Retribution (out Sep 21) is reminiscent of the 1994 hit Speed. A businessman is driving his kids to school in Berlin when told there's a bomb under his seat which will detonate if he leaves the car. It’s hard to see audiences on the edge of their seats for this. The further it goes, the less sense it makes. Noma Dumezweni (as a police detective) gives the only above-average performance. Grade: C+.

Blue Beetle (out Sep 14) is the latest superhero flick and while it's not breaking new ground in terms of narrative and themes, it’s worth a look for its many positive qualities (worthy quotes, a charismatic lead performance, strong production values) and what it broadly represents for the Latin American community (the first live-action superhero movie with a Latino focus). Grade: B.

A Haunting in Venice (out Sep 14) is the kind of movie where you’re never bored… but you’re never blown away. It’s a ho-hum 1940s mystery that doesn’t offer up any shock-inducing twists and sticks to the well-worn mould. If you're a fan of whodunits, the Knives Out franchise is currently offering up more in terms of originality, humour, and characters. Grade: B-.

Last Film Show (out Sep 14) is a well-intentioned Indian flick about a 9-year-old boy who develops a love for cinema. His newfound hobby provides an opportunity to make new friends, create mischief, and open his eyes to the world. Ending drags but a nice story. Grade: B+.

Scrapper (out Sep 14) doesn't always make sense is a decent coming-of-age tale centred on a 12-year-old girl from London who, following the death of her mother, must build a connection with her estranged father. Great performances. Grade: B.

The Nun II (out Sep 7) lacks a strong enough plot to maintain one’s attention for two hours. Still, the film is to be admired for the cinematography of Tristan Nyby (The Dark and the Wicked) and the editing of Gregory Plotkin (Get Out) who help create some great individual scenes (e.g. a windswept magazine rack). Grade: B-.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 is the new frontrunner for worst movie of 2023.  Rushed subplots, haphazard editing, repetitive jokes, weird tonal shifts, and zero laughs.  Was there a script?  How did it all go so wrong?  Grade: C-.

Theatre Camp (out Sep 7) is a light, breezy watch. It's a Christopher Guest-inspired mockumentary centred on a summer camp for nerdish kids who love acting and musical theatre. The idiosyncrasies of the adult characters are overcooked and I wish we saw more focus on the kids (they're great) but there's still plenty of laughs on offer - some quick, throw-away gags and some requiring a longer set up (like the climax to the camp ending musical). Grade: B.

Everybody Loves Jeanne (out Sep 7) is an annoying French comedy about a financially strapped woman who puts her late mother's apartment on the market to help get her life back on track. Just because these characters are eccentric doesn't mean they're funny. Grade: C.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (out Sep 7) benefits from not being a slavish remake of the earlier films. It has a fresh visual footprint (looks like a painting), an energetic cast, and a workable screenplay (not perfect but good enough). Grade: B+.