2015 Films I saw with short reviews
My opinion on movies I saw in 2015, sorted from best to worst IMO, with short description why. Some movies are tied and only my very personal connection with them decides which goes first, even if I give many same amount of stars.
PS. I live in Croatia and if a film was made in 2014, but entered out theatres in early 2015, the film is still counted in.
10 - Masterpiece
9 - Brilliant
8 - Great
7 - Good
6 - Okay
5 - Mediocre
4 - Weak
3 - Bad
2 - Terrible
1 - Abomination
Based on Rotten Tomatoes standards, I would give approval (or Fresh rating) to films I rate 6-10 and disapproval (or rotten rating) to films I rate 1-5.
PS. I live in Croatia and if a film was made in 2014, but entered out theatres in early 2015, the film is still counted in.
10 - Masterpiece
9 - Brilliant
8 - Great
7 - Good
6 - Okay
5 - Mediocre
4 - Weak
3 - Bad
2 - Terrible
1 - Abomination
Based on Rotten Tomatoes standards, I would give approval (or Fresh rating) to films I rate 6-10 and disapproval (or rotten rating) to films I rate 1-5.
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- DirectorGeorge MillerStarsTom HardyCharlize TheronNicholas HoultIn a post-apocalyptic wasteland, a woman rebels against a tyrannical ruler in search for her homeland with the aid of a group of female prisoners, a psychotic worshiper and a drifter named Max.10/10
I thought this might be the best film of the year. I was wrong; this was the best film of at least 2 years! It is a visual spectacle and adrenaline ride that would shame most chase scenes ever made, with intelligent story and interesting characters you care about. The characters were better explained during the action and small amount of dialogue than most dramatic characters are in films where dialogue is a focus. I got out of the theater in an awe of the visuality and hyped about the whole experience. I am very interested to find out about the characters, their backstories and how the story continues. I was not even the huge Mad Max fan before, but now I'm hooked and hats down to George Miller for making this masterpiece of a film that will certainly stay remembered as the highlight of the action genre. - DirectorPete DocterRonnie Del CarmenStarsAmy PoehlerBill HaderLewis BlackAfter young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness - conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school.10/10
Adorable, imaginative and clever, Inside Out deserves all praises it receives. It is made for all generations. It's funny, witty and interesting for younger audiences and layered and very emotional as well. I would say that Inside Out is THE most emotional film of this year. There are some really original twists and metaphors made so simple that I wonder how come this is the first time we see these subjects. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear live inside all of us, and they develop as we do. As characters, they are cute and likable, while as metaphors they are smart and innovative. And much like the girl in the film, we feel joy and sadness alike, intertwining naturally into a big emotional impact this beautiful film leaves us with. A huge recommendation for everyone, no matter your age group or anything else. - DirectorJ.J. AbramsStarsDaisy RidleyJohn BoyegaOscar IsaacAs a new threat to the galaxy rises, Rey, a desert scavenger, and Finn, an ex-stormtrooper, must join Han Solo and Chewbacca to search for the one hope of restoring peace.In a tight competition with Mad Max: Fury Road, Star Wars: The Force Awakens managed to be everything I wanted to be and deserving of the title of the best film. I really want to avoid spoilers because I want everyone to see this film. It has the great combination of action packed sequences, emotional character development and original wacky space inventions any Star Wars fan can appreciate. I was bought the moment I heard the original theme and saw the preview letters scroll. Harrison Ford still has it. He is Han Solo and he is a badass hero. Carrie Fisher also rules the scenery as General Leia. You can feel the history and legacy here. What also works are the new characters: Finn and Rey are amazing protagonists. They are very likable and easy to connect with. Main villain, Kylo Ren, is also worth all the praise. He really is a complex character, with some similarities to Darth Vader. Everything worked for me and I cannot wait to see it again. This film passes the torch to the next generation of fans for one of the best sagas ever made.
- DirectorFrancis LawrenceStarsJennifer LawrenceJosh HutchersonLiam HemsworthKatniss and a team of rebels from District 13 prepare for the final battle that will decide the fate of Panem.10/10
It is lovely to see a film that is so massive in production and epic in proportion and in the same time so focused on the realistic human element of the story. The Hunger Games follows a dystopian future in an imaginary world, but it is heavily influenced by the real world present and past. The gun-wrenching punchline of the serial is that war is horrible. Any war is horrible. Even the people with the most noble causes can get consumed by hate. I am pleasantly surprised with how much ease this fantasy film managed to pull-off many grey areas in the story. Rather than to focus on the 'heroic' rebellion and 'the evil' empire, it presents the story on both sides and shows how much evil can come from craving power and miscommunication between people. The acting is great and each actor gives the full potential to the character, no matter who that person is. I managed to feel for each person in a way and each death takes it's toll. The action is thrilling and spectacular. I really think that the serial went out with a bang and what a great bang it is! A film for everyone to enjoy; more demanding viewers will appreciate the layers of the story, while less demanding ones will enjoy the action and visual effects. - DirectorAlex GarlandStarsAlicia VikanderDomhnall GleesonOscar IsaacA young programmer is selected to participate in a ground-breaking experiment in synthetic intelligence by evaluating the human qualities of a highly advanced humanoid A.I.9/10
How to praise Ex Machina without giving away what makes it great? I could start saying that the premise is very intriguing, following a young programmer who is selected by an estranged billionaire to participate in his human-robot interaction test. There he starts to develop a relationship with the billionaire and the cyborg, realizing that not everything is how it seams. Three main stars of the film, Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac and Alicia Vikander are all very good in their respective roles and it is very hard to say who outmatched whom on the screen presence and acting skills levels. The direction is also amazing, giving all the right insinuations at the right time, knowing when to be slow-paced and when not. Visual effects are also a part of the visual brilliance, especially since Vikander actually looks like a cyborg in the final product. As I mentioned, as the film progresses, many thing unravel and the true punchline comes at the end. It is dark, mysterious and leaves a lot of theoretical questions to a viewer. - DirectorDamien ChazelleStarsMiles TellerJ.K. SimmonsMelissa BenoistA promising young drummer enrolls at a cut-throat music conservatory where his dreams of greatness are mentored by an instructor who will stop at nothing to realize a student's potential.9/10
It is very rare for me to find a film which would affect me so much without being attached to the franchise I already know and love. I expected it to be a good film for all it's Oscar nominations, but it really left me in an awe! I cannot put to words how good and original it feels. It is a story of a drummer and his mentor and their friendship / antagonism while they both want to make him the best musician there is. While the film is about music, the story could work as a story of success or fail in any area, weather it's arts, business or anything else. It is a story of persistence and lets us ask ourselves how much does it really take to get to our dreams and how much are we willing to sacrifice to get there. Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons both give extraordinary performances and I only hope that Simmons will get the Oscar he is nominated for. Film is intense, even in the scenes without dialogue and the score only builds the tension. It just might be the best drama of 2015. - DirectorChristopher McQuarrieStarsTom CruiseRebecca FergusonJeremy RennerEthan and his team take on their most impossible mission yet when they have to eradicate an international rogue organization as highly skilled as they are and committed to destroying the IMF.9/10
Two major film serials recently made a fifth installment that was way inferior to it's predecessors: Scary Movie and Die Hard. Fortunately, Mission Impossible serial did NOT follow that road. Actually, I think we have a rare phenomenon of a serial in which each new installment is better than the previous. Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) each time manages to surpass himself in both action and drama. They focus wonderfully on this being both a spy thriller and an action film. Action scenes are breathtaking and the story is complicated and made me think about what would happen. While the whole known team was fantastic, two new standouts were Rebecca Ferguson and Sean Harris. I see big careers ahead. Now, I just can't wait for Mission Impossible 6. I just hope they know how far to take this and to still remain awesome. - DirectorJoss WhedonStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris EvansMark RuffaloWhen Tony Stark and Bruce Banner try to jump-start a dormant peacekeeping program called Ultron, things go horribly wrong and it's up to Earth's mightiest heroes to stop the villainous Ultron from enacting his terrible plan.9/10
Film that completely justifies all the waiting and all the promotion. For once, Marvel has not only *a* villain, but *the* villain. I'm telling you, Ultron was AWESOME! You can really connect with his POV, although he clearly is a villain and needs to be stopped. And who to stop him but Avengers. What I was a bit afraid of was character development and screentime of the heroes. But, this is Joss Whedon we are talking about, so he managed to pull off everyone not only being there enough, but also being necessary to the story and having their individual personality shine through. The action is also superb, and so are the effects. The stakes are higher than ever, and I'm sure this will leave the fans (and everyone else) speechless. - DirectorLee Toland KriegerStarsBlake LivelyMichiel HuismanHarrison FordA young woman, born at the turn of the 20th century, is rendered ageless after an accident. After many solitary years, she meets a man who complicates the eternal life she has settled into.9/10
These days it might be more rare to come across the romantic film which is as classy and well acted as this one. Despite the topic, it doesn't get cheesy or sappy. Blake Lively simply shines in the titular role of a woman who doesn't age and lingers on changing identities every decade. Her performance is classy and you can tell she is an old-fashioned, experienced woman in really subtle ways. She has that Old Hollywood diva vibe. The rest of the cast is also really good and their emotions come off as genuine. The part I'm not sure about the scientific explanations of the narrator, but it didn't hurt either. Weather they stuck with supernatural or not, it would still make the point they wanted to make. - DirectorMichael DoughertyStarsAdam ScottToni ColletteDavid KoechnerA boy who has a bad Christmas accidentally summons a festive demon to his family home.9/10
Fantastic family picture for Christmas! If you can handle being scared out of your comfort zone during the entire movie. It is as eerie and frightening as it is funny and genuinely nice. Direction is excellent and it balances great being afraid of what you see and what you don't see. Besides that, one-liners and setting can bring it a lot of humor and break the nail-biting atmosphere just when needed. Don't get me wrong, this film can give small kids nightmares, but it is something that leaves the right kind of strong impression throughout generations. It is a film that showcases true family values and tolerance with strong character development in a creepy environment. - DirectorKenneth BranaghStarsLily JamesCate BlanchettRichard MaddenWhen her father unexpectedly dies, young Ella finds herself at the mercy of her cruel stepmother and her scheming stepsisters. Never one to give up hope, Ella's fortunes begin to change after meeting a dashing stranger.9/10
A beautiful film that balances it's emotional scenes and the humor perfectly. It is well directed, actors are all exactly fit for their roles and the visual aspect is also enchanting. After many different Disney film versions, it is very nice to see the one closely resembling the original animated film. It took some liberties, of course, but all of them were meant to explain the character development or to address some potential illogical things. I never saw Lily James before, but she is simply adorable as Cinderella, while Cate Blanchett managed to portray someone you can despise as Lady Tremaine. This film brings back all the Disney magic and belief that good people can get their happy endings. - DirectorRussell CroweStarsRussell CroweOlga KurylenkoJai CourtneyAn Australian man travels to Turkey after the Battle of Gallipoli to try to locate his three missing sons.9/10
Russell Crowe turns out to be a great director, besides being a great actor too. This story based on true events, happening in 1919, is very emotional and also thrilling. Like any good war films, it tries to humanize all (or most) of the characters from each side. All the cast has done a great job and their characters became actual people and not only expected cliches. It combines elements of a war film, family drama, adventure, romance and action in way that fits together. Everyone is in it for a perfect amount of time and nobody seams under or overused. While it has elements of a Hollywood adventure movie in terms of action coincidences, it still gives real emotion and honest performances. It is certainly a very strong film, weather you prefer drama or adventure. - DirectorPeyton ReedStarsPaul RuddMichael DouglasCorey StollArmed with a super-suit with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, cat burglar Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, pull off a plan that will save the world.8/10
I was not sure weather a newcomer cinematic hero Ant-Man can hold his own alongside Captain America or Iron-Man, but I think he has proven he indeed can. It is certainly a superhero genre, but it's also a heist movie and partially a comedy too. It's humor is equal to the one of The Guardians of the Galaxy. Three main characters, ex-con Scott, retired superhero Hank and his daughter Hope are acted very well and written very convincing as well. Their tension is believable and each of their actions is understandable. The main villain, Yellowjacket, although only fourth in screentime, is still among the most successful villains Marvel has had so far. It is also clever how they tied it in the existing cinematic universe. The film has amazing story, visual effects and characters and could appeal to anyone from children to adults. - DirectorSam MendesStarsDaniel CraigChristoph WaltzLéa SeydouxA cryptic message from James Bond's past sends him on a trail to uncover the existence of a sinister organisation named SPECTRE. With a new threat dawning, Bond learns the terrible truth about the author of all his pain in his most recent missions.8/10
Spectre gave me everything I wanted for a Bond film after the perfection of Skyfall. It is clearly following the same tone and serious threats of the previous Craig's films, and yet it seams more reminiscent of some older Bond films. There is still heaviness of the story set before, but it adds more humor and sets the new canon of some of the familiar faces from before. Craig as Bond is as great as ever, and so are M, Q and Moneypenny, who are needed and kick some but in this film. I cannot say enough praise for Lea Seydoux, whose Madeleine Swann proudly takes the mantle set high by Eva Green's Vesper and Olga Kurylenko's Camille and makes her own unique Bond girl who is on the same level as them. The main villain is also awesome and a real supervillain with a grand scheme, who can only be stopped by Bond. As a big fan of the franchise, I am thrilled and joyful to have seen it and I will definitely watch it many times again. - 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.8/10
Weather you are a Disney animated films fan or Marvel superheros fan, or, like myself, a fan of both, you will enjoy Big Hero 6 very much. It has so much to offer; comedy, heartwarming moments, great animation and action. It even has some twists and turns along the way. While it does have several superhero cliches, it delivers them with honesty and charm and each of the emotional moments, however expected, are made memorable and spot on. What really works here are the characters and their interaction. Human characters are very cool and Baymax robot is adorable. It is something that the whole family might enjoy equally. The storyline is focused and adjusted for children, while still remaining deep at times and refuses to stereotype it's antagonist, as well as main hero's decisions. And nanobots are fantastic, a real treat! - DirectorMatthew VaughnStarsColin FirthTaron EgertonSamuel L. JacksonA spy organisation recruits a promising street kid into the agency's training program, while a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius.8/10
Instead of just being another decent Bond parody, this film manages to be much, much more than that. I would describe it as a mix of James Bond, Harry Potter and KickAss, with the obvious connection to the latter (same author and the same director). It is extremely entertaining and energetic, with some clever lines of dialogue. It knows it's a spy comedy thriller and plays to it's strengths, with all the comic-book overreacting and bloodshed. Beneath all the fun, it also sends some really bold social messages, which are not to be overlooked. Also, it is really interesting to see Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Michael Caine and Samuel L. Jackson in a really different kind of roles. If you wish to see a KickAss-alike story with British charm, this one is definitely the one to see. - DirectorDavid Robert MitchellStarsMaika MonroeKeir GilchristOlivia LuccardiA young woman is followed by an unknown supernatural force after a sexual encounter.8/10
An eerie horror atmosphere and a fairly original concept are why this film is so great. It is not a typical slasher nor a typical haunting film. 'It' can look like anyone and it's motives and origins are a mystery. A girl must escape being killed by 'It' by sleeping with someone else to pass the curse. But if someone is killed, it reverses and kills backwards. It is very well directed, with both close and far shots being used frequently to add the impression. It's also acted very well and believable. What actually brings the biggest 'it' factor to the film is undetermined sense of danger and playing with one's perception and reality. 'It' is indestructible and yet vulnerable, so any way of getting rid of it might or might not work. And that sense of not knowing follows viewers around, like 'It' follows the protagonist. - DirectorBill CondonStarsIan McKellenLaura LinneyHiroyuki SanadaAn aged, retired Sherlock Holmes deals with dementia, as he tries to remember his final case, and a mysterious woman, whose memory haunts him. He also befriends a fan, the young son of his housekeeper, who wants him to work again.8/10
Let's put it right out there: McKellen is fantastic as old Sherlock. And I mean, Oscar level fantastic. He gives a strong interpretation of an old, ill man, who used to be the great detective and now is fighting dementia. He goes from humorous to heartbreaking in a moment. To be fair, this is more of a drama than thriller. So, if you want to watch Sherlock fighting shadowy bad guys, go watch Downey jr. films. This is a film about old Sherlock who tries to remember details of his last case he failed to set the record straight next to the fiction cases written by Watson. He lives with his housekeeper (played very well by Laura Linney) and her son Roger (promising newcomer Milo Parker), who starts developing a relationship with an old man. The film follows three timelines and delivers the strong message at the end. - DirectorColin TrevorrowStarsChris PrattBryce Dallas HowardTy SimpkinsA new theme park, built on the original site of Jurassic Park, creates a genetically modified hybrid dinosaur, the Indominus Rex, which escapes containment and goes on a killing spree.8/10
Summer entertainment is what summer entertainment does. It's bigger, louder and stronger than all the other Jurassic films so far. But it still cannot match the first one in the originality, character development nor scariness. Human characters are mostly cliche and the writers play safe on who will do what or how will one end-up. Some of the dialogue is on the same level as 90s cheesiest rom-coms and worth of poking on. However, when John Williams theme starts and you return to the enchanting world of Jurassic Park, it's creatures and effects, all minuses will fade and a 10-year-old me got exactly what I needed! - DirectorJohn HendersonStarsBobby LockwoodTyger Drew-HoneyDionne BromfieldA movie based on the tv teen information show, "Friday Download".8/10
Funny and charming film which was definitely partially inspired by the Scooby Doo cartoons. It succeeded in bringing that atmosphere more than the actual Scooby Doo films, that's for sure. It evolves around five teenagers who travel in their van and end-up in a haunted house owned by creepy teen siblings. Of course, the film is terribly cheesy and laughably ignores the laws of physics and human behavior. But it does it in such a funny way that you cannot stop laughing. The jokes are silly, but still spot-on. The best part is that these kind of films are hard to find: horror films that are actually scary and suspenseful to a degree and yet so kid-friendly. Yeah, no nudity, cuss-words or blood in the film. And the funny thing is, I didn't mind. It has been made really well and even for an older viewer, you can enjoy it as a popcorn-fun. Show this to your kids for Halloween and they will probably enjoy it a lot. - DirectorGuillermo del ToroStarsMia WasikowskaJessica ChastainTom HiddlestonIn the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds - and remembers.8/10
I always loved Guillermo del Toro's films. He always knew how to make something frightening and beautiful at the same time. He always had perfect touch when it comes to blending realism and fantasy. And Crimson Peak is the perfect example of this notion. ''It isn't a story about ghosts, it is a story with ghosts in it'', says the main heroine Edith twice and it is a great explanation of the film itself. Ghosts are a metaphor for a haunting past that can never let go of Edith, her new suitor Thomas Sharpe and his sister Lucille. Living are those one should be afraid of, though, and Edith is about to find out why. With visual effects being top notch and the film being up to date to the t, it still seams like an old fashion film, made in another era for a viewers of another era. It is very modern with it's explicitness and rawness, but still more alike to Dracula or Frankenstein movie than any modern horror. I guess it's not for everyone, but to me, this was one of the best movies of the year and I am glad I've seen it in the theater. - DirectorPaul FeigStarsMelissa McCarthyRose ByrneJude LawA desk-bound CIA analyst volunteers to go undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer and prevent diabolical global disaster.8/10
Melissa McCarthy is back and she is hilarious. The same director made her shine in Bridesmaids and The Heat and the duo did it again. This film about a desk CIA agent who goes on her first mission is very inspired and funny. McCarthy does a spot-on performance and so does everyone else involved. Statham is so much (not) his usual self it is so fun to watch. Byrne plays a mob boss Paris Hilton and she is awesome too. Characters can be serious and silly at the same time. Jokes can be rude, but they are always funny and hit the mark. One death scene is probably the funniest one in a long time. I'm glad there are few good spy films this year, since it is the genre I really like. - DirectorJack BryanStarsFran KranzJocelin DonahueKenny WormaldA man hires an ex-con to kill his sister's abusive husband, but the desperate act sets into motion a shocking series of events in this intense indie drama.8/10
Cruel, but realistic depiction on family life, marital violence and living with hard decisions. When a woman gets beaten-up by her husband, she, her mother and brother, as well as the husband, have different reactions to what happened. And at least one of those decisions will turn out to be much worse than anyone could have imagined. It is one of those films in which there are no explicit heroes and villains, or at least, every character has a human side as well. It is well written, well acted and the dialogue doesn't seam forced. Some scenes are really unnerving. For a film with such violence in the core, I'm glad they've decided to concentrate on the impact one's decisions have rather than some already seen twists. - DirectorGuy RitchieStarsHenry CavillArmie HammerAlicia VikanderIn the early 1960s, CIA agent Napoleon Solo and KGB operative Illya Kuryakin participate in a joint mission against a mysterious criminal organization, which is working to proliferate nuclear weapons.8/10
Very amusing and charming movie which manages to bring out the most of it's colorful characters. CIA agent and KGB agent need to collaborate in the cold war era to stop Neo-Nazis and their weapons. Both leads, played by Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer, get their highlights and the film skillfully balances them being comedic and heroic, giving the both times to shine. Comedy timing is really good and dialogue is really witty too. Elizabeth Debicki was great as the main villain and her style in the movie is great too. The whole 60's tone was really good as well. The plot is actually not something never seen, but it seams really fresh and well-done here. One of those films I could see many times and not get bored. - DirectorSeverin FialaVeronika FranzStarsLukas SchwarzElias SchwarzSusanne WuestTwin boys move to a new house with their mother after she has face-changing cosmetic surgery, but under the bandages is someone the boys don't recognize.8/10
This is probably the most shocking film of 2015, at least for now. It comes from peaceful Austria and it gives us a very disturbing story of twins and their estranged mother living a big house isolated and scared. I won't give away it's twists, but they sure are messed-up. I guessed one of the main twists very early on, but the thing is, even of you know it, it still builds-up the tension. Unlike most horrors and thrillers, I don't think they give you that one moment that reveals the secret. I happens slowly and for each step forward, there is no back. The acting is great, especially considering both child actors are newcomers. The direction is fantastic and gives that eerie feeling of utter unpleasantness. It is a tense, somewhat depressing and very shocking film that is not made for everyone, but I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good horror drama. - DirectorTodd Strauss-SchulsonStarsTaissa FarmigaMalin AkermanAdam DevineA young woman grieving the loss of her mother, a famous scream queen from the 1980s, finds herself pulled into the world of her mom's most famous movie. Reunited, the women must fight off the film's maniacal killer.8/10
This has been once described as: 'The best feel-good horror in years'. However weird that title sounds, it fits totally. The film is thrilling, kind-hearted and hilarious. Daughter of an 80s slasher film supporting actress who died earlier on, along with her four friends, finds herself trapped in her mother's film. The five need to survive using 80s horror logic (no sex, no nudity, no drugs), and to stick around the 'final girl' (leading actress) to survive. However, things don't go as expected and they have to use everything they have now. Film's protagonist bonds with her mother's character and believes that if she survives the film, she may go back with her. The film hits all the right notes with ease. It has sentimental value and moving moments, all while infested with cheesy quotes, light nudity and satirizing the genre. This is a comedy-horror done very right and, spoiler alert, deserves a sequel. I just hope it doesn't suck like sequels of films it describes. - DirectorGlenn FicarraJohn RequaStarsWill SmithMargot RobbieRodrigo SantoroIn the midst of veteran con man Nicky's latest scheme, a woman from his past - now an accomplished femme fatale - shows up and throws his plans for a loop.8/10
Harley and Deadshot are together in a con-driven action film! Isn't it exciting? Yes, yes it is. What is even more surprising is that, after seeing the film I realized I have just seen a romantic comedy. How come? Well, it is very funny and the main focus is the main couple. Thus, it is an action romantic comedy. And a really good one at that. Filmmakers really manage to juggle many genres into one and make it so natural. Will and Margot are fantastic and their chemistry is phenomenal. There are some really smart written and edgy moments. My favorite is one scene in the first half at the football stadium. It is a relaxing, cool movie and I cannot wait enough too see Suicide Squad. - DirectorNancy MeyersStarsRobert De NiroAnne HathawayRene RussoSeventy-year-old widower Ben Whittaker has discovered that retirement isn't all it's cracked up to be. Seizing an opportunity to get back in the game, he becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site, founded and run by Jules Ostin.7/10
I loved the combination of De Niro and Hathaway here. Both brought amazing performances and shared a lot of screen chemistry. His old fellow is very high spirited and likable. The concept of an older assistant and young boss still isn't something done to death, so it was nice to see it. She shows him how to succeed in a modern world and he shows her how thing are done for ages. Ben, the lead, is a shining example of patience, experience and friendship. It really make one feel good about their future years. The only think I would avoid is questioning looks and manners of younger men today. You can appreciate the old style and manners without making it better than the new. In the end, I was surprised by the genuine emotion and humor this film brought and I liked it very much. - DirectorJon KarthausStarsGijs NaberFerdi StofmeelJim DeddesAfter they accidentally get involved in a messy drugs conflict, four inept roommates need to sell 22 kilos of cocaine within a week to square things with the Russian mobsters they now owe money.7/10
The comedy is supposed to make viewers laugh. When it succeeds on doing so, it's a positive. I laughed throughout this one. It is about four friends who find themselves in a situation that they have to sell 22 kilos of cocaine to stay alive and they are amateurs. This kind of premise could have easily crossed the line and been too vulgar or too stupid. But that did not happen, since the humor and drama have been balanced well, giving the edge to humor. Robert de Hoog was hilarious in a leading role and the supporting cast was very good too. There are also some self-aware Dutch jokes, as well as few tribute jokes. All and all, I found this film very enjoyable. - DirectorAri SandelStarsMae WhitmanBella ThorneRobbie AmellA high school senior instigates a social pecking order revolution after finding out that she has been labeled the DUFF - Designated Ugly Fat Friend - by her prettier, more popular counterparts.7/10
Much like She's the Man or She's All That, this film has all the right ingredients of a classic teen romance. And much like mentioned films, it works and it is entertaining. DUFF stands for designated ugly fat friend and refers to the least attractive person in each group of friends who is therefor more approachable to talk to by all the people interested in their more attractive friends. When a girl discovers that she is a DUFF, she begins acting more moody, less approachable and more self-confidant, with the help of a popular guy who wants to pass the school test that she would tutor him. What works here is the humor and the honesty of characters. Even when they represent a teen stereotype, they are well developed and well acted. It turned out to be a really heartfelt and nice movie. - DirectorPaul TibbittMike MitchellStarsTom KennyAntonio BanderasBill FagerbakkeWhen a diabolical pirate above the sea steals the secret Krabby Patty formula, SpongeBob and his friends team up in order to get it back.7/10
Although mostly made for fans of the show, it is very easy to enjoy if you switch your brain off. The plot is funny, but nonsensical and it was a surprise for me to see the level of 'I don't care' in this universe. I guess fans know that in SpongeBob world fire can burn in the water and the fish cannot always swim upwards, only walk on the ground. And if that isn't strange enough, they mix live action with CGI with classic animation and who knows how many more styles. If you look at it as the normal movie, it is silly, but as a SpongeBob film, it works. The best is to watch it completely careless and enjoy like a small child. - DirectorLana WachowskiLilly WachowskiStarsChanning TatumMila KunisEddie RedmayneA young woman discovers her destiny as an heiress of intergalactic nobility and must fight to protect the inhabitants of Earth from an ancient and destructive industry.7/10
I know I am in the minority on this one, but ultimately I found it enjoyable. But I still want to be clear that this film is faulty. While the story concept and several ideas stand as interesting and even original, dialogue can get cringe-worthy and the story is sometimes pretentious on it's metaphors. The main error of this movie is that it tries to be life-changing way more than it can ever be. Granted, some of the subcontext is good and there are some interesting thoughts on humanity, but it should have been more what it is best at - spectacular action fun flick. And it really works as action SCI-Fi way more than it does as a metaphor. The characters are cool enough and I guess several of them will stay memorable. Side-stories and dialogue could have been more polished and the whole impression would be better. And yeah, 'Bees never lie!'. :) - DirectorJosh TrankStarsMiles TellerKate MaraMichael B. JordanFour young outsiders teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe which alters their physical form in shocking ways. The four must learn to harness their new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy.7/10
While most critics and viewers find every way possible to assure you that this film is a total failure, I have a different opinion. I went to see this film expecting the worst, so I guess my expectations could only go up. However, this is actually a good film. It has a slow build-up, but it is very atmospheric and gives the good tone of the film. Miles Teller really is the star of the film and Mr. Fantastic was so much better here than in the previous version. Other actors that actually stood-out were Toby Kebbell as Victor von Doom and Jamie Bell as Ben Grimm / The Thing. However, while Kebbell's take on the guy was brilliant, the villain climax really was rushed and disappointing. They should have waited for the next movie to bring him back. Kate Mara as Sue didn't really stood-out at all in this version and while she was ok, she was the most forgettable one. Michael B. Jordan as Johnny is what annoys me the most, since he really is a talented, charismatic actor, who lacks screentime and development in here. But everything that went wrong can be saved by a sequel. No origin, just relationships and action. And bring Doom back, please! - DirectorBrad PeytonStarsDwayne JohnsonCarla GuginoAlexandra DaddarioIn the aftermath of a massive earthquake in California, a rescue-chopper pilot makes a dangerous journey with his ex-wife across the state in order to rescue his daughter.7/10
It is a generic film, with generic characters and it is pretty predictable as well. But that aside, it's awesome. The visual effects are really brilliant and they actually put a lot of effort in all of those buildings crashing down and all the tectonic plates moving underneath. Also, the casting was great. While all the character positions are virtually the same in almost every disaster film (hero/ex-wife/child/love interest of a child if they are over 18), the actors made them likable and human. When someone survived, I was glad they did. For a by-the-numbers story, it has been done quite effectively. It must have been the blast on the big screen too. - DirectorDaniel AugustoStarsJúlio AndradeRavel AndradeFabiana GugliA chronicle of Paulo Coelho's rise from his troubled life to become one of the most influential writers in Brazilian history.7/10
I was not acquainted with the private life of author Paulo Coelho. I had no idea he was that messed-up in his early years. His biography gives us the unique insight, from his early years to his present day life. It loosely follows three time periods, each more or less chronologically within, but mixed between them. Actors playing the teen Paulo and an adult are probably related and the make-up job on elderly Paulo is very good, so it has the continuity right. While there actually is no main focus of the film, we get to see his relationship with his parents, his wife and all the other people he interacted with. Some parts of it are really serious and even hard, but overall it is more of a feel-good film which tells us to live our lives to the fullest, cause we can achieve our dreams. - DirectorNeill BlomkampStarsSharlto CopleyDev PatelHugh JackmanIn the near future, crime is patrolled by a mechanized police force. When one police droid, Chappie, is stolen and given new programming, he becomes the first robot with the ability to think and feel for himself.7/10
What if District 9 and RoboCop had a baby? I give you Chappie; a SCI-FI thriller that has a new approach to the whole seen human vs. AI debate. What if human consciousness got into a robot and the robot was raised by a street gang? Chappie is a cute newborn robot who is taught how to steal and frighten people without knowing it is wrong. He is also hunted down by an ex-military who believes robots cannot be trusted, while trying to find his purpose. The film asks many questions about us and what makes us human. What is also good is that all characters have their faults and good side. It was surprising to see Hugh Jackman as the main villain and he was really great, as was Dev Patel who plays Chappie's maker. Sharlto Copley is a chameleon and it would be difficult to recognize his voice as Chappie. South African band Die Antword, who starred as well as provided soundtrack, are an original act to see. Chappie gives a lot to think about and is very entertaining in the process. - DirectorErik Van LooyStarsKarl UrbanJames MarsdenWentworth MillerFive married guys secretly share a penthouse loft in the city where they can carry out hidden affairs. The fantasy becomes a nightmare, however, when they discover a dead woman in the loft and realize one of the group must be involved.7/10
I am always up for murder mysteries and this one was rather good. All suspects seam plausible and the film plays with many different levels and time pieces. Sometimes it seams convoluted and more like a shortened version of mystery mini-series, though. So much going on. I liked the fact that it actually is a mystery, from start to finish, with many twists and turns. Many films that pass as mystery are actually more of a thrillers with semi-predictable culprit. Here, you actually need to watch to see it uncover. There is certain noir feeling about it, which is also great. So, if you can pass the fact that almost every single man in the film is cheating on his wife and that most wives are bitter and most mistresses are femme fatales, you will discover a really interesting piece of modern 'who-done-it'. - DirectorDarren Lynn BousmanAxelle CarolynAdam GieraschStarsAdrienne BarbeauHunter SmitCameron EastonTen stories are woven together by their shared theme of Halloween night in an American suburb, where ghouls, imps, aliens and axe murderers appear for one night only to terrorize unsuspecting residents.7/10
What's great about anthology films is that you can focus on one story and even if all others are shyte, that one can make sense on it's own. Luckily for Tales of Halloween, all 10 are good. Most are some form of Halloween cliche fright, but each works as a mini film. Most are also funny. The last story ties it all in and you get the sense of connection within the world they have created. Sure it may seam like a seen concept, but it is somehow relaxing and exciting. - DirectorGrant HarveySteven HobanBrett SullivanStarsWilliam ShatnerGeorge BuzaRob ArcherInterwoven stories that take place on Christmas Eve, as told by one festive radio host: A family brings home more than a Christmas tree, a student documentary becomes a living nightmare, a Christmas spirit terrorizes, Santa slays evil.7/10
Four parallel horror stories happening on Christmas in the same county. All of them as spooky and unsettling as the other. Tone of the film works in it's favor and keeps it interesting throughout. Some solutions seam redone from many previous films, though. Although each satisfying, only one has a completely unexpected outcome, which could be a hit or a miss. I consider it a hit. Editing is also really good, and transitions from one scene to the next are subtle and well done. It might not have the 'it' factor of Krampus or It Follows, but it is one of the good horror films of 2015. - DirectorTom McCarthyStarsAdam SandlerMelonie DiazSteve BuscemiA cobbler, bored of his everyday life, stumbles upon a magical heirloom that allows him to become other people and see the world in a different way.7/10
The Cobbler is by no means a typical Adam Sandler movie. It just doesn't feel like it's been produced by Happy Madison company. The story is a fairytale, but still a more serious one. There is also a significant absence of poo jokes and exaggerated falling over stuff. The story is about a cobbler (Sandler) who finds out that his family has a magical sewing machine which makes one possess the physical appearance of a person who previously used shoes repaired on that machine. Many times the film managed to be hilarious using more subtle techniques than usual. What is also very good is that it is a blend of several genre including comedy, drama and thriller, and somehow it's still all well tied in. But, while the film can indeed be heartwarming, there are few points where it feels too much morally grey for the context. Also, while many side-stories are finally well tied in, sometimes it seams like the movie is more mosaic and you forget some of the side-plots from way back until they reappear. But all and all, it was a rather pleasant surprise. - DirectorSophie BarthesStarsMia WasikowskaRhys IfansEzra MillerBored in her marriage to a country doctor and stifled by life in a small town, the restless Emma Bovary pursues her dreams of passion and excitement, whatever they may cost.7/10
Here is another adaptation of the Flaubert classic. As expected from European historic films, the film is visually accurate, with sets and costumes looking realistic for the period. Acting is also very good, with Wasikowska being credible as Emma. This version has slightly different approach to Emma's failure. While her affairs are present in the film, it is her excessive spending that was the worst. She is a woman who always wants more and more is never enough. In this version, some parts of the story are omitted and her ending is slightly different too. But it does add-up to the story they were saying. While not outstanding, Madame Bovary is still a nice movie to watch. - DirectorSeth MacFarlaneStarsMark WahlbergSeth MacFarlaneAmanda SeyfriedNewlywed couple Ted and Tami-Lynn want to have a baby, but in order to qualify to be a parent, Ted will have to prove he's a person in a court of law.7/10
If you enjoy Family Guy, you will probably enjoy this film too. It has recognizable Seth McFarlane humor written all over it; crude jokes, human rights issues, mocking the human hypocrisy, as well as random clips and out of nowhere jokes. The story follows Ted and John after the events of the first film. Ted (the teddy bear toy) married Tammy Lynn, who is human, and wants to have a child. In any other context, it would be gross, but in Family Guy logic, these things happen; for example, Brian the dog frequently dates human women and it treated like a human and like a dog at the same time. Same thing happens with Ted, people realize that he is a teddy (they even question his consciousness), but somehow mostly treat him like another person. The thing is, the film toys around that idea and is often very funny and even original. Not all jokes are equally funny, though, and I can see few missed opportunities, but even the more forgettable jokes are still functional. - DirectorPeter LandesmanStarsWill SmithAlec BaldwinAlbert BrooksIn Pittsburgh, accomplished pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu uncovers the truth about brain damage in football players who suffer repeated concussions in the course of normal play.7/10
It is always interesting to see a biopic which is more or less contemporary (it ends in 2011) because many of the people involved are not only alive, but active and not much older than actors portraying them. In these films, it is particularly important to stay true to the story and give credit where it needs to be. I didn't heard about this case before, but just from seeing it, I would say it seams believable. Unfortunately, it also means it isn't always that interesting. Will Smith's portrayal is great and he is the reason I was interested in the story throughout. Supporting cast is also good, although most of them have really small parts. Considering only minor roles are endangered by the case, you don't get the immediate peril for the main character. It seams like a long, well done CSI/ER episode with great Will Smith leading it. Not a bad thing to be nonetheless. - DirectorTom HooperStarsEddie RedmayneAlicia VikanderAmber HeardA fictitious love story loosely inspired by the lives of Danish artists Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener. Lili and Gerda's marriage and work evolve as they navigate Lili's groundbreaking journey as a transgender pioneer.7/10
Eddie Redmayne and Alicia Vikander both shine in a biopic of one of the first transgender women who wanted to go through medical procedure of sex change. Their performances are what keeps this film going and their relationship is great to watch. Also, it is beautifully shot and has a good costume design. What makes this miss my top ratings is that the protagonist's dilemmas and struggles are presented layered, but on the expense of other characters' autonomy. Every other character mostly serves to help Lily realize her identity and mostly help her get there. Gerda, the wife, is a complex character who unfortunately basically serves mostly as a comfort to her husband who has rough times. Third character, Hans, is there to be a comfort character to a comfort character, making is actions all spot on as they 'should be', without much layers. Because of Redmayne's performance, we do get to root for Lily and we feel for her, so that part was done very good. - DirectorBrian James O'ConnellStarsFran KranzPedro PascalJoey KernA down on his luck cubicle worker and his slacker best friend discover their new boss is a vampire who is turning their coworkers into the un-dead.7/10
Funny horror comedy with intention on going full on B-gorefest. It's premise is the satire of firms and their treatment of employees. With quote like 'This company sucks', you can get the picture of a film that doesn't take itself too seriously. The acting is quite normal and even random, giving it the vibe of The Office or some British comedies which tend to look as 'normal' as possible before it escalates. Fran Kranz is starring and that is always the good thing, since he is such a talented and diverse actor. It might have been even more over-the-top at it's climax, but it did make me laugh a lot. - DirectorEli RothStarsKeanu ReevesLorenza IzzoAna de ArmasA devoted husband and father helps two stranded young women who knock on his door, but his kind gesture turns into a dangerous seduction and a deadly game of cat and mouse.7/10
If you have a phobia of someone invading your private space, do no not watch this film. The tension is done really well. It all starts out really innocent, then turns into sexy/pervy and then into psychotic. It is one of those films like Them or Strangers, where you have group of really disturbing people barging into someone's house. The difference is, two girls here really look nice at the beginning. The film is not for minors, and is really shocking. However, unlike most such films (especially considering the author of The Hostel, Eli Roth, is the director), it focuses more on the psychological pain then physical one. It maybe needs bit less open ending, but it was still fine. - DirectorMickey KeatingStarsLauren Ashley CarterDean CatesBrian MorvantA family intervention goes horrifically awry within the snowy confines of an isolated lake house.7/10
Someone has described this movie as a good X-Files episode and it sure has the similar vibe to it. I have to give this to the film; it's focused, well acted, well shot and really, really creepy. It builds the tension slowly and knows what to show and what to conceal for awhile. What I really loved about this film is that, unlike so many other horror films, for most of the film don't know weather the guy is crazy or he has actually encountered someone who isn't human. While his siblings are debating weather to trust him, we do too. Especially for a low budget film, camera and sound are really good too. What left me in a letdown is the ending. I won't spoil it, but I would certainly pick another ending. Not that this one was horrible either, but it didn't please me on the emotional level. Despite that, if you are a horror buff, give it a chance. - DirectorRyan GoslingStarsChristina HendricksIain De CaesteckerMatt SmithA single mother is swept into a dark underworld, while her teenage son discovers a road that leads him to a secret underwater town.6/10
Lost River - lost in translation? It certainly lost me, and I am someone who usually likes to see some subtle hints and think about a deeper meaning. What this film does right is putting you into a certain mood. It's an impressionist film. The characters are more metaphors than real people, especially the antagonists. Sometimes the plot drags too much and makes it hard to follow. On the bright side, the acting is amazing and even though their characters are more emotions than three-dimensional people, it's the actors who make you care for them. The direction and camera is also quite good and Ryan Gosling (the writer and director of this film) was obviously influenced by some great filmmakers he previously worked with. It is definitely an art film, but not for everyone. I'm sure this one will be a 'hit or miss' kind of film to most people, but I'm conflicted about it. I'd say I kind of liked it, but couldn't always follow it. - DirectorWes BallStarsDylan O'BrienKaya ScodelarioThomas Brodie-SangsterAfter having escaped the Maze, the Gladers now face a new set of challenges on the open roads of a desolate landscape filled with unimaginable obstacles.6/10
If you watched the first Maze Runner film, then you know where it leaves main heroes at. Now they must escape the organization responsible for the maze. And the only way to do it is to run into the vast space of the unknown torn country where they can die from hunger or get eaten by zombies. And for the most part, the film continues the story quite well. There is even some mystery and suspense in this one too. It is visually a very well made film and some of the action is superb. If you like young adult genre, this one will definitely do. Unfortunately, despite all the effort clearly put into it, it still is by-the-numbers young adult adaptation, with 'the one' teen that can stop an evil organization in post-apocalyptic future. WCKD (the baddies here) do have some redeeming factors, though, but rather than present a serious debate about it, the story just needs a satisfying justification to the clear antagonist. However, it is a really nice, action-packed fun. - DirectorSimon WestStarsJason StathamMichael AngaranoDominik GarciaWhen a Las Vegas bodyguard with lethal skills and a gambling problem gets in trouble with the mob, he has one last play...and it's all or nothing.6/10
Interesting thing about Wild Card is that it is very contained and down-to-Earth compared to most action films of the sort. Action is still there, and at moments it gets very brutal, but the characters act more like I assume actual mobsters, thugs or general casino goers would in given situation. Jason Statham plays seemingly typical badass security for hire guy, but his character certainly provides more substance. His relationship with one of his new employers grows as the movie goes on and we can see them influencing on each other in some subtle ways. The film might lack some big epic showdown and villain plans in classical sense, but that is exactly what makes it different as well. - DirectorZach LipovskyStarsJesse MetcalfeMeghan OryVirginia MadsenAn ineffective vaccine fails to stop an epidemic which is turning people into zombies. The survivors organize themselves to escape from the living dead.6/10
Zombie apocalypse has been done to death by now, so any fresh take is welcome. While not the goldmine of originality, Dead Rising gave some really witty twists and the characters are surprisingly smart and logical given the situation. There is some humor to break the atmosphere, basically from Rob Corrdry and Carrie Genzel who talk in the studio in mid-scenes. Lead characters, played by Jesse Metcalfe, Meghan Ory and Keegan Connor Tracy are quite cool and the villains are enjoyable as well. The film was based on a video game which I didn't watch, but apparently it follows it rather well. The ending leaves a place for a sequel, which has already been announced. - DirectorTom SixStarsDieter LaserLaurence R. HarveyEric RobertsTaking inspiration from The Human Centipede films, the warden of a notorious and troubled prison looks to create a 500-person human centipede as a solution to his problems.6/10
First of all, I'm giving you all a warning! This film is disturbing and I would not recommend it to anyone under 18 or anyone who has distaste for blood, gore or torture on screen. It goes further than most horror movies go. The subgenre it belongs to is often called 'torture porn'. That means that instead to frighten, it's main purpose is to disgust, which means there are a lot of details. Third installment is a direct follow-up to the first two, but it has very different feel to it. While crude and distasteful, it is also quite intelligent, humorous and ironic to the core. Tom Six (the director) has no brakes when it comes to criticizing the societal norms. This time, American justice system, their overpopulated prisons and sadistic guards, as well as hard core criminals, are on the receiving end of this monstrosity. Protagonists of the first two films, Dieter Laser and Laurence R. Harvey, unite in completely different roles and give very different performances. If you think Saw franchise is too gory, avoid it like a plague, but if you don't mind gore, you just might find something edgy and different. - DirectorWayne HopeStarsLucinda Armstrong HallRobyn ButlerLucy FryNormal life implodes for a suburban family when their pop-star cousin comes to stay.6/10
I admit it, when I saw the poster, I watched it expecting to be utter crap. The poster looked glittery and cheap and the rating isn't very high. However, it took me by surprise that it actually turned out to be solid. I'm not saying great, or even good, but solid for what it was; a family comedy. It managed to be relaxing and entertaining, even if mostly predicable. It has overabundance of subplots, each mostly seen in this type of film: cheating husband, problems at work, cousins that don't get along, wedding preparations and the eternal struggle of young celebrities between money and fame and family values. Many of these subplots could easily be removed and the film wouldn't suffer at all. However, surprisingly the film doesn't suffer with all of them it it. Sure, you mostly aren't as invested, but at the same time, most of them are taken as rather fun instead of heavy. Not a particularly groundbreaking film, but a likable one nonetheless. - DirectorGil KenanStarsSam RockwellRosemarie DeWittKennedi ClementsA family whose suburban home is haunted by evil forces must come together to rescue their youngest daughter after the apparitions take her captive.6/10
Remakes of horror classics (or any remakes for that matter) are somehow always caught between being too similar to the original (And thus called uninspired or carbon copies) and being too dissimilar (And questioned on why are they even tied to the first film, almost always thought to be inferior to it). Poltergeist would roughly fit into the first category, with it's main characters, story and the outcome being very similar to the first one. I admit, I liked the dialogue between family members, which felt modern and real. When Poltergeist started throwing stuff (which was really soon) and ghosts started appearing, CGI was serviceable. Mostly everything about this film was ok; hardly anything was phenomenal or abominable. It is not that scary, though, and you never get *really* afraid for the characters. It would be a nice start to introduce kids to horror, though. - DirectorJarret TarnolStarsSarah HylandBret HarrisonSteve HoweyAfter her brother's bizarre death, Johana Burwood must return home after four years to face her strange siblings, her out-of-touch father, and her very touchy past.6/10
As another person wrote, this movie is not good or bad, but rather frustrating for most of the part. Young guy dies violently and his siblings and father gather in the house for the funeral. None of them initially show neither deep grief for the deceased nor the common courtesy to each other to the point you want to enter screen and put them in place. Two characters are particularly annoying through most of the film. Two more seam to be crazy or escaped from some sitcom. The film does have heartfelt moments, though, but since it's so short, by the time we get to them, the movie is over. This would be much, much better as an idea for TV series, in which you can grow to like unlikable characters through exploring them more. Here, it scratches the surface, but hardly goes the distance. - DirectorChris ColumbusStarsAdam SandlerKevin JamesMichelle MonaghanWhen aliens misinterpret video feeds of classic arcade games as a declaration of war, they attack the Earth in the form of the video games.6/10
With the creative premise of an alien invasion based on some old arcade video games, Pixels offers a lot of fun and action. This Happy Madison production again united Adam Sandler and Kevin James (who is hilariously on-spot miscast as US President), but uses a bit less poo-humor than usual. It's more action-filled and many of the jokes are back-and-forth banters among the characters. Even in the places in which it would get annoying, it is still passable. It is funny and creative and although mostly by-the-book and with a message that can be seen a mile away, still an entertainment for the whole family. - DirectorCamille DelamarreStarsEd SkreinLoan ChabanolRay StevensonIn the south of France, former special-ops mercenary Frank Martin enters into a game of chess with a femme-fatale and her three sidekicks who are looking for revenge against a sinister Russian kingpin.6/10
The story is typical for an action revenge film, the characters are typical, the setting is typical. But as a typical action film, it does just fine. Nothing is pitch perfect, but even a generic action film can deliver some nice chase scenes, fist fights and burglaries. It did have potential to go deeper, but the funny thing is, whenever it focused on the action and superficial, it did well; whenever it tried to give us a backstory, it dragged and didn't make sense. It's strengths are definitely shootouts, car explosions and attractive women in tight clothes. Not that any characters were annoying, though. Everyone was fine for a typical position they were in. If you want an adrenaline rush, you could do much worse than this. - DirectorBlaine ThurierStarsJesse CarereDaryl SabaraAnnie ClarkAn awkward high school student strives to lose his virginity before his parents and their Satanic cult can sacrifice him to the devil.6/10
Teen needs to lost his virginity in order not to be sacrificed to the Satan by his cult. Sounds stupid? It is, it's very stupid indeed. However, it was very funny too. It's one of those films that exist for entertainment value and not much else. What works here is the 'bromance' between Neil and Matt and female lead, who are only three bit developed characters. They were likable enough to root for them. The villain, played by Cary Elwes, is so over-the-top and implausible, that I couldn't restrain laughter each time he was on-screen, probably improvising all of his scenes. It is a fairly predictable one-note film that still brought what it intended; fun and camp. - DirectorKenny OrtegaStarsDove CameronCameron BoyceBooboo StewartThe teenage son of the king and queen of Auradon offers the trouble-making children of villains a chance to attend prep school in the kingdom.6/10
Right away I can tell you this film is probably aimed at 5 to 10-year-olds. They will probably enjoy it in an innocent way, not thinking about plotholes, bad visuals or anything else. I love these Disney characters, and honestly, if you totally shut your brain out, it can be ok to fill an evening. However, even as a very childish version of Disney, it seams too cheap and lazy. The songs are quite bad and mostly non-functional. The story of redemption is nice, but nothing in it seams new or fresh. Acting is for the most part ok, although uneven, since some actors know this is supposed to be taken as a joke and overact according to it, and some do not. Costumes look like mid-level cosplays and CGI effects are not that good either. It has somewhat likable atmosphere to it, although most it's parts are laughable. - DirectorPaul SoletStarsKeir GilchristStella MaeveMaestro HarrellA 17-year-old is on house arrest for the summer while his mother is away on business. A horrifying incident occurs leaving an ominous presence in the house.6/10
Cyber-bullying and supernatural horror are a stretch to mix, probably. But this film does have dark enough atmosphere and good acting to pull it off decently. Suspense builds-up nicely and has some quite freaky moments. What this film lacks is explanation on motivation of a villain. She could have easily got what she wanted in a much easier way, alive and without harming anyone. The guy was already nuts for her. But if you disregard some things (or at least interpret them how you please, since the script lacks some details), it still is suspenseful and gritty. Not for those who like action, though. Some scenes literally last several minutes without talking or sudden movements. - DirectorKyle BaldaPierre CoffinStarsSandra BullockJon HammMichael KeatonMinions Stuart, Kevin, and Bob are recruited by Scarlet Overkill, a supervillain who, alongside her inventor husband Herb, hatches a plot to take over the world.6/10
A nice movie for kids and a decent time to put your mind at ease. It has some charm and it is cute and non-pretentious. However, it is not Wreck-it Ralph or Tangled, you will not get any big emotional moments or major character development. What you see is what you get. If you like little yellow banana-like creatures speaking gibberish and supervillains stealing the crown of England, then this movie is for you. Main villain being called Overkill is a nice additional touch. - DirectorMel Rodriguez IIIStarsBeau GarrettAimee MullinsMaggie GehaDavid and Brenda are perfect for each other, and everyone knows it except David and Brenda. After they break up, due to mutual immaturity, they voyage through a romantic Purgatory that shakes both of them to their core, until they realize what's apparent, and work out a design for being together that they refuse to call "being together". A sharply observed, dark comedy about the complexity of modern relationships, In Stereo is a humorous look into the lives of confused 30 somethings trying to figure it all out.6/10
David and Brenda split-up at the beginning and then we follow them separately some time later, before they meet again. That is the premise and that is basically what this movie is about. It doesn't have very dynamic plot and it can seam aimless at times. But Micah Hauptman and Beau Garrett are really good in leading roles and they can get viewer's attention, even if the scale of the plot is small. Even if their characters are not always likable, you can still root for them ending-up together and they have undeniable chemistry. The film obviously tries to simulate real life and for better of for worse, it seem as authentic and as incoherent as if it was so. - DirectorMark GanttStarsColin EgglesfieldLisa ConradMendel FogelmanBruce Beresford-Redman, a producer for the reality TV show "Survivor," becomes the prime suspect in the strangulation death of his wife in Mexico.6/10
For a Lifetime thriller, I was surprisingly engaged. It is based on an actual event, which hasn't been solved to this day, so the ambiguity of the clues is not only a creative expression, though. But as a film, it does have the real sense of tension and I was interested in how will the movie end or did the protagonist kill his wife. There were a lot of times when he genuinely seamed guilty and equally a lot of them where he didn't. Actors did a good job as well, especially the main character and his wife, who we a see a lot via flashbacks. Unlike so many films with a county in the title, here it actually makes a difference that the murder has been committed in Mexico, giving the slight input on differences between Mexican and American justice system. What is apparent is a lack of budget on a grander scale, although the story didn't require it to be told. While it still has the feel of a Lifetime tv film (it is one after all), it is step up from the typical predictable stories they usually have. - DirectorRob MarshallStarsAnna KendrickMeryl StreepChris PineA witch tasks a childless baker and his wife with procuring magical items from classic fairy tales to reverse the curse put on their family tree.5/10
Into the Woods is a fairytale musical that, much like Once Upon a Time, combines several fairytales into one. But unlike the latter, which has 4 seasons to develop, this one just seams overstuffed and nobody actually has a chance to have an actual character development. Even worse, they have it, but choppy, so it seams forced and uneven. Acting is, however, very good and inspired, with all of the actors being good singers too. Meryl Streep got an Oscar nomination, and while she indeed is amazing, she had no time, nor material, to give a role worth a nomination. Some dialogue is very smart, and some messages are useful, but then again, the very next dialogue piece can seam over-the-top or out of the place. The worst thing, however, is the twist. Beware, you will probably not like it, as well as several other stuff going along. Still, the tone and the tunes and the acting might get you engaged in the magical world. - DirectorRichard SchenkmanStarsSarah ButlerJen LandonDoug McKeonJennifer is still haunted by the memory of being gang raped and almost killed years ago. At her therapist's advice, she joins group therapy and meets similar women. She befriends one and they want more than just talk - justice/vengeance.5/10
I Spit on Your Grave 3 is actually what I Spit on Your Grave 2 should have been, a continuance of the story of the first film. The lead actress is the same and she is pretty good. Actually, I liked the film for the most part. We had slow and logical build-up, intense scenes and a lot of gore when needed and only when needed. Characters actually had some logical development and we could see Jennifer's descent for what it was. My complain is that almost all random men were presented as mild predators (not the raping type, but still the sexual commentary type). Up until 15 minutes before the ending, I was mostly satisfied with the film, but then it escalated without a reason to. Balancing between horror and drama, somehow it managed to be satisfying, although the two genres sometimes sacrificed one another in the process. - DirectorAlan TaylorStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerJason ClarkeEmilia ClarkeWhen John Connor, leader of the human resistance, sends Sgt. Kyle Reese back to 1984 to protect Sarah Connor and safeguard the future, an unexpected turn of events creates a fractured timeline.5/10
Same franchise, new timeline, new twists. So, this time, Kyle Reese gets sets to the past to save Sarah Connor and discover that she was already saved years before by the new Terminator (also Schwarzenegger) and the two are now a badass duo. Kyle and Sarah decide to do some unexpected things and change the timeline once again. So, for those who saw the first two films, this one can be a logical continuity, as well as a letdown. It connects it's timeline logic as well as it can (let's be honest here, ALL time travel films leave a lot of questions), but it still manages to seam unbelievable while characters make obvious stretched-out choices that would make them less safe, only to make the plot more intense. I found it enjoyable enough with the main trio being cool, especially legendary Arnie. The plot itself is actually the twist on already seen plot and while enjoyable, it's not that mind-blowing. However, as an explosions-driven action film, it's passable. - DirectorTyler ShieldsStarsAbigail BreslinWes BentleyLogan HuffmanA man teaches a young woman how to become a complete weapon. Later, she is approached by a group of sadistic teens who kill blonde women for unknown reasons. The hunting season begins.5/10
Final Girl suffers from so-called 'Only God Forgives Syndrome', meaning it's flawed, somewhat pretentious and convoluted story is overshadowed by it's perfect visuals, photography and costumes. It is a director debut of photographer Tyler Shields and the visual perfectionism is remarkable, especially for a low-budget film. It is close to that visual aspect of film noir. It also tries to emulate dialogue of film noir in which every sentence sounds dramatic and there is no obsolete dialogue. Well, sometimes it hits the mark and sometimes it just sounds very pretentious. Abigail Breslin and Alexander Ludwig are actually excellent in disturbing leading roles and the scenes between them are also the best. First half of this film goes nowhere and would be way better as a twist later on. There is too much generic and needless backstory. The second half is better and it has some really interesting scenes, although it finally still is predictable, which isn't good for a thriller. It's worth seeing for visuals only. - DirectorMora StephensStarsPatrick WilsonLena HeadeyRay WinstoneA successful family man with a blossoming political career loses all sense of morality when he becomes addicted to using an escort agency.5/10
This is the second political thriller than focuses on infidelity and scandal this year. Unlike The Runner, this one is more focused and compact. There are no as much subplots and the film knows what it wants to say. Patrick Wilson carries out the film as good as ever. He manages to portray this lawyer and aspiring politician with nymphomania the way he almost gets to be sympathetic. The problem is that the general premise is potentially interesting if you add-up stuff like murder or get deeper into the marital drama. Since it has neither, even Patrick Wilson's great acting can pull only so much from the material. Too much legal talk and not enough deep emotion or thrills. It is a middle of the road film, even if superbly acted one. - DirectorJohn Francis DaleyJonathan GoldsteinStarsEd HelmsChristina ApplegateSkyler GisondoRusty Griswold takes his own family on a road trip to "Walley World" in order to spice things up with his wife and reconnect with his sons.5/10
It is a decent time to spend if your brain is also on a vacation. I did laugh several times during the film. However, for each time I laughed, I cringed or thought something was inappropriate. The main problem is that for an adult viewer, it is too childish and it was never meant for children, or at least, that's what I hope considering all sexual innuendos and curse words. It tries to be 'Hangover' or a Happy Madison production, but it isn't. It was supposed to be more kid-friendly, I think. It had some nice throwbacks for the fans of the original, although I don't know why didn't they brought back Ethan Embry for the main role. However, somehow I think Embry is better off doing Grace & Frankie, a comedy show that does know what audiences they are targeting. - DirectorEli RothStarsLorenza IzzoAriel LevyAaron BurnsA group of student activists travels to the Amazon to save the rain forest and soon discover that they are not alone, and that no good deed goes unpunished.5/10
Incredibly gory and detailed, The Green Inferno is certainly not for everyone. It is a story of a group of young activists who crash in the Amazons, encountering cannibalistic tribe and getting themselves into something horrific. It is very well shot and make-up/prosthetic seam very believable. My main issue with this film is that I'm somewhat confused on the moral of the story. It apparently wants to show some kind of environmental message and how tribes are to be left alone, but throughout the film all of them (minus one small child) have been nothing but one-dimensional sadists and I was hoping they get exterminated. Maybe it was supposed to be ironic? I don't know, but I think it got tangled into it's message instead of just being a thrilling gorefest. - DirectorSergei BodrovStarsBen BarnesJulianne MooreJeff BridgesWhen Mother Malkin, the queen of evil witches, escapes the pit she was imprisoned in by professional monster hunter Spook decades ago and kills his apprentice, he recruits young Tom, the seventh son of the seventh son, to help him.5/10
While visually good and interesting just enough, it never becomes what it wants to be, whatever that is. It is never epic enough, never smart enough, never dumb enough, never boring enough and never cheesy enough. Overall it may decently kill your hour and a half of time, but it will hardly do more. It has some potential, but it never takes off, leaving you wanting more from the story. On the other hand, it is concise enough and doesn't tangle itself into side-stories and craving for a sequel. Just for that reason and not being pretentious, it is a harmless fantasy flick. - DirectorTom HarperStarsHelen McCroryJeremy IrvinePhoebe Fox40 years after the first haunting at Eel Marsh House, a group of children evacuated from WWII London arrives, awakening the house's darkest inhabitant.5/10
The positive is that it follows the continuity of the first film and the atmosphere is still creepy and Woman in Black's manor is still a horrible place to stay in. The acting is very convincing and I liked the situation they were put in; two teachers accompanying children of people stuck in WWII London to the village manor school. Thing that is expected from ghost films are jump scares, but in the end, there were bit too much of those. The bad thing is that there was just not enough of The Woman in Black. I know that you don't want to show her at first, but considering this is a sequel, people should know what they are up against. Instead, we ignore movie logic and go only by real life logic where we pretend this is the first movie and the protagonists slowly start to discover everything we already know by themselves. The ending is also not the one I would pick, and I feel it wasn't polished enough. - DirectorJoe WrightStarsLevi MillerHugh JackmanGarrett HedlundTwelve-year-old orphan Peter is spirited away to the magical world of Neverland, where he finds both fun and danger, and ultimately discovers his destiny: to become the hero who will be forever known as Peter Pan.5/10
Action, creativity, character depth, magic... there is just enough of those not to be a bad film, yet not enough of either to be a good film. Visuals are inspired and acting for the most part too, but there is just something missing to make a great impact. Character relationships are shown to a degree and yet, they seam like they are going a certain direction because they are written that way, not because they are destined to. The authors took some liberties to adapt a Peter Pan story and make it their own and unique. Usually, I'm open to differences, since I don't want something too repetitive, but what's too much is too much. Especially the racial change of Tiger Lily was unnecessary and it damaged the diversity and authenticity. Tribal customs, flying fish, modern music, ice-like fairy dust, I liked all of it as a part of creation of this fantastic world, though. But, if they wanted to go in 'all eras' direction, they needed more; medieval elements, antic elements, futuristic elements... it would be even better if it was pushed further. But even as an average fantasy flick, it was just meh. - DirectorRobert SchwentkeStarsShailene WoodleyAnsel ElgortTheo JamesBeatrice Prior must confront her inner demons and continue her fight against a powerful alliance which threatens to tear her society apart with the help from others on her side.5/10
Although I liked Divergent, it's sequel didn't really sit that well with me. Even if Shailene Woodley really is a good actress, the behavior of her character Tris seamed well different from what she was at the end of the first film and without much reason on why. The villain, played by Kate Winslet, was slightly less random than before, but still not interesting enough. Most entertaining performances came from Miles Teller and Naomi Watts, while Tris' brother must be one of the most annoying supporting characters ever made. The story seams too convoluted and even if many stuff is happening, I felt bored, cause it seamed rushed and superficial. The whole box plot seamed out of nowhere as well, since I don't think it was even mentioned in the first part and here it's the main thing. Action was ok when it was on, but it served more as a pretty thing to gaze on than a culmination of a plot I want to see. The ending leaves some potential, though. - DirectorAndy FickmanStarsKevin JamesRaini RodriguezEduardo VerásteguiAfter six years of keeping our malls safe, Paul Blart has earned a well-deserved vacation. He heads to Las Vegas with his teenage daughter before she heads off to college. But safety never takes a holiday and when duty calls, Blart answers.4/10
I very well know what kind of stuff passes as humor in Happy Madison productions, but this film is lamer than their usual stuff. First five minutes of the film totally destroys the happy ending of the first one, leaving it's sour taste throughout. It tries to be a drama way too much, shifting focus from stupid to sappy and again to stupid. We've seen father-daughter duos about growing-up a lot and they are mostly the same. Only difference is that some films make you feel for them. But when Paul himself cannot sustain fart-jokes and distractions when his daughter is in danger, why would we care any more than him? With occasional humor shining through, the film is still stuffed with lazy writing, awkward jokes and forced drama and character development. - DirectorKyle NewmanStarsJaime KingSamuel L. JacksonMadeleine StackA teenage special ops agent coveting a "normal" adolescence fakes her own death and enrolls in a suburban high school. She quickly learns that surviving the treacherous waters of high school is more challenging than international espionage.4/10
Is this film supposed to be a high school film or a spy comedy? Be assured, filmmakers couldn't tell you themselves. I would classify it as a teen dramedy with a bit of action disguised as a spy film. The spy stuff seams the more interesting part of it, but unfortunately, it has been very underused and generic. Unlike Kingsman, Spy or MI5 recently, it doesn't have an interesting or a complex story arc for the spy mission. The main villain is flat out there and has way too few scenes. And so do everyone involved in the spy business. The more fleshed-out part is the high school environment, main heroine's relationship with her friends and potential boyfriends. There is a certain Mean Girls feel about it (the film even references it) and some jokes are actually funny. I really wished if there was also more action and if it had more flair to it. Otherwise, it was decent for a casual watch. - DirectorAnthony BurnsStarsKatherine HeiglPatrick WilsonMadison WolfeDon Champagne seems to have it all, but when his wife, Mona, learns of his affair with a pretty new salesgirl, she will stop at nothing to maintain their storybook life.4/10
Patrick Wilson is a chameleon character actor, especially good at playing regular guys, while Katherine Heigl is notorious for being difficult to work with (apparently). Having them as a 'perfect' fake suburban couple who stop at nothing to get something turns out to be a good idea. Acting is really good and the story develops in very interesting and unexpected ways. On the other hand, it is really hard to root for any of the characters, since all of them are scum. I am in between weather their lack of any moral compass made the film more interesting or more cringing and impossible to feel for. In the end, it was weird. It could have been more heartfelt or more directly over-the-top. - DirectorStephen S. CampanelliStarsOlga KurylenkoJames PurefoyMorgan FreemanFour criminals steal diamonds from a safety deposit box in Cape Town, including a drive containing a US senator's evil plans. He'll do anything to get it back from Alexis.4/10
Seeing Olga Kurylenko take the lead in an action film is awesome! Olga is a brilliant actress and can make a kickass lead. However, I wished the film around her was a bit better. Sure, it had it's perks. The action was great, for the most part. It didn't take a lot to slow down, it mostly just kept going. I loved how they didn't have a typical romance beside and focused on the game of cat and mouse between Olga and the villain. There were certain good puns too, which is always desirable during a brainless action. However, the story was mostly generic and nothing precisely memorable. And the open ending was a bad choice, since it obviously won't have a sequel. And Morgan Freeman is in it... barely... Must be a favor for Kurylenko if they got along while filming Oblivion. - DirectorDavid KoeppStarsJohnny DeppGwyneth PaltrowEwan McGregorJuggling angry Russians, the British Mi5, and an international terrorist, debonair art dealer and part-time rogue Charlie Mortdecai races to recover a stolen painting rumored to contain a code that leads to lost gold.4/10
Johnny Depp can play weird characters. After like at least 10 recent films, we get it. And of course he is good as pompous art dealer. I really liked the chemistry between him and Paul Bettany, who plays his henchman. There should have been more chemistry between Depp and Gwyneth Paltrow, though, since the relationship between their characters is obviously the intended focus. While many sides and twists while chasing a stolen picture were funny as assumed, I did ask myself how many of them were unnecessary and how the film could have been more focused. Instead on focusing on the gimmick of Depp's mustache, we could have been focusing on the actual plot and it could have been so much better. - DirectorAleksander BachStarsRupert FriendHannah WareZachary QuintoAn assassin teams up with a woman to help her find her father and uncover the mysteries of her ancestry.4/10
Mediocre action, generic characters and bad CGI effects is why this film justifiably tanked in theaters. The main character is obnoxious and with no personality depth. I don't know why this concept is so deserving of a franchise anyway. I don't don't know why action films like Bond or Mission Impossible films cannot fill the need for a flawed action hero. 47 is like a robot and 'programmed to kill'. Even more silly was the female 'hero' who is 'so much better than him'. You notice how much quotes I put in the expressions. It's because everything seam phony and silly. If you really, but I mean really put your mind away and enjoy mindless shootouts, you might have some fun. But there are A LOT better action films out there. Just look at the list above. - DirectorJared CohnStarsJamie KennedySally KirklandSara Malakul LaneWith his business in shambles, a mounting criminal record, and a cheating wife, today is the day that Buddy Hutchins snaps.4/10
On a technical level, this film is low produced and cheap. On the moral level, it is questionable to say at least. On the originality level, however, it would score pretty high. Didn't expect the story to be so well built-up and leveled. However, there is bad editing and some bad actors, so it cannot be taken that seriously. And the main problem of the film is just that: it is stuck between being a parody and being a serious drama. It is never quite enough funny to be seen as a deliberate over-the-top film, yet it is never down-to-Earth either. Some scenes hit the mark, some don't. Sometimes I laughed, sometimes I didn't. While I was impressed by the form some problems were handled, it was way too lazy and blunt to make an impact it wanted. It is a memorable film, though, but maybe not for the reasons it wanted. - DirectorTom VaughanStarsPierce BrosnanSalma HayekJessica AlbaA drama about a Cambridge poetry professor who begins to re-evaluate his life of Byronic excess.4/10
It has a fairly interesting set-up, but like most average chick-flicks, it concentrates more on making us giggle then actually making us care. And when the situation actually gets more serious and we must care more, the ship of our attachment has already sailed. Too bad, since the cast are very likable and someone being in a sham marriage for a green card is not a subject done to death by now in comedies. Many story arcs are rather done by exposition than by character development. And while the story ultimately gives us main character's development, the real-life situation in which he has been put would be way more complex and difficult to get out of. The premise has potential, but the film simply cannot choose between romance, drama and comedy and does a poor balance, suffocating one with the other. - DirectorMary Agnes DonoghueStarsKatherine HeiglTom WilkinsonLinda EmondJenny's parents and siblings are always trying to set her up with a man when she visits them. What they don't know is that she's already met the right person, her "roommate" Kitty, 5 years ago and she wants to marry her and start a family.4/10
This film has an interesting and fairly original premise; an adult woman comes out as gay to her family and announces the wedding with her roommate. The film mostly focuses on the reactions of her parents and sister as they cope with that, as well as their conservative surroundings. Actors portraying those three characters are the only ones that did a good job. Their characters might not always be likable, but at least you see a development. Katherine Heigl, on the other hand, was not believable as the lead, Jenny. She comes off as really arrogant and cold, while her character is supposed to be anything but. Even worse than Heigl was her complete lack of chemistry with her love interest, played by Alexis Bledel, who stands as a complete cardboard figure on the side. I know that the main focus are supposed to be the family, but some character on those two wouldn't hurt. Due to Heigl's miscast and me being completely disinterested in her fate or her romance, I think I will forget this one pretty soon. - DirectorJeremy M. InmanStarsCasper Van DienLauren ParkinsonLou FerrignoWhen Rumpelstiltskin destroys the Magic Mirror and escapes to the modern world, the four princesses Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and Rapunzel are sucked through the portal too. The four women now must save Earth.3/10
And now something completely new: Asylum Productions can't make a good movie for the sake of anything. However, this cheap ripoff of Once Upon a Time and The Avengers is probably among the more enjoyable ones recently made. Like any of their movies, it is neither good enough to stand as a serious movie nor funny or over-the-top enough to be a good parody. But it still has some elements of a guilty pleasure. Although, not enough of them for me to green-light it. The story is for most of the time forced and fast, and the main downfall is the Snow White character, who was so annoying and rude I wanted to get rid of her. Other princesses were fine, though, and so was overactor Casper Van Dien as Rumpelstiltskin, the villain of the film. Not as bad as their shark films, Born Bad or Bound, it still is lifeless compared to the cheesefest it should have been. - DirectorCiarán FoyStarsJames RansoneShannyn SossamonRobert Daniel SloanA young mother and her twin sons move into a rural house that's marked for death.3/10
The saddest part of this is that Sinister 2 isn't a god-awful movie through and through, but it misses the mark on all of it's potential. They handled some subplots different than the first one, which isn't bad by itself. But it handles each twist like they thought of it just that very scene. The children are unbearable and I feel like I'm watching Children of the Corn sequel rather than Sinister 2. Jealousy between the twins could have been a nice detail, but it is acted and written so badly that it fails to deliver thrills or joy. Only positive side of the film are two adult protagonists who act well on what it bestowed upon them. Human antagonist is one-note and even more annoying than the flat kids. Just watch the first one and imagine it ends there. - DirectorAustin StarkStarsNicolas CageSarah PaulsonPeter FondaIn the aftermath of the 2010 BP oil spill, an idealistic but flawed politician is forced to confront his dysfunctional life after his career is destroyed in a sex scandal.3/10
I like to call this 'Valium-The Movie'. Nicolas Cage actually gives a very good performance in it, and so do the other actors. The story is very choppy, though. It is about so much and neither of the arcs were strong enough to carry it through. It is about a politician's career, his relationship with his wife, his father, a sex scandal, a congress nomination, a power plant accident, money problems... All of these mildly affect one another, but all of the plots are equally boring. While one is on, I think that the next scene might be more interesting, but it just goes on. Nothing interesting happens, and even when there is a hint of a plot going up, they just switch it to another boring sub-story. Despite Cage's effort, there really is nothing to be a glue to a group of stale story arcs. - DirectorSteve WolshStarsLachlan BuchananPujaBryce DraperAfter narrowly escaping an ancient burial ground, a group of friends find themselves trapped between two evils, forcing them to fight, die, or go back the way they came.3/10
A film that is silly and cliched to a degree, but knows it very well and plays to it's strengths. It starts directly during the massacre (it's a slasher, so of course there is one) and finishes before things are resolved. It is apparently going to get a prequel and a sequel and serve as a middle part of a trilogy. It also serves as a parody or a tribute act to many classic horrors, such as The Evil Dead. Characters are over-the-top and so is the violence. The credits emphasize titles such as 'Playmate of the year' above the acting credit, and it's very amusing. It's silly and stupid, yet entertaining for the lizard part of your brain. - 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.3/10
Formulaic and vapid in it's lazy attempts of copying from much more inspiring films. While the premise itself isn't that bad, the execution is just as you think it will be. Evil corporation - check, obsessed cop - check, hot damsel in distress who is also a badass - check. It has elements of Total Recall, Surrogates and some other Sci-fi action films, but without their suspense or originality. Bruce Willis is terribly underused and Thomas Jane acts well for a completely cliched character. Only good thing about this film is that main actress is very attractive. - DirectorJason DudekStarsTaylor HandleyDanny GloverVinnie JonesA pharmaceutical company recruits a well-known scientist to help develop a vaccine against a deadly virus.3/10
This is almost a textbook example on how to do typical slasher. Young adults in an isolated location with evil organization that kills people for XY greater plan. To be fair, main hero is rather a badass who served in the army and has some nice action scenes. And I kind of did care for few people at times. Not everyone dies when/if you expect. But it is still no excuse for making this, at the same time, both over-complex and too simple story. One annoying supporting character (also bad actor) made it worse. And having Vinnie Jones in a role that could have been easily played by Angela Lansbury isn't the way to use him in a film full of action. Not the worst slasher ever, but too typical with little originality. - DirectorFrank CoraciStarsAdam SandlerTerry CrewsJorge GarciaAn outlaw who was raised by Native Americans discovers that he has five half-brothers. Together the men go on a mission to find their wayward, deadbeat dad.3/10
This is my third Adam Sandler film and fifth Happy Madison film in 2015. They are fast, aren't they? Cited by critics as racially insensitive and stupid, and this time, they are not far off. Jokes are like they were written by a five-year-old and characters are walking stereotypes of a stereotypes. Some of the stupid jokes had me laughing (sorry), but overall I realize most of them are quite flat. You know how HM films usually have some poop jokes? Here, there is a donkey who is a walking poop joke. But the biggest problem this movie has is that it has two narratives and the one which gets the most time isn't the one which gets a punchline, which seams off base and shoehorned. It is also quite racially insensitive. A film not for anyone except hardcore Sandler fans. - DirectorAnne FletcherStarsReese WitherspoonSofía VergaraMatthew Del NegroAn uptight and by-the-book cop (Reese Witherspoon) tries to protect the outgoing widow (Sofia Vergara) of a drug boss as they race through Texas pursued by crooked cops and murderous gunmen.3/10
How to make a gorgeous woman like Sofia Vergara annoying? It seams like an impossible task. Unfortunately, this dummy of a film manages to do so with ease. The recipe is in annoying dialogue, annoying voice frequency, annoying character personality and zero taste. Reese Witherspoon was slightly better, but only by a tiny bit. I was happy that Robert Kazinsky was in this movie, but he is in it for less than 10 minutes with a sole purpose to take his shirt off. There is also a lazy twist that comes out of nowhere. I won't lie saying I didn't laugh once or twice, but on the rare occasion I did, it was more at them then with them. The biggest problem this flick has is that it is confused on weather it wants to be more moderate comedy or straight-forward parody. Needless to say, it fails in both. It fails in virtually everything. - DirectorGerry LivelyStarsMarc MacaulayBingo O'MalleyMere DavisA sinister preacher in the 1800's leads an angry church mob to murder a farmer and his family, all to gain the coveted McKale farmland. In his dying breath, the farmer incites an evil curse and vows his vengeance. An eerie calm settles over the land for centuries until one fateful night when the curse is accidentally unleashed and a group of misfit friends must fight to stay alive, discover the truth, and solve the criminal mystery before its too late.2/10
It is terribly difficult to review this one. It is BAD. And I mean, in some ways it was horrible beyond imagining. The acting is BAD, and I mean really bad. Some actors are fine, but others are so bland. Winner of 2016 Razzies should apologize in advance and bring the statue back to it's true owner, the guy playing the farmer in the intro of this film. But while the story is generic and acting is average to abominable, there is a certain entertainment value of this sort of stupidity, much like Sharknado or Jurassic Shark. When something is so bad, it deserved some kind of recognition in the entertainment area. But even that said, it comes off as stale and boring in many between murders scenes, so It's not as entertaining as top of the trash genre. - DirectorSam Taylor-JohnsonStarsDakota JohnsonJamie DornanJennifer EhleLiterature student Anastasia Steele's life changes forever when she meets handsome, yet tormented, billionaire Christian Grey.2/10
And here it is, the most 'controversial' film of this year (or so it seams by the media hype). It is basically a soft-core Twilight fan-fiction turned into a movie. Is it any good? Aww, no! But what is the worst is that it's well made, well directed and well acted. It is such a cheesy, messy and off story and with a director like Tommy Wiseau and actors like the farmer guy from All Saints Eve (check this list), and Tara Reid, it could live-up to a potential of the worst film of the decade. Instead, most of the stuff that makes it terrible is minimized or disguised in a veil of decent polishing. Not even the BDSM scenes are that interesting, character development is forced, depiction of people who do bondage is embarrassing and it is overall a very, very, very BORING film. Instead of being a horrible crap film classic like The Room, it is one big nothing. - DirectorJared CohnStarsCharisma CarpenterBryce DraperMorgan ObenrederThe daughter of a wealthy real estate broker falls in love with a younger man, who introduces her to B&D and S&M. Using her newly awakened sexual prowess, she finally takes charge of her own life.2/10
Where to start? This is a ripoff of a ripoff of a material of a questionable value. For a film based on sexual chemistry, there is none among two protagonists and the main male character is such a sleazeball from the start. Abuse in relationships starts more subtle, but not in an Asylum universe. Besides being cheep and predictable, it is stale and doesn't even work as a parody. There is some payoff near the end when few twists happen, but it takes way too long to get there and even that is much more mild than it should be. They actually made real 50 Shades movie sound more appealing. - DirectorRob CohenStarsJennifer LopezRyan GuzmanKristin ChenowethA woman, separated from her unfaithful husband, falls for a younger man who has moved in next door, but their torrid affair soon takes a dangerous turn.2/10
There are predictable films. There are inconsistent films. There are stupid films. And then there is a line where those intervene. And there lies this donkey pile. The story is not only generic, but uneven as well. If they wanted to gross us out that the teacher had sex with her student, why make him be 20 and look 25? Since JLo looks 35 herself, they seam age-wise like a normal couple and it doesn't gross anyone out. And if that wasn't even the purpose, why make him a student anyway? They could have easily had a generic thriller about the stalking affair between two adults. Editing is messy to say at least and scenes flow from one to another just like that. Character development seams forced and unnatural, as well as their romance. Only thing redeemable is how attractive JLo is. - DirectorDavid O. RussellStarsJessica BielRay BrownJenny GulleyA small town waitress gets a nail accidentally lodged in her head causing unpredictable behavior that leads her to Washington, D.C., where sparks fly when she meets a clueless young senator who takes up her cause - but what happens when love interferes with what you stand for?2/10
When I saw the trailer, I said this looks like a simple Obamacare propaganda. And I was right. While the goal of this film is to inspire change, it uses only most ridiculous cliches and bad plot to do it. Characters don't act natural, even if most are played by good actors. I mean, Jake Gyllenhaal is such a chameleon. You wouldn't recognize him as Louis from Nightcrawler or Loki from Prisoners. The main grudge that I have with this film is that it's not grounded enough to be taken seriously in any of the subject and yet never over-the-top to serve as a parody. How much more could they push the stereotype and danger that is headed to the main heroine. But instead, their humor makes me uncomfortable more than genuine amused. Even if I would love to say otherwise for all the worthy actors in it, this is a really, really bad film. - DirectorFred WolfStarsDavid SpadeBrittany DanielChristopher WalkenWhen happy family man Joe Dirt gets himself transported to the recent past, he begins an epic journey to return to his loved ones in the present.2/10
Thank heavens for the beautiful women in supporting roles. Without them, I would probably smash my head on the wall. It is a rock bottom of Happy Madison Productions, which is a lot to say. 95% of the jokes missed the mark and 5% work if you level yourself with an 11-year-old who just wants to chill. It is supposed to be some kind of movie referencing mash-up, but all is delivered so half-assed and lazy and fails at everything it was going for. Editing is horrendous, to say at least. The worst part is that main character doesn't respond to any awkward or ugly situations he finds himself into. He doesn't care to be dumped, laughed at or to spend 12 years on a beach, so why should we? It is an annoying pile of mashed-up lazy wannabe jokes and boring as hell too. I couldn't agree more on a '0%' Rotten Tomatoes score. Yes, it is THAT bad and deserves it entirely. - DirectorStraw WeismanStarsMischa BartonLorenzo LamasMartin BelmanaThree young men and three young women from around the world win a contest and get an all-expenses-paid trip to a beach house in Malibu. When they arrive, they find out they have to share the space.1/10
This is kind of junk that makes people dumber. You ask yourself how is it even possible that this kind of lazy garbage has been produced and paid for. Six attractive young people get in the beach house as part of the game and need to bond for a week. What kind of game? Never explained. What is the prize? Never explained. Why are they forbidden to swim after dark? Nobody even attempts to do it. The ONLY purpose for this film is to see hot young people do it. That's why sex scenes last for 5 minutes each. However, you never actually see anything interesting there either. Romances are forced, there is zero chemistry and zero talent among the actors. Comedy never gets a chuckle and the quasi-emotional stuff they bring later-on comes off as unnatural and even slimy. You never care about the characters, you just get through boring jokes and boring talks to see stuff that 12-year olds would find 'naughty'. And to think Mischa Barton was in OC... this must be the bottom of the barrel for any celebrity. This 'film' is totally worthless and probably one of the worst ones in recent memory. - DirectorJohn MackieStarsDexter FletcherCloi MckeeHolli MckeeIn Highgate London, five young teenagers hoping to witness Pagan activity, camp in historic Queen's Wood on Halloween but soon discover they are part of the ritual when a mysterious Biker hunts them down.1/10
Entertainment value? Zero. Production value? Zero. Artistic value? Zero. IQ? Zero again. This spawn credits itself to be 'based on the actual events'. If it is true, that only makes it worse. It is a slasher without any deaths (really, NOBODY dies in this film, not even the random people - basically everyone actually). Five stupid girls go to some 'cursed' woods at night and get randomly chased by some guy on the bike, believed to be Lucifer (as they say; ''He must have been the god of light of some sort''). Acting is bad, especially from one blond girl, which makes Tara Reid seam talented. All the suspense builds on jump-scares and insinuations and the story is neither clever enough nor are characters relatable in any way to afford such a treatment. Directing is pretentious and editing is even worse than The Boy Next Door. There is nothing redeemable about this boring, pretentious, ridiculous piece of septic garbage. - DirectorSean OlsonStarsDean CainGary ValentineElisa DonovanWhen Zeus (Mario Lopez) accidentally destroys an important party, he gets sent to obedience school at the worst time! A trio of bumbling burglars is planning a heist. Can Zeus save the day?1/10
Let's take a moment of silence to mourn how low the family film has sunk. I am almost speechless on the dumbness level here. It makes Adam Sandler comedies look subtle and hilarious. Of course mediocre family films often use children and animals doing unbelievable stuff, but at least, most of the time they are somewhat relatable characters with somewhat interesting plot. This film has bad acting, even worse dog trainers and the dialogue is straight from the bin. There are no good characters, no sense to the plot, even in the childish way and the worst thing is - no good jokes. I take that back - no ANY jokes. This is supposed to be a comedy and I didn't even chuckle once. It is brain-numbingly bad and not even remotely funny. The main star is a dog who looks bored most of the time, does nothing, and no, he doesn't save summer either! Summer has never been in danger, only a diamond in a jewelry store. And your brain cells if you watch this diarrhea of a film.