Elysium (out Aug 15) is a sci-fi action film, set in year 2154, with strong political/social undertones. It's too action-heavy in its second half and the ending a little simplistic... but it's to be commended for its thought provoking premise and its interesting, metaphoric look into the future. Grade: B.

Red Obsession (out Aug 15) is a terrific Australian-made documentary that looks at China's sudden fixation with French red wine and how, with soaring prices, wine has almost become too expensive to drink! Narrated by Russell Crowe, this is both entertaining and informative. Grade: A-.

Pain & Gain (out Aug 8) is a dark comedy that centres on 3 moronic criminals trying to get ahead in life. The "dumb & dumber" antics get tired quickly and the film is way too long at 129 minutes. If you want to see this type of film done well... check out Fargo from the Coen brothers. Grade: C.

Now You See Me (out Aug 8) pulls an amazing trick on the audience. The opening credits roll and then SHAZAM... all sense of logic magically disappears. I can enjoy a fun heist flick (such as 2011's Tower Heist) but there are just too many gaps in this one. Cast is wasted. Grade: C.

100 Bloody Acres (out now) is an Aussie horror-comedy with a few surprising / cringe-worthy gags. I realise it's not meant to be taken seriously but I was still frustrated by the illogical way in which so many of the characters behaved. Grade: B-.

The World's End (out Aug 1) is a British comedy about five 40-something guys who head back to their old home town and embark on an epic pub crawl. The opening hour is darker than you might expect and I think Simon Pegg's irritating persona is overdone. There's more fun to be had in the second hour when the film ventures into the sci-fi genre. Grade: B.

The Way Way Back (out Aug 1) is a coming-of-age tale about an introverted 14-year-old who gets a summer job in a water slide park and comes out his shell thanks to some new friends. The film's best scenes are shared between Sam Rockwell and newcomer Liam James. A nice, heart-warming comedy. Grade: B+.

What's In A Name? (out Jul 25) is set entirely at a dinner party and begins with one of the guests revealing that the name of his newborn son will be Adolphe. It sparks a reaction that leads to an eventful evening. I don't think there's enough material here for a feature film but this French comedy/drama does have a few fun moments. Grade: B-.

The Wolverine (out Jul 25) is another X-Men spin-off based on Hugh Jackman's popular character. Sadly, it takes zero chances and does everything by the book. The darker elements aren't explored deeply enough and the villain is weak. I'm still looking forward to next year's X-Men: Days Of Future Past but you can skip this one. Grade: C+.

Behind The Candelabra (out Jul 25) looks at Lee Liberace and contrasts his public life (as an immensely popular entertainer) with that of his private life (dating a 17-year-old toy boy named Scott Thorson). Michael Douglas is charming in the leading role but the film spends too much time on Thorson (Matt Damon) who comes across as a dull nobody. Grade: B.