The Convert (out Jun 20) is a New Zealand film centred on a British preacher (Guy Pearce) who emigrates to New Zealand in the early 19th Century and finds himself as mediator in a multi-faceted war. Slow in places but an interesting piece of history. Grade: B-.

Divertimento (out Jun 20) is a French biopic about Zahia Ziouani, a woman who overcame much adversity (and discrimination) in becoming an acclaimed classical music conductor. Over-dramatized in places but the film does a nice job capturing Ziouani’s talent, passion, and ambition. Grade: B.

The Promised Land (out Jun 20) is another interesting project to come from Denmark. Set in the 18th Century, it's the tale of a retired military man who takes on a villainous wealthy landowner in his community. Mads Mikkelsen is terrific as always. Grade: B+.

Inside Out 2 (out Jun 13) is engaging from start to finish – a worthy sequel which, according to my own emotions, deserves a strong recommendation!  The production values are excellent, there’s a bunch of memorable characters, and there’s lots to reflect upon as the credits roll.  Anxiety and Pouchy are the pick of the new players! Grade: A-.

The Exorcism (out Jun 13) is a decent idea on paper, but events play out as expected, there are few surprises, and the casting isn’t quite right.  Drawing loosely from the making of The Exorcist in 1971, it’s centred on an actor (Russell Crowe) struggling to tap into his character while shooting an exorcism movie.  To complicate matters, weird things start happening on set. Grade: C+.

The Watchers (out Jun 6) marks the feature film writing and directorial debut of Ishana Night Shyamalan (daughter of M. Night Shyamalan) and is a supernatural horror film about 4 strangers trapped in remote forestland. Interesting ideas but Shyamalan struggles to weave them together into a smooth flowing story. Grade: B.

Bad Boys: Ride or Die (out Jun 6) is hit and miss. The plot makes no sense, the action scenes look like a computer game, and there's limited character exposition. That said, if you're in the mood for laughs above all else, the material is elevated by the likeable comedic chemistry between stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Supporting cast ain't too bad either. Grade: B-.

The Three Musketeers: Milady (out Jun 6) is the second and final instalment in the French adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ 1844 novel. In the same vein as the previous movie (released in Australian cinemas a few weeks ago), the epic production vales don't fully translate into epic emotion. Grade: B.

High & Low: John Galliano (out May 30) is an interesting documentary about the acclaimed fashion designer's rise to fame... and subsequent self-destruction. Offers plenty to think about in terms of addiction, forgiveness, and redemption. Grade: B+.

The Garfield Movie (out May 30) is another subpar attempt to bring Jim Davis's famed cartoon to the big screen. Adapted as an animated feature this time around, it's a formulaic, action-driven tale filled with one-dimensional characters. Grade: C+.