Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues (out Sep 25) is a long-awaited sequel to the mockumentary film which became a cult hit after its 1984 release. The original will always be the movie people remember more fondly but, just like a classic TV reunion special, this serves as an enjoyable companion piece. The story is thin but it’s just nice to see the actors reuniting and tapping into the iconic characters which launched their careers forty years ago. Grade: B.

One Battle After Another (out Sep 25) is the latest from director Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, Magnolia) and is an hilarious misadventure reminiscent of a Coen Brothers movie. The characters have distinctive quirks, the story is batshit crazy, and humour is spread throughout. The expansive cast, headlined by Oscar winners Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn, all tap into their comedic talents. Wild, random entertainment! Grade: A-.

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (out Sep 18) is something the characters experience but I'm not sure audiences will feel the same way. It's a weird romantic film where our two protagonists re-evaluate their current lives after experiencing fantasy flashbacks. I struggled to understand what purpose the flashbacks served nor why these two people were such a perfect fit for each other. Grade: C+.

The Bad Guys 2 (out Sep 18) is a step-up on the 2022 original and is an excellent animated, family adventure with a story that engages from start to finish. All the characters get a chance to shine with fun subplots and the voice work is fantastic. Grade: A-.

Kangaroo (out Sep 18) is an Aussie family film about a washed-up TV weatherman who rediscovers himself while looking after orphaned kangaroos in the outback. I liked the supporting cast (Rachel House is MVP) but the film focuses on the wrong person. The redemptive arc provided to the weatherman is laden with cliches. The more interesting, complex character is a teenage girl played by Lily Whiteley. Needed more of her! Grade: C.

The Long Walk (out Sep 11) is based on a Stephen King horror novel and is the story of young men in a winner-take-all walking contest where they must maintain a 3 mile an hour pace or be executed. It's already a great premise but the superb performances of the cast make it an affecting tale of friendship. Beautifully directed (characters are constantly moving obviously), this is not a film you'll easily forget. Grade: A.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (out Sep 11) is not exactly sending the series out "with a bang” but it's a serviceable climax which provides safe, crowd-pleasing content as opposed to anything new. Tension is lacking (everyone is so polite and nice) and the character arcs close out with minimal fuss. Props to Penelope Winton for getting the best out of her one-liners (she's the funniest by far). Grade: B-.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle (out Sep 11) is a Japanese animated feature which serves as a sequel to a popular anime television series. It's clearly for existing fans. I haven't seen the show and had next-to-no idea what was going on. Still, I can appreciate the craft of the beautiful animation. Grade: B.

Splitsville (out Sep 11) begins with two (seemingly) happy married couples but over the course of several chapters, their respective relationships deteriorate in humorous fashion. This is nutty entertainment which goes on wild, unexpected tangents. It never feels like the cast are deliberately trying to be funny… which only makes it funnier! Grade: B+.

Sketch (out Sep 11) is an odd family movie about a young girl with the ability to draw monsters in a notebook and make them come to life. Not a bad effort but it struggles in trying to blend light humour with dark themes. Grade: C+.