Movie Watchlist (09/2014 - 09/2015)
A complete and chronological list of all the movies I watched between September 2014 and September 2015. 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/
Edge of Tomorrow [2014]
Gone Girl [2014]
Can a Song Save Your Life? [2013]
The Fault in Our Stars [2014]
Lola rennt [1998]
Birdman [2014]
Whiplash [2014]
Dirty Harry [1971]
Song of The Sea [2014]
OSS 117: Le Caire, nid d'espions [2006]
The Bourne Identity [2002]
Scarface [1932]
Ex Machina [2015]
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/
Edge of Tomorrow [2014]
Gone Girl [2014]
Can a Song Save Your Life? [2013]
The Fault in Our Stars [2014]
Lola rennt [1998]
Birdman [2014]
Whiplash [2014]
Dirty Harry [1971]
Song of The Sea [2014]
OSS 117: Le Caire, nid d'espions [2006]
The Bourne Identity [2002]
Scarface [1932]
Ex Machina [2015]
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- DirectorNaomi FonerStarsDakota FanningElizabeth OlsenSterling JonesTwo New York City girls make a pact to lose their virginity during their first summer out of high school. When they both fall for the same street artist, the friends find their connection tested for the first time.The summer before College, two best friends run through some dramatic incidents. Great actors in an otherwise soap opera-like scenario with long-winded dialogues.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorDoug LimanStarsTom CruiseEmily BluntBill PaxtonA soldier fighting aliens gets to relive the same day over and over again, the day restarting every time he dies.In the future, a deserter joins the fight against an alien race discovering he can manipulate time. Elaborate story in which the actors do not perfectly fit - relies all too often on flashy CGI.
Overall 6/10* - DirectorTerry GilliamStarsChristoph WaltzLucas HedgesMélanie ThierryA hugely talented but socially isolated computer operator is tasked by Management to prove the Zero Theorem: that the universe ends as nothing, rendering life meaningless. But meaning is what he already craves.A scientist tries to proof the "Zero Theorem", which means life does not have any meaning. Weird depiction of a future society alienated from human interaction and real experiences.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorPhil LordChristopher MillerStarsChanning TatumJonah HillIce CubeAfter making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in store for officers Schmidt and Jenko when they go deep undercover at a local college.Two guy need to infiltrate a college in order to investigate on a case about drug dealing. Predictable sequel, that's quite aware of its own redundance and therefore gets some jokes right.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorJake KasdanStarsJason SegelCameron DiazRob CorddryA married couple wake up to discover that the sex tape they made the evening before has gone missing, leading to a frantic search for its whereabouts.Stale comedy about a middle-aged couple accidently uploading their sex tape to the cloud. The message at the end does somehow distract from the low quality writing and the weak, redudant jokes.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorJeff BaenaStarsAubrey PlazaDane DeHaanJohn C. ReillyA young man's recently deceased girlfriend mysteriously returns from the dead, but he slowly realizes she is not the way he remembered her.A guy discovers that his dead girlfriend has become resurrected, yet the romance isn't set to last forever. Although the formula is not original and some actors are weak, the story develops nicely.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorBryan SingerStarsPatrick StewartIan McKellenHugh JackmanThe X-Men send Wolverine to the past in a desperate effort to change history and prevent an event that results in doom for both humans and mutants.Visually impressive and narratively complex episode in the "X-Men" universe about Wolverine tavelling back in time to prevent a war against mutants. Deep plot and nice pacing.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorRobert StrombergStarsAngelina JolieElle FanningSharlto CopleyA vengeful fairy is driven to curse an infant princess, only to discover that the child could be the one person who can restore peace to their troubled land.Dark and witty reimagining of the former antagonist of the story "Sleeping Beauty". But in this CGI-indulging movie, the characters are simply switched, instead of creating a complex narrative.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsDennis WeaverJacqueline ScottEddie FirestoneA business commuter is pursued and terrorized by the malevolent driver of a massive tractor-trailer.Low-budget thriller about a truck driver chasing the protagonist on a freeway. Slow yet steady pacing with good acting and noteworthy imagery.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorZach BraffStarsZach BraffJoey KingPierce GagnonA struggling actor, father and husband finds himself at a major crossroads, which forces him to examine his life, his family and his career.Comedic drama about a middle-aged man trying to hold his family together, while chasing his dream of becoming an actor. Great acting and beautiful plot - somehow the overacting contributes.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorScott DerricksonStarsEric BanaEdgar RamírezOlivia MunnNew York police officer Ralph Sarchie investigates a series of crimes. He joins forces with an unconventional priest, schooled in the rites of exorcism, to combat the possessions that are terrorizing their city.Loosely based on a fiction novel about exorcism, this horror movie relies too much on cheap effects. Also, the narration simply culminates into fundamentalist Christian belief.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorDavid FincherStarsBen AffleckRosamund PikeNeil Patrick HarrisWith his wife's disappearance having become the focus of an intense media circus, a man sees the spotlight turned on him when it's suspected that he may not be innocent.Thriller about the missing wife of an unusually grieving husband with a very original and gripping twist/finale. Stellar actors, uneven pacing and extraordinary soundtrack entertain perfectly.
Overall 7/10* - DirectorLuke GreenfieldStarsJake JohnsonDamon Wayans Jr.Rob RiggleTwo struggling pals dress as police officers for a costume party and become neighborhood sensations. But when these newly-minted "heroes" get tangled in a real life web of mobsters and dirty detectives, they must put their fake badges on the line.As they hit rock bottom in their professional careers, two guys start to impersonate cops. At times cheap police advertisement, at times only a series of inconsistent episodes, this comedy delivers.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorDean DeBloisChris SandersStarsJay BaruchelGerard ButlerChristopher Mintz-PlasseA hapless young Viking who aspires to hunt dragons becomes the unlikely friend of a young dragon himself, and learns there may be more to the creatures than he assumed.Worthwhile animation movie about a young viking's discovery, that dragons are no enemies to his village. Overall shallow but entertaining plot with lackluster side characters.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorGary ShoreStarsLuke EvansDominic CooperSarah GadonAs his kingdom is being threatened by the Turks, young prince Vlad Tepes must become a monster feared by his own people in order to obtain the power needed to protect his own family, and the families of his kingdom.Story about how Lord Vlad Tepes became "Dracula" in order to save his people from the Turks, which is marginally influenced by historic events. Uneven pacing and mediocre acting, partly cheap CGI.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorKilian RiedhofStarsJonas NayWotan Wilke MöhringNicole MarischkaShy, sensitive gymnasium (high school)-outsider Jakob Moormann is miserably lacking immaterial support at home, where his strict father, uniformed cop Claas, and selfish mother are too busy breaking up to be there for him. Jakob focuses on class dream-girl Hannah, without much luck. His secret recording of himself masturbating gets into class bullies Henry and Erik's hands through the mother's thoughtlessness. The rascals blackmail Jakob and post the video on Internet. After a raging lecture phase, dad stands up for Jakob, but his life is already wrecked more than anyone realizes.The masturbation video of a boy gets uploaded to the chatroom of his school - uneasy drama about the consequences of cyberbullying with good actors, that strongly portray the situational awkwardness.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorPaul HaggisStarsLiam NeesonMila KunisAdrien BrodyThree interlocking love stories involving three couples in three cities: Rome, Paris, and New York.A struggling author develops characters with interwoven subplots, in order to cope with his own shortcomings. Very talented actors and nice ending, however weak pacing.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorPhillip NoyceStarsBrenton ThwaitesJeff BridgesMeryl StreepIn a seemingly perfect community without war, pain, suffering, differences or choices, a young boy is chosen to learn from an elderly man, the true pain and pleasure of the "real" world.Dystopian drama about a boy experienceing emotions in always monitored society. Nice yet plain depiction of a "big brother"-society, with mediocre characters that lack depth; weird ending.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJohn CarneyStarsKeira KnightleyMark RuffaloAdam LevineA chance encounter between a down-and-out music business executive, and a young singer songwriter new to Manhattan, turns into a promising collaboration between the two talents.Beautiful story about two broken down musicians discovering their new found love in music to enrichen their life. Blends elements of music, drama and love story very light-heartedly.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorLuc BessonStarsScarlett JohanssonMorgan FreemanChoi Min-sikA woman, accidentally caught in a dark deal, turns the tables on her captors and transforms into a merciless warrior evolved beyond human logic.A young woman develops superpowers after having an overdose - confusing plot, that never really settles in one genre, with abysmal acting and a lack of thrilling elements.
Overall 3/10 - DirectorFrank MillerRobert RodriguezStarsMickey RourkeJessica AlbaJosh BrolinSome of Sin City's most hard-boiled citizens cross paths with a few of its more reviled inhabitants.Highly stylised thriller set in the fictional city "Sin City", where several short stories are intertwined with each other. Reckless suspense and ridiculous, over the top action.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorJosh BooneStarsShailene WoodleyAnsel ElgortNat WolffHazel and Gus are teenagers who meet at a cancer support group and fall in love. They both share the same acerbic wit and a love of books, especially "An Imperial Affliction", so they embark on a journey to visit an author in Amsterdam.Gripping story of a teenager suffering from lung cancer, discovering the importance of love. Extremely dramatic plot with impressive acting and thughtful interactions of the characters.
Overall 9/10* - DirectorJason BatemanStarsJason BatemanKathryn HahnAllison JanneyA spelling bee loser sets out to exact revenge by finding a loophole and attempting to win as an adult.A 40-year old man takes part in a spelling bee competition for kids and tries to get rid of his opponents. Slightly awkward situations between kids/adults and slow plot development.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorJason MooreStarsAnna KendrickBrittany SnowRebel WilsonBeca, a freshman at Barden University, is cajoled into joining The Bellas, her school's all-girls singing group. Injecting some much needed energy into their repertoire, The Bellas take on their male rivals in a campus competition.Very enjoyable musical comedy about a college student bounding with her new acapella band. Stereotypical characters and bland interactions, but great score and ultimately very fun.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorMatthew VaughnStarsDaniel CraigSienna MillerMichael GambonA successful cocaine dealer gets two tough assignments from his boss on the eve of his planned early retirement.Compley crime drama about an unnamed drug dealer climbing the "layer cake" (social strata) in his business before retiring. Raw depiction of London's underworld, but the plot is uneven.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorBurr SteersStarsZac EfronMatthew PerryLeslie MannMike O'Donnell is ungrateful for how his life turned out. He gets a chance to rewrite his life when he tried to save a janitor near a bridge and jumped after him into a time vortex.Quirky comedy about a man in his middle ages, getting the chance to relive his 17th year again. Predictable plot with some weak actors and sometimes weird/awkward jokes.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorRoger DonaldsonStarsPierce BrosnanLuke BraceyOlga KurylenkoAn ex-C.I.A. operative is brought back in on a very personal mission and finds himself pitted against his former pupil in a deadly game involving high-level C.I.A. officials and the Russian President-elect.Gripping spy thriller about a retired agent coming back at the ones who killed his daughter's mother. Great (sometimes too stereotypical) characters, fast tone and nice action.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorNimród AntalStarsAdrien BrodyLaurence FishburneTopher GraceA group of elite warriors parachute into an unfamiliar jungle and are hunted by members of a merciless alien race.A group of soldiers land on a foreign planet, only to be hunted by a hostile alien race. Confusing and sometimes cheap plot, with uneven pacing, but good action and ending.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorJonathan LiebesmanStarsMegan FoxWill ArnettWilliam FichtnerWhen a kingpin threatens New York City, a group of mutated turtle warriors must emerge from the shadows to protect their home.Reboot of the original story about 4 mutants fighting a terrorist group in NYC. While the animation is enjoyable and the comic scenes are great, the plot feels shallow and the design is weird.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorNisha GanatraStarsZachary GordonMolly ParkerRick RobertsA put-upon teen finds himself reliving the same miserable Christmas day over and over again.Pete, the often overlooked middle child, is stuck in a loop and relives Christmas everyday. Average holiday comedy with mediocre actors, a pleasant story and predictable ending.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorJames GunnStarsChris PrattVin DieselBradley CooperA group of intergalactic criminals must pull together to stop a fanatical warrior with plans to purge the universe.A group of space outlaws group in order to destroy their common enemy. Over the top action and mostly hilarious dialogues - shallow SciFi comedy with good characters.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorSarah SmithBarry CookStarsJames McAvoyJim BroadbentBill NighySanta's clumsy son Arthur sets out on a mission with Grandsanta to give out a misplaced present to a young girl in less than two hours on Christmas Day.The nerdy and clumsy son of Santa gets to deliver the last present and therefore safe christmas. Nice animation, with reasonable characers and great setting.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorPeter RamseyStarsHugh JackmanAlec BaldwinIsla FisherWhen the evil spirit Pitch launches an assault on Earth, the Immortal Guardians team up to protect the innocence of children all around the world.Nicely animated adventure about the guardians of the light (Santa, Tooth Fairy, Easter bunny, Jack Frost, sandman) teaming up against the bogeyman. Weak dialogue and uneven pacing.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorWes BallStarsDylan O'BrienKaya ScodelarioWill PoulterThomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they're all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow "runners" for a shot at escape.Set in a dystopian world, a group of teens are trapped in a huge maze and need to escape. Okay acting with nice CGI and and overall thrilling pacing, but with cliffhanger ending.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorPaul SchraderStarsNicolas CageAnton YelchinAlexander KarimWhen a devastating illness threatens to end Evan Lake's career in the C.I.A., he goes rogue to hunt down a terrorist who tortured him during a mission gone awry years ago.A former CIA operative gets diagnosed with dementia and therefore tries to hunt down the man who tortured him 20 years before. Okay but exaggerated acting, very small scope though.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorMatt ReevesStarsGary OldmanKeri RussellAndy SerkisThe fragile peace between apes and humans is threatened as mistrust and betrayal threaten to plunge both tribes into a war for dominance over the Earth.In an apocalyptic scenery, the remaining citizens of SF have to fight against a colony of intelligent apes. Thrilling plot with decent characters and great CGI.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorLisa MulcahyStarsMarla SokoloffMark WebberMichelle BeamishNewlywed true lovers Jim and Della Young can barely afford moving into to their new apartment, especially when the second-hand car breaks down. They agree not to buy Chrismas presents that year, but each decide to do so secretly and earn extra cash at each's own hobby's expense to spoil the other in his. The sacrifices they make to obtain the items end up putting a strain on their marriage.Shallow comedy about a couple having trouble over their christmas presents. Mediocre cast and an overall lack of content, yet some fun scenes.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorLaurent TirardStarsValérie LemercierKad MeradDominique LavanantThe summer holidays begin, Nicolas and his family travel to the seaside where a whole new series of adventures await them.Set in the 1960s in France, the story highlights the misadventures of Nick and his parents. Quirky humour and great cast with lovable side stories - yet weak conclusion.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorPatrick HughesStarsSylvester StalloneJason StathamJet LiBarney augments his team with new blood for a personal battle: to take down Conrad Stonebanks, the Expendables co-founder and notorious arms trader who is hell bent on wiping out Barney and every single one of his associates.High profile action movie about a group of proffesional killers. Packed with a lot of stars and high production values, this movie suffers a clear direction and weak development.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorKai SchwindStarsAndreas FröhlichOliver RohrbeckJens WawrczeckLive version of a famous audio play book series, in which three teenage investigators must face a devious musical director. Nice atmosphere, but only for fans.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorChristopher NolanStarsMatthew McConaugheyAnne HathawayJessica ChastainWhen Earth becomes uninhabitable in the future, a farmer and ex-NASA pilot, Joseph Cooper, is tasked to pilot a spacecraft, along with a team of researchers, to find a new planet for humans.Gripping futuristic tale of a pilot looking for another planet for mankind's future. While it exceeds most movies in its detail (music, CGI, actors), the plot seems uneven und too anticlimactic.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorSteffen HaarsFlip Van der KuilStarsSylvia HoeksFerdi StofmeelFlip Van der KuilTwo brothers have their friendship put to the test when they both fall in love with the same girl.Comedy about two brothers fighting over one girl. Weak actors and overall contrived plot with very low humour.
Overall 3/10 - DirectorNicolas Winding RefnStarsRyan GoslingCarey MulliganBryan CranstonA mysterious Hollywood action film stuntman gets in trouble with gangsters when he tries to help his neighbor's husband rob a pawn shop while serving as his getaway driver.Slow revenge movie about a stuntman getting involved in mob business. Great performances that stress the moral ambiguity and overall bleakness of the city.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorKevin MunroeStarsPatrick StewartMakoChris EvansWhen the world is threatened by an ancient evil, the Ninja Turtles must reunite and overcome their faults in order to stand against it.Pretty standard animation movie and comic book adaption. Nice animation and fun interactions of the characters - though plot and tone have a very limited scale.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorThomas VerretteStarsJustice LeakRobert PralgoBeth KeenerWhen your memory lies, how do you find the truth?Low budget drama about a teenager suffering from amnesia. Though the idea of intertwined story episodes was great, the mediocre acting and abysmal cinematography ruined it.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorJohn WhitesellStarsMatthew BroderickDanny DeVitoKristin ChenowethTwo neighbors have it out after one of them decorates his house for the holidays so brightly that it can be seen from space.Two fathers get in a fight over which one celebrates christmas right. Weak comedy with a slow start, no clearly focused plot and okay ending.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorThomas BezuchaStarsDermot MulroneySarah Jessica ParkerClaire DanesAn uptight, liberal businesswoman accompanies her boyfriend to his eccentric and outgoing family's annual Christmas celebration and finds that she's a fish out of water in their free-spirited way of life.In this comedy, a problematic proposal leads to chaos at christmas eve. Great actors with a very heart-warming plot, yet slow start and some weak interactions.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJuha WuolijokiStarsHannu-Pekka BjörkmanOtto GustavssonJonas RinneThe touching story of how Santa Claus came to be Santa.A widow and her son get to know a grumpy carpenter who lives in the woods and avoids the villagers. Low-budget drama with okay actors, fair script and sometimes cheap imagery.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorRichard DonnerStarsBill MurrayKaren AllenJohn ForsytheA selfish, cynical television executive is haunted by three spirits bearing lessons on Christmas Eve.Reimagening of Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol" with an eccentric president of a TV channel. Over the top comedic scenes with great animation, yet some annoying scenes.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorRichard CurtisStarsHugh GrantMartine McCutcheonLiam NeesonFollows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London, England.Ensemble comedy about various stories involving love, aceptance and friendship. Great actors, nice plot(s) and beautiful interplay of music and imagery.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorHenry SelickStarsDanny ElfmanChris SarandonCatherine O'HaraJack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home causes confusion.Animation movie about the main protagonist, and hero of the Halloween world, trying to analyze the meaning of Christmas. Breathtaking animation and good songs.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorScott FoleyStarsAmy AckerAva CarpinelloJames CarpinelloEveryone hates Ward's wife and wants her dead, but when his friends' murderous fantasies come true, additional complications arise. A blackly comic caper about helping a friend out of a bad relationship by any means necessary.Subtle black comedy about a couple of friends getting rid of the despicable Ward's wife. Uneven pacing and slow evolving plot but good actors.
Overall 5/10 - 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 [III] - DirectorAllison BurnettStarsBritt RobertsonMolly HaganAndy BuckleyA confused teenager writes a blog revealing her daily activities and secrets, advised to do so by her high school guidance counselor in lieu of moving on to her first year in college.Disturbing insight into the mind of a troubled teenager trying to cope with her psychological issues. Perfect ending, great tone and stellar main actress.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorGraham AnnableAnthony StacchiStarsBen KingsleyJared HarrisNick FrostA young orphaned boy raised by underground cave-dwelling trash collectors tries to save his friends from an evil exterminator.Quirky animation comedy about harmless creatures and the villagers who want to erase them. Fairly unique art style, with a different kind of humor - takes long to get started.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorAntoine FuquaStarsDenzel WashingtonMarton CsokasChloë Grace MoretzA man who believes he has put his mysterious past behind him cannot stand idly by when he meets a young girl under the control of ultra-violent Russian gangsters.Suspenseful and dark action thriller about an ex CIA agent fighting back against a human trafficing cartel. Dark tone, great antihero, yet sometimes overly dramatic and very cliched.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorMike CahillStarsMichael PittSteven YeunAstrid Bergès-FrisbeyA molecular biologist and his laboratory partner uncover evidence that may fundamentally change society as we know it.A scientist discovers a connection between the strucure of the eye and fate and needs to decide whether to believe in his own evidence. Slow pacing but great idea an superb ending.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJessica SharzerStarsKristen StewartElizabeth PerkinsRichard HagermanAfter a blurred trauma over the summer, Melinda enters high school a selective mute. Struggling with school, friends, and family, she tells the dark tale of her experiences, and why she has chosen not to speak.After a teenage girl is raped at a party, she decides to stop talking the next year. Great actress, low-budget imagery and music but well-thought pacing and ending.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorRowan JoffeStarsNicole KidmanColin FirthMark StrongA woman wakes up every day, remembering nothing as a result of a traumatic accident in her past. One day, new terrifying truths emerge that force her to question everyone around her.A midle-aged woman with temporal amnesia tries to find out mor about her condition but doesn't know whom to trust. Interesting approach but sometimes tedious and clichéd ending.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJorge R. GutiérrezStarsDiego LunaZoe SaldanaChanning TatumManolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart, embarks on an adventure that spans three fantastic worlds where he must face his greatest fears.Animation comedy about two guys competing for one woman. Beautiful and original style with many Mexican influences, great score and likable characters.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorWilliam EubankStarsBrenton ThwaitesOlivia CookeBeau KnappOn a road trip, Nic and two friends are drawn to an isolated area by a computer genius. When everything suddenly goes dark, Nic regains consciousness - only to find himself in a waking nightmare.SciFi thriller about 3 teenagers getting trapped in Area 51. Interesting premise and great imagery, but weak characters and tedious dialogue culminate in a disappointing ending.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorDestin Daniel CrettonStarsBrie LarsonFrantz TurnerJohn Gallagher Jr.A 20-something supervising staff member of a residential treatment facility navigates the troubled waters of that world alongside her co-worker and longtime boyfriend.Beautiful story about the relationship of 2 social workers getting troubled as the woman gets confronted with her past. Great actors, well-written story and nice solution.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorAdam WingardStarsDan StevensSheila KelleyMaika MonroeA soldier introduces himself to the Peterson family, claiming to be a friend of their son who died in action. After the young man is welcomed into their home, a series of accidental deaths seem to be connected to his presence.A comrade of a family's fallen son lives with them and starts to behave inappropriately. Strong lead character, but overall very clichéd and - well-known to that - extremely metafictional.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorMichaël R. RoskamStarsTom HardyNoomi RapaceJames GandolfiniBob Saginowski finds himself at the center of a robbery gone awry and entwined in an investigation that digs deeply into the neighborhood's past where friends, families, and foes all work together to make a living--no matter the cost.Thriller set in NYC, revolving around a drop bar and its' two owners. Uneven plot with unrelevant sub-plots, some awkward characters and tedious cinematography.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorAnthony SilverstonStarsJake T. AustinAdrian RhodesSam RiegelRejected by his superstitious herd, a half-striped zebra embarks on a daring quest to earn his stripes but finds the courage and self-acceptance to save all the animals of the Great Karoo.The story of th "ugly duckling" in an african zebra herd on the search for water. Average animation style with forgettable characters and unimaginative plot.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorScott FrankStarsLiam NeesonDan StevensDavid HarbourPrivate investigator Matthew Scudder is hired by a drug kingpin to find out who kidnapped and murdered his wife.Old-school crime thriller about an ex-cop working as a PI searching for clues about the killing of his client's wife. Fascinating scenery with beautiful images and stellar actors.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorMichael MannStarsAl PacinoRobert De NiroVal KilmerA group of high-end professional thieves start to feel the heat from the LAPD when they unknowingly leave a verbal clue at their latest heist.Ambitious and epic crime thriller about a notorious gangster and a run-down cop trying to outwit each other. Impressive action scenes, slow cinematography and exceptional cast.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorEvan GoldbergSeth RogenStarsJames FrancoSeth RogenRandall ParkDave Skylark and his producer Aaron Rapaport run the celebrity tabloid show "Skylark Tonight". When they land an interview with a surprise fan, North Korean dictator Jong-Un Kim, they are recruited by the CIA to assassinate him.Comedy about two infamous news broadcasters inzterviewing the North Corean dictator. While politically obviously incorrect, also poorly written but great jokes and slapstick.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJulius AveryStarsEwan McGregorBrenton ThwaitesAlicia VikanderJR busts out of prison with Brendan Lynch, Australia's most notorious criminal, and joins Lynch's gang for a gold heist that soon pits the two men against one another.A convicted teenagers helps other criminals to escape and is introduced to the world of crime. Overall impressive actors and a nice theme father-son relationship, but weak plot.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorClint EastwoodStarsJohn Lloyd YoungErich BergenMichael LomendaThe story of four young men from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic 1960s rock group The Four Seasons.Epic biopic of "The Four Years" during the 1960s. Though it represents some characters wrongly, the premise is perfectly executed, with great cast and nice choreography.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorSimon J. SmithSteve HicknerStarsJerry SeinfeldRenée ZellwegerMatthew BroderickBarry B. Benson, a bee just graduated from college, is disillusioned at his lone career choice: making honey. On a special trip outside the hive, Barry's life is saved by Vanessa, a florist in New York City. As their relationship blossoms, he discovers humans actually eat honey and subsequently decides to sue them.Animation comedy about a bee sueing the human race for stealing honey. Average animation quality with forgettable characters and weird plot choices.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorZach BraffStarsZach BraffPeter SarsgaardNatalie PortmanA quietly troubled young man returns home for his mother's funeral after being estranged from his family for a decade.Because of his mother's funeral a small-time actor comes to his home town. Insight into the psychologically troubled mind of a man in his 20s trying to figure out who he wants to become.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorTom TykwerStarsFranka PotenteMoritz BleibtreuHerbert KnaupAfter a botched money delivery, Lola has 20 minutes to come up with 100,000 Deutschmarks.A young woman needs to get a lot of cash to her boyfriend. Basic plot told in a fascinating way through clips and interwoven episodes; the score also underlines the characters' stress.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorPeter SegalStarsAdam SandlerDrew BarrymoreRob SchneiderHenry Roth is a man afraid of commitment until he meets the beautiful Lucy. They hit it off and Henry think he's finally found the girl of his dreams until discovering she has short-term memory loss and forgets him the next day.A man tries to win the heart of an amnestic woman, over and over again. Fun premise with a lovable cast, but in the end the plot eases out on the psychological struggle.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorMark GoldblattStarsDolph LundgrenLouis Gossett Jr.Jeroen KrabbéWhen Frank Castle's family is murdered by criminals, he wages war on crime as a vigilante assassin known only as The Punisher.Weakly scripted comic book adaption about a man seeking revenge for the murder of his wife and kid. Poorly acted and sometimes unintentionally funny, though good-enough action scenes.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorPierre MorelStarsCyril RaffaelliDavid BelleTony D'AmarioIn the ghettos of Paris in 2010, an undercover cop and an ex-thug try to infiltrate a gang in order to defuse a neutron bomb.Highly stylized action movie about a cop retrieving a bomb from the poorer parts of Paris. Nice character interaction, though simple plot - yet the parcours is exceptional and the comedy worthwhile.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorThomas BohnStarsHeiner LauterbachMax TidofGodehard GieseOn 13 January 2011, highly intelligent but irritable Professor Konstantin Carus (Heiner Lauterbach) enters the control room of the particle accelerator together with 23 colleagues. Eight hours later, at 6 am on 14 January 2011, the 23 scientists of the night shift have disappeared without a trace! The only survivor of this tragedy is Konstantin Carus. In order to solve this mysterious case, he is being examined at a secret location by representatives of the Swiss Depart of Public Prosecution (Max Tidof, Annika Blendl). They expect answers from him to these burning questions: Did the incalculable experiment create a temporary Black Hole, absorbing the surrounding matter? Does the LHC endanger the whole world? An incredible story begins ...After a scientific experiment gone terribly wrong, the professor is interrogated about his lost colleagues. Stellar performances and good ending, but poor execution of an average idea.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorFede AlvarezStarsJane LevyShiloh FernandezJessica LucasFive friends head to a remote cabin, where the discovery of a Book of the Dead leads them to unwittingly summon up demons living in the nearby woods.A group of young tweens is trapped in a cabin - one by one gets beset with an evil force. Great execution of an otherwise standard (= remade) premise, incredibly thrilling and gory.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorKurt HoffmannStarsPaul DahlkeHeliane BeiPaul KlingerAll is not really well between the boys of Gymnasium and the boys of the six-form High School: sparks fly when they get within 100m of each other. The continuous feud between the pupils is only one of the pleasant alternations, which life brings into the everyday school life. In addition, there are the rehearsals for the school theatre, and there are the secrets around a teacher called 'Justus' and a man called 'Nichtraucher' or the "non-smoker" since he lives in an abandoned non-smoking railway carriage. In between all the exciting surprises, a few serious things remain to be done.A classic children's story, in which the dynamics of a school class and their principal is beautifully highlighted. Great actors and nice pacing make this story a nearly timeless classic.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorMikkel NørgaardStarsNikolaj Lie KaasPer Scheel KrügerTroels LybyPolice inspector Carl Mørck is put in charge of a department of cold cases, joined only by his assistant Assad. They dig into a case about a missing woman.After an accident, a cop starts working on the cold case of a missing polititian. Strong acting and dramatic pacing (+ interesting approach in narrative), with fitting characters and dark tone.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorChad StahelskiStarsKeanu ReevesMichael NyqvistAlfie AllenAn ex-hitman comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters who killed his dog and stole his car.Revenge story about a former professional killer getting back in the game due to the murder of his dog. Over the top action and few homages to revenge stories make this movie thrilling.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJohn HughesStarsMolly RingwaldAnthony Michael HallJustin HenryA girl's "sweet" sixteenth birthday is anything but special: her family forgets about it, and she suffers from every embarrassment possible.Because of the wedding of her sister, her family forgets the 16. birthday of the main character. Overt 80s charme with classic music and partly great actors - yet simple story and weak pacing.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorGeorge MillerStarsMel GibsonJoanne SamuelHugh Keays-ByrneIn a self-destructing world, a vengeful Australian policeman sets out to stop a violent motorcycle gang.In a dystopian future a former cop seeks revenge on the murderers of his wife and son. Clichéd characters and few notions of dystopy, but some good scenes and a gripping finale.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorSam RaimiStarsBruce CampbellEllen SandweissRichard DeManincorFive friends travel to a cabin in the woods, where they unknowingly release flesh-possessing demons.A group of young tweens is trapped in a cabin - one by one gets beset with an evil force. Though dated look and weak opening, the psychological struggle in the end is highlighted very well.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorGerhard LamprechtStarsRolf WenkhausKäthe HaackFritz RaspEmil goes to Berlin to see his grandmother with a large amount of money and is offered sweets by a strange man that make him sleep. He wakes up at his stop with no money. It is up to him and a group of children to save the day.A classic children's story, in which young Emil comes to Berlin and tries to get back the money, a mean-looking man stole from him. Fun interaction of the kids and perfect background score.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorMikkel NørgaardStarsNikolaj Lie KaasFares FaresPilou AsbækThe murder of young twins initially implicates a group of upper class students as the killers, though the case takes a turn or two from its starting point.Two cops of a cold case department try to solve a double murder involving the students of the best private school in Denmark. Amazing plot and characters but cheesy ending.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorWilliam CastleStarsVincent PriceCarol OhmartRichard LongA millionaire offers $10,000 to five people who agree to be locked in a large, spooky, rented house overnight with him and his wife.Crime story about a planned murder during a party in an old, abandoned house. Great actors, though mostly over-acting, and suspenseful twists.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorKurt WimmerStarsMilla JovovichCameron BrightNick ChinlundA beautiful haemophage infected with a virus that gives her superhuman powers has to protect a boy in a futuristic world, who is thought to be carrying antigens that would destroy all hæmophages.In a dystopian future, a disease transforms humans into some kind of vampires. Sometimes nice visuals and innovative ideas do not make up for the poor plot, mediocre characters and other clichés.
Overall 3/10 - DirectorEric DarnellSimon J. SmithStarsTom McGrathChris MillerChristopher KnightsSkipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private join forces with undercover organization The North Wind to stop the villainous Dr. Octavius Brine from destroying the world as we know it.A group of skilled penguins have to fight an evil scientist/octopus who wants to make monsters out of every penguin in the world. Average animation and poor plot, but a few great laughs.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorMiguel ArtetaStarsSteve CarellJennifer GarnerEd OxenbouldAlexander's day begins with gum stuck in his hair, followed by more calamities. However, he finds little sympathy from his family and begins to wonder if bad things only happen to him, his mom, dad, brother and sister - who all find themselves living through their own terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.The story of a messed up day in the life of a big family. Fittingly average characters with no real twist or idea in the end - simple story with innocent humor.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorDavid TwohyStarsRadha MitchellCole HauserVin DieselA transport ship crashes and leaves its crew stranded on a desert planet inhabited by bloodthirsty creatures that come out during an eclipse.A convicted murderer and a group of crash survivors have to fight against unknown creatures. Gripping pacing with amazingly depicted atmosphere and implied moral questions.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorErik SkjoldbjærgStarsStellan SkarsgårdSverre Anker OusdalMaria MathiesenIn a Norwegian city with a 24-hour daylight cycle a Swedish murder investigator has been brought in on a special case. Sleep deprived, he makes a horrible mistake which is discovered by the killer he has been hunting.Thriller about a Swedish cop investigating the case of a murder in Norway. Great actors and a great depiction of deception through the parallels of the cop and the murderer.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorBrian A. MillerStarsThomas JaneBruce WillisAmbyr ChildersBruce Willis stars in this Sci-Fi thriller about ultimate resort: VICE, where customers can play out their wildest fantasies with artificial inhabitants who look like humans.A cop investigates the case of a lost resident of a futuristic city in which AI live for the pleasure of normal people. Cheap imagery and action scenes, with slow pacing in the middle.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorDon SiegelStarsKevin McCarthyDana WynterLarry GatesA small-town doctor learns that the population of his community is being replaced by emotionless alien duplicates.Due to seeds from outer space, the people of an idyllic Californian town start behaving strangely. Slow start but thrilling story with average actors and the notion of a cult classic.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorDon HallChris WilliamsStarsRyan PotterScott AdsitJamie ChungA special bond develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who together team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes.Futuristic animation adventure in which a teenage boy learns to cope with the death of his brother with a little help by a friendly robot. Astonishing animation, great characters and nice plot.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorJoe LynchStarsSalma HayekHiroyuki WatanabeLaura CepedaA kidnapped woman faces down hitmen sent by a mob boss/her captor while trying to protect her family from his wrath.Action drama about a woman held captive for 4 years seeking revenge on the boss of a human trafficking organization. Only average actors and gratutiously gory scenes.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorBobby FarrellyPeter FarrellyStarsJim CarreyJeff DanielsRob Riggle20 years since their first adventure, Lloyd and Harry go on a road trip to find Harry's newly discovered daughter, who was given up for adoption.Two knuckleheads go on a road trip to find to daughter of one of them. Useless plot and mostly average characters, some simple jokes but extremely flat.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorSarik AndreasyanStarsHayden ChristensenEarl MinorAdrien BrodyJames owes his life to his older brother, Frankie after taking the rap for a crime they committed together. While Frankie served time, James worked to turn his life around, got a steady job and began courting his former girlfriend Emily. Now, Frankie is released and back on the streets with no money and no place to go.Action drama about two brothers getting entangled in a bank robbery that goes wrong. Lengthy plot and few remarkable scenes yet two great main actors.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorSean AndersStarsJason BatemanJason SudeikisCharlie DayDale, Kurt and Nick decide to start their own business but things don't go as planned because of a slick investor, prompting the trio to pull off a harebrained and misguided kidnapping scheme.Three enterpreneurs try to kidnap the son of a businessman who tricked them into bankruptcy. Good interaction of the main characters, well-structured plot and great situational comedy.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorAlejandro G. IñárrituStarsMichael KeatonZach GalifianakisEdward NortonA washed-up superhero actor attempts to revive his fading career by writing, directing, and starring in a Broadway production.Drama about a struggling actor trying to direct a successful broadway play. Highly immersive experience with excellent actors, outstanding cinematography/editing and beautiful themes.
Overall 10/10*