Love & Mercy (out Jun 25) tells the true story of Brian Wilson, the acclaimed songwriter behind The Beach Boys. Thanks to a superb performance from Paul Dano (he plays the younger Wilson) we’re able to get inside his character’s head and appreciate his creative vision. The 1980s subplot involving his controlling therapist shows that truth is often stranger than fiction. Grade: B+.

Wild Tales (out Jun 18) is a Spanish comedy/drama that features 6 distinct short stories about the power and effects of revenge. I enjoyed the concept and each story held my attention. Can see why it was nominated at the Academy Awards for best foreign language film. Grade: A-.

Minions (out Jun 18) is a spin-off prequel that focuses its attention on the short, yellow, unintelligible creatures from the Despicable Me movies. Unfortunately, they're not as interesting or exciting as Gru - the best part of those earlier movies. Sandra Bullock plays the keynote villain here but isn't given enough screen time. Grade: B-.

Going Clear: Scientology And The Prison Of Belief (out Jun 18) is a documentary from Oscar winner Alex Gibney that pulls back the curtain on Scientology and exposes it as a sham. There's some great footage of key Scientologists in action (e.g. David Miscavige) but the film could have used a more diverse group of interviewees. Grade: B.

Inside Out (out Jun 18) is a Pixar animated feature that takes us inside the head of a vibrant, impressionable 11-year-old girl. It’s a fascinating concept that is rich in detail. The film’s most impressive attribute is the way it explores human emotions and the way they are so often intertwined. A stunning achievement that blends creativity, humour and emotion. Grade: A.

Hot Pursuit (out Jun 11) is a dismally unfunny comedy that stars Reese Witherspoon as a by-the-book police offer and Sofia Vergara as an unwilling witness she is trying to protect. Their on again, off again friendship is frustratingly inconsistent. Grade: C-.

The Emperor's New Clothes (out Jun 11) is a documentary designed to highlight the growing inequality between rich and poor and the role that banks have played. The Oscar winning Inside Job covered this top in a more concise, interesting manner. This is too focused on host/narrator Russell Brand and there are numbers flying everywhere. Grade: C+.

Jurassic World (out Jun 11) is worth seeing for the pure spectacle. The sound and visual effects artists have done a superb job creating these fearsome creatures. The anti-capitalism and anti-genetic themes offer a few thought provoking moments... but most of the film is spent watching dumb characters run from dinosaurs (which gets a little frustrating). Grade: B+.

The Mafia Only Kills In Summer (out Jun 11) is an odd Italian film that tries to blend cute comedy with real-life drama. Set in Palermo, it's largely a love story between two people who find their lives intrinsically linked with the mafia. Interesting idea but lead character is too goofy. Grade: B-.

Strangerland (out Jun 11) is an Australian drama about a husband and wife trying to cope when their two children go missing in a remote outback town. This is a grim drama that asks tough questions of its characters. Screenplay runs out of puff late but still to be admired for its unflinching look at a tragic situation. Grade: B+.