Riders of Justice (out Sep 30) is a Danish dark comedy about an army man, a computer hacker, and two mathematicians who take on a powerful gang after a suspicious train crash. This is a brilliant, original, funny, surprising movie that flips the action hero genre on its head. One of the year's best. Grade: A.

Skies of Lebanon (out Sep 30) is a nice but not particularly deep film about a Swiss woman who immigrates to Lebanon in the 1950s, starts a family, and then has to make tough decisions when war breaks out. Some cool visuals in the opening half-hour create a point of difference. Grade: B.

The Colony (out Sep 30) offers up a moderately interesting idea but can't turn it into an effective thriller-drama. The world has become uninhabitable, a small group have moved to a new planet, and now, one of them has returned to Earth to see what remains. Grade: B-.

Nitram (out Sep 30) is an Australian drama that delves into the life and mindset of Martin Bryant before he committed the worst mass shooting in modern Australian history in 1996. Others will disagree... but the delicate subject is well-handled by director Justin Kurzel (Snowtown) and I'm fine with the questions it asks of audiences. Judy Davis is the best of the cast (as Bryant's mother). Grade: B+.

Diana's Wedding (out Sep 23) is an odd Norwegian comedy that follows roughly 30 years in the life of a married couple. Plenty of ups, plenty of downs (as you might expect) but there's not a lot of insight on offer here. Grade: C+.

Persian Lessons (out Sep 23) is a World War II tale about a Jewish man who convinces a leading German officer than he's Persian to avoid a certain death. I wasn't convinced by everything that happens in this movie but warmed to the leading character (particularly in the second half). Grade: B.

The Alpinist (out Sep 23) taps into the success of Free Solo and is another interesting documentary about a gifted/crazy mountain climber, Marc-André Leclerc. It chronicles his insanely difficult climbs while also delving into his mindset. Grade: B.

Joe Bell (out Sep 23) is based on a 2013 true story and follows a father (Mark Wahlberg) going on a trek across the contiguous United States to raise awareness about bullying. It's a moving drama but curiously, Joe Bell is the least interesting character. Reid Miller is excellent as his 15-year-old gay son and Connie Britton is just as good as the mother trying to hold the family together. Grade: B+.

The Killing of Two Lovers (out Sep 16) is an intense, simply-told drama about a husband and wife undertaking a trial separation and the impact it has on them and their four children. With long takes, striking cinematography (e.g. camera kept at a distance), and a powerful climax, this film leaves an impression. Grade: A-.

Palazzo Di Cozzo (out Sep 16) is an Australian documentary about successful Victorian furniture salesman Franco Cozzo. Not sure there’s enough material to justify a full-length feature but I like what is has to say about changing times and dying businesses. Grade: B-.