The Reluctant Fundamentalist (out May 23) is the story of a young Pakistani man who was once a gifted, highly-paid consultant in the United States but now finds himself working as a lecture in a small university in Lahore. What happened? Told by way of flashbacks, this film has a great performance from Riz Ahmed but for every great conversation, there's also a not-so-convincing one. Grade: B-.

The Call (out May 16) is the story of a stressed 911 call-centre operator who has to try to help a young girl who has been kidnapped by a serial killer. This is an interesting, smart, realistic, thriller during the first 70 mins and a moronic fantasy during the final 20 mins. A shame. Grade: B-.

A Place For Me (out May 16) is a lighthearted drama that follows a separated couple and their two teenage children. They've all got problems when it comes to love. Sadly, this was a disappointment. The dialogue doesn't feel natural and as the closing credits started to roll, I don't think I'd grown to understand or appreciate the characters in any great depth. Grade: C+.

Snitch (out May 16) is the tale of a regular guy (albeit very well built) who becomes an informant for the authorities to help save his son, who faces a 10 year jail sentence for drug possession. This is a work of fiction but the story has just enough credibility. Dwayne Johnson is an engaging hero and Jon Bernthal is also very good as the film's most interesting character. Grade: B+.

Tabu (out May 16) is a Portuguese film that I really struggled with (despite the fact it has won a few awards). Told in two parts, it begins with an cranky old woman from Lisbon who is frustrated by her maid. There's an emotional impact late in this story but it's a long, slow grind in the lead up. Grade: C+.

Evil Dead (out now) a simple, old-school horror film. A group of 5 youngsters head to a secluded cabin for a few days and conjure up a very annoyed demon. Time isn't wasted with a bunch of false frights - the violence is plentiful and blood is freely flowing. I wouldn't describe it as "scary" and the characters do some dumb things towards the end but it'll still find an audience amongst those who enjoy the horror genre. Grade: B-.

The Hunt (out now) is a Danish film about a teacher from a small town who is falsely accused of sexual assault by a misguided young girl. This is a riveting, depressing, amazing piece of cinema. You'll feel swamped by a sense of hopelessness as the tragedy unfolds. Grade: A.

Spring Breakers (out now) follows 4 young women who rob a take-away store and then head to Florida for an alcohol/drug fuelled vacation. This film is 60% slo-mo, 35% breasts and 5% James Franco sucking off a gun. Would have preferred more story but it does win points for its use of a Britney Spears song (you can't help but laugh when you see the context). Grade: B-.

Star Trek Into Darkness (out May 9) is good but ranks slightly below the 2009 reboot. It features an interesting villain (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) but this film goes a little too overboard on the action and doesn't find the time to develop the characters in any great depth (e.g. the friction between Spock and Uhura). Grade: B.

The Paperboy (out now) has been trashed by most critics... and they're on the money. It's a messy effort from director Lee Daniels (Precious) that doesn't know what it wants to be. Grade: C.