Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (out Mar 28) safely keeps the franchise kicking along but lacks a memorable “wow” factor to get people talking. The visual effects are terrific, and the monster battles are cool to watch. The rest is underwhelming. The human characters are dull, the death toll is treated as a triviality, and the tone changes far too often (between comedy and drama). If you liked the 2021 instalment, you might like this too. Grade: C+.

Perfect Days (out Mar 28) follows the day-to-day existence of a simple man who cleans public toilets in Tokyo. Winner of best picture at last year's Asia Pacific Screen Awards, this is a chill, mellow filmgoing experience with a great leading character. Grade: B+.

Kung Fu Panda 4 (out Mar 28) is a safe sequel which takes few chances. Our beloved panda teams up with a new acquaintance to defeat a power-hungry villain. Fine for kids but the petrol gauge of this franchise is starting to run low. Grade: B-.

Io Capitano (out Mar 21) is the story of two Senegalese teenagers who seek illegal passage to Europe in search of a better life. Delving into subjects such as immigration and inequality, the film shows the best and worst of human nature. Great characters with a curiously upbeat music score. Grade: B+.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (out Mar 21) is an uninspired entry in the franchise. It's heavily focused on nostalgia and replicating jokes/subplots from the earlier 4 films. Wish it was more adventurous. Stuff involving young star McKenna Grace is a saving grace (but even that is problematic at times). Grade: C+.

Immaculate (out Mar 21) is formula over creativity. It’s the tale of a nun who signs up to a Italian convent and finds some really weird stuff going on. Star Sydney Sweeney isn’t too bad, but the script makes little sense and the blending of genres (everything from violent horror to spoofy comedy) doesn’t work. Grade: C+.

Wicked Little Letters (out Mar 21) is not particularly deep or complicated (there’s a lot of repetition) but the actors elevate the material. Set in 1920s England, a series of filthy, profanity-laden letters have been sent to the home of a middle-aged religious woman (Olivia Colman) and she suspects her next-door neighbour (Jessie Buckley) is responsible. Framed as a dark comedy, I had fun with this (villainous characters really get under your skin). Grade: B+.

You'll Never Find Me (out Mar 14) is a low budget Australian thriller set in one location (a rundown demountable home) with just two characters. Didn't mind the dynamic between the pair but the narrative is contrived. Grade: B-.

Love Lies Bleeding (out Mar 14) is a love story (which works) with a few other crime/drama elements bolted on (which don't work). Set in 1989, it's centred on two young women, one a gym manager and one a body builder, who fall in love. Wasn't sold on the director (weird sound, visual choices) but liked the two leads, Kristen Stewart and Katy O'Brian. Grade: B-.

Imaginary is a horror flick about an evil teddy bear.  The actors are solid (young Pyper Braun is particularly good) but the script is nonsense.  A mishmash of ideas stuck together weak glue.  Hard to rationalise character’s emotions and actions.  Grade: C+.