Movie Watchlist (09/2016 - 09/2017)
A complete and chronological list of all the movies I watched between September 2016 and September 2017. Included are only feature films and made-for-TV movies but no short movies or series/serials. These movies will be rated on a 1-10 scale, 1 being the worst - the ratings reflect my own opinion.
Movies I've already seen since starting yearly movie lists in 2012 will be marked with brackets and the respective latin number, representing how many times I've seen it. A star behind the ratings indicate that for me, this movie was exceptionally good; these titles are in no special order and simply represent how much those movies stayed with me over that year.
Check out my blog for reviews of movies that typically don't receive a broad coverage: https://movie-discourse.blogspot.com/
Straight Outta Compton [2015]
Grand Budapest Hotel [2014]
A bout de souffle [1960]
Blood Simple. [1984]
Die Hard [1988]
It's a Wonderful Life [1946]
Kaguyahime no monotagari [2013]
The Elephant Man [1980]
Arrival [2016]
Rosemary's Baby [1968]
Superbad [2007]
Stalker [1979]
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs [1937]
Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi [2001]
Toy Story [1995]
Alien [1979]
The Matrix [1999]
Ernest et Célestine [2012]
Movies I've already seen since starting yearly movie lists in 2012 will be marked with brackets and the respective latin number, representing how many times I've seen it. A star behind the ratings indicate that for me, this movie was exceptionally good; these titles are in no special order and simply represent how much those movies stayed with me over that year.
Check out my blog for reviews of movies that typically don't receive a broad coverage: https://movie-discourse.blogspot.com/
Straight Outta Compton [2015]
Grand Budapest Hotel [2014]
A bout de souffle [1960]
Blood Simple. [1984]
Die Hard [1988]
It's a Wonderful Life [1946]
Kaguyahime no monotagari [2013]
The Elephant Man [1980]
Arrival [2016]
Rosemary's Baby [1968]
Superbad [2007]
Stalker [1979]
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs [1937]
Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi [2001]
Toy Story [1995]
Alien [1979]
The Matrix [1999]
Ernest et Célestine [2012]
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258 titles
- DirectorNa Hong-jinStarsJun KunimuraHwang Jung-minKwak Do-wonSoon after a stranger arrives in a little village, a mysterious sickness starts spreading. A policeman, drawn into the incident, is forced to solve the mystery in order to save his daughter.A series of gruesome murders is linked to a strange Japanese men by the local police. Intriguing story with elaborated characters and a strongly thematic approach.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJake SzymanskiStarsZac EfronAdam DevineAnna KendrickTwo hard-partying brothers place an online ad to find the perfect dates for their sister's Hawaiian wedding. Hoping for a wild getaway, the boys instead find themselves out-hustled by an uncontrollable duo.Two chaotic but lovable brothers look for nice girls to take them to their sister's wedding. Silly comedy with many improvised moments that are somehow decent, but do not come together.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorKasra FarahaniStarsJames CaanLogan MillerKeir GilchristA pair of mischievous high school kids create the illusion of a haunting on an unsuspecting elderly neighbor while keeping his every reaction under surveillance. A series of coincidences leads to tragedy.Two teenagers do a social experiment on their weird, old neighbor and record his every move. Nice plot that unwraps in a decent manner; acting is in line with the production values.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorF. Gary GrayStarsO'Shea Jackson Jr.Corey HawkinsJason MitchellThe rap group NWA emerges from the mean streets of Compton in Los Angeles, California, in the mid-1980s and revolutionizes Hip Hop culture with their music and tales about life in the hood.Biopic about the formation and the separation of the most famous gangster rap band NWA during the early 90s. Really interesting background story with capable actors and fantastic music.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorRichard DonnerStarsGregory PeckLee RemickHarvey StephensMysterious deaths surround an American ambassador. Could the child that he is raising actually be the Antichrist? The Devil's own son?The American ambassador in England realizes that his adpoted son might be the incarnation of the devil. Thrilling supernatural horror movie with an engaging cast, but sometimes mediocre pacing.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJonathan DaytonValerie FarisStarsSteve CarellToni ColletteGreg KinnearA family determined to get their young daughter into the finals of a beauty pageant take a cross-country trip in their VW bus.Road movie about a family travelling to a beauty pageant, while every family member struggles with different issues. Amazing characters with great interactions and a beautiful atmosphere.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorOliver StoneStarsJoseph Gordon-LevittShailene WoodleyMelissa LeoThe NSA's illegal surveillance techniques are leaked to the public by one of the agency's employees, Edward Snowden, in the form of thousands of classified documents distributed to the press.Biographical thriller about how Edward Snowden released confidential NSA documents to the world. Thrilling and important story, but inconsistent cinematography and narrative cohesion.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorTim JohnsonKarey KirkpatrickStarsBruce WillisGarry ShandlingSteve CarellA scheming raccoon fools a mismatched family of forest creatures into helping him repay a debt of food, by invading the new suburban sprawl that popped up while they were hibernating...and learns a lesson about family himself.A group of animals living in the woods start to steal junk food from the nearby settlement. Fun premise and decent animation with a good voice cast, but not overly hilarious or inventive.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorStephen FrearsStarsJohn CusackIben HjejleTodd LouisoRob, a record store owner and compulsive list maker, recounts his top five breakups, including the one in progress.Follows a record store owner remembering his Top 5 break-ups. Very funny script with plentiful references to Rock/Pop culture and mostly grea, easy-going performances.
Overall 7/10 - StarsMiki ItôShunsuke KariyaKappei YamaguchiIn a distant future, a the young cyborg Gally is found on a scrapheap by the Cyberdoctor Daisuke Ido, who rebuilds her and becomes her surrogate father.In a dystopian future a scientist recreates a cyborg after he finds the head of a girl on a scrapyard. Highly inventive source material, that never truly shines through; solid animation though.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorJoss WhedonStarsNathan FillionGina TorresChiwetel EjioforThe crew of the ship Serenity try to evade an assassin sent to recapture telepath River.Follows the crew of a spaceship who go against an oppressing regime. Good writing with many over the top scenes and performances that ultimately tie together a nice but shallow SciFi action movie.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorTaika WaititiStarsSam NeillJulian DennisonRima Te WiataA national manhunt is ordered for a rebellious kid and his foster uncle who go missing in the wild New Zealand bush.After the death of his foster mother, a deviant teenage and his crumpy old foster father are being hunted through the bushes of New Zealand. Likeable cast with strong and natural performances and a clever and witty script.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorDavid LynchStarsKyle MacLachlanVirginia MadsenFrancesca AnnisA Duke's son leads desert warriors against the galactic emperor and his father's evil nemesis to free their desert world from the emperor's rule.Adaptation of the famous SciFi epic about the son of a general becoming the leader of rebels on a desert planet. Great source material and some scenes are stunning, but very inconsistent in style and weak editing.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorWes AndersonStarsRalph FiennesF. Murray AbrahamMathieu AmalricA writer encounters the owner of an aging high-class hotel, who tells him of his early years serving as a lobby boy in the hotel's glorious years under an exceptional concierge.The story of a witty concierge and his young protege trying to claim a rightfully inherited painting. Remarkably intelligent script with lovingly created scenes and a gratuitious amount of capable actors who portray relatable characters in a wonderfully charming microcosm.
Overall 9/10* - DirectorDon BluthGary GoldmanStarsMeg RyanJohn CusackChristopher LloydThe last surviving child of the Russian Royal Family joins two con men to reunite with her grandmother, the Dowager Empress, while the undead Rasputin seeks her death.Animated musical about the legend of Anastasia, the youngest Duchess of the Romanov throne who survived the killing in 1916. Beautiful but highly inconsistent animation quality with a good voice cast and a magnificent second half.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJames DeMonacoStarsFrank GrilloElizabeth MitchellMykelti WilliamsonFormer Police Sergeant Barnes becomes head of security for Senator Charlie Roan, a Presidential candidate targeted for death on Purge night due to her vow to eliminate the Purge.During a night were every crime is legal a skilled security guy tries to protect a controversial politician from harm. Decent premise with an average cast and a predictable plot development.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorRon ClementsJohn MuskerStarsTate DonovanSusan EganJames WoodsThe son of Zeus and Hera is stripped of his immortality as an infant and must become a true hero in order to reclaim it.Animation adventure about Hercules, the son of Zeus fighting for his place on Mt. Olympus. Style takes some getting used to and some songs are forgettable, but fluid animation with worthwhile character interaction.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorBobcat GoldthwaitStarsIliza ShlesingerIliza Shlesinger performs in this standup talking about dating, feminism and some of the intricacies associated with being a woman in the 21st century.Live comedy program of Iliza Shlesinger talking about modern day feminism. Interesting and witty combination of moral statements and laugh out loud comedy acts.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorDanny BoyleStarsEwan McGregorEwen BremnerJonny Lee MillerRenton, deeply immersed in the Edinburgh drug scene, tries to clean up and get out despite the allure of drugs and the influence of friends.Follows a young man struggling with his heroin addiction in Edinburgh during the early 1990s. Great cast with an impeccable balance between weird and dramatic; superb visual/audio cohesion.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorTim BurtonStarsJohnny DeppWinona RyderDianne WiestThe solitary life of an artificial man - who was incompletely constructed and has scissors for hands - is upended when he is taken in by a suburban family.Dark, gothic fairy tale about an artificial young man with scissors instead of hands. Intriguing premise with decent actors and a bittersweet narration.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJoão NicolauStarsJulia PalhaClara RiedensteinFilipe VargasBored by spending the summer in the city, 15-year-old Rita decides to take a fancy to her new neighbor, a photographer who is setting up an exhibit of his shots in Melanesia. What starts as a game turns into a blazing crush and Rita can't distinguish between reality and fantasy anymore.During the summer vacation a teenage girl falls in love with a middle-aged photographer. Plain premise and setup, but coherent and creative cinematography and a great thematic approach.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorSébastien LaudenbachStarsAnaïs DemoustierJérémie ElkaïmPhilippe LaudenbachIn hard times, a miller sells his daughter to the Devil. Protected by her purity, she escapes but is deprived of her hands. Walking away from her family, she encounters the goddess of water, a gentle gardener, and the prince in his castle.Animated adaptation of the Brothers Grimm's tale "maiden without hands". Outstanding visual representation - yet stylistically distinctively exhausting - with good plot development.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorMamoru OshiiStarsMako HyôdôJinpachi NezuKeiichi NodaA mysterious young girl wanders a desolate, otherworldly landscape, carrying a large egg.In a dark, dreamlike world a young girl tries to hatch an egg of mysterious origin. Remarkably philosophical animation movie with a deeply thematic approach on life, reality and transcendence.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorMichael ThurmeierGalen T. ChuStarsRay RomanoDenis LearyJohn LeguizamoWhen Scrat's acorn sends an asteroid to Earth, the Herd must find a way to stop the asteroid from hitting Earth with the help of a returning friend.A group of amicable mammals try to save the world from an incoming asteroid. Decent visual representation, however no coherence in plot structure, character interaction, and random jokes.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorDon CoscarelliStarsA. Michael BaldwinBill ThornburyReggie BannisterA teenage boy and his friends face off against a mysterious grave robber, known only as the Tall Man, who employs a lethal arsenal of unearthly weapons.Dream-like horror movie about the dillusions of a grieving teenager. Fantastic ideas and entertaining production deliver a scary, atmospherical thriller.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorPeter JacksonStarsNaomi WattsJack BlackAdrien BrodyA greedy film producer assembles a team of moviemakers and sets out for the infamous Skull Island, where they find more than just cannibalistic natives.Visually breathtaking remake of King Kong [1933], the classic tale of a gigantic gorilla being captured and later on ravages in New York City. Stellar script with a strong thematic approach and fully fleshed out characters.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorRob ThomasStarsKristen BellJason DohringEnrico ColantoniYears after walking away from her past as a young private eye, Veronica Mars gets pulled back to her hometown, just in time for her high school reunion, in order to help her old flame Logan Echolls, who's embroiled in a murder mystery.Noir crime story about a PI who returns to investigating a case after a hiatus. Good adaptation and sequel to the series of the same name - without the pacing or the structure but with witty dialogue.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorDavid F. SandbergStarsTeresa PalmerGabriel BatemanMaria BelloRebecca must unlock the terror behind her little brother's experiences that once tested her sanity, bringing her face to face with a supernatural spirit attached to their mother.An evil ghost that vanishes with the light on torments a single mother and her little son. Good premise but overall lacking in substance and pacing; relies mostly on jump scares.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorDanny BoyleStarsCillian MurphyRose ByrneChris EvansA team of international astronauts is sent on a dangerous mission to reignite the dying Sun with a nuclear fission bomb in 2057.Set on a mission to save the sun from dying, the crew of a space shuttle experiences weird sensations. Very troubling and unorthodox editing and pacing that somewhat mar the otherwise great presentation.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorMark OsborneStarsJeff BridgesMackenzie FoyRachel McAdamsA little girl lives in a very grown-up world with her mother, who tries to prepare her for it. Her neighbor, the Aviator, introduces the girl to an extraordinary world where anything is possible, the world of the Little Prince.Animation adventure about a young girl meeting the author of the marvellous tales of The Little Prince. Average CGI animation quality, but neat structure and mostly magnificent adaptation of the source novel.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorConrad VernonGreg TiernanStarsSeth RogenKristen WiigJonah HillA sausage leads a group of supermarket products on a journey to discover the truth about their existence and what really happens when they are picked off the shelf.Adult animation comedy about food finding out the horrific truth about being eaten by humans. Funny spoof of clichéd animation comedy with some clever scenes, but not much content.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJ.J. AbramsStarsChris PineZachary QuintoSimon PeggThe brash James T. Kirk tries to live up to his father's legacy with Mr. Spock keeping him in check as a vengeful Romulan from the future creates black holes to destroy the Federation one planet at a time.Reboot of the famous SciFi epic about the crew of an eyploration space shuttle fighting against time travelling villains who can operate black holes. Gorgeous visuals and high quality production values with a capable ensemble cast and entertaining pace.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorTrey ParkerStarsTrey ParkerMatt StoneMary Kay BergmanWhen Stan Marsh and his friends go see an R-rated movie, they start cursing and their parents think that Canada is to blame.Animated musical about a bunch of kids trying to save their favorite comedians from execution. Weird plot and very special kind of humor with low quality production values that deliver a sense of rawness; also great score.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJ.J. AbramsStarsChris PineZachary QuintoZoe SaldanaAfter the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one-man weapon of mass destruction.The crew of an exploration space shuttle goes rogue after following a powerful super being. Entertaining movie with fast paced action scenes and breath taking visuals; very simplistic story and disappointing characters.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJon LucasScott MooreStarsMila KunisKathryn HahnKristen BellWhen three overworked and under-appreciated moms are pushed beyond their limits, they ditch their conventional responsibilities for a jolt of long overdue freedom, fun and comedic self-indulgence.Comedy about three moms who decide not to follow the classic idealistic picture of a good mother anymore. Fun shallow comedy with light hearted humor and a good pacing.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorJon M. ChuStarsDwayne JohnsonChanning TatumAdrianne PalickiThe G.I. Joes are not only fighting their mortal enemy Cobra; they are forced to contend with threats from within the government that jeopardize their very existence.After the killing of their comrades, three elite soldiers go after the president who seems to be an imposter. Great action scenes, but ultimately gratutious action elements and weak dialogue.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorAdam McKayStarsChristian BaleSteve CarellRyan GoslingIn 2006-2007 a group of investors bet against the United States mortgage market. In their research, they discover how flawed and corrupt the market is.Fictionalized retelling of the financial crisis in 2008. Ensemble quality cast with convincing performances, interesting narrative techniques and a great information-entertainment balance.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorJustin LinStarsChris PineZachary QuintoKarl UrbanThe crew of the USS Enterprise explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a new ruthless enemy, who puts them, and everything the Federation stands for, to the test.The crew of the USS Enterprise gets captured by a delusional alien ho seeks an ancient biological weapon. Good visuals and nice pacing, but mediocre plot and flaws in the stream of narration.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorDavid YatesStarsAlexander SkarsgårdRory J SaperChristian StevensTarzan, having acclimated to life in London, is called back to his former home in the jungle to investigate the activities at a mining encampment.A general of the Belgian army tries to lure Tarzan into a trap set up by his former nemesis. Many elements - like dialogue, pacing and plot - lack consistency which contributes to mediocre experience.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorRyan PolitoStarsIliza ShlesingerSmart and brazen comedian Iliza Shlesinger applies her fresh, laugh-out-loud perspective to the universal struggles between men and women.Live program of comedian Iliza Shlesinger talking about her dating life and the differences between men and women. Special kind of humor with many laugh out loud comedy acts and some witty writing.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorPeter BergStarsJamie FoxxChris CooperJennifer GarnerA team of U.S. government agents are sent to investigate the bombing of an American facility in the Middle East.Depicts the investigation of an attack on Americans stationed on Saudi Arabian soil. Decent cast with some interesting characters and good pacing - the political notion and the thrilling action elements do not come together well.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJohn HustonStarsHumphrey BogartMary AstorGladys GeorgeSan Francisco private detective Sam Spade takes on a case that involves him with three eccentric criminals, a gorgeous liar and their quest for a priceless statuette, with the stakes rising after his partner is murdered.A shady PI investigates the death of his partner, which leads him to an expensive, ancient bird statue. Early influential movie that defined many film noir tropes; outstanding cinematography and cast.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorBreck EisnerStarsRadha MitchellTimothy OlyphantDanielle PanabakerAfter a strange and insecure plane crash, an unusual toxic virus enters a quaint farming town. A young couple are quarantined, but they fight for survival along with help from a couple of people.Horror movie about a contagious virus transforming the people of a small town into blood thirsty killers. Very conventional and unoriginal premise, but convicing actors and neat pacing.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorJaume BalagueróPaco PlazaStarsManuela VelascoFerran TerrazaJorge-Yamam SerranoA television reporter and cameraman follow emergency workers into a dark apartment building and are quickly locked inside with something terrifying.Found footage movie about a film crew getting isolated in a building in which a contagious virus is spreading. Standard premise, but great atmosphere and a very authentic and thrillig feeling.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorAndrew StantonAngus MacLaneStarsEllen DeGeneresAlbert BrooksEd O'NeillFriendly but forgetful blue tang Dory begins a search for her long-lost parents and everyone learns a few things about the real meaning of family along the way.Animation adventure about a fish with short term memory loss seraching for her parents at a quatics center. Lovable animation with an entertaining plot and emotional interactions, but a flawed ending.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorChristine JeffsStarsAmy AdamsEmily BluntAlan ArkinIn order to raise the tuition to send her young son to private school, a mom starts an unusual business -- a biohazard removal/crime scene clean-up service -- with her unreliable sister.Two troubled sisters start a cleaning service which cleans crime scenes. Fun premise and a strong cast, but some pacing problems and some thematic notions are not well followed through.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorEthan CoenJoel CoenStarsJeff BridgesMatt DamonHailee SteinfeldA stubborn teenager enlists the help of a tough U.S. Marshal to track down her father's murderer.Drama set during the American West about a teenage girl going after the murderer of her father. Strong cinematography and wonderful cast interactions, but pacing problems.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJean-Luc GodardStarsJean-Paul BelmondoJean SebergVan DoudeA small-time crook, hunted by the authorities for a car theft and the murder a police officer, attempts to persuade a hip American journalism student to run away with him to Italy.After killing two cops, a wandering criminal travels with his love interest through France. Very experimental editing and film making techniques; feels sometimes fractured, which contributes to the theme of modern restlessness.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorRoland EmmerichStarsLiam HemsworthJeff GoldblumBill PullmanTwo decades after the first Independence Day invasion, Earth is faced with a new extra-Solar threat. But will mankind's new space defenses be enough?A highly evolved alien species attacks Earth's molten core and a few scientists try to stop them. Some fun action elements, but fractured plot, uneven character chemistry and often mediocre dialogue.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorJames MangoldStarsRussell CroweChristian BaleBen FosterA small-time rancher agrees to hold a captured outlaw who's awaiting a train to go to court in Yuma. A battle of wills ensues as the outlaw tries to psych out the rancher.A broke farmer accepts a job to escort the leader of a gang of robbers to custody. Sometimes uneven pacing, but plot unravels nicely after the first thir; with gripping performances and outstanding writing.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorMatt RossStarsViggo MortensenGeorge MacKaySamantha IslerIn the forests of the Pacific Northwest, a father devoted to raising his six kids with a rigorous physical and intellectual education is forced to leave his paradise and enter the world, challenging his idea of what it means to be a parent.A father and his children have built their own utopien society in the woods but have to get back to the real world because their mother died. Daring script with impressive actors and many innovative moments.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorAdrian LyneStarsTim RobbinsElizabeth PeñaDanny AielloMourning his dead child, a haunted Vietnam War veteran attempts to uncover his past while suffering from a severe case of dissociation. To do so, he must decipher reality and life from his own dreams, delusions, and perceptions of death.A former Vietnam veteran slowly comes to terms with his new reality. Weird, fragmented plot mirroring the protagonist's perspective with a very raw cinematography; at the time very original and influencial.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJesse PeretzStarsPaul RuddElizabeth BanksZooey DeschanelA comedy centered on an idealist who barges into the lives of his three sisters.A stupid, gullible but also lovable brother of three sisters is released from prison and starts to mess with his sisters' lives. Funny interactions with an entertaining pace and a decent cast, but also forgettable.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorJeff WadlowStarsKevin JamesKim CoatesMaurice CompteAfter a publisher changes a writer's debut novel about a deadly assassin from fiction to non-fiction, the author finds himself thrust into the world of his lead character, and must take on the role of his character for his own survival.The author of a spy novel gets drawn into the real spy game of Venezuela. Funny characters and actually clever plot, but ultimately mediocre directing and few memorable moments.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorHenry JoostAriel SchulmanStarsEmma RobertsDave FrancoEmily MeadeA high school senior finds herself immersed in an online game of truth or dare, where her every move starts to become manipulated by an anonymous community of "watchers."In the near future a game of truth or dare emerges on social media and drives people to do dangerous things. Original in premise and visual execution, lacking in character interaction and proper ending.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorDavid LoweryStarsBryce Dallas HowardRobert RedfordOakes FegleyThe adventures of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliott, who happens to be a dragon.A lost boy befriends a giant dragon and lives with him in the woods. Engaging plot with sometimes generic character interaction, decent animation and a good cast; also outstanding score.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorDavid YatesStarsEddie RedmayneKatherine WaterstonAlison SudolIn 1926, magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York during his worldwide tour to research and rescue magical creatures as something mysterious leaves trails of destruction in the city, threatening to expose the wizarding world.Set during the 1920s in the Harry Potter universe, a reasearcher of magical creatures stumbles into a series of political incidents between wizards and humans. Entertaining plot with decent pacing, good actors and great production values.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorFede AlvarezStarsStephen LangJane LevyDylan MinnetteHoping to walk away with a massive fortune, a trio of thieves break into the house of a blind man who isn't as helpless as he seems.Gripping horror movie about three young adults who try to rob a blind man, only to be trapped inside his house. Home invasion movie with an original and thrilling twist and remarkable pacing and atmosphere.
Overall 7/10 - CreatorLana WachowskiLilly WachowskiStarsJames Arnold TaylorJulia FletcherDwight SchultzA collection of nine short films featuring stories related to The Matrix (1999).Collection of animated shorts depicting various facets from the Matrix universe. Mostly decent production-wise, but also very incoherent mix of episodes with few really standing out.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorDelmer DavesStarsGlenn FordVan HeflinFelicia FarrBroke small-time rancher Dan Evans is hired by the stagecoach line to put big-time captured outlaw leader Ben Wade on the 3:10 train to Yuma but Wade's gang tries to free him.A broke farmer accepts a job to escort the leader of a gang of robbers into custody. Great atmosphere with convincing actors, a fitting soundtrack and an engaging plot.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorPaul GreengrassStarsMatt DamonTommy Lee JonesAlicia VikanderThe CIA's most dangerous former operative is drawn out of hiding to uncover more explosive truths about his past.A former intelligence asset is confronted with the facts about his fathers demise. Thrilling pacing with great action shots and capable main actors; however, very inconsistent in tone and plot.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJoel CoenEthan CoenStarsJohn GetzFrances McDormandDan HedayaThe owner of a seedy small-town Texas bar discovers that one of his employees is having an affair with his wife. A chaotic chain of misunderstandings, lies, and mischief ensues after he devises a plot to have them murdered.Dark crime comedy about a love triangle getting involved in a murder case. Outstanding characters with many memorable shots, fantastic plot and a great score.
Overall 9/10* - DirectorTroy DuffyStarsWillem DafoeSean Patrick FlaneryNorman ReedusTwo Irish Catholic brothers become vigilantes and wipe out Boston's criminal underworld in the name of God.Two faithful brothers of Irish decent start killing off criminals in Boston after an epiphany. Fractured plot with an inconsistent narrative and weak characters; also funny and memorable scenes.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorWolfgang PetersenStarsNoah HathawayBarret OliverTami StronachA troubled boy dives into a wondrous fantasy world through the pages of a mysterious book.A young boy discovers a deep connection between reality and a mysterious fantasy novel he is reading. For its time, fantastic cinematography, strong child actors and a moving plot with a remarkable soundtrack.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorAleksa GajicNebojsa AndricStevan DjordjevicStarsSanda KnezevicNebojsa GlogovacJelisaveta 'Seka' SablicBelgrade 2074. Edit is a student. After a few failed exams she decides to implant a memory chip... but, something strange starts happening to her.A young psychologist loses her touch on reality, as a new digital entity emanates from her body. Interesting yet only seemingly original, with an interesting plot, but a somewhat weak narrative structure and characters who are hard to relate to.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorAdam McKayStarsWill FerrellJohn C. ReillyMary SteenburgenTwo aimless middle-aged losers still living at home are forced against their will to become roommates when their parents marry.Comedy about two odd step brothers and their misadventures. Over the top humor with decent actors, a very thin but passable plot and some memorable moments.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorNicholas StollerDoug SweetlandStarsAndy SambergKatie CrownKelsey GrammerStorks have moved on from delivering babies to packages. But when an order for a baby appears, the best delivery stork must scramble to fix the error by delivering the baby.In a world where storks gave up on delivering babies, a stork and his unlikely friend have to deliver one last baby. Decent animation adventure with a good voice cast and a great sense of humor - only marred by a weak plot and poor pacing.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorAntoine FuquaStarsDenzel WashingtonChris PrattEthan HawkeSeven gunmen from a variety of backgrounds are brought together by a vengeful young widow to protect her town from the private army of a destructive industrialist.A group of antiheroic gunslingers help villagers to stand their ground against a cruel business man. A fine cast and decent pacing and only some tired cliches really convey a (western) blockbuster feeling.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorDavid MackenzieStarsChris PineBen FosterJeff BridgesToby is a divorced father who's trying to make a better life. His brother is an ex-con with a short temper and a loose trigger finger. Together, they plan a series of heists against the bank that's about to foreclose on their family ranch.Modern western in which two brothers rob several banks they felt betrayed them. Great cast and tense atmosphere with an outstanding pacing until the ending; also decent score.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJon FavreauStarsWill FerrellJames CaanBob NewhartRaised as an oversized elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who doesn't know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit.An orphan growing up with Santa's elves travels to NYC to look for his biological father. Okay premise with few great jokes, but mostly forgettable cast and a disjointed narrative.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorDavid AyerStarsWill SmithJared LetoMargot RobbieA secret government agency recruits some of the most dangerous incarcerated super-villains to form a defensive task force. Their first mission: save the world from the apocalypse.Several villains of the DC comics are united against an evil ancient spirit. Some fun characters interaction and movie picks up pace in the last third, but overall uncoherent, inconsistent in tone and pacing and jokes miss their mark.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorJonathan LevineStarsJoseph Gordon-LevittSeth RogenJillian BellOn Christmas Eve, three lifelong friends spend the night in New York City looking for the Holy Grail of Christmas parties.Three friends decide to celebrate christmas together for the last time an have to cope with their flaws. Stoner type of movie with many hilarious scenes, at least one strong character and great inside jokes.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJohn McTiernanStarsBruce WillisAlan RickmanBonnie BedeliaA New York City police officer tries to save his estranged wife and several others taken hostage by terrorists during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles.Action thriller about a NY cop interrupting a terrorist attack in LA by accident. Perfect amounts of cheesyness on the one hand and supense on the other.
Overall 8/10 [II]* - DirectorTerry GilliamStarsJohnny DeppBenicio Del ToroTobey MaguireAn oddball journalist and his psychopathic lawyer travel to Las Vegas for a series of psychedelic escapades.Follows the drug-driven episodes of a gonzo journalist and his partner in Vegas. Polarizing movie with no narrative, colorful - even stressful - visuals and an atmosphere that never quite balances out; outstanding in adapting the state of being under the influence.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorBrian LevantStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerSinbadPhil HartmanA father vows to get his son a Turbo Man action figure for Christmas. However, every store is sold out, and he must travel all over town and compete with everybody else in order to find one.The main protagonist here is a forgetful dad trying to get his son a special christmas present and ending up as part of the present. With weak characters and dumb lines it has the quality of a guilty pleasure.
Overall 4/10 [II] - DirectorYeon Sang-hoStarsGong YooJung Yu-miMa Dong-seokWhile a zombie virus breaks out in South Korea, passengers struggle to survive on the train from Seoul to Busan.During an aggressively spreading zombie infestation, a group of survivors travel through Korea on a train. Breathtaking pacing with a clearly structured narrative and inventive action scenes.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorFrank CapraStarsJames StewartDonna ReedLionel BarrymoreAn angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.After taking over his family's business and never getting a chance to travel the world, a beloved business man regrets his life decisions. Wonderfully arranged modern fairy tale with strong actors, remarkable score and a tight narrative.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsFarley GrangerRobert WalkerRuth RomanA psychopathic man tries to forcibly persuade a tennis star to agree to his theory that two strangers can get away with murder by submitting to his plan to kill the other's most-hated person.Two strangers on a train discuss their criss-cross plan to swap their imagenary murders. Noir crime drama with two great leads, thrilling pacing and a highly inventive plot for its time.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorJoe DanteStarsZach GalliganPhoebe CatesHoyt AxtonA young man inadvertently breaks three important rules concerning his new pet and unleashes a horde of malevolently mischievous monsters on a small town.Horror comedy about small pets that turn to monsters when getting fed after midnight. Cringeworthy plot with sub-par actors and low production values - but also very charming and funny.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsTom HanksChris CoppolaMichael JeterOn Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, while learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas.A young boy boards a train to the Northpole, because he doubts the existence of Santa Clause. Wonderfully made animation adventure with fun characters interaction and sweet plot elements.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorMichael DoughertyStarsAdam ScottToni ColletteDavid KoechnerA boy who has a bad Christmas accidentally summons a festive demon to his family home.Dark horror comedy about an evil Christmas spirit punishing a family for not believing in Christmas. Well-made elements mix with a comedic atmosphere and decent actors.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorBrian Desmond HurstStarsAlastair SimJack WarnerKathleen HarrisonEbenezer Scrooge, a curmudgeonly, miserly businessman, has no time for sentimentality and largely views Christmas as a waste of time. However, this Christmas Eve, he will be visited by three spirits who will show him the error of his ways.Faithful adaptation of Dicken's christmas story about a miserable old man learning the true spirit of the holidays. Great performances and many joyful, memorable scenes.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJeremiah S. ChechikStarsChevy ChaseBeverly D'AngeloJuliette LewisThe Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.Chaotic comedy that lampoons family meetings at Christmas. The main protagonist excessively tries to provide a wonderful Christmas for his family, while his house deteriorates.
Overall 8/10 [V] - DirectorWilliam WylerStarsCharlton HestonJack HawkinsStephen BoydAfter a Jewish prince is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend in 1st-century Jerusalem, he regains his freedom and comes back for revenge.History epic about a Jew turned slave turned Roman finding faith in Christ. Brilliant technical achievement with an outstanding cinematography, dramatic actors and a superb score.
Overall 9/10 - DirectorRidley ScottStarsOrlando BloomEva GreenLiam NeesonBalian of Ibelin travels to Jerusalem during the Crusades of the 12th century, and there he finds himself as the defender of the city and its people.Set during the during the second crusade, a young man who fell from grace defends the freedom of faith in Jerusalem. Stunning visual imagery with a decent narrative structure in the DC but a weak lead actor.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorZack SnyderStarsBen AffleckHenry CavillAmy AdamsBatman is manipulated by Lex Luthor to fear Superman. Superman´s existence is meanwhile dividing the world and he is framed for murder during an international crisis. The heroes clash and force the neutral Wonder Woman to reemerge.Depicts the battle of two great superheroes and the beginning of their league of heroes. Amazing visuals and decent cast; incoherent story telling and problematic pacing, still prevalent in the DC.
Overall 6/10 [II] - DirectorAlejandro G. IñárrituStarsLeonardo DiCaprioTom HardyWill PoulterA frontiersman on a fur trading expedition in the 1820s fights for survival after being mauled by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team.Adapted from a true story about a trapper seeking revenge on his partners who left him for dead. Mesmarizing images of the Northamerican landscape with great performances.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorAndrea ArnoldStarsSasha LaneShia LaBeoufRiley KeoughA teenage girl with nothing to lose joins a traveling magazine sales crew, and gets caught up in a whirlwind of hard partying, law bending and young love as she criss-crosses the Midwest with a band of misfits.Coming of age road movie about a young woman travelling with a group of young adults with no professional perspective. Interesting premise with a beautiful cinematography, decent actors, but lackluster structure and an uneven depiction of the youths' lifestyles.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorIsao TakahataStarsChloë Grace MoretzJames CaanMary SteenburgenKaguya is a beautiful young woman coveted by five nobles. To try to avoid marrying a stranger she doesn't love, she sends her suitors on seemingly impossible tasks. But she will have to face her fate and punishment for her choices.Beautiful animation adaption of the classic Japanese folktale of the bamboo princess Kaguya. Outstanding and remarkable animation quality and many memorable characters and a stellar score.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorTerry GilliamStarsJonathan PryceKim GreistRobert De NiroA bureaucrat in a dystopic society becomes an enemy of the state as he pursues the woman of his dreams.Bleak retro-dystopian vision of a future where the human freedom is oppressed by beaurocraticy idiocracy. Many elements were groundbreaking at its time - however, it aged poorly in some aspects and feels disjointed.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorMaren AdeStarsSandra HüllerPeter SimonischekMichael WittenbornA practical joking father tries to reconnect with his hard working daughter by creating an outrageous alter ego and posing as her CEO's life coach.An aging man visits his daughter in Bucarest and mocks her shallow lifestyle. Interesting premise with not much plot, but extremely well acted, giving a perfect insight into the character's world.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsAl PacinoMichelle PfeifferSteven BauerIn 1980 Miami, a determined Cuban immigrant takes over a drug cartel and succumbs to greed.Version of the tale of the American Dream set against the backdrop of the Cuban Crime Wave during the 1980s. Iconic characters and visionary cinematography that extracts the essence of popular culture of its time.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHaley Joel OsmentJude LawFrances O'ConnorA highly advanced robotic boy longs to become "real" so that he can regain the love of his human mother.Futuristic fairy tale about an android who wants to become a real boy. Great visuals and remarkable acting performance, but inconsistent second half and uneven tone.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorDenis VilleneuveStarsLubna AzabalMélissa Désormeaux-PoulinMaxim GaudetteTwins journey to the Middle East to discover their family history and fulfill their mother's last wishes.After the death of their mother, two siblings embark on a journey to discover gruesome secrets of her past. Original and gripping plot with great atmosphere and capable actors.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJames CameronStarsEd HarrisMary Elizabeth MastrantonioMichael BiehnA civilian diving team is enlisted to search for a lost nuclear submarine and faces danger while encountering an alien aquatic species.The crew of an underwater oil rig discover the existence of non-terrestrial intelligence on the bottom of the ocean. Amazing production values for its time with some memorable scenes and an entertaining plot that, however, is also borderline daft.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorGareth EdwardsStarsFelicity JonesDiego LunaAlan TudykIn a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire's ultimate weapon of destruction.War story set in an outer galaxy with troups of rebels fighting against a nearly all powerful imperial force. Grim atmosphere with a tightly structured plot, decent performances and and entertaining plot against the backdrop of a greater narrative frame.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorThomas HermannsMichael MittermeierUtz WeberStarsMichael MittermeierVideo album by German comedian Michael Mittermeier who takes the audience to a trip down memory lane through his childhood and youth where he was mainly raised by Batman, Hans Meiser and John Wayne in front of the television.German comedy program by Michael Mittermeier with the focus on exploring central comedic themes in classic tv shows and introducing the element of stand up comedy to German cabaret.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorCarol ReedStarsOrson WellesJoseph CottenAlida ValliPulp novelist Holly Martins travels to shadowy, postwar Vienna, only to find himself investigating the mysterious death of an old friend, Harry Lime.Set in a post-WWII Vienna, a hack writer tries to solve the suspicious murder of his friend. Average plot, but remarkably iconic cinematography and strong focus on atmosphere make this movie memorable and artistically highly influencial.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorJustin KurzelStarsMichael FassbenderMarion CotillardJeremy IronsCallum Lynch explores the memories of his ancestor Aguilar de Nerha and gains the skills of a Master Assassin, before taking on the secret Templar society.SciFi action movie about exploiting genetically encoded memories to find a holy relic. Inconsistent look and tone paired with weak editing and decent but gratuitous CGI let you disengage from the plot.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorJay ChapmanStarsIliza ShlesingerHer innocent good looks are just a cover for Last Comic Standing winner Iliza Shlesinger's acerbic, stream-of-conscious comedy that she unleashes on an unsuspecting audience in her hometown of Dallas in her stand-up special "War Paint."Debut stand up program of Iliza Shelsinger about women getting drunk and hooking up with men. Funny and inventive program with colorful gestures that sometimes overstay their welcome.
Overall 6/10