In the Heights (out Jun 24) is a film based on the Tony Award winning musical from 2008 of the same name. The narrative is a touch “light” in that there are no real villains, not much suspense, and a formulaic love story. Still, it has a wonderful, infectious energy thanks to the cast, locations, songs and themes. Grade: B+.

The Sparks Brothers (out Jul 8) is terrific. While most music documentaries tend to focus on artists with massive highs and massive lows, this one looks at a gifted duo who have spent over 50 years in the business with middling success. Director Edgar Wright extracts oodles of humour from the many interviewees. Grade: A.

Moonbound (out Jun 24) is an animated feature about a kid trying to rescue his sister who has been captured by the “Moon Man”. Not overly memorable but I think there’s enough to entertain younger audiences. Fun characters. Grade: B.

Buckley’s Chance (out Jun 24) is the tale of a kid, raised in the United States, who moves to the Australian outback to spend time with his cranky grandfather. There’s plenty of corny dialogue and forced subplots (e.g. the granddad being pressured to sell his land). Not much to it. Grade: C+.

Cranston Academy: Monster Zone (out Jun 24) is an animated feature about a teenage scientist who gets a scholarship to an English college and uncovers a portal to a monster-filed universe. It’s harmless fun for kids but these characters are not particularly exciting or memorable. Grade: B-.

Three Summers (out Jun 24) is a Brazilian film centred on a poor caretaker who helps look after the luxurious home of a wealthy family. She’s a fun character (love her “make the best of everything” attitude) but, especially in the final act, the film doesn’t have much to say. Grade: B-.

The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard (out Jun 24) is an assault of car chases, dodged bullets and profanity. Every joke is used 10 times. The first film wasn’t good but this is truly awful. Grade: C.

Fast & Furious 9 (out Jun 17) makes me think the franchise is worn out. Some will be entertained by the mindless, over-the-top, farcical action sequences but it's lacking ideas when it comes to narrative. We are at the point where the writers are bolting on illogical plot points to continue the tired theme of "being there for family". This needs a major refresh. Grade: C+.

A Family (out Jun 17) is a bizarre but engrossing drama set in the Ukraine about an isolated man who hires a bunch of actors to pretend to be his family. It’s hard to believe this is an Australian-made film. Doesn’t get much stranger than this. Grade: A-.

My Zoe (out Jun 17) is a drama about a separated couple fighting for custody of their only child. A tragedy then takes the film in a different direction. I didn’t buy into every plot point but it’s still an interesting exploration of fractured families and genetic science. First half better than the second. Grade: B+.