What’s it about?
The God of Thunder finds himself weaponless and pitted against a new foe whose power seemingly knows no limit. Will teaming up with friends, old and new, be enough to overcome a goddess of death?

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Funny as bro!

What’s it about?
A 1959 seemingly perfect American town is rocked by both integration and murder, throwing doubts on just how perfect a place it is.

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Imagine a high-quality slow burner where half the plot seems to fizzle out. Well, actually you don’t need to imagine as it now has physical form in Suburbicon. It’s a dark look at the two ugly faces of white America told by two (nominally) interweaving tales in ‘classic America’. I want to call it a dark comedy but the laughs are few and often inspired unintentionally. It’s beautiful tonally but the two stories feel discordant rather than one large coherent one. Still, there’s a lot to like: the acting is top-shelf, Oscar Isaac nearly steals the entire movie, and it will definitely inspire discussion. But for me, the small predictables were going to be offset by a culmination of the stories coming together; an intertwining that sadly never occurred.

What’s it about?
When their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage, the Kingsman’s journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the US. These two elite secret organisations must band together to defeat a common enemy.

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: The original Kingsman flick was such a sleek, fresh and intelligent parody that it was always going to be hard to follow up. Without the element of surprise it was unclear how director Matthew Vaughn would attempt to continue to appeal. He chose to go over the top. The problem is they’ve amplified both the good and the bad aspects of the original. Insane and impressive actions sequences? Check. Great soundtrack? Check. Graphic and controversial scene set to light up the internet? Check.

The villainy is a bit more layered but the story probably runs a little long. It’s also bizarre that a movie with so many big name actors uses them so sparsely. The only one actually used – Julianne Moore – is delightful as the drug lord clamoring for legitimacy rather than a billion dollar ransom. But the rest of the Americans are reduced to virtual cameos while the surprise big-star cameo actually takes up a lot more screen time than expected (no spoilers here).

At the end of the day it’s just fun with familiar characters and for most fans of the original that’s more than enough.

What’s it about?
Master Wu (Jackie Chan), as wise-cracking as he is wise, mentors a group of young secret ninja warriors who defend their island home (Ninjago) from the nefarious deeds of the evil warlord Garmadon, aka The Worst Guy Ever, who also happens to be the dad of Lloyd (Dave Franco) one of the secret ninja.

What did we think?
If your kids liked The Lego Movie and The Lego Batman movie then they’ll like this one too. While it’s the weakest of the three lego feature films, its reliance on humour (both lego and non-lego) is the biggest drawcard for the young and the young at heart. Adults are more likely to appreciate the homage/satire of an 80s kung-fu movie though it’s not one you’ll want to rewatch over and over. Good school holiday fun though and the kids will roar with laughter at the toy-based slapstick.

What’s it about?
A group of bullied kids band together when a monster, taking the appearance of a clown, begins hunting children.

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Sadly, the scariest thing about the new iteration of IT is leaving New Kids On The Blocks songs running in my head.

Great performance from nearly the entire cast and impressive production values, but simply no tension. It’s actually an excellent 80s coming-of-age movie but let’s face it, that’s not what we signed on to watch.

What’s it about?
Every new step-dad has the occasional thought their new step-child could be evil, but what if they really are the Antichrist?

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Good silly fun with a lot of heart, Little Evil is, at first glance, an entertaining premise stretched to fill an entire film. However, Little Evil’s real strength is in its emotional impact rather than comedic value. Yes, it’s very funny with shout-outs to a range of the genre, but the nuances of emotions and relationships are surprisingly deep. From Evangaline Lily’s loving dedication to her son, to Adam Scott’s recognition of the child’s vulnerability, Little Evil has more than just good laughs. The fantastic cast (it also includes Sally Field and Kurgan from Highlander) well and truly delivers. While it’s not the cult classic he gave us with Dale and Tucker vs Evil, director Eli Craig entertains us enough to leave us looking forward to his third feature film.

What’s it about?
A morally flexible airline pilot is recruited by the CIA to fly over Central America. He ends of taking side deals with just about every party available and becomes a highly successful drug smuggler. But how long can he burn the candle at four/five/six ends?

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: It’d be easy to describe American Made as a Tom Cruise mash-up. Flying with aviator sunglasses? Check. Being shown the money? Check. Flashing a cheeky smile and relying on charisma to get through tricky situations? Check! But while this based-on-a-true-story isn’t blockbuster material it is actually a fun romp combining political satire with larger than life antics that make you laugh AND engage you emotionally. Unexpected depth with nostalgic throwbacks makes this one stand out a bit.