Pompo the Cinephile (out May 19) is a Japanese animated feature about a young movie producer who provides life-changing filmmaking opportunities to her anxious, insecure assistant. The execution is too hectic and over-emotive but I enjoyed the broader narrative. Grade: B.

To Olivia (out May 19) recounts the marriage of author Roald Dahl and actress Patricia Neal and the aftermath of their 7-year-old daughter’s death in 1962. They may have been famous people but this is a standard, ho-hum drama which elicits very little in the way of emotion. Grade: C.

Father Stu (out May 12) is based on a true story and stars Mark Wahlberg as retired boxer who, after falling in love with a deeply religious woman, transforms his life by becoming a priest. It's a mildly interesting narrative but not sure Wahlberg was the best fit for the lead role. Grade: B-.

Firestarter (out May 12) is based on a Stephen King book (some will also remember the 1984 film) and revolves around a young girl with the power to create fire. It's surprising how little story there is here. Did a bunch of stuff get left on the cutting room floor? A very standard run-and-chase movie. Grade: C.

Operation Mincemeat (out Jul 12) isn’t fully satisfying but it’s still an interesting yarn to add to the memory bank. It's the story of an elaborate, borderline-farcical deception tactic orchestrated by the British military in the middle of World War II. The better scenes in the movie revolve around the idea's execution while the weaker stuff involves an unnecessary love triangle. Grade: B-.

To Chiara (out May 12) is an Italian drama from writer-director Jonas Carpignano. It's the tale of a 15-year-old girl from a well-to-do family who finds her world upended on learning that her father is a drug runner for the local mafia. Swamy Rotolo, in her first significant film role, turns in a beautiful performance where facial expressions trump dialogue. Grade: B.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (out May 5) is more over-the-top spectacle than it is heart. Our beloved hero helps prevent multiverse travelling powers from falling into villainous hands. The most interesting character (America Chavez) is under-developed with the film more focused on its one-dimensional villain, dull romance and colourful action sequences. Grade: C+.

Petite Maman (out May 5) is a French drama from director Céline Sciamma (Portrait of a Lady on Fire). With a running time of just 72 minutes, Sciamma is meticulous in the way she lays the rug down... and then pulls it out from under the audience. A thought-provoking film that asks the question - what if you could travel back in time and see your own parents as kids? Grade: A-.

The Drover's Wife (out May 5) is based on the 3,000 word Henry Lawson short story from 1892 and offers a tour de force lead performance from writer-director-star Leah Purcell. The supporting players/subplots lack complexity but this is Purcell's show and you understand her character in rich detail. Grade: B+.

Downton Abbey: A New Era (out Apr 28) has a LOT going on (perhaps too much so). The best storyline is the "film within a film" as the residents of Downton allow a movie to be made within its beautiful walls. It needed more tension (everyone is too polite and civil) but there are decent laughs headlined, of course, by the delightful Maggie Smith. Grade: B.