2022 Films I've seen with short reviews

10/10

The Batman presents a completely new take on Gotham's heroes and villains. It's not a classic superhero film, but rather a thriller intertwined with some aspects of action, drama, and science fiction. Batman is in his second year, and has to solve a mystery which haunts the whole city. To do so, he has to face not only the most dangerous mobsters and corrupt officials, but also his own family secrets, thus questioning his purpose and goals. Out of all Batman films thus far, this one uses the detective element of its protagonist the best. It's a long, but thrilling story which never loses its pace. Robert Pattinson gives his own fantastic spin on Bruce Wayne, while being supported by an excellent supporting cast: Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman, Jeffrey Wright as James Gordon, Paul Dano as The Riddler, and a totally unrecognizable Colin Farrell as The Penguin. Every character plays their part, and forms a compelling cog in a wonderfully crafted story that feels both grand and personal. I could feel this Gotham, and I could feel the people in it. What drives them to do what they do, and how each feels trapped in a mixture of difficult circumstances and a mental prison of their own construct. I am mesmerized by this worldbuilding, and I can't wait to see the sequel.

10/10

Knives Out is one of my favorite mystery films of the last decade, so I was both hyped and worried how its sequel will turn out. We still follow the private detective Benoit Blanc (who is again masterfully played by Daniel Craig), this time with another case. As the billionaire Miles (Edward Norton) invites his close friends and associates (Janelle Monae, Dave Bautista, Kate Hudson, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr.) to his private island in Greece, their complicated histories start coming out, and someone is about to bite the dust. Glass Onion delivers the same ingredients as its predecessor - a compelling atmosphere filled with charismatic and dodgy suspects, brilliant set design, point-on direction, and a very clever, yet funny dialogue in which no Chekhov's Gun remains unused. It's fascinating watching how every single piece of the puzzle falls into its place. The acting performances are all top notch! Direction, screenplay, and production design all deserved Academy Award nominations, at least. Much like in every Rian Johnson's film, there are some social and political undertones which might divide some people. Still, the way they serve the story, and not the other way around, is brilliant no matter where you come from. Personally, I admire the idea. I loved all of it, and I can say that for me, the even more grandiose sequel of a beloved film fulfilled all of its promises to perfection.

10/10

This is the year when we got 3 films based on an Italian classic about a living doll, his father, and the question of what makes a boy real. Guillermo Del Toro makes, by a huge margin, the best version. This is so lively, beautiful, full of love towards the material. The animation, which is mostly stop-motion, is gorgeous and detailed. The characters are layered and well-developed. The emotion is present in every scene without ever feeling overdone or out of place. This is the only film from 2022 during which I cried. From the start, the film is filled with stunning imagery, and the connection between Geppetto and his son feels real. The humor is well balanced with more dark and serious matters in life that really make one reflect about them. The idea of incorporating magic with actual events of fascist Italy in 1930s works well because there's an actual parallel shown. Pinocchio here, much like in the original story, isn't some kind of a perfect angelic child, but a developed character who learns from his mistakes, which makes me care for him more. It's a heartbreaking and adorable film which proves that old stories can be told in a new, meaningful way.

9/10

This Icelandic horror drama is one of the most original films I've seen in awhile. The concept is simple, but unique. Without spoiling much: A childless couple who live on an isolated farm adopt a baby, but the child's background and development raise a lot of questions. It's one of those European art films with a very little dialogue, and a nail-biting atmosphere. When done right, these films can be extremely compelling, and the execution here is flawless. Noomi Rapace and Hilmir Snær Guðnason give fantastic performances of the characters who are both easy and hard to root for. It's gorgeous to look at, as the Icelandic nature shapes this film in a way that feels both grounded and mystical. The story toys with one's perception of what's normal and what's right. Its twists, or in some cases, lack thereof, really keep it as interesting as possible. It never becomes too ''artsy'' for its premise, and effortlessly balances out its dramatic, ominous, and fantasy elements. It leaves the viewer with a lot of questions to dwell upon, while still delivering a clear story to life.

9/10

Ryan Coogler and his team had a very difficult task when making the Black Panther sequel without its hero, the irreplaceable Chadwick Boseman. And against all odds, they made a film which rivals its first in terms of quality and worldbuilding. With T'Challa sadly gone, the story focuses on how his loved ones cope with his absence. His sister Shuri, the scientific mind that she is, doesn't feel the need to spiritually process her loss, while their mother Ramonda and T'Challa's right-hand general, Okoye, turn to tradition. Their country also faces new threats from yet undiscovered world power who craves the same assets. What I truly love about this film is that its conflicts are real. There are no simple solutions to complicated political and personal issues this film's heroes face. The drama isn't built on misunderstandings or magical ornaments that suddenly turn good people bad against their will. Each character is understandable in their goals, and even when they do terrible things, we see where they are coming from. Shuri, Nakia, Okoye, M'Baku, Riri, and Ramonda, as well as the antagonist, King Namor, as all really well-rounded characters. It was a pleasure watching this beautiful and touching film. It really brings me hope that the MCU can be back on top of their game!

9/10

This just might have been the most entertaining experience I had in cinema this year. The story, which was adapted from a Japanese manga, is thrilling and full of unpredictable twists. It features many charismatic characters who all manage to get their moments to shine. Each set-up gets a pay-off, and no matter how much the film throws at you, it never gets convoluted. The cast is great; From Brad Pitt as the pacifist mercenary, to Joey King as the vengeful sociopath, to Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Brian Tyree Henry as quirky brother assassins, to Andrew Koji as a desparate father. Several supporting stars, like Hiroyuki Sanada, Zazie Beetz, Logan Lerman, Masi Oka, and Karen Fukuhara, also give their all to make this as fun as possible. The dialogue is snappy and features many clever banter moments. The visuals pop-up a lot, as the director David Leitch is very gifted in using color and camera angles to his advantage. It's an ampted-up adventure which becomes a total adrenaline rush once it starts, and doesn't slow down until it's over!

9/10

Unpopular opinion incoming: Halloween Ends is the most underrated film of the year. Not only that it's a fantastic conclusion to the quadrilogy, but it makes choices that actually make its predecessors better. I wasn't a big fan of how Halloween Kills ended, yet looking back I see why that kind of ending was necessary for this installment to have an impact it has. This film manages to introduce the new lead, a guy named Corey, and give us his whole backstory and development, while still focusing on the relationship between Laurie and her granddaughter Alison, as well as give us subtle nuances to the later stages of Michael Myers. It's very well written and character driven. It's very bloody, and with a solid body count, while keeping all of its victims necessary to the story. I understood why each of them had to go, which is not something I can say for a lot of slashers. The ending feels final, giving each character a proper conclusion. I expect them to reboot the franchize at some point, but I am glad that we got to have this new trilogy attached to the original.

9/10

Tom Cruise returns as US Navy Lt. Pete ''Maverick'' Mitchell 36 years later in a sequel which has its own standalone story. It's a highly praised film, and I can see why. Even as someone who didn't see the original, I was immediately pulled in. It's obvious that the film makes some references to the events that happened before, but they are presented organically in a way that everyone can understand how they impacted the main character in present events. They are more of a backstory than backbone of the story, which is something more sequels should remember. Maverick is a veteran who lives on adrenaline and is often challenging orders. Later in life, he is still single and without an anchor. He gets to train a group of new recruits, one of whom he has strong ties with. Bradley ''Rooser'' Bradshaw (Miles Teller) is the son of Maverick's best friend who died in an accident years ago, and who wants to follow his father's footsteps and become a pilot. The clash between the two comes organically, and the fantastic acting additionally helps in making it real. The film is also very tense, and its third act is a rush which keeps on giving! A great film which makes me want to watch the first one, and then re-watch this one.

8/10

Dwayne Johnson is one of the most charismatic actors of our time, and the fact that this was his passion project for years does shine through. Black Adam might not be one of DC's most famous heroes, but he offers an interesting backstory, and this film takes the opportunity to explore it. Johnson is fantastic as the lead, and his opposition, the Justice Society of America members, are also charismatic and likable. They clash over the idea of how to stop the new threat which wants to conquer the North African nation of Kahndaq, Adam's home. Black Adam is more of an anti-hero who likes to destroy his enemies, while The League want to have it by the book. I really like the setting, as well as the nuanced approach to foreign interference in Africa and the Middle East. I'd like if we got even more of that instead of certain elements which feel already seen within the genre. However, for what it is, it's really fun in execution. The action sequences are especially thrilling. The film balances humor and drama quite well. I am looking forward to see more of this worldbuilding.

8/10

I love how Jordan Peele approaches each of his films with care, and gives each of them a unique spin. There's always a message, but delivered in such a way that it doesn't overshadow the concrete narrative and characters. Understanding the symbolism is important for appreciating the nuances, but one can just be drawn in by the striking directorial choices and the intriguing atmosphere. Nope is no different in that, even if it certainly stretches the part of being able to understand the narrative without dwelling on its meaning. There are certain sub-plots and twists that make sense only when you look at the big picture. In its essence, this is an old-fashioned creature feature, made like it's the 80s. Daniel Kaluuya and Kiki Palmer work well as siblings horse tainers who, each in their own way, want to preserve the legacy of their father. The build-up is tad slow, but the payoff is rewarding. There are some really well shot and intense scenes. The setting feels isolated and hence, the characters defenseless. It's a polarizing one, but from me, it's a yep!

8/10

A mysterious box with chains, moral dilemmas about wish fulfillment, strong queer representation without pandering, and exceptionally creative make-up design - this film truly offers a lot! It's not a straight-up remake or continuation of the previous films, but rather a new re-imagining of what this world has to offer. There's no time for fillers, as the intensity starts right away, and never lets go. We follow an addict named Riley who feels responsible for her brother's disappearance, and follows the clues. There are several twists and turns to keep it interesting throughout. While it has some concepts made famous by the slasher genre, it's not really a slasher, as it's more interested in how and why certain torture and death scenes happen than in a sheer body count. It is really explicit and gory, which should be surprise to no one who is familiar with this franchize. The cast is great, starting with Jamie Clayton, who excells in the Pinhead role. She never tries to copy Doug Bradley, but rather gives her own unique spin on the character. I love the Cenobites' designs, and how they're interacting with the human characters. A strong recommendation to those who love the original, as well as gory films in general.

8/10

Michael Bay made a film that is both high in adrenaline and surprisingly character-driven. The story follows two thief brothers who, after a semi-successful money heist, take an ambulance van to escape. With both the help and the opposition from a medic whom they've kidnapped, they'll have to navigate running from the law, escaping their associates, saving a wounded policeman's life, and solving their issues with each other. Jake Gyllenhaal, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Eiza Gonzalez, and a long list of other quality actors star in this tense blockbuster. Bay's forte in delivering high-octane action scenes shines through, but this time, there are also some layers to these characters and their relationships. They aren't always just good or bad, and the decisions they make are sometimes complicated. The film does have some ''Bayisms'' - explosions, comedic banter between supporting players, catchphrases, ect., but they are not overplayed, and come off quite naturally. While it perhaps doesn't re-invent the genre of a heist action film, it certainly gives it a worthy addition.

8/10

8/10

Films like Prey give me hope for more creative spin-offs and sequels within the established franchizes. It's located in the world of Predator, but it's set in the 18th century America, and follows young warriors from the Comanche Nation. In the center of the story there are siblings Naru and Taabe. Naru is the younger sister of the skilled warrior, and wants to prove herself as his equal. She's discouraged by most of the people around her, but when she encounters the dangerous predator from outer space, she'll be challenged to actually grow into her own expectations. The film is largely filmed from Naru's perspective, and thus, it doesn't really dwell into who The Predator is, and why he does what he does. That choice, in this specific case, is great, both because the audiences are spared the additional exposition of things they mostly know, and because the absence of any tangible backstory makes this threat more mysterious to characters themselves. The film is well-shot, action-packed, and when needed, really bloody, which any Predator fan will appreciate. Practical effects on the creature and its design are top notch too. Especially after the previous installment, this comes as a breath of fresh air to genre lovers.

8/10

One of the legacy sequels that works well, because it understands its original, and is able to add to the lore without undermining what came before. Ironically, it's also the one to be aware of how many sequels don't do that, and in a vain of what Scream films stand for, it doesn't miss the opportunity to make a commentary on it. What works here is the mixture of interesting old and new characters; old and new story-telling ideas. Sidney, Gale, and Dewey are back, and they feel as authentic and as engaging as before. The new cast adds a lot, perfectly aware of how expendable some of them are. That's why they know how to leave a mark for the time give. We have the new Ghostface, the new mystery, and the new protagonists in the center of it - sisters Amber and Tara, and Amber's boyfriend Richie. They are running against the clock to stop the killer, and nobody, not even the original main characters, are above suspicion. The atmosphere is nail-biting, and the dark humor is point-on as it always was. There are certain aspects that still turn out somewhat aligned with the tropes, but if there's a serial which can blatantly get away with it, it's Scream.

8/10

Do you want to see Santa saving a family while killing a bunch of criminals in the most gruesome and creative ways? Well, then this is the movie for you! David Harbour plays the actual Santa Claus, who is down on his luck when he gets temporarily stuck in a huge villa in which a crime is taking place. A family of billionaires is taken hostage, and their staff are killed by bunch of hired thugs who want to get their well-hidden money. The youngest granddaughter manages to escape and finds a way to communicate with Santa. He embraces his dark past to save them. The film is very gritty, but filled with dark humor, and it's very entertaining to watch. The characters are fun and lively, the puns are cheesy, but clever, and the film fully delivers what it's set-up to do. Scenes routinely escalate in a way that they don't shy away from showing violence or embracing their goofy premise. This bloody, yet surprisingly uplifting holiday flick was a total blast!

8/10

I feel like Kenneth Branagh has found his footing in the genre more than he did in The Orient Express. As I suspected, Death on the Nile is a story more suited for his ampted-up stylistic choices and in-your-face acting. While his moustaches are indeed ridiculous, I am warming up to his portrayal of Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. This time around, he joins a honeymoon tour of an eccentric American heiress (Gal Gadot) in order to see is anyone actually threatnening her life. He meets many suspicious, yet fascinating people, each with their own motivation for disliking the heiress. Egyptian setting adds to this film's sense of scale. Some frames are truly beautiful. While the story doesn't drastically deviate from its source, it still offers some original twists. There was a certain point in the third act which really took me by surprise. The ensamble cast is really good, and several of them get their moment to shine. As its predecessor, it has elements that get too big for its own good, but this one balances it out better. A recommendation for Agatha Christie lovers.

8/10

Modern teen-centric dramedies are often in a guilty pleasure territory for me, as they tend to be cheesy, but entertaining. Do Revenge is a step up, as it deliberately constructs the level of intrigue and sassiness presented. Most of the hilarity is intentional, and the actors, led by Camila Mendes and Maya Hawke, do a really good job in showcasing it. The two star as Drea and Eleanor, two high-school seniors who randomly meet and realize that each has been wronged by a different person who seems untouchable by consequences. They make a plan that each would take revenge on the behalf of the other. The story concept is inspired by Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train, even if all of the characters and specific plot-points are original. It works. Mendes and Hawke are not only good individually, but also have a great chemistry. The film knows how to combine drama, thriller, and comedy in a way that none of it loses steam. There are some neat twists and turns along the way which always keep one interested. As it often is with teen dramedies, some subplots are more interesting than others, and some reveals turn out typical, but as a whole, it's suspenseful, fun, and vibrant.

8/10

Based on the short film of the same name by the same director, and starring the same leading actress, Cerdita (Piggy) follows a young girl from a small Spanish village who is being ridiculed because of her weight. One day, after coming back from the public pool, she witnesses a crime that will change her perspective on things. A well-crafted and suspenseful film that knows how to develop characters and present their motivations in a clear way. The lead, Sara, is a very relatable character, and her moral dilemmas feel real. Aside from her, the standout character is her overprotective mother, who isn't the easiest person to root for, yet the actress makes it so. The atmosphere in the village is very well established, and you get the feeling how there people are a community, and how they live interconnected for awhile now. When needed, the film can be quite gritty and dirty, but it doesn't dwell in its darkness all the time. It's also quite unpredictable, which is always a plus.

8/10

The adventures of Sherlock Holmes' sister Enola continue in the same entertaining manner in which the last film has set them up. Enola starts out as a private detective, and despite, or maybe even because of her relation to Sherlock, things don't go as planned. That is, until she meets a little girl whose sister is missing, and she takes the case. The film has a really good blend of action, mystery, and comedy. The characters are just fun to watch. Besides Enola and Sherlock (who is actually the secondary lead here, so there's a recommendation for all the Henry Cavill fans out there), there are plenty of old and new interesting faces. There's also another infamous Holmes character in the mix, and their name has been mentioned quite early on. There are a lot of action sequences, and they usually flow really well with the progression of clues in the case. The third act delivers some twists and turns, some of which will certainly get a marmite effect from hardcore fans of the books. But taken in its own, standalone world, I am willing to accept some changes to the lore. The film is engaging and creative enough to pull it off.

8/10

Superman's son Jonathan is a fun-loving kid who starts getting superpowers, and doesn't know what to do with them. Batman's son Damien was trained by his assassin grandfather, and is a sardonic recluse. The two clash as they meet, but are forced to work together when an alien threat takes over the rest of the Justice League. It's a type of enemies-to-friends story that is uplifting and cute. There's an actual character development to both Jonathan and Damien. Batman, Superman, and Lois Lane also get some good moments. The animation is nice. The battle sequences are engaging. The film is, of course, filled with supporting roles and cameos from familiar faces from the DC comics. Overall, it's a really solid and engaging movie.

7/10

As someone who's new to this lore, I am pleasantly surprised just how engaging this was. Tom Holland is Nathan Drake, an adventurer who is recruited by Sully (Mark Wahlberg) to find a mythical treasure which perhaps also holds a secret of what happened to his missing older brother. I see that Holland and Wahlberg aren't cast to look exactly the same as their video-game counterparts, but as a non-player, I don't have issues with that. They work just fine for all intents and purposes of this film. They have a pretty good acting chemistry, and their banter feels natural. Supporting cast also keeps up well. The film has some fun over-the-top action sequences, especially in the climax. Some props designs are particularly cool. As it often is with adventure films, we get several attractive locations, as well as several twists and turns in terms of who betrays whom and keeps what for themselves. The film doesn't shy away from beeing goofy or overblown, which might be a turn-off to some viewers, but it made it all the more entertaining for me. A recommendation for adventure seekers!

7/10

A fun murder myster based on the fictional case involving the production of Agatha Christie's Mousetrap on stage. While some of the characters are real people (Harris Dickinson as Richard Attenborough and Shirley Henderson as Agatha herself), most are fictional. Those investigating are Inspector Stoppard (Sam Rockwell) and PC Stalker (Saoirse Ronan). The two make a neat pair of investigators, as Stoppard is beaten-down and grumpy, while Stalker is hyped and dedicated, even if a bit naive. As it often is, the trope of putting different personalities in a ''buddy-cop'' film pays-off well. The characters around them are also quirky and lively. The mystery itself is fine, even if there are elements that come into play too late for the viewer to make a connection. You mostly base your judgment by the elimination process. Also, genre films sometimes blur the difference between making fun of the tropes and copying them. However, in all, this was quite entertaining.

7/10

The latest installment of the Jurassic franchize picks-up where we left. The world is inhabited by dinosaurs, while Owen and Claire have to hide with the clone girl and be her parents. Meanwhile, a new threat emerges and brings back the old gang - Alan, Ellie, and Ian. This film, much like its immediate predecessors, is quite cheesy and overblown. I understand the criticism about being messy and having too many sub-plots. Still, I don't mind as much, because what lacks in coherence is returned in entertainment value in spades. I am slowly becoming fond of the new leads, and the original trio is back for quite a substantial amount of time. Unlike in some other films, where the original leads return only for a cameo, here they are in it almost as much as the new leads. The visual effects are cool, and the action is rather engaging. The segment in Malta is especially thrilling. I wish if they had dared to explore some new concepts within the world they've created, but even having them floating around can still count as branching out. I'm not claming to be a bulletproof film, or even a good one, but it's very fun, and sometimes, that really comes in handy!

7/10

Jamie Foxx plays a vampire hunter who has to gain profit from sold vampire fangs as soon as possible not to lose his family. Dave Franco plays his supervisor, a timid man who is new to the field work. The buddy action films are really reliant on how their protagonists work together, and Foxx / Franco combination works really well. Their banter flows naturally, and Franco's character in particular is quite likable. Another aspect in this film that works really well is action. There is a lot of action with engaging choreography and much needed scenes of gore when dealing with undead threats. The lore it creates is somewhat different to the traditional stories, but as it's more or less consistent, it holds up. Some of the worldbuilding choices are quite creative, even if we also spend some time in exposition which has minimal influence to the story. In equal measure a hilarious comedy and a high-octane action adventure, Day Shift delivers a really solid entertainment.

7/10

In recent years, there's certainly a trend of reviving nostalgic properties, and living on ''member berries'', so I understand a certain fatigue of films that center on that. However, whan this is done right, I have to acknowledge it. Chip 'n Dale does what films like Space Jam 2 wanted to do, but failed. It brings back the characters we grew-up with in a different light. It establishes a world where actual events and animated characters co-exist, and does so in a way old cartoons would. The decision to keep some characters animated, while also having live-action actors also turns out to be for the better. Chip and Dale function well together, and their conflict, while perhaps not unseen in buddy-detective stories, still comes off as real and worth investing in. The humor hits way more times than it misses. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this film for your nostalgia-hit, as well as the introduction of these characters to the younger audiences.

7/10

Adam (Ryan Reynolds) is a pilot from the future who travels to our time to find a key object from the past. Accidentally, he meets his younger self (Walker Scobell), who is immediately drawn to this big adventure. The banter between ''the two Adams'' is really good, and two actors play-off each other like clockwork. Each character (or better said, each timeline of the same character) has his own motivations and quirks, while still feeling like the same persona before and after. The older Adam is working against the clock, and is dealing with meeting his late father in his prime. The child Adam is amazed by the future prospects, but has to learn how to even embrace his potential. The humor is well-written, and the delivery is (as with Reynolds it always is) even better. The only criticism I'd have is that the worldbuilding around them could have been better, and that the geo-political circumstances that brought the world to its knees are more hinted than explored. The villain CEO (Catherine Keener) has a lot of typical aspects too, even if her younger self has surprisingly a lot of nuance. However, once you start caring for the characters and their journey, these things come in second plan. It's an enjoyable and lowkey heartfelt little movie packed in a more polished Sci-fi package.

7/10

As a fan of the original film, I was hoping for a good sequel, and I got one. What's important is that all three Sanderson sisters are back, and the trio is almost frozen in time with their quirky and deranged antics. Bette Middler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy are as engaged in these characters as they were in 1993. Middler is especially mesmerizing as evil, but superbly entertaining Winnifred Sanderson. Their banter still feels real, and the dialogue, while sometimes too reliant on tributes to the previous film, does come off as faithful to the characters. The new leads, three young witches who need to test their friendship, are a welcome addition. Their dynamics gives the film, as well as Sanderson sisters, something new to work with. The original was also funny and campy, so every time this film does something along the way, it feels organic. So, did the lightning strike twice? Kind of. The original is still superior, and the sequel does re-hash its most memorable quotes and plot-points, but it still comes out victorious. Mostly due to the main actresses and the setting.

7/10

When a young woman runs from a mental facility to visit her ill mother, she's forced to stay at a rest stop due to blizzard. There she discovers that one of the cars parked outside has a kidnapped girl inside. She has no idea to which of the other visitors that car belongs to, but she has to do something to save the child. It's an on-point action thriller with a ticking time bomb, and a tense pacing. Havana Rose Liu gives an interesting performance of a less than classical lead. Few of the supporting characters are also engaging. There are some nuances to them, even to a degree of making some aspects more grey than needed for this plot. There are inevitable twists and turns that keep popping-up, keeping the story interesting throughout. At some point, things start unfolding in a slightly predictable manner, but the film still manages to pull out of it, and gives us a fun climax. I definitely recommend this one for genre lovers.

7/10

Sometimes everything you need is the charismatic cast, a simple story that holds your attention throughout the runtime, and strong action sequences to hold them together. The Gray Man is by no means original in its synopsis, yet it manages to be entertaining. Ryan Gosling plays a mercenary who gets betrayed by his own organization, and has to bring them down before they do more damage. What I liked is that despite of his badass attitude he feels vulnerable and like he is impacted by the stuff that happens around him. Chris Evans gives the standout performance as his rival, the charismatic sociopath hired to hunt him down. Ana de Armas also stars as the agent assisting the main hero in his mission. There are also some standard thriller aspects, like boardroom conspiracies and secret missions, but what dominates this film are the big eye-popping action sequences. This is where it gains its real momentum. It's a fun popcorn flick, and if seen as such, it delivers.

7/10

The heist crew made out of animals usually portrayed as ''bad'' or dangerous sets out on a new mission, before they are caught and offered a choice to turn things around. Simply named Wolf, Snake, Shark, Tarantula, and Piranha, the quintet radiates personality, and is simply fun to watch. So are Governor Diane Foxington are Professor Marmelade, who are on the lawful side of things, overseeing their behavior. The animation is really fun and quirky, feeling like a blend between 3D and 2D. The dynamics between the crew is deep enough for the adults, yet easy enough to understand for children. The one thing I'd add is having more random characters in the background being anthropomorphic animals, and not just the leads, but fine. The message is obvious, but always good for repeating to kids. It's overall a very cool ride for all generations.