The Roses (out Sep 4) is a comedically-framed tale of a married couple who, over several years, see their relationship disintegrate. The opening two acts are fun with witty conversations and shifting power dynamics. Stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman are great. Unfortunately, the closing half-hour lost me with its over-the-top, screwball comedy approach. Supporting characters also needed more to do. Grade: B-.

Fight or Flight (out Sep 4) is a quirky combination of Snakes on a Plane and John Wick. It’s got a barrage of contract killers trying to claim a bounty by killing a specific target… and the action takes place mid-flight where escape options are limited. With a fun lead turn from Josh Hartnett, the provides surprising laughs and bloody battles. The action is well directed. Grade: B.

Sorry, Baby (out Sep 4) is centred on a female college student who experiences a sexual assault. Focused on the aftermath and the impact it has on her life in the years that follow, it's a moving, powerful film from Eva Victor. As the writer. director and lead actor, she shows her talents in all three disciplines. Grade: A-.

Not Only Fred Dagg But Also John Clarke (out Sep 4) builds to a nice complex but it's a rudimentary documentary honouring the late writer/comedian from New Zealand who rose to fame in Australia in the 1980s. Grade: B-.

Caught Stealing (out Aug 28) is the latest from director Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream) and is an entertaining tale involving gangsters and drug dealers. I like a protagonist with vulnerability and Oscar nominee Austin Butler is terrific in the lead role. You have a clear sense of the physical and emotional pain his likeable character endures. Grade: B+.

Honey Don't! (out Aug 28) in from Oscar-winner Ethan Coen and taps into my own warped sense of humour. Instead of building to a finale where all subplots are wrapped up, it's a film to be enjoyed for the dark humour and conversations along the way. The performances are distinctive - headlined by Margaret Qualley as a private detective looking into the strange death of a new client. Grade: B+.

Ne Zha II (out Aug 28) is a very good Chinese animated feature (dubbed into English) about young heroes trying to save the world. There's a bit too much going on at times (lots of subplots) but I applaud the animation, the sound, the music. This is top shelf quality. Grade: A-.

The Ballad of Wallis Island (out Aug 28) is a quirky comedy set on a remote island about a wealthy man who helps reunite a music duo he's long admired. The odd premise kind of works... but I'm not convinced there's enough narrative to make the idea last for 100 minutes. Grade: B.

The Thread (out Aug 28) is a French drama centred on a defence attorney representing a man charged with his wife's murder. It brings back memories of the brilliant Anatomy of a Fall (in that's French and it's a courtroom based whodunit) but the characters aren't as interesting. Grade: B-.

Kangaroo Island (out Aug 21) is an Aussie film about a snobby young actress who returns to South Australia after a stint in Hollywood and must deal with family woes. Some subplots lack credibility (especially the U.S. scenes) but when it focuses on the interactions with her dad and sister, it's a moderately interesting drama. Grade: B-.