God's Own Country (out Aug 31) is an affecting drama about a young British farmer who falls in love with a Romanian migrant worker. Compared with Brokeback Mountain, this same sex romance has two terrific, authentic leading performances and beautifully captures the hesitation that threatens their future happiness. Grade: A-.

Ali's Wedding (out Aug 31) is based on actual events and is an Aussie comedy about a young Muslim man who lies about his exam grades to impress his father and the tight-knit community. It sets in motion a series of events that are funny, awkward and heartfelt. A few elements are rushed (such as a trip to the US) but this is one of the year's best Australian films. Grade: B+.

Gifted (out Aug 31) is a very good drama about a guy (Chris Evans) who is trying to raise his young niece following the death of her mother. It includes a custody battle involving the grandmother and asks questions about the value of a normal childhood. Grade: A-.

The Hitman's Bodyguard (out Aug 31) has some good chemistry between Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson but the storyline is horribly contrived. Reynolds' hitman character is supposed to be destitute but he still has a secret apartment in Amsterdam? Don't get me started on villain Gary Oldman and his incompetent henchmen. Grade: C+.

Girls Trip (out Aug 31) is about four middle aged ladies get together for a fun, boozy weekend at a music festival in New Orleans. You can foresee certain events before they happen but this is still a raunchy, hilarious comedy with some great individual scenes. It’s the strength of the characters that provides the film with its biggest asset. Grade: B+.

Killing Ground (out Aug 24) is an effective Aussie thriller about a couple who go camping in remote bushland and meet some unsavory individuals. I'm not sure about the use of different timelines but this is still a creepy movie with a plausible scenario. Grade: B+.

The King's Choice (out Aug 24) is a Norwegian drama set during the early years of World War II. The King is approached by the German military and must make a decision with major ramifications. It's a touch too long but this is still another interesting real life tale that historians should enjoy. Grade: B+.

American Made (out Aug 24) stars Tom Cruise as a commercial airline pilot who is recruited by the CIA to take reconnaissance photos over Colombia. It's not long before he's involved in drugs, arms and people smuggling. It's repetitive during the middle stages but it's still an intriguing true story that is predominantly framed as a comedy. Grade: B.

47 Metres Down (out Aug 24) is the tale of two young women who go scuba diving in Mexico and find themselves trapped in a cage at the bottom of a sea floor while being circled by threatening sharks. The screenplay is contrived but the filmmakers still create tension by using the claustrophobic setting to great effect. Grade: B.

Maudie (out Aug 24) is based on the life of Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis. Rushing between events a little too quickly, it recounts her struggles with rheumatoid arthritis and the fractured relationship with her husband. It's less focused on her art which is also a disappointment. Grade: B-.