It Chapter Two (out Sep 5) is far from perfect but it's still great to see a horror film that delves into deeper issues (friendship, bullying, trauma, adulthood) as opposed to just providing easy scares. It picks up the story 27 years after the original flick (released in 2017) and follows these self-described "losers" as they confront their past... and oh yeah, the sinister clown. Grade: B.

Angel of Mine (out Sep 5) is an American-Australian drama about a woman (Noomi Rapace) struggling to cope with the death of her newborn daughter. It's an interesting exploration of grief and its aftereffects but sadly, the message is soured when the film becomes a clumsy, twisting thriller. Grade: B-.

The Farewell (out Sep 5) is a beautifully told tale that celebrates diversity whilst recognising the emotional similarities that connect us. When it hits you, it hits you! Based on actual events, it's the story of a 30-something-year-old Chinese American (Awkwafina) who takes a quick trip to her birthplace in China to visit her grandmother who is dying of cancer. There's a catch though... Grade: A-.

Kursk (out Aug 29) is a dramatic re-enactment (with English speaking actors) of the submarine disaster that occurred during a Russian naval exercise in 2000. It covers the event from multiple perspectives but it suffers because of a sluggish pace and lack of tension. Grade: B-.

Dogman (out Aug 29) is a gut-wrenching, sad Italian drama about a kind-hearted dog groomer who, in trying to make a better life for his young daughter, falls in with the wrong crowd. Great performances. Powerful themes. Grade: A.

The Kitchen (out Aug 29) is an uneven mess. It stars Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish and Elisabeth Moss as three women who become mobsters in 1970s New York. Their achievements lack credibility and there are significant gaps in the narrative. Couldn't care less about a single character. Grade: C-.

Amazing Grace (out Aug 29) is a documentary put together from actual footage taken when singer Aretha Franklin recorded her best-selling album, Amazing Grace, in a Los Angeles church in January 1972. It holds a powerful allure given the magnitude of the moment. The music is stunning but so too are the reactions from those lucky enough to be in the audience. Grade: A-.

Dragged Across Concrete (out Aug 29) stars Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn as two morally questionable police officers looking to earn some extra revenue on the side. There's a good heist sequence but the film is longer than it needs to be (159 minutes). Grade: B-.

The Nightingale (out Aug 29) is a confronting, powerful drama that is not easily forgotten. Set in 1820s Tasmania, it's the tale of a flawed, strong-willed woman (Aisling Franciosi) who seeks vengeance against an abusive British soldier (Sam Claflin). Filled with exceptional performances, this is both an absorbing character study and a gripping history lesson. Grade: A.

Angel Has Fallen (out Aug 22) is an illogical, laughable bad sequel to Olympus Has Fallen (2013) and London Has Fallen (2016). Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) is framed for an assassination attempt on the U.S. President and must clear his name. Everything is so hard to believe - from the villains' far-fetched plans to the FBI's incompetence. Nick Nolte makes a cameo as Banning's father and is the only highlight. Grade: C-.