The Way Way Back (out Aug 1) is a coming-of-age tale about an introverted 14-year-old who gets a summer job in a water slide park and comes out his shell thanks to some new friends. The film's best scenes are shared between Sam Rockwell and newcomer Liam James. A nice, heart-warming comedy. Grade: B+.

What's In A Name? (out Jul 25) is set entirely at a dinner party and begins with one of the guests revealing that the name of his newborn son will be Adolphe. It sparks a reaction that leads to an eventful evening. I don't think there's enough material here for a feature film but this French comedy/drama does have a few fun moments. Grade: B-.

The Wolverine (out Jul 25) is another X-Men spin-off based on Hugh Jackman's popular character. Sadly, it takes zero chances and does everything by the book. The darker elements aren't explored deeply enough and the villain is weak. I'm still looking forward to next year's X-Men: Days Of Future Past but you can skip this one. Grade: C+.

Behind The Candelabra (out Jul 25) looks at Lee Liberace and contrasts his public life (as an immensely popular entertainer) with that of his private life (dating a 17-year-old toy boy named Scott Thorson). Michael Douglas is charming in the leading role but the film spends too much time on Thorson (Matt Damon) who comes across as a dull nobody. Grade: B.

The Conjuring (out now) follows a family with a haunted house and a team of paranormal investigators who are trying to help them. This is an effective-horror thriller that becomes quite freaky during it's second hour. Grade: B+.

Before Midnight (out Jul 18) has been crafted from the same mould as Before Sunrise and Before Sunset. It’s set over the course of a single day in southern Greece and features lengthy conversations between stars Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. Their compliments, their arguments and their reflections will have you drawing comparisons with your own relationships. Grade: B+.

Only God Forgives (out Jul 18) begins with the murder of a prostitute in Bangkok and develops into a bloody, brutal tale of vengeance. It's got style but I wish it had a lot more in the way of substance. Too often I was bored by the simplistic story and lack of interesting dialogue. Would much rather watch a Tarantino flick. Grade: B-.

Much Ado About Nothing (out now) is a modern adaptation of Shakespeare's play but still retains much of the original dialogue (which is little tricky to grapple with at times). Shot in 12 days inside director Joss Whedon's own home, this film charms with its light nature, black & white imagery and likeable cast. One for the romantics. Grade: A-.

This Is The End (out Jul 18) follows a group of young actors stuck at James Franco's house during a apocalypse. This is just a bunch of celebrities taking the piss out of themselves for 2 hours... but if you're familiar with their previous work, you're likely to find this very amusing (as I did). Grade: A-.

Mud (out now) follows a 14-year-old boy who befriends a mysterious man hiding on a nearby island. It veers off on a few unnecessary tangents away from the kid and I'm not 100% convinced by the ending... but this is still a quality coming-of-age drama fueled by great performances from Matthew McConaughey and newcomer Tye Sheridan. Grade: B+.