American Assassin (out Sep 14) is a James Bourne-style action film about secret government agency that recruits a disillusioned young man (Dylan O'Brien) for an important assignment. It's predictable, it's cliched and it's not particularly well acted. Grade: C+.

I Am Not Your Negro (out Sep 14) is a powerful documentary that reflects on the life of African American writer James Baldwin who passed away in 1987. His beautiful words (narrated by Samuel L. Jackson) are overlaid with images that highlight the racism that existed, and still exists, in America today. Grade: A-.

Rip Tide (out Sep 14) is the tale of a young model living in the US who, in search of a much needed break, travels to her aunt's home in Australia. The film boasts some beautiful cinematography but the story feels like one cliche after another and is not as interesting as it could be. Grade: C+.

Patty Cake$ (out Sep 14) isn't offering anything too new but it's led by a great central performance from rising Aussie star Danielle Macdonald. It's the story of a young woman trying to overcome huge obstacles, including a rotten mother, to pursue a music career. Grade: B.

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (out Sep 14) is based on the children's book series and is about two comic-loving kids who use hypnosis to turn their angry school principal into a superhero. It's a fun premise that runs out of energy during a chaotic final act. Suited for younger children as opposed to older. Grade: B-.

The Emoji Movie (out Sep 14) is *sad face*. Grade: C.

Victoria & Abdul (out Sep 14) chronicles Queen Victoria's friendship with an Indian servant during the late 19th Century and the way in which is shaped her view on the world. It's trying to be too much of a crowd-pleaser in places but at its heart, it's a likeable story about the power of friendship. Judi Dench and Ali Fazal are both great in the leading roles. Grade: B.

The Dinner (out Sep 7) is a dreary, long-winded drama about four horrible people who have dinner so as to discuss an important issue. There's tension during the final act that gets you thinking but the opening two-thirds (where multiple timelines are overlaid) are a snoozfest. The frustrating finale also will leave you disappointed. Grade: C.

It (out Sep 7) is based on the horror novel from author Stephen King and follows a group of troubled kids who are terrorised by a people-eating clown. The narrative is rushed and the performances aren't convincing. I preferred the 1990 TV miniseries. Grade: C+.

Namatjira Project (out Sep 7) is a very interesting documentary about an Indigenous artist who found fame in the mid-20th Century and the way in which is legacy has benefited both his family and the broader community. Covers a broad range of material in a short space of time. Grade: A-.