The Fabulous Four (out Aug 1) is a disappointing comedy about four elderly friends who get together for an impromptu wedding. One of the worst scripts I've seen all year. Full of contrived nonsense. Grade: C.

The President's Wife (out Aug 1) is a silly, fictitious comedy about the world of the underappreciated Bernadette Chirac (played by Catherine Deneuve) while her husband served as President of France from 1995 to 2007. It's a one-note film with little nuance or insight. Grade: C.

Ezra (out Aug 1) is a warm-hearted film which deftly illustrates the challenges of parental responsibility. It's centred on a not-so-successful comedian (Bobby Cannavale) trying to better connect with his 11-year-old autistic son (William Fitzgerald). The film provides a timely reminder that when it comes to being a supportive parent, no one is perfect. Life is a continual journey of learning and discovery. Grade: B+.

In a Violent Nature (out Aug 1) is a quirky horror-thriller about a zombie who goes on a killing spree. Writer-director Chris Nash wins points for doing things differently (not the normal approach we see for the genre) but I don't think there's enough tension and pay-off. Grade: B-.

Ka Whawhai Toni: Struggle Without End (out Aug 1) is a New Zealand film set in 1864 about local Maoris battling against the colonial English. Dialogue is over-written but still liked the characters. Grade: B.

Sleeping Dogs (out Aug 1) is the kind of movie that’s too tricky for its own good. It wants to keep viewers on their toes with twist and turns, but they grow increasingly less credible. It's centred on a retired homicide detective (Russell Crowe) suffering from dementia who reinvestigates a case from a decade earlier. Grade: C.

Deadpool & Wolverine (out Jul 25) is a winner. It taps into my dark, puerile sense of humour, refers to other superheroes (some long forgotten), and weaves in the intellectual property squabbles of big Hollywood studios. While it’s intended to be spoof, the film surprises by offering villains more interesting than what the genre has served up of late (Emma Corrin's "fingering" is fantastic). Well-selected soundtrack too! Grade: A-.

The Teacher Who Promised the Sea (out Jul 25) reminds us of humanity’s beauty… and tragedy. It's based on a true 1930s story from Spain and is centred on a revolutionary teacher with secular, left-leaning views who earned the ire of the town’s religious and political leaders. Nice themes and great performances. Grade: A-.

Totem (out Jul 25) is a slow-burn Mexican drama about a large family preparing for the birthday party of a gravely ill, middled-aged man. Features lots of squabbles, both petty and significant, it lacks a strong final act to bring all the emotional themes together. Grade: B.

Longlegs (out Jul 18) is a thriller about a newly minted FBI detective with unexplained clairvoyancy who tries to track down a long-time serial killer who leaves cyphers behind as a trail.  Part Silence of the Lambs and part Zodiac, Longlegs lacks a big finale but the stylish cinematography keeps you interested all the way through. Grade: B.