Movie Watchlist (09/2015 - 09/2016)
A complete and chronological list of all the movies I watched between September 2015 and September 2016. Included are only feature films and made-for-TV movies but no short movies or series/serials. These movies will be rated on a 1-10 scale, 1 being the worst - the ratings reflect my own opinion.
Movies I've already seen since starting yearly movie lists in 2012 will be marked with brackets and the respective latin number, representing how many times I've seen it. A star behind the ratings indicate that for me, this movie was exceptionally good; these titles are in no special order and simply represent how much those movies stayed with me over that year.
Check out my blog for reviews of movies that typically don't receive a broad coverage: https://movie-discourse.blogspot.com/
Papurika [2006]
Inside Out [2015]
Scream [1996]
Watchmen [2009]
Lethal Weapon [1987]
Mr Holmes [2015]
Along Came Polly [2004]
Ed Wood [1994]
Fight Club [1999]
Modern Times [1936]
Akira [1988]
True Romance [1993]
Mr Nobody [2009]
The Fugitive [1993]
No Country For Old Men [2007]
Sunset Blvd [1950]
Movies I've already seen since starting yearly movie lists in 2012 will be marked with brackets and the respective latin number, representing how many times I've seen it. A star behind the ratings indicate that for me, this movie was exceptionally good; these titles are in no special order and simply represent how much those movies stayed with me over that year.
Check out my blog for reviews of movies that typically don't receive a broad coverage: https://movie-discourse.blogspot.com/
Papurika [2006]
Inside Out [2015]
Scream [1996]
Watchmen [2009]
Lethal Weapon [1987]
Mr Holmes [2015]
Along Came Polly [2004]
Ed Wood [1994]
Fight Club [1999]
Modern Times [1936]
Akira [1988]
True Romance [1993]
Mr Nobody [2009]
The Fugitive [1993]
No Country For Old Men [2007]
Sunset Blvd [1950]
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335 titles
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsChristian BaleMichael CaineKen WatanabeAfter witnessing his parents' death, Bruce learns the art of fighting to confront injustice. When he returns to Gotham as Batman, he must stop a secret society that intends to destroy the city.Grim and dark vision of how the popular hero Batman came to existence. Great cast, epic score and interesting characters make this movie truly amazing - with only minor pacing problems.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorAva DuVernayStarsDavid OyelowoCarmen EjogoOprah WinfreyA chronicle of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1965.Depicts the struggles of the Voting Rights Movement in Selma, AL, led by Martin Luther King. Charismatic actors with a clean cinematography and impressive yet slow dialogues.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJake SchreierStarsNat WolffCara DelevingneAustin AbramsAfter an all-night adventure, Quentin's lifelong crush, Margo, disappears, leaving behind clues that Quentin and his friends follow on the journey of a lifetime.At the end of High School, a guy meets the love of his life and tries to find her, after he vanished. Few remarkable scenes, weak actors, good plot with many pacing problems.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorM. Night ShyamalanStarsOlivia DeJongeEd OxenbouldDeanna DunaganTwo siblings become increasingly frightened by their grandparents' disturbing behavior while visiting them on vacation.Found footage movie about two kids staying at their grandparents, who behave very strangely. Weak actors, but really creepy scenes and a plot that unfolds slowly but steadily.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorUli EdelStarsNicolas CageSarah Wayne CalliesVeronica FerresA professor frantically searches for his son who was abducted during a Halloween carnival.The son of a professor for English literature gets kidnapped on Halloween by an evil spirit - the father tries desperately to find him. Okay plot with mixed acting, bad editing and sometimes cheap effects.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorSatoshi KonStarsMegumi HayashibaraTôru EmoriKatsunosuke HoriWhen a machine that allows therapists to enter their patients' dreams is stolen, all hell breaks loose. Only a young female therapist, Paprika, can stop it.A dream-scientist gets entangled in a web of augmented dreams, released by dream-visualizing device. Animation is spot-on and delivers some catchy music - complex but thrilling plot.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorCarl Theodor DreyerStarsJulian WestMaurice SchutzRena MandelA drifter obsessed with the supernatural stumbles upon an inn where a severely ill adolescent girl is slowly becoming a vampire.Classic vampire movie: in Austria a man travels to a mysterious lodge and encounters a vampire. Very dated look and atmosphere, with some memorable scenes but weakly structured plot.
Overall 6/10 - 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.Parodies the classic slasher movies of the 1980s: a group of teenagers get sucked into the world of their favorite horror movie. Neat ideas and a lot of great genre allusions, but in places very cheap and poorly done.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorAlfonso Gomez-RejonStarsThomas MannRJ CylerOlivia CookeHigh schooler Greg, who spends most of his time making parodies of classic movies with his co-worker Earl, finds his outlook forever altered after befriending a classmate who has just been diagnosed with cancer.Dramedy about a high school senior getting a new perspective of his life, because he befriends a girl with terminal cancer. Great story with lovable characters, uneven acting and immersive atmosphere.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorEd HerzogStarsSebastian BezzelSimon SchwarzLisa Maria PotthoffCrime comedy set in a village somewhere in Bavaria, centering around a village policeman's attempt to solve a murder case, his chaotic private life and the dysfunctional relationship with his wacky father.Slow-paced German crime comedy which plays with Bavarian stereotypes. Memorable characters with an awkward kind of humor but perfectly executed; hilarious at times and very worthwhile.
Overall 7/10 - 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.Uneven collection of shorts about murderous Halloween stories. Quality-wise, none stands out and most actors and plots are rather tedious.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorTom HollandStarsCatherine HicksChris SarandonAlex VincentA struggling single mother unknowingly gifts her son a doll imbued with a serial killer's consciousness.A deal wth the soul of a serial killer goes on a murderous spree. Original idea at that time with thrilling scenes and few scary scenes; but also low production values and sometimes cheesy.
Overall 5/10 - 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.Homecoming movie about two young women seducing a lonely husband and father. Horror, drama and thriller elements are weirdly blend with few memorable scenes and no real conclusion.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorKenji KamiyamaHiroyuki OkiuraStarsMichael DobsonYoshikazu FujikiSumi MutohA traumatized member of an elite para-military police force falls for the sister of a female terrorist courier who died in front of him on duty.In a fashist Japan a member of an elite squad gets entangled in a coup to overthrow the police force. Perfect animation and very dark and grim story elements convey a feeling of isolation and desparation.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJacques TourneurStarsVincent PricePeter LorreBoris KarloffDishonest undertaker Waldo Trumbull and his sidekick Felix Gillie are creating their own customers when they cannot find willing ones.Horror comedy about a morbid undertaker who, out of financial greed, seeks new clients for his business. Remarkable acting with a hilarious plot, but sometimes cheesy and overdone.
Overall 6/10 - 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.After a security breach in a dinausor theme park, a dinausor tamer has to safe the kids of his love interest. Amazing CGI with some thrilling moments and hints to the original; but also unoriginal.
Overall 6/10 - 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.The story of family Grisworld on a road trip through the US to a theme park. Hilarious yet random scenes, with some memorable characters and jokes but relies heavily on awkwardness and toilet humor.
Overall 6/10 - 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.Animation comedy about the personified emotions of a 12-year old girl. Oustanding and very deep plot about how to cope with sad feelings, with great (though sometimes simple) humor and good animation.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorWes CravenStarsNeve CampbellCourteney CoxDavid ArquetteA year after the murder of her mother, a teenage girl is terrorized by a masked killer who targets her and her friends by using scary movies as part of a deadly game.A year after the muder of her mother, a teenage girl gets stalked by a serial killer. Great sense of suspense and thrilling atmosphere; superb deconstruction of the slasher genre.
Overall 8/10* - 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.Standalone feature of the minions of "Despicable Me", who try to steal the crown of Queen Elizabeth II. Great CGI with some fun elements but no artistic greatness and also weak jokes.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorBrad BirdStarsGeorge ClooneyBritt RobertsonHugh LaurieBound by a shared destiny, a teen bursting with scientific curiosity and a former boy-genius inventor embark on a mission to unearth the secrets of a place somewhere in time and space that exists in their collective memory.A teenage girl gets the opportunity to visit a wonderful parallel dimension, where scientists build a future made out of utopian dreams. Interesting concept, with good actors and an ordinary yet well-paced plot.
Overall 7/10 - 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.Reboot of the "Terminator" franchise: in an alternative future, a rebellious group fights against an extensive and evil operating system. Great action scenes, with fun interaction, but convoluted plot and uneasy references to the franchise.
Overall 6/10 - 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.Epic action movie about how a massive earthquake completely destroys San Francisco. Plot seemed fairly constructed and the characters were mostly fillers, but the visuals and production values were nice.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorDietrich BrüggemannStarsJacob MatschenzRobert GwisdekAnna BrüggemannEight friends help each other repeatedly move house. One year of moving, from apartment to apartment, from shared flat to shared flat. These changes of the apartment are also a changes of relations -some break, others grow.The plot revolves around a group of tweens and their daily struggles to find love, friendship and overall a good place to live. Characters with edges, though sometimes very simple and wooden dialogue.
Overall 6/10 - 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.Horror movie about a family being terrorized by poltergeists. Pacing seems a little off, with the kidnapping of the daughter happening very early - some good ideas, but ultimately cheap atmosphere and only sometimes creepy.
Overall 5/10 - 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.Action thriller in which the popular MI6 agent James Bond has to face his biggest enemy, who controls his worldwide operation to collect data. Great production values with a well-structured plot, but some weak acting moments and pacing problems.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJudd ApatowStarsAmy SchumerBill HaderBrie LarsonHaving thought that monogamy was never possible, a commitment-phobic career woman may have to face her fears when she meets a good guy.Romcom about a woman who thought of herself as not capable of having a lasting relationship, suddenly experiencing love. Likeable cast with some hilarious moments, but overall very stereotypical structure.
Overall 6/10 - 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.Adaption of the classic cinderella tale with no real twist or new additions. Basic formula with okay actors, good visuals and a satisfying yet well-known conclusion.
Overall 6/10 - 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.After a surgery twins do not recognize their mother anymore and start to terrorize her. Formulaic plot, but very creepy atmosphere and some thrilling moments.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorPeter HedgesStarsSteve CarellJuliette BinocheDane CookA widower finds out the woman he fell in love with is his brother's girlfriend.Comedy about a middle-aged widow falling in love with the girlfriend of his brother at a family reunion. Slow pacing with many awkward scenes and few really hilarious moment, but okay characters.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorAngelina JolieStarsJack O'ConnellMiyaviDomhnall GleesonAfter a near-fatal plane crash in WWII, Olympian Louis Zamperini spends a harrowing 47 days in a raft with two fellow crewmen before he's caught by the Japanese navy and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp.Real-life story of Louis Zamperini and his captivity in Japan during WWII. Slow start with uneasy editing, but powerful characters and understandable emotions live up to the legacy of Zamperini.
Overall 7/10 - 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.Dystopian movie about a group of teenagers fleeing from imprisonment in a secure facility. Does not build up well after the prequel and skips important character interactions; action scenes are quite nice.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorKerry ConranStarsGwyneth PaltrowJude LawAngelina JolieAfter New York City receives a series of attacks from giant flying robots, a reporter teams up with a pilot in search of their origin, as well as the reason for the disappearances of famous scientists around the world.Retro-futuristic story about a sky captain searching for an evil nazi mastermind. Weird comical plot with funny moments, uneasy pacing, sometimes laughable effects and a cheap atmosphere - yet some elements are rather individual and stand out.
Overall 5/10 - 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.SciFi comedy about an alien invasion that mirrors famous video game bosses. Simple jokes, predictable story and tired characters; some funny moments.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorPaul VerhoevenStarsPeter WellerNancy AllenDan O'HerlihyIn a dystopic and crime-ridden Detroit, a terminally wounded cop returns to the force as a powerful cyborg haunted by submerged memories.In a future where crime has skyrocketed, a new technology leads to a highly-efficient android cop. Great effects with a remarkable thematic approach to human-robot hybrids; sometimes cheesy and too over the top.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorCaroline LinkStarsKaroline HerfurthJosef BierbichlerCorinna HarfouchA renowned artist must uncover a young dancer's secrets in order to truly capture her likeness for a commissioned work.A middle-aged woman assigns an artist to paint a painting of her late son; her daughter begins a process of grieving. Great actors with a touching story and great cinematography.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJim MallonStarsTrace BeaulieuMichael J. NelsonJim MallonMike Nelson and his robot companions watch and give their comments about This Island Earth (1955).A funny commentary on the movie "This Island Earth" [1956]. The frame of narration somewhat lacks consistency and does not match the quality of the movie comments; these are mostly spot on.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJack ArnoldStarsJohn AgarMara CordayLeo G. CarrollA spider escapes from an isolated Arizona desert laboratory experimenting in gigantism and grows to tremendous size as it wreaks havoc on the local inhabitants.After an experiment gone wrong, a small town is threatened by a giant spider. Great horror classic with outstanding effects, strong characters and great pacing.
Overall 6/10 - 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.A petty criminal gets the chance to save the world - in a shrinking suit. Remarkable CGI with loose dialogue and a good cast. Sometimes the plot and the type of narration feels rather generic.
Overall 7/10 - 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.Comedy about a living teddy settling a court case about his status as a person in the US. Heavy adult jokes, that sometimes miss; with a tedious supporting cast and a generic story.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorAleksander BachStarsRupert FriendHannah WareZachary QuintoAn assassin teams up with a woman to help her find her father and uncover the mysteries of her ancestry.A genetically modified assassin s on a killing spree, because of an important scientist. Bland story with some entertaining action scenes, repetitive dialogue and simple characters.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorJoel EdgertonStarsJason BatemanRebecca HallJoel EdgertonA married couple, Simon and Robyn, run into Gordo, an old classmate. Things take a turn when Gordo begins to drop in unannounced at their house and inundates them with mysterious gifts.After a former high school friend gets rejected by a couple, he starts stalking them. Deep characters who are linked in a compley way, with a suspenseful plot and great actors.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJohn LasseterJoe RanftStarsOwen WilsonBonnie HuntPaul NewmanOn the way to the biggest race of his life, a hotshot rookie race car gets stranded in a rundown town and learns that winning isn't everything in life.Animation adventure about a arrogant racing car, learning to love a small town and the other cars who live there. Perfect animation with an emotionally touching story, with only minor unfitting elements.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorHugh WilsonStarsSteve GuttenbergG.W. BaileyKim CattrallThe mayor declares that anyone can enroll in the police academy irrespective of their physical condition or education level, and many misfits descend on the academy, including a young troublemaker who's forced to apply or go to jail.Slapstick comedy about a group of young cadetts at a police academy acting up against their supervisor. Silly plot with many incoherences and weak characters - ultimately some original and funny moments.
Overall 6/10 - 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.Highly stylized spy thriller about the origin of a secret international intelligence agency set in the 1960s. Highly sophisticated visuals and depiction of the plot - the plot itself and the characters sometimes fall flat.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorChristian NybyHoward HawksStarsKenneth TobeyMargaret SheridanJames ArnessScientists and American Air Force officials fend off a bloodthirsty alien organism while at a remote arctic outpost.A military research team discovers an alien life form in Antarctica. Visually appealing story with interesting characters, good actors and a great sense of thrilling moments.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorGenndy TartakovskyStarsAdam SandlerKevin JamesAndy SambergDracula, who operates a high-end resort away from the human world, goes into overprotective mode when a boy discovers the resort and falls for the count's teenaged daughter.A backpacking tween finds himself in a hidden hotel for monsters and falls in love with Count Dracula's daughter. Average animation with good voice talent, but cheesy moments and weird music.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorHideo NakataStarsNanako MatsushimaMiki NakataniYûko TakeuchiA reporter and her ex-husband investigate a cursed video tape that is rumored to kill the viewer seven days after watching it.After having seen a weird video tape, a woman journalist only has one week to lift the curse off of her. Eerie movie with few jump scares, but a great atmosphere and an intriguing plot; though sometimes dragging.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorNima NourizadehStarsJesse EisenbergKristen StewartConnie BrittonA stoner - who is in fact a government agent - is marked as a liability and targeted for extermination. But he's too well-trained and too high for them to handle.After agents try to kill him, a former spy gets reactivated. Good actions scenes with bland characters and a derivative story. Overall visually appealling, but generic action movie.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorSam MendesStarsDaniel CraigJavier BardemNaomie HarrisJames Bond's loyalty to M is tested when her past comes back to haunt her. When MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.Impressive action thriller about a spy getting obsolete. Relentless action and charming setting; not the strongest side characters though.
Overall 7/10 [II] - DirectorByron HaskinStarsGene BarryAnn RobinsonLes TremayneA small town in California is attacked by Martians, beginning a worldwide invasion.EPic depiction of an invasion of marsians on Earth. Succeeds on a large scale, as international military actions are depicted visually pleasing; on a smaller scale, the characters feel generic and some scenes are rather random.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorS. Craig ZahlerStarsKurt RussellPatrick WilsonMatthew FoxIn the dying days of the old west, an elderly sheriff and his posse set out to rescue their town's doctor from cannibalistic cave dwellers.A tribe of Indian savages kidnaps a small-town woman and a group of cowboys try to find her. Some pacing issues at the beginning, but good characters and a breathtaking second half.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorRobert WiseStarsMichael RenniePatricia NealHugh MarloweAn alien lands in Washington, D.C. and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets.An alien life form lands in Washington DC to warn humans not to engage in hostile activity against other planets. Strong actors, with a sophisticated plot, and a (morally-laden) ending.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorRon HowardStarsJim CarreyTaylor MomsenKelleyOn the outskirts of Whoville lives a green, revenge-seeking Grinch who plans to ruin Christmas for all of the citizens of the town.Live-action version of a famous animation short from the 60s: a mean creature tries to sabotage the holidays. Over the top costumes and cinematography and a very special kind of humor come together in a stylish live cartoon.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJamin WinansStarsChristopher Soren KellyQuinn HuncharJessica DuffyA mysterious creature, known as Ink, steals a child's soul in hopes of using it as a bargaining chip to join the Incubi - the group of supernatural beings responsible for creating nightmares.Because his daughter is captured by a dream demon, a man has to save her from a coma. Low-budget production with an interesting narrative, with deep analogies to depression, anxiety and other psychological phenomena.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorTobe HooperStarsMarilyn BurnsEdwin NealAllen DanzigerFive friends head out to rural Texas to visit the grave of a grandfather. On the way they stumble across what appears to be a deserted house, only to discover something sinister within. Something armed with a chainsaw.A group of friends who are on a roadtrip get murdered by a degenerated, redneck family. Cheap production value with very dated visuals and poor acting - overall thrilling pacing though.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorBob ClarkStarsOlivia HusseyKeir DulleaMargot KidderDuring their Christmas break, a group of sorority girls are stalked by a stranger.A killer terrorizes a sorority house around christmas. Cheap horror movie with adequate characters, a relatively complex plot and many thrilling elements.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorMel GibsonStarsGerardo TaracenaRaoul Max TrujilloDalia HernándezAs the Mayan kingdom faces its decline, a young man is taken on a perilous journey to a world ruled by fear and oppression.During the decline of the Mayan culture the son of a chieftain escapes his imprisonment in order to save his pregnant wife. Epic scope with stellar actors, a nice pacing and slick visuals.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJoel SchumacherStarsColin FarrellKiefer SutherlandForest WhitakerPublicist Stuart Shepard finds himself trapped in a phone booth, pinned down by an extortionist's sniper rifle. Unable to leave or receive outside help, Stuart's negotiation with the caller leads to a jaw-dropping climax.A psychopath terrorizes a young man to stay in a phone booth and confess his flaws. Simple idea, with few remarkable characters, but great usage of the single location and worthwhile scenes.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorWes CravenStarsSusan LanierRobert HoustonJohn SteadmanOn the way to California, a family has the misfortune to have their car break down in an area closed to the public, and inhabited by violent savages ready to attack.A family gets lost in the desert and a group of degenerated outlaws take advantage of them. Cheap, dates looking horror movie with some memorable scenes, average acting and good narration.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorZack SnyderStarsJackie Earle HaleyPatrick WilsonCarla GuginoIn a version of 1985 where superheroes exist, the murder of a colleague sends active vigilante Rorschach on the trail of a conspiracy that will change the course of history.Brutal and gritty depiction of a group of superheros struggling with greed, illness and bad publicity. Lengthy yet impressive spoof on many comic book adaptions with outstanding visuals and a complex plot.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorJan de BontStarsKeanu ReevesDennis HopperSandra BullockA young police officer must prevent a bomb exploding aboard a city bus by keeping its speed above 50 mph.A terrorist plants a bomb on a public bus, which has to drive at a certain minimum speed level. Fast action scenes, with some awkward acting but ultimately very entertaining plot.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorStephen HerekStarsKeanu ReevesAlex WinterGeorge CarlinTwo rock-'n-rolling teens, on the verge of failing their class, set out on a quest to make the ultimate school history report after being presented with a time machine.Goofy comedy about two teens travelling through time in order to pass their history test. Wacky characters, sometimes very flat but also iconic and memorable lines.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorNacho VigalondoStarsKarra ElejaldeCandela FernándezBárbara GoenagaA man accidentally gets into a time machine and travels back in time nearly an hour. Finding himself will be the first of a series of disasters of unforeseeable consequences.Relatively simple time travelling crime drama about the mistakes of a man who goes back in time. Predictable but fairly consistent plot with poor production values and mediocre acting.
Overall 6/10 - 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.Parody of many iconic Western movies about a band of idiots getting tricked by a drifter who is also their father. Weak actors with a very generic plot and some good ideas, but ultimately not appealing.
Overall 3/10 - DirectorRenny HarlinStarsBruce WillisWilliam AthertonBonnie BedeliaJohn McClane attempts to avert disaster as rogue military operatives seize control of Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C.A cop discovers that a group of terrorists threaten an airport at christmas and takes matters in his own hands. Great action movie with perfect pacing and many memorable scenes.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorTed DemmeStarsDenis LearyJudy DavisKevin SpaceyA cat burglar is forced to take a bickering, dysfunctional family hostage on Christmas Eve.Black christmas comedy about a thief taking a constantly fighting couple hostage. Some poor characters with many coincidences in the plot and a weakending, but overall okay.
Overall 4/10 - 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.Adventure about how Peter Pan and Captain Hook met each other fighting an evil pirate. Great production values with good effects, but weird characters, tedious narration and some failed design choices.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorWes CravenStarsSandra PeabodyLucy GranthamDavid HessTwo teenage girls heading to a rock concert for one's birthday try to score marijuana in the city, where they are kidnapped and brutalized by a gang of psychopathic convicts.Exploitation movie about a group of criminals raping and supposedly killing a young woman, and how her parents seek revenge on them. Suspenseful story with intriguing characters and gratutious amounts of violence.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJeremiah S. ChechikStarsChevy ChaseBeverly D'AngeloJuliette LewisThe Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.Chaotic comedy that lampoons family meetings at Christmas. The main protagonist excessively tries to provide a wonderful Christmas for his family, while his house deteriorates.
Overall 8/10 [IV] - DirectorCharles E. Sellier Jr.StarsLilyan ChauvinGilmer McCormickToni NeroLittle Billy witnesses his parents getting killed by Santa after being warned by his senile grandpa that Santa punishes those who are naughty. Now Billy is 18 and out of the orphanage, and he has just become Santa himself.Cheap horror movie about a traumatized teenager killing people dressed as Santa Clause. Interesting approach with a good narrative premise, but badly edited and with a weak ending and many laughable moments.
Overall 3/10 - DirectorRichard DonnerStarsMel GibsonDanny GloverGary BuseyTwo newly paired cops who are complete opposites must put aside their differences in order to catch a gang of drug smugglers.Action thriller about a young, suicidal cop and his older partner taking out a drug kingpin in LA. Great pacing with many fast and wild action scenes, but also slower scenes about the characters.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorThomas BezuchaStarsDermot MulroneySarah Jessica ParkerClaire DanesAn uptight, liberal businesswoman accompanies her boyfriend to his eccentric and outgoing family's annual Christmas celebration and finds that she's a fish out of water in their free-spirited way of life.In this comedy, a problematic proposal leads to chaos at christmas eve. Great actors with a very heart-warming plot, yet slow start and some weak interactions.
Overall 7/10 [II] - DirectorRoger KumbleStarsRyan ReynoldsAmy SmartAnna FarisWhile visiting his hometown during Christmas, a man comes face-to-face with his old high-school crush and best friend--a woman whose rejection of him turned him into a ferocious womanizer.Fun comedy about a successful music producer trying to come together with his highschool crush. Hilariously dumb, with many ridiculous scenes and lovable characters.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorChris ColumbusStarsMacaulay CulkinJoe PesciDaniel SternAn eight-year-old troublemaker, mistakenly left home alone, must defend his home against a pair of burglars on Christmas Eve.Christmas tale of a young boy fighting back at thieves trying to rob his house. Quite cheesy with quirky characters, this comedy lacks depth (that is, however, not necessary).
Overall 6/10 [II] - DirectorGeorge GalloStarsNicolas CageJon LovitzDana CarveyResidents of a friendly Pennsylvania town foil three brothers' plan to rob a bank on Christmas Eve.Three small time criminals rob a bank in a small town but can't leave, because of a heavy snowstorm. Weird plot with many silly characters, a forced conclusion, and weak jokes.
Overall 3/10 - DirectorRob ZombieStarsScout Taylor-ComptonMalcolm McDowellTyler ManeAfter being committed for 15 years, Michael Myers, now a grown man and still very dangerous, escapes from the mental institution and immediately returns to Haddonfield to find his baby sister, Laurie.Remake of an iconic 70s slasher movie with a focus on the killer's psyche. Interesting approach, with a lengthy narrative but some memorable and scary scenes.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorChris ColumbusStarsMacaulay CulkinJoe PesciDaniel SternOne year after Kevin McCallister was left home alone and had to defeat a pair of bumbling burglars, he accidentally finds himself stranded in New York City - and the same criminals are not far behind.A young boy gets lost in NYC with two small time crooks looking for him. Fun christmas family movie with many hilarious characters and a working formula.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJohn CarpenterStarsDonald PleasenceJamie Lee CurtisTony MoranFifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois to kill again.A film that helped to popularize the slasher genre: a pyschologically demented murderer stalks a teenage girl on halloween. Great opening with - establishes many genre tropes.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorKathryn BigelowStarsPatrick SwayzeKeanu ReevesGary BuseyAn F.B.I. Agent goes undercover to catch a gang of surfers who may be bank robbers.Thrilling and stylish action movie about an undercover agent infiltrating a group of extreme sports junkies. Great action shots with believable characters, thoughtful interaction and good pacing.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorWayne KramerStarsPaul WalkerCameron BrightChazz PalminteriA low-ranking thug is entrusted by his crime boss to dispose of a gun that killed corrupt cops, but things get out of control when the gun ends up in wrong hands.Crime thriller about a low-level criminal desperatly looking for a gun, the kid nextdoor stole from him. Average plot enhanced with many imaginative scenes and a really creepy atmosphere.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorAndré ØvredalStarsOtto JespersenRobert StoltenbergKnut NærumA group of students investigates a series of mysterious bear killings, but learns that there are much more dangerous things going on. They start to follow a mysterious hunter, learning that he is actually a troll hunter.Found footage movie about a few Norwegians searching for evidence on the existence of trolls. Some great scenes, but only average characters and plotline.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorWalter HillStarsMichael BeckJames RemarDorsey WrightA street gang known as the Warriors must fight its way from the Bronx to its home turf on Coney Island when its members are falsely accused of assassinating a respected gang leader.Stylish action movie about the journey of a group of street warriors fighting their way back to their homebase. Iconic characters, many memorable scenes and perfect 70s score.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorPaul Thomas AndersonStarsAdam SandlerEmily WatsonPhilip Seymour HoffmanSocially frustrated Barry Egan calls a phone-sex line to curb his loneliness. Little does he know it will land him in deep trouble and will jeopardize his burgeoning romance with the mysterious Lena.A typical loner meets an interesting woman and has to overcome his anxiety problems. Great characters and believable actors, but slow plot and disrupted narrative.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorFisher StevensStarsAl PacinoChristopher WalkenAlan ArkinA pair of aging stickup men try to get the old gang back together for one last hurrah before one of the guys takes his last assignment - to kill his comrade.After having been in prison for many years, an older man meets with his best friend who is supposed to kill him. Stellar actors with great chemistry and a cool sense of ageing with style.
Overall 6/10 - 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.An aging PI with dementia tries to recollect his memory of his last (unsolved) case. Beautifully arranged crime drama with deep characters, meaningful interaction and a captivating narration.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorWill FinnJohn SanfordStarsJudi DenchCuba Gooding Jr.Jennifer TillyTo save their farm, the resident animals go bounty hunting for a notorious outlaw.Animation adventure about a bunch of cows trying to save the farm of her owner. Weird, uneven characters interact in a disruptive narrative, weak plot and strange villains.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorAndrew AdamsonVicky JensonStarsMike MyersEddie MurphyCameron DiazA mean lord exiles fairytale creatures to the swamp of a grumpy ogre, who must go on a quest and rescue a princess for the lord in order to get his land back.Animation adventure about an unlikely hero saving the princess of his dreams. Great though dated look, funny dialogue and great music - can be seen as a deconstruction of many light-hearted and shallow fairy tails.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorMamoru HosodaStarsRiisa NakaTakuya IshidaMitsutaka ItakuraA high-school girl named Makoto acquires the power to travel back in time, and decides to use it for her own personal benefits. Little does she know that she is affecting the lives of others just as much as she is her own.A teenage girl discovers that she can travel back in time and uses this ability to "fix" her mistakes. Great animation, interesting characters, a great sense of light-heartedness, while remaining serious in tone.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJoel CoenEthan CoenStarsWilliam H. MacyFrances McDormandSteve BuscemiMinnesota car salesman Jerry Lundegaard's inept crime falls apart due to his and his henchmen's bungling and the persistent police work of the quite pregnant Marge Gunderson.Crime drama about a series of murders in a low-populated rural area in Northern America. Outstanding depiction of American rural life, with stellar actors and a twisted but good plot.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorMark DindalStarsDavid SpadeJohn GoodmanEartha KittEmperor Kuzco is turned into a llama by his ex-administrator Yzma, and must now regain his throne with the help of Pacha, the gentle llama herder.An ignorant, egoistic young emperor gets transformed into a Llama and has to make a friend in order to regaine his status. Great animation with many hilarious scenes, but a very shallow plot and some weak characters.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorGenndy TartakovskyStarsAdam SandlerAndy SambergSelena GomezDracula and his friends try to bring out the monster in his half human, half vampire grandson in order to keep Mavis from leaving the hotel.A human and a vampire get married, resulting in many familial conflicts. Average animation quality, with some fun scenes and characters, but weak quality of plot, narration and music.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorKarl FreundStarsBoris KarloffZita JohannDavid MannersA resurrected Egyptian mummy searches Cairo for the girl he believes to be his long-lost princess.After a mummy is resurrected, it takes a human form and kidnaps a new princess. Short drama, with a lack of actual horror, but strong actors and some memorable scenes.
Overall 6/10 - 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.Light-hearted comedy about a retiree getting an internship at a young and uprising fashion company. Nice plot and fun although generic characters; worthwhile yet not memorable.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorRupert WyattStarsJames FrancoAndy SerkisFreida PintoA substance designed to help the brain repair itself gives advanced intelligence to a chimpanzee who leads an ape uprising.A scientist does research on a cure for Alzheimer's and discovers dangerous side effects. Superb production value with great pacing, fun action scenes and okay actors.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorPaul GreengrassStarsMatt DamonJason IsaacsGreg KinnearDiscovering covert and faulty intelligence causes a U.S. Army officer to go rogue as he hunts for Weapons of Mass Destruction in an unstable region.Political conspiracy thriller about the events surrounding the search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraque. Thrilling atmosphere, great actors and very realistic approach towards story-telling.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorAdam McKayStarsWill FerrellChristina ApplegateSteve CarellIn the 1970s, an anchorman's stint as San Diego's top-rated newsreader is challenged when an ambitious newswoman becomes his co-anchor.In the 70s a chauvinist anchorman has to compete against the first female anchorman in the network. Hilarious characters with excellent actors and a great sense of ridiculousness.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorRob LettermanStarsJack BlackDylan MinnetteOdeya RushA teenager teams up with the daughter of young-adult horror author R.L. Stine after the writer's imaginary demons are set free on the town of Madison, Delaware.Based on a well-known series of children's horror novels, three teenagers have to fight against many evil creatures released from the mind of a horror author. Fun, entertaining plot with some generic jokes and okay actors.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsJoseph Gordon-LevittCharlotte Le BonBen KingsleyIn 1974, high-wire artist Philippe Petit recruits a team of people to help him realize his dream: to walk the immense void between the World Trade Center towers.Based on the true story of how artist Phillipe Petit walked across the twin towers in the 1970s. Stays true to the source material with good pacing and an outstanding lead actor.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorSteve 'Spaz' WilliamsStarsKiefer SutherlandJim BelushiEddie IzzardAn adolescent lion is accidentally shipped from the New York Zoo to Africa. Now running free, his zoo pals must put aside their differences to help bring him back.A young lion gets accidentally transported to a tropic island and his father plus friends try to save him. Mostly average movie with weird characters, tedious humor and ordinary animation.
Overall 4/10