Pan (out Sep 24) is yet another film based on J.M. Barrie's famous play/novel. English director Joe Wright (Atonement) and American screenwriter Jason Fuchs have tried to put a fresh spin on Barrie’s material by creating a prequel. Wright’s over-the-top use of colour in Neverland gives the film an impressive visual style that should charm young audiences. There's not as much on offer for adults. Grade: B.

The Visit (out Sep 24) is told from the perspective of two teenagers who are staying with their grandparents for a week while their mother goes on a well-overdue holiday. From director M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense), the film has the appearance of a scary thriller but it’s surprisingly comedic. The ending will divide audiences there's enough intrigue to make it worth watching. Grade: B.

Oddball (out Sep 17) is an Aussie family comedy based on a true story. It's about a disobedient dog who takes on an unexpected role - helping protect penguins against fox attacks on a renowned island. Given its G-rating, films don't get much lighter and goofier than this. Struggled to hold my attention (but admittedly I'm not part of the target audience). Grade: C+.

Everest (out Sep 17) chronicles the true story of a group of climbers who tried to reach the peak of the world’s highest mountain in May 1996. Suffice to say that not all these characters will make it to the end of the movie. It shows that you can dream and believe… but you’re not always going to achieve. Grade: B+.

Blinky Bill: The Movie (out Sep 17) is a simple kids film based on the well-known fictional character created by Dorothy Wall in the 1930s. Blinky the koala goes on a journey through the outback to locate his missing father. There's not much to the story but the likes of Barry Otto and David Wenham elevate the film with their voice work. Grade: B-.

Gayby Baby (out Sep 17) is the much publicised documentary that follows four same-sex couples from Australia and the children they are trying to raise. The focus is more on the kids and they're a fun bunch... but there's not much more to it except for the obvious message. Grade: B-.

Life (out Sep 10) is set in 1955 and follows photographer (Robert Pattinson) as he tries to convince rising Hollywood star James Dean (Dane DeHaan) that he'd be perfect for a Life magazine photo shoot as a means of self-promotion. A few subplots feel under-cooked but the interaction between the two leads makes this an interesting true story. Grade: B+.

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (out Sep 10) feels like a bridge between the successful 2014 original and a final instalment due for release in early 2017. In essence, this is a two-hour chase movie. A group of teenagers are on the run from some bad guys with no substantive plan. I enjoyed the intricate locations and the director's use of light but there's not a lot in the way of story. Grade: B-.

The Transporter Refueled (out Sep 10) is a weak sequel with a script so bland that not even Jason Statham returned for it. Ed Skrein steps into his shoes this time around. It's a seen-it-all-before action film that fails to excite with its fight and chase sequences. Grade: C.

Pixels (out Sep 10) sees the Earth come under attack from an alien race whose weapons replicate famous arcade game characters from the 1980s (e.g. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong). The emphasis is on explosions, spectacle and goofy characters which makes me think it’s aimed at a younger crowd. Why then is the only teenage cast member pushed so deeply into the background? A disappointment. Grade: C+.