De Gaulle (out May 6) is a drama that looks at the political battle fought by the famed French leader during the early days of World War II. The dialogue is overdramatised (particularly the stuff around board room tables) and it doesn't cover a lot of material. An odd ending too. Grade: C+.

June Again (out May 6) is an Australian film about a dementia-suffering woman who wakes up one morning with her memory fully restored and uses it to cause humorous chaos. There's too much going on at times but the family squabbles between stars Noni Hazlehurst, Claudia Karvan and Stephen Curry make this a winner. As unrealistic as the scenario sounds, you'll care about these characters. Grade: B+.

Wrath of Man (out Apr 29) is a Guy Ritchie directed action-thriller centred around a series of cash truck heists in Los Angeles. The fragmented style should keep audiences intrigued (jumbled timelines, multiple perspectives). A few elements are undeveloped (e.g. subplots involving Andy Garcia and Scott Eastwood) but on the whole, lead Jason Statham does a great job carrying the film to its big finale. Grade: B+.

First Cow (out Apr 29) is an exquisite drama set in early 19th century America about two poor men who come up with a creative business idea to make a better life for themselves. This is simple, unusual and interesting. Grade: A-.

Twist (out Apr 29) is a modern day retelling of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist. It might appease 12-year-olds but it's hard to believe anyone with a greater maturity will be convinced by the contrived storyline and subpar performances. Grade: C.

Land (out Apr 29) is the story of a middle-aged, suburban woman (Robin Wright) who, after a tragic event, has shut herself off from the world in a dilapidated cabin in the Wyoming wilderness. Withholding her backstory works against the film (it would have helped us buy into her decisions along the way) but Land finds its feet in the second half thanks to the arrival of a hunter played by Demián Bichir. A simple but effective tale. Grade: B+.

Mortal Kombat (out Apr 22) is a fast-paced, R-rated action reboot based on the popular video game series. For a movie which is mostly one-on-one fighting for 90 minutes, this is surprisingly entertaining. It doesn't take itself seriously, most jokes hit the mark, and the casting is great (Australian Josh Lawson is MVP). Grade: A-.

The Dissident (out Apr 22) is an excellent documentary that looks into the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. It includes interviews with his fiancé, fellow journalists, investigating officers and other activists. Delving into the role of the Saudi Arabian regime, this is scary stuff. Grade: A-.

The United States vs. Billie Holiday (out Apr 22) portrays its real-life subject as a gifted musician, a powerful civil rights activist, and a troubled human being with questionable taste in men. The Federal Bureau of Narcotics subplot is clunky and the drug/alcohol addiction stuff become repetitive... but the film works when it focuses on Billie Holiday and her activism. Andra Day is wonderful in her first ever film role. Grade: B.

Six Minutes to Midnight (out Apr 22) is a fictional thriller set just prior to the start of World War II. A British spy infiltrates a local school filled with German children and tries to gather intelligence. This isn’t good. It’s trying too hard to give the audience what it thinks it wants. It’s incredibly corny and is filled with farcical chase sequences and villains that belong in a Scooby Doo cartoon. Grade: C.