Movie Watchlist (09/2019 - 09/2020)
A complete and chronological list of all the movies I watched between September 2019 and September 2020. Included are only feature films and movies that were made for TV or streaming services but no short movies or series/serials. The 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 them. 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/
Apocalypse Now [1979]
Profondo rosso [1975]
La haine [1995]
Du rififi chez les hommes [1955]
Ying xiong [2002]
Tonari no Totoro [1988]
Breakfast at Tiggany's [1961]
L'hypothèse du tableau volé [1978]
The Invisible Man [2020]
Die Brücke [1959]
Gisaengchung [2019]
Hamilton [2020]
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 them. 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/
Apocalypse Now [1979]
Profondo rosso [1975]
La haine [1995]
Du rififi chez les hommes [1955]
Ying xiong [2002]
Tonari no Totoro [1988]
Breakfast at Tiggany's [1961]
L'hypothèse du tableau volé [1978]
The Invisible Man [2020]
Die Brücke [1959]
Gisaengchung [2019]
Hamilton [2020]
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- DirectorJames GrayStarsBrad PittTommy Lee JonesRuth NeggaAstronaut Roy McBride undertakes a mission across an unforgiving solar system to uncover the truth about his missing father and his doomed expedition that now, 30 years later, threatens the universe.In a future where travelling to Mars is happening on a daily basis, an astronaut investigates strange radioactive waves that are associated with his missing father. Exceptionally well-looking movie with a stellar depiction of space travelling - the latter half lacks consistency and pacing, though.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorChris ColumbusStarsDaniel RadcliffeRupert GrintEmma WatsonAn orphaned boy enrolls in a school of wizardry, where he learns the truth about himself, his family and the terrible evil that haunts the magical world.An 11-year old boy is confronted with his past, when he realizes that he is a wizard. Epic adaption of the famous books, that also succeeds on a more detailled level - nice atmosphere and character interaction.
Overall 7/10 [II] - DirectorRoman PolanskiStarsJohnny DeppFrank LangellaLena OlinA book broker discovers his latest find may summon Satan.A seller of antique books investigates a case of a book, allegedly written by the devil himself. Uneven mystery thriller with interesting characters and an entertaining first half, but only a mediocre plot and many awkward moments.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorWei LoChia-Hsiang WuStarsBruce LeeMaria YiJames TienA young man sworn to an oath of non-violence works with his cousins in an ice factory where they mysteriously begin to disappear.A young man must break his oath to never hurt anyone, when he is confronted with the drug lord who killed his cousins. Entertaining if simple action movie with some great choreography.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorDaniel GoldhaberStarsMadeline BrewerPatch DarraghMelora WaltersAlice, an ambitious camgirl, wakes up one day to discover she's been replaced on her show with an exact replica of herself.A young model suffers a breakdown when her account is hacked and used by a doppelganger who performs increasingly disturbing sexual acts on camera. Well-made and thrilling techno-horror movie with a memorable performance by the lead actress.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJulius AveryStarsJovan AdepoWyatt RussellMathilde OllivierA small group of American soldiers find horror behind enemy lines on the eve of D-Day.A squad of American soldiers lost behind enemy lines, find out that a Nazi doctor is experimenting with reviving dead people. Convoluted horror movie with a decent - if not novel - premise and good production values, but also some weak performances and uneven writing.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorLee UnkrichAdrian MolinaStarsAnthony GonzalezGael García BernalBenjamin BrattAspiring musician Miguel, confronted with his family's ancestral ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer.A young Mexican boy embraces his heritage and travels to the land of the dead on Dia de los muertos. Slow start, but ultimately lovable characters, stellar animation quality and great - if mature - narrative themes.
Overall 8/10 [II] - DirectorStephen ChboskyStarsJacob TremblayOwen WilsonIzabela VidovicBased on the New York Times bestseller, this movie tells the incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who enters the fifth grade, attending a mainstream elementary school for the first time.Depicts the struggle of a young boy with a facial deformity to find friends at school. Nice and light-hearted drama with a lovable cast and generally great performances - however, how the plot enravels might be too sweet for some.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorTony BancroftBarry CookStarsMing-Na WenEddie MurphyBD WongTo save her father from death in the army, a young maiden secretly goes in his place and becomes one of China's greatest heroines in the process.A young woman is joining the Chinese army to save her sick father. Wonderful animation adventure with outstanding production values, and a well thought out plot; only the songs really lack, as they are mostly forgettable.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorBong Joon HoStarsTilda SwintonPaul DanoAhn Seo-hyunA young girl risks everything to prevent a powerful, multinational company from kidnapping her best friend - a fascinating beast named Okja.A girl fights against a global food corporation because they want her genetically mutated pig. Clever fantasy comedy with a strong social commentary, great performances, and well-executed comedic elements.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorDee ReesStarsJason MitchellCarey MulliganJason ClarkeTwo men return home from World War II to work on a farm in rural Mississippi, where they struggle to deal with racism and adjusting to life after war.Drama about the lives of two families in the 1940s amidst racial discrimination in a small Mississipi town. Well-written plot that has no clear focus but still never lacks cohesion, with good performances, and mostly believable character interaction.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorPitofStarsHalle BerrySharon StoneBenjamin BrattA shy woman, endowed with the speed, reflexes, and senses of a cat, walks a thin line between criminal and hero, even as a detective doggedly pursues her, fascinated by both of her personas.After being resurrected by a mysterious cat, a woman gains superhuman cat-like abilities. Superhero action movie that fails on nearly all levels, from editing, to writing, and most performances - generally incoherent in tone and character interaction.
Overall 3/10 - DirectorTravis KnightStarsHailee SteinfeldJorge Lendeborg Jr.John CenaOn the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small California beach town. On the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, Charlie Watson discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken.A teenage girl befriends a robot that can transform into a VW beetle, and discovers that other, more evil robots have invaded Earth. Entertaining if shallow action movie with a great lead performance, but an otherwise forgettable cast.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorVince GilliganStarsAaron PaulJonathan BanksMatt JonesFugitive Jesse Pinkman runs from his captors, the law, and his past.After having been forced to cook crystal meth, a young man tries to start a new life. Set after the series Breaking Bad, the movie is a successful sequel, with a strong lead performance, and a believable farewell to established characters.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorNobuo NakagawaStarsShigeru AmachiUtako MitsuyaYôichi NumataA group of sinners involved in interconnected tales of murder, revenge, deceit and adultery all meet at the Gates of Hell.After being involved in a hit and run, a young man experiences more and more deaths among his friends and family. Experimental horror movie with visually striking images and a great if complicated plot.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorLucio FulciStarsChristopher GeorgeCatriona MacCollCarlo De MejoA reporter and a psychic race to close the Gates of Hell after the suicide of a clergyman caused them to open, allowing the dead to rise from their graves.After a priest commits suicide, the people of a small town start to see supernatural phenomena. Uneven but entertaining low budget horror movie with an atmospheric beginning and a moody soundtrack, but a weak second half.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorJim SharmanStarsTim CurrySusan SarandonBarry BostwickA newly-engaged couple have a breakdown in an isolated area and must seek shelter at the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-n-Furter.Because their car broke down, a young couple seek the help of a group of strange people, living in a mysterious mansion. Clever musical comedy, mocking horror movies of earlier decades with generally good performances and catchy songs, but also a poor plot and an uneven last third.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorChristian AlvartStarsNorman ReedusChristian von AsterAndré HennickeWanted for a long time, serial killer Gabriel Engel gets arrested in a spectacular police raid. Small town cop Michael Martens travels to the big city to interrogate him and finds out more than he is looking for.After a naive cop from a rural area meet a serial killer, his understanding of good and bad increasingly changes. Interesting concept with generally good pacing and mostly decent performances - however, the movie borrows heavily from existing genre tropes and fails to tell a coherent plot.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorPeter BeauvaisStarsWolfgang BüttnerArno AssmannAndreas PolizaSiggi Jepsen is in Germany after the war in an institution for difficult to educate young people. While locked in his cell, the memories of his childhood during the Second World War come flooding back to himDrama about a young man in prison reflecting on his life during WWII, being torn between his family duties and his friendship with an old painter. Well-made movie with believable performances and a great script - the important messages about the influence of a totalitarian regime on a man's relationships is conveyed well, however, the movie stumbles when it comes to the side characters and the side stories.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorIngmar BergmanStarsMax von SydowLiv UllmannGertrud FridhWhile vacationing on a remote German island with his younger pregnant wife, an artist has an emotional breakdown while confronting his repressed desires.A painter moves to a secluded island to work but he is more and more troubled by otherwordly visions. Unconventional horror movie with a non-linear storyline, great imagery, and a rich atmosphere.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorPaul Thomas AndersonStarsVicky KriepsDaniel Day-LewisLesley ManvilleSet in 1950s London, Reynolds Woodcock is a renowned dressmaker whose fastidious life is disrupted by a young, strong-willed woman, Alma, who becomes his muse and lover.Drama about a successful tailor and his muse and their toxic, co-dependent relationship. Expertly crafted movie, with remarkable performances and a marvellous soundtrack - however, it seems unsure which story to focus on.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorGerald KarglStarsErwin LederRobert Hunger-BühlerSilvia RyderA troubled man gets released from prison and starts taking out his sadistic fantasies on an unsuspecting family living in a secluded house.About the killing spree of a psychotic sadist who just got out of prison. Highly influential and technically remarkable horror movie with a strong lead performance and a wonderfully memorable soundtrack.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorSteven SoderberghStarsGary OldmanAntonio BanderasAJ MeijerA widow investigates an insurance fraud, chasing leads to a pair of Panama City law partners exploiting the world's financial system.Lighthearted drama about the real-life company Mossack Fonseca and their relation to the "Panama Papers" leak. Nice and entertaining movie with a ensemble star cast that is structured in smaller story vignettes that are not always great and lack a main narrative focus.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorSean S. CunninghamStarsBetsy PalmerAdrienne KingJeannine TaylorA group of teenage camp counselors attempt to re-open an abandoned summer camp with a tragic past, but they are stalked by a mysterious, relentless killer.After a group of teenagers stay at an allegedly haunted camp, a mysterious person starts to kill them one by one. Ridiculousbut highly influential horror movie that works for some jump scares but is otherwise a mediocre rip-off of more popular and thrilling horror movies.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorJohn FawcettStarsEmily PerkinsKatharine IsabelleKris LemcheTwo death-obsessed sisters, outcasts in their suburban neighborhood, must deal with the tragic consequences when one of them is bitten by a deadly werewolf.After two sisters are attacked by a strange creature, one of them experiences a horrifying transformation of her body. Wonderfully written teen horror movie with many memorable scenes, great dark humor, and a thrilling ending.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorDon ChaffeyStarsTodd ArmstrongNancy KovackGary RaymondThe legendary Greek hero leads a team of intrepid adventurers in a perilous quest for the legendary Golden Fleece.Adaptation of the epic, ancient Greek tale about Jason and his crew, saling towards the end of the world to retrieve a magical fleece. Entertaining adventure movie with mediocre performances that has aged poorly with regard to pacing and character interaction but features some outstanding special effects.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorCraig BrewerStarsEddie MurphyKeegan-Michael KeyMike EppsEddie Murphy portrays real-life legend Rudy Ray Moore, a comedy and rap pioneer who proved naysayers wrong when his hilarious, obscene, kung-fu fighting alter ego, Dolemite, became a 1970s Blaxploitation phenomenon.Biopic about comedian and actor Rudy Ray Moore and the story about his first movie Dolemite [1975]. Fantastic movie with wonderful performances that balances its funny and more somber moments perfectly.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsRobert De NiroHarvey KeitelDavid ProvalIn New York City's Little Italy, a devoutly Catholic mobster must reconcile his desire for power, his feelings for his epileptic lover, and his devotion to his troublesome friend.A young petty criminal in Little Italy, New York City, is trying to solve the conflicts the cousin of his secret girlfriend causes. Marvellous character study and intense insight into the small-time criminal underworld of the 1960s; with innovative cinematography and a memorable soundtrack.
Overall 9/10 - DirectorMark PellingtonStarsJeff BridgesTim RobbinsJoan CusackA man begins to suspect his neighbors are not what they appear to be and their secrets could be deadly.A college professor gets obsessed with the idea that his neighbor could secretly be a terrorist. Entertaining and thrilling movie with good pacing and decent lead performances. The plot and character interactions seem clever at first, but some aspects really fail to make the sequence of events believable.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorTodd PhillipsStarsJoaquin PhoenixRobert De NiroZazie BeetzDuring the 1980s, a failed stand-up comedian is driven insane and turns to a life of crime and chaos in Gotham City while becoming an infamous psychopathic crime figure.Origin story about Batman's archenemy and his troubled backstory. Good thriller with solid writing and a stellar lead performance that achieves a tense atmosphere, but struggles to find its own profile among the various movies and pop culture tropes it references.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorBaltasar KormákurStarsHilmir Snær GuðnasonVictoria AbrilHanna María KarlsdóttirWill the 30 y.o. Hlynur ever move out of his mother's apartment in Reykjavík? Social welfare keeps him passive but things change when his mother's Spanish friend, Lola, arrives and stays through Xmas and New Year's Eve.The world of a thirty-year-old man is turned upside down, when the unconventional friend of his mother moves in. Strange and uneven dramedy with interesting characters, but also dark humor that sometimes misses its mark.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorLev AtamanovStarsVladimir GribkovYanina ZheymoAnna KomolovaWhen the Snow Queen, a lonely and powerful fairy, kidnaps the human boy Kay, his best friend Gerda must overcome many obstacles on her journey to rescue him.Animation adaptation of the classic fairy tale about a young girl searching her friend who was kidnapped by the evil snow queen. Great animation adventure with mostly good production values, believable writing and pacing.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorKathryn BigelowStarsJohn BoyegaAnthony MackieAlgee SmithFact-based drama set during the 1967 Detroit riots in which a group of rogue police officers respond to a complaint with retribution rather than justice on their minds.Dramatized retelling of the Algiers Motel incident during the race riots in Detroit in 1967. Thrilling movie about socialized forms of brutality with a strong message, believable writing, and great actors - only the pacing somehow lacks.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsMeryl StreepTom HanksSarah PaulsonA cover-up spanning four U.S. Presidents pushes the country's first female newspaper publisher and her editor to join an unprecedented battle between press and government.The true story of the publisher of the Washington Post and her struggle whether to print the Pentagon Papers in 1971. Mostly faithful fictionalized retelling with outstanding performances and very entertaining writing.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorFrancis Ford CoppolaStarsMartin SheenMarlon BrandoRobert DuvallA U.S. Army officer serving in Vietnam is tasked with assassinating a renegade Special Forces Colonel who sees himself as a god.An army captain suffering from PTSD is sent to kill a rogue colonel during the Vietnam War. Artistically impressive war drama with some stand-out performances and a memorable score - generally a marvellous cinematic achievement.
Overall 9/10* - DirectorKamal AmrohiStarsAshok KumarMadhubalaM. KumarA young lawyer is involved with a ghostly woman in his new house, where the builder and his fiancée died shortly after it was built.After a young man buys a desolate mansion, he's slowly driven insane by the ghost of his lover from his previous life. Atmospheric romantic drama with supernatural horror elements and a strong lead couple, but also some pacing problems.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJohannes SievertStarsAlex BrendemühlSylvia HoeksMaximilian von PufendorfEx-Police Commissioner Lenders makes a staggering discovery while investigating a murder: one of the victims comes from another time period.A detective investigates the case of a mysterious serial murder that is linked to the murder of his wife one year earlier. Time travel themed crime thriller with a convoluted plot, poor writing, and generally unconvincing performances.
Overall 3/10 - DirectorBill CondonStarsIan McKellenBrendan FraserLynn RedgraveThe last days of Frankenstein (1931) director James Whale are explored.Fictionalized retelling of the last days of Hollywood horror director James Whale in 1957. Well-made drama that has only a loose focus on history, but features three magnificent actors and great writing.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorMike FlanaganStarsJohn Gallagher Jr.Kate SiegelMichael TruccoA deaf and mute writer who retreated into the woods to live a solitary life must fight for her life in silence when a masked killer appears at her window.A deaf writer living in a desolate house is tormented by a killer on the loose. Simple but effective horror thriller with convincing lead performances, strong pacing, and efficient and entertaining writing.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorAlexandre ArcadyStarsJean-Paul BelmondoKim CattrallGuy MarchandA bank in Montréal is held up by Grimm (dressed as clown) and Co. Escaping a bank surrounded by cops is the easy part.A group of unconventional small time criminals successfully robbed a bank, but their getaway isn't going as smoothly as planned. Mildly amusing crime comedy with an innovative premise and some creative ideas, that however run quickly out of steam.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorJung Byung-gilStarsKim Ok-binShin Ha-kyunSung JunA female assassin leaves a trail of bodies behind her as she seeks revenge.A young woman is trained to become a professional killer in order to provide a normal life for her daughter. Frantic action movie with several great scenes, but the overall storytelling can also be lengthy.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJames FrancoStarsJames FrancoDave FrancoAri GraynorWhen aspiring actor Greg Sestero meets the weird and mysterious Tommy Wiseau in an acting class, they form a unique friendship and travel to Hollywood to make their dreams come true.Retelling of how the independent movie The Room [2003] was made - a movie that is frequently named one of the worst movies ever. Entertaining and mostly well-written comedic biopic with great performances, but the movie is also too liberal regarding the underlying facts of the story.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorFred ZinnemannStarsGary CooperGrace KellyThomas MitchellA town Marshal, despite the disagreements of his newlywed bride and the townspeople around him, must face a gang of deadly killers alone at "high noon" when the gang leader, an outlaw he "sent up" years ago, arrives on the noon train.Shortly after having retired, the sheriff of a small town must find allies to fight against an infamous criminal. Thoughtful Western with great lead performances, a gloomy atmosphere, and a remarkable ending.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorDario ArgentoStarsDavid HemmingsDaria NicolodiGabriele LaviaA jazz pianist and a wisecracking journalist are pulled into a complex web of mystery after the former witnesses the brutal murder of a psychic.After being witness to the murder of a young woman, a man seeks for clues to solve the mystery. Wonderful mystery thriller with memorable imagery, many suspenseful scenes, and a remarkable soundtrack.
Overall 9/10* - DirectorMartin ZandvlietStarsRoland MøllerLouis HofmannJoel BasmanIn post-World War II Denmark, a group of young German POWs are forced to clear a beach of thousands of land mines under the watch of a Danish Sergeant who slowly learns to appreciate their plight.At the end of WWII, a group of young Germans are forced to search land mines on a Danish beach. Great drama driven by believable characters in an intense situation - the movie, however, doesn't discuss the moral implications as thoroughly as it could have.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorSteve PaleyStarsDarren CapozziMona ParksIliza ShlesingerIliza Shelsinger in her fifth Netflix stand-up special, discussing marriage and its traditions.American comedienne Iliza Shelsinger talks about her wedding, female empowerment, and tradition. Mostly entertaining comedy special with a great number of jokes - that, however, often seem rehashed from previous specials.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorPier Paolo PasoliniStarsPaolo BonacelliGiorgio CataldiUberto Paolo QuintavalleIn World War II Italy, four fascist libertines round up nine adolescent boys and girls and subject them to 120 days of physical, mental, and sexual torture.During the last days of WWII in fascist Italy, a group of rich and powerful men capture young people to torture them. At its time, the movie was as crass as it was groundbreaking - and even though it seems dated, the decent plot and the brutal atmosphere still mostly hold up.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJosé PadilhaStarsWagner MouraAndré RamiroCaio JunqueiraIn 1997 Rio de Janeiro, Captain Nascimento has to find a substitute for his position while trying to take down drug dealers and criminals before the Pope visits.A captain of a paramilitary police squad in Rio de Janeiro recruits rookies to find his successor. Brutal crime drama with stunningly raw cinematography but only middling character drama and an uneven plot.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorBrian TaylorStarsNicolas CageSelma BlairAnne WintersA teenage girl and her younger brother must survive a wild 24 hours during which a mass hysteria of unknown origin causes parents to turn violently on their own kids.A teenage girl and her young brother try to survive as everywhere parents suddenly start to kill their children. Ridiculous plot, but the dark comedy features good acting, decent writing, and is ultimately very entertaining to watch.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorSergio PablosCarlos Martínez LópezStarsJason SchwartzmanJ.K. SimmonsRashida JonesA simple act of kindness always sparks another, even in a frozen, faraway place. When Smeerensburg's new postman, Jesper, befriends toymaker Klaus, their gifts melt an age-old feud and deliver a sleigh full of holiday traditions.Animation comedy about how the legend of Santa Klaus was started. Quirky little movie, with a beautiful handdrawn-animation style, a good voice cast, and a plot that mostly works well, although some gags fall short.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorScott Z. BurnsStarsAdam DriverAnnette BeningJon HammIdealistic Senate staffer Daniel J. Jones, tasked by his boss to lead an investigation into the CIA's post 9/11 Detention and Interrogation Program, uncovers shocking secrets.Retelling of how Daniel Jones together with his team uncovered the flawed CIA's post 9/11 Detention and Interrogation Program. Great drama about an important topic in recent American history with strong actors. However, the movie would have benefitted from a better introduction and a more efficient writing.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorRaoul WalshStarsDouglas FairbanksJulanne JohnstonSnitz EdwardsA recalcitrant thief vies with a duplicitous Mongol ruler for the hand of a beautiful princess.A young thief living in the streets of Bagdad, falls in love with the daughter of the Caliph and therefore searches for a rare treasure. Visually stunning adventure epic with great production values, a wonderful score, and good performances.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorHironobu SakaguchiMotonori SakakibaraStarsAlec BaldwinSteve BuscemiMing-Na WenA scientist makes a last stand on Earth with the help of a ragtag team of soldiers against an invasion of alien phantoms.In a dystopian future, the last of mankind lives in barrier cities because alien phantoms invaded Earth. Historically important movie and overall an outstanding achievement for creating realistic CGI characters and worlds - however, the writing is poor and the plot is barely understandable and unnecessarily convoluted.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorMarcell JankovicsStarsGyula BalázsiPéter BenköÁgnes BertalanAdam's and Eve's epic journey throughout history trying to find the meaning of human life. Do we grow in wisdom as centuries pass, or just drift towards an inevitable doom?Animated epic about the first man, Adam, an his struggle to achieve greatness with the help of Lucifer. Fantastic and mostly well-produced animation movie with clever scenes and a strong pacing regarding the lengthy runtime.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorNoah BaumbachStarsAdam DriverScarlett JohanssonJulia GreerNoah Baumbach's incisive and compassionate look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together.As the marriage of two parents slowly dissolves, their history together is told. Well-written drama with several strong performances, believable dialogues, and a strong sense of melancholia.
Overall 9/10 - DirectorNahnatchka KhanStarsAli WongRandall ParkJames SaitoEveryone assumed that Sasha and Marcus would wind up together, except for Sasha and Marcus. Reconnecting after 15 years, the two start to wonder--maybe?Two childhood friends are trying to get together after they meet as adults several years after highschool. Good comedy with two strong lead performances with a believable chemistry, and some laugh-out-loud scenes.
Overall 6/10 - 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 protagonist excessively tries to provide a wonderful time for his family, while nothing really works the way it should.
Overall 8/10 [VIII] - DirectorChris PeckoverStarsOlivia DeJongeLevi MillerEd OxenbouldOn a quiet suburban street, a babysitter must defend a twelve-year-old boy from intruders, only to discover it's far from a normal home invasion.Horror thriller about a teenage babysitter whose house is targeted by a mysterious stranger. Wonderfully morbid movie with a decent premise and some truly thrilling scenes - if one suspends disbelief.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorRoger KumbleStarsRyan ReynoldsAmy SmartAnna FarisWhile visiting his hometown during Christmas, a man comes face-to-face with his old high-school crush and best friend--a woman whose rejection of him turned him into a ferocious womanizer.Fun comedy about a successful music producer trying to get together with his highschool crush. Hilariously dumb, with many ridiculous scenes, and lovable characters.
Overall 7/10 [II] - DirectorTakeo NakamuraStarsMichele LeeMelissa GilbertLurene TuttleClara finds herself in a magical world where her toys have come to life but must fight the evil mice who threaten the kingdom before she can return home.Stop motion animation adaptation of the classic nutcracker fantasy story. Good-looking, dark version of the fairy tale, with an art style that takes some time to get used to, but the movie also has a coherent narrative and pacing and a mostly good soundtrack.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJon TurteltaubStarsSandra BullockBill PullmanPeter GallagherA hopelessly romantic Chicago Transit Authority ticket booth operator is mistaken for the fiancée of a comatose patient.A young woman saves the life of a handsome man and while he is in a coma, claims to be his fiancée. Clever premise with a mostly sweet execution that mostly relies on the believable performance of the lead actress and the chemistry between her and the family members.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorGus MeinsCharley RogersStarsStan LaurelOliver HardyVirginia KarnsOpposing the evil Barnaby, Ollie Dee and Stanley Dum try and fail to pay-off Mother Peep's mortgage and mislead his attempts to marry Little Bo. Enraged, Barnaby's Bogeymen are set on Toyland.In a fantasy world, two young men have to pay the mortgage of their house to an evil man. Frantic and weird blend of various fairy tales that is borderline incohesive and the silly moments of slapstick only work, when focusing on the two lead performances.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorGreta GerwigStarsSaoirse RonanLaurie MetcalfTracy LettsIn 2002, an artistically inclined 17-year-old girl comes of age in Sacramento, California.During her last year of high school, a teenage girl tries to find her own identity. Standard premise that is, however, exceptionally well executed, with powerful performances, artistic choices that work very well, and a witty narrative that only strays from the coming-of-age formula, when it wants to tell something new.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorJ.J. AbramsStarsDaisy RidleyJohn BoyegaOscar IsaacThe surviving Resistance faces the First Order once again in the conclusion of the Skywalker saga.The final part of a story about a rebellious group who has to fight against an evil overlord with an army that is capable to destroy whole planets. Last part of a trilogy that often dissolves as it tries to do its predecessors justice, while all too often introducing new and incohesive elements to the narrative - the action sequences are entertaining, though.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsRobert De NiroAl PacinoJoe PesciAn illustration of Frank Sheeran's life, from W.W.II veteran to hit-man for the Bufalino crime family and his alleged assassination of his close friend Jimmy Hoffa.Epic ficitionalized retelling of a real-life small-time mobster who became one of the highest members of the American mob in the 1960-70s. Well-written narrative with some outstanding actors and a perfect recreation of the 1960-70s - especially the last act carries an exceptional emotional punch.
Overall 9/10 - DirectorLeander HaußmannStarsChristian UlmenKatja DanowskiDetlev BuckBarkeeper Frank, semi-formally called "Herr Lehmann", is part of a lethargic West Berlin-microcosm. His lifestyle is disturbed when his parents show up for a visit, things go awry with his girlfriend and his best friend acts strange.At the eve of the fall of the Berlin Wall, a young man searches for his identity in seedy bars. Drama with some quirky characters and a few good performances, but an ultimately uncoherent plot and a lack of character development - generally depends on whether one enjoys the very special kind of humor.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorFritz LangStarsPaul RichterMargarete SchönTheodor LoosSiegfried, son of King Siegmund of Xanten, sets off on a treacherous journey to the Kingdom of Burgundy to ask King Gunther for the hand of his sister, the beautiful Princess Kriemhild.Epic retelling of a German medival tale about a nearly invicible hero and how his enemies plotted his death. Drama with theatrical but stunning performances, wonderfully entertaining pacing, and a remarkable production.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorFritz LangStarsMargarete SchönGertrud ArnoldTheodor LoosPrincess Kriemhild vows to avenge her husband's murder but must overcome her brothers who swore allegiance to Hagen. She marries Etzel, King of the Huns, and persuades his army to attack Hagen, but she loses more than she bargained for.Epic retelling of a German medival tale about how a wife avenges her husband's murder. Wonderfully shot drama with remarkable set pieces and great choreography.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorJustin BensonAaron MoorheadStarsAaron MoorheadJustin BensonCallie HernandezAs kids, they escaped a UFO death cult. Now, two adult brothers seek answers after an old videotape surfaces and brings them back to where they began.Independent mystery thriller about two brothers visiting a death cult, they were members ten years prior. Clever premise and well-written narrative that mostly achieves a great and tense atmosphere - but the finale could have packed more emotional punch.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorMike FlanaganStarsCarla GuginoBruce GreenwoodChiara AureliaA couple tries to spice up their marriage in a remote lake house. After the husband dies unexpectedly, the wife is left handcuffed to their bed frame and must fight to survive and break free.After an erotic game gone wrong, a middle-aged woman has to fight for her life. Stellar adaptation of a thrilling horror story with two great lead performances, and immaculate pacing.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorJames Ward ByrkitStarsEmily BaldoniMaury SterlingNicholas BrendonStrange things begin to happen when a group of friends gather for a dinner party on an evening when a comet is passing overhead.After a comet passes by, the people at a dinner party see doppelgangers of themselves. Clever and well-written low budget science fiction movie that is efficiently executed, and features a believable cast.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorCharles LaughtonStarsRobert MitchumShelley WintersLillian GishA self-proclaimed preacher marries a gullible widow whose young children are reluctant to tell him where their real dad hid the $10,000 he'd stolen in a robbery.A murderous preacher stalks two children because they know about the stolen money of their father. Fantastic and very atmospheric thriller in the form of a gritty gothic tale with remarkable performances and an extremely memorable soundtrack.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorAri AsterStarsToni ColletteMilly ShapiroGabriel ByrneA grieving family is haunted by tragic and disturbing occurrences.After the matriarch of a family died, a small family sees strange visions. Effective and atmospheric horror movie that has a long build up but is very well-written and ultimately terrifying.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorHelmut WeissStarsHeinz RühmannKarin HimboldtHilde SessakA successful writer, home-schooled in his youth, masquerades as a student at a secondary school to experience all the fun and pranks he missed out on.Comedy about the childish misadventures of a man returning to school. Superbly scripted, likable over the top characters, and entertaining throughout.
Overall 8/10 [V] - DirectorGeorge SluizerStarsBernard-Pierre DonnadieuGene BervoetsJohanna ter SteegeRex and Saskia, a young couple in love, are on vacation. They stop at a busy service station and Saskia is abducted. After three years and no sign of Saskia, Rex begins receiving letters from the abductor.After his girlfriend goes missing whil on vacation in France, a man goes to great lengths to find out what happened to her. Dark character drama with a nuanced narrative, at least on captivating performance, and a haunting ending.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorKay CannonStarsLeslie MannJohn CenaIke BarinholtzThree parents try to stop their daughters from losing their virginity on prom night.Three teenage high schoolers decide to have sex on prom night, while their parents try everything to prevent it. Mostly clever comedy that reverses conventional high school formulas and often succeeds due to the very decent chemistry between the characters.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorGary RossStarsSandra BullockCate BlanchettAnne HathawayDebbie Ocean gathers an all-female crew to attempt an impossible heist at New York City's annual Met Gala.Released from prison, a con woman assembes a crew to steal diamonds. Good premise and a strong opening act, but the overall narrative feels jumbled and loses its steam early.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorGao FengStarsPeiqi LiuYunjin CaoQing XiuThe movie is based on a real historic event. During French's invading war against China in 1885, the French army took over Zhengnan Guan located in the Guangxi Province. Wishing to protect their beloved country, the 70 years old General Feng Zicai and his two sons volunteered to join the battle. The general understood it would be a difficult battle to win as the French soldiers held much more advanced equipment, resources and weapons. To show his devotion and determination, he brought his own coffin alongside with him to the war zone. He also utilized his experience with the Zhangnan Guan terrain to pave out strategies, made weapons applicable to their situations. These actions bolstered the morale tremendously, and prepared them well for the war. As a result, although the Chinese soldiers sustained heavy losses, they turned the tide of the battle and won.Tells the story of a real-life captain of the Chinese army who fought against the French during the Sino-French War of 1884. Well-produced war drama with some decent performances and a structured plot - however, the drama is often pathetic and there are some clear nationalist undertones.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorGordon ParksStarsRichard RoundtreeMoses GunnCharles CioffiA crime lord hires black private eye, John Shaft, to find and retrieve his kidnapped daughter.A private detective is hired by a mobster to find his kindpapped daughter. Gritty and entertaining crime movie that is culturally significant and influential, but both the comedy as well as the action scenes have not aged well.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorKevin PhillipsStarsOwen CampbellCharlie TahanElizabeth CappuccinoTeenagers Zach and Josh have been best friends their whole lives, but when a gruesome accident leads to a cover-up, the secret drives a wedge between them and propels them down a rabbit hole of escalating paranoia and violence.After a horrible accident, a teenage boy suspects his best friend of being a murderer. Well-shot crime drama with outstanding cinematography, and a clever narrative with a high degree of symbolism - but some themes never quite come together and the built-up mystery is quickly solved.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJake KasdanStarsDwayne JohnsonKaren GillanKevin HartFour teenagers are sucked into a magical video game, and the only way they can escape is to work together to finish the game.Four unlikely friends are sucked into a video game, all inhabiting avatars that are the exact opposite of themselves. Surprisingly entertaining and fun comedy with wonderful character interaction, and an easy-going, if simplistic, narrative.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorAlejandro G. IñárrituStarsSean PennBenicio Del ToroNaomi WattsA freak accident brings together a critically ill mathematician, a grieving mother, and a born-again ex-con.The lives of three people are intertwined, as all experience death. Character-driven drama that focuses only on overt tragedies, extremely well acted but the non-linear plot doesn't serve any function and sometimes distracts from building character archs.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsCary GrantGrace KellyJessie Royce LandisA retired jewel thief sets out to prove his innocence after being suspected of returning to his former occupation.A former jewel thief has to prove his innocence regarding a recent series of thefts bearing his signature. Elegant crime comedy with two standout leads and a wonderful scenery - even if the plot has its problems with maintaining pacing and holding tension.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorChristiane CegavskeA handmade stop-motion fairy tale for adults that tells the tale of the struggle between the aristocratic White Mice and the rustic Creatures Who Dwell Under the Oak over the doll of their heart's desire.Dark stop motion animation fairy tale about the kidnapping of a strange doll. Atmospheric and highly symbolic movie with a great sense of creativity but an unnecessary slow pacing.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJohn WooStarsHanyu ZhangMasaharu FukuyamaStephy QiAccused of heinous crimes he didn't commit, a prosecutor sets out on a mission to clear his name.A lawyer is wrongly accused of murder and has to solve the crime himself. Mostly mediocre action thriller with a convoluted but interesting plot, uneven production values, and only few convincing action scenes.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorVicco von BülowStarsVicco von BülowKatharina BraurenEvelyn HamannGray-haired furniture retailer Paul Winkelmann still has his dinner cooked and his laundry done by his mother. He spends his evenings playing Scrabble with Mama's friends and discussing the role of women in society in his carnival club. When he meets psychologist Margarete Tietze, "Pussi" finally begins to rebel against his dominant mother.Comedy about a fifty-year-old living with his mother who starts to date a weird psychologist. Clever movie with some great performances, that however quickly loses steam, and mostly relies on the likability of the lead duo.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorRoar UthaugStarsAlicia VikanderDominic WestWalton GogginsLara Croft, the fiercely independent daughter of a missing adventurer, must push herself beyond her limits when she discovers the island where her father, Lord Richard Croft disappeared.A young woman discovers that her missing father might still live on a remote, mythical island. Mediocre adventure movie with a decent lead performance, but sometimes poor writing, and gratutious amounts of unconvincing CGI.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorRob MarshallStarsRenée ZellwegerCatherine Zeta-JonesRichard GereTwo death-row murderesses develop a fierce rivalry while competing for publicity, celebrity, and a sleazy lawyer's attention.Musical adaptation of a real-life murder in 1920s Chicago which made a young and naive woman famous. Wonderfully written and choreographed movie with great performances, memorable songs, and a thoroughly entertaining plot.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorMathieu KassovitzStarsVincent CasselHubert KoundéSaïd Taghmaoui24 hours in the lives of three young men in the French suburbs the day after a violent riot.Crime drama about a day in the lives of three troubled young men set against the backdrop of a riot in a suburb of Paris. Gripping movie with remarkable performances, strong cinematography, and an important message.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorFatih AkinStarsNuman AcarAdam BousdoukosDiane KrugerKatja's life collapses after the deaths of her husband and son in a bomb attack. After a time of mourning and injustice, Katja seeks revenge.After a bomb attack killed her family, a woman takes the law into her own hands. Mostly well-made revenge drama that, however, suffers from pacing issues and conceptual problems.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorAlberto RodríguezStarsJavier GutiérrezRaúl ArévaloMaría VarodTwo cops lost in the deep south of Spain. One serial killer to catch. A lot of secrets and lies to disclose.Shortly after the end of the Franco regime, two Spanish cops investigate cases of missings teenage girl in a remote village. Thrilling crime drama with great performances and a decent narrative that's embedded into an intriguing historical context.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJon WattsStarsTom HollandSamuel L. JacksonJake GyllenhaalFollowing the events of Avengers: Endgame (2019), Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever.After many superheroes went missing, a young Spider-Man has to fight on his own against evil elemental spirits across Europe. Over-the-top premise and a plot that's borderline silly, this movie always stays funny and entertaining, and features memorable performances.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorYimou ZhangStarsGong LiJingwu MaSaifei HeChina in the 1920s. After her father's death, Songlian is forced to marry the wealthy Master Chen. With three wives already, each living in a separate house, there is fierce competition for his attention and the privileges that are gained.In China at the beginning of the 20th century, a young woman becomes a concubine of a whealthy business man, but soon starts to regret it. Wonderfully written drama with few actors who have great chemistry and portray a believable descent into anger, greed, and madness.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorNimród AntalStarsSándor CsányiEszter BallaZoltán MucsiA tale about a strange young man, Bulcsú, the fellow inspectors on his team, all without exception likable characters, a rival ticket inspection team and racing along the tracks - and a tale about love.About the daily hassles of a group of train conductors in the subway system of Budapest, Hungary. Wonderfully entertaining dark independent comedy with some strangely fitting horror and science fiction elements.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorMati DiopStarsMame Bineta SaneAmadou MbowTraoreIn a popular suburb of Dakar, workers on the construction site of a futuristic tower, without pay for months, decide to leave the country by the ocean for a better future. Among them is Souleiman, the lover of Ada, promised to another.After a group of young men go missing on their escape to Europe, several women in a Senegalese city behave very strangely. Great supernatural drama with a novel plot concept, gripping atmosphere, and mostly good performances.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorHyun-seung LeeStarsLee Jung-jaeJun Ji-hyunMu-saeng KimIn 1999, a voice actor moves from Il Mare, a seaside house, and leaves a Christmas card in its (magical) mailbox. An architecture student receives it in 1997, and a friendship separated by 2 years begins.A romance about a young couple being connected through a mysterious letter box although they both live in different times. Great and novel premise with an outstanding cinematography and great character chemistry; overall a great feel-good movie.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorRoar UthaugStarsIngrid Bolsø BerdalRolf Kristian LarsenTomas Alf Larsen5 young Norwegians head up to the mountains to snowboard. One breaks his leg and it's getting dark soon, so they spend the night in a big, abandoned hotel, closed 30 years ago. They are not alone.Because of an accident, a group of friends have to stay at a desolate hotel - where also a psychopath happens to live. Generic slasher horror movie with some thrilling moments and several good ideas, but also middling performances and poorly written dialogues.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorJules DassinStarsJean ServaisCarl MöhnerRobert ManuelFour men plan a technically perfect crime, but the human element intervenes...A group of small-time criminals plan to rob a jewellery store, which causes a frenetic heist. Very well-made heist movie with marvellous performances and a very memorable robbery; great pacing, atmosphere, and score.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorJon FavreauStarsRobert Downey Jr.Gwyneth PaltrowTerrence HowardAfter being held captive in an Afghan cave, billionaire engineer Tony Stark creates a unique weaponized suit of armor to fight evil.An arrogant billionaire has a transformative experience and decides to build a weapons suit to fight evil. Great action movie that is historically significant, as it started the most successful movie series of all time; but the movie also shines on its own, because of a strong lead performance and a thrilling score.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJon FavreauStarsRobert Downey Jr.Mickey RourkeGwyneth PaltrowWith the world now aware of his identity as Iron Man, Tony Stark must contend with both his declining health and a vengeful mad man with ties to his father's legacy.A billionaire who became a superhero after building a weapons suit, is threatened by his first enemy with a comparable suit. Fun action movie with a lack of substance and middling performances; overall, the movie lacks memorable scenes and has an uneven plot.
Overall 5/10