in an Oregon forest, returns to civilization on a vengeance mission after goons steal his prized pet pig. There’s a fair bit to unpick here and first-time director Michael Samoski provides a nice balance of intrigue and dramatic action. Nicolas Cage terrific in the lead role. Grade: B+.

Ride the Eagle (out Sep 9) has an interesting concept - a man inherits an house from his late mother... but only if he agrees to complete a series of tasks left by her. Unfortunately, the characters are dull and the laughs, for the most part, don't hit the mark. Grade: C+.

Summer of Soul (out Sep 2) is a terrific documentary that shows previously unseen footage of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival (featuring amazing music) while also delving into the mood of African Americans at the time. Grade: A-.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (out Sep 2) is the latest in the Marvel universe and is about a master of Kung Fu who must take on his villainous father to save the world. This is decent. There are well choreographed action pieces (e.g. a scene on the scaffolding of a high-rise building) and some humorous banter between the characters. Grade: B+.

Streamline (out Sep 2) is a Queensland-made coming-of-age tale about a 15-year-old swimming prodigy who, triggered by a family event, heads down a path of self-destruction. Character development is light on and the swimming scenes are hammy... but the strong lead performance of star Levi Miller makes you invest in this story and its redemptive themes. Grade: B+.