This ninth instalment in the “Saw” franchise of horror films, is based on the victims’ past wrongdoing or lack of appreciation of the lives they have led, the purported agenda of the new killer is to achieve reform of the police force by slaughtering rogue cops. The result is yet another perverse celebration of sadism. A vengeance theme, pervasive gory violence, including hideous torture, frequent profanities, much rough language. By Kurt Jensen/CNS.

Finley, a talented aspiring violinist, meets Beckett, a famous young movie star, on the way to her college semester abroad program in a small coastal village in Ireland. An unexpected romance emerges as the heartthrob Beckett leads the uptight Finley on an adventurous reawakening, and she emboldens him to take charge of his future, until the pressures of his stardom get in the way. By Sister Hosea Rupprecht.

Set during the sixties civil rights movement, Son of the South is based on the true story of Bob Zellner (Lucas Till), a Klansman’s grandson, who is forced to face the rampant racism of his own culture.

The problems with “Mortal Kombat” (Warner Bros.) go well beyond off-kilter spelling.

The tedious sci-fi parable “Voyagers” (Lionsgate) seems designed to prove that in space, no one can hear you yawn.

The goal of a film bearing the title “Godzilla vs Kong” would seem to be simple enough. Set the iconic beasts raging at each other until at least one Asian city has been devastated, then roll the credits.

Clever but morally misguided, Nobody (Universal) is a bloody action flick that’s suitable for no one starring Bob Odenkirk as mild-mannered accountant who is actually a highly skilled former military operative trying to live an ordinary life. By John Mulderig.

The Father has nothing new to say about the challenges of dementia. Yet, in adapting his play with co-screenwriter Christopher Hampton, director Florian Zeller does succeed in presenting the difficulties resulting from that illness in an innovative way. By Kurt Jensen.

The lively and colourful animated adventure “Raya and the Last Dragon” teaches viewers that trust is the necessary basis of peaceful coexistence while showcasing the ills produced by greed and aggression.

Set in the 1980s, Minari (A24), a gentle mix of drama and comedy, explores the immigrant experience from a Korean American perspective.