Movie Watchlist (09/2021 - 09/2022)
A complete and chronological list of all movies I watched between September 2021 and September 2022. Included are only feature films and movies that were made for TV or streaming services but no short movies, tv shows or serials. The movies will be rated on a 1-10 scale, 1 being the worst. The ratings reflect my own opinion.
Movies I've already seen since starting annual lists in 2012 will be marked with brackets and the respective latin number, representing how many times I've seen them. A star indicates that I found this movie exceptionally good; these titles are in no specific order and simply highlight how much of a personal impact those movies had on me.
My list of selected movies for 2021-2022:
Kanal [1957]
Shin seiki Evangelion Gekijô-ban: Air/Magokoro wo, kimi ni [1997]
Spalovac mrtvol [1969]
Obrazy starého sveta [1972]
tick, tick... BOOM! [2021]
Nightmare Alley [1947]
The Favourite [2018]
Nora inu [1949]
The Last Wave [1977]
Sedmikrásky [1966]
Druk [2020]
American Factory [2019]
Movies I've already seen since starting annual lists in 2012 will be marked with brackets and the respective latin number, representing how many times I've seen them. A star indicates that I found this movie exceptionally good; these titles are in no specific order and simply highlight how much of a personal impact those movies had on me.
My list of selected movies for 2021-2022:
Kanal [1957]
Shin seiki Evangelion Gekijô-ban: Air/Magokoro wo, kimi ni [1997]
Spalovac mrtvol [1969]
Obrazy starého sveta [1972]
tick, tick... BOOM! [2021]
Nightmare Alley [1947]
The Favourite [2018]
Nora inu [1949]
The Last Wave [1977]
Sedmikrásky [1966]
Druk [2020]
American Factory [2019]
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- DirectorRoss AdamRobert CannanStarsChoi Eun-hiePaul Courtenay HyuShin Sang-okThe story of the South Korean actor, Choi Eun-hee, and her ex-husband and film director, Shin Sang-ok, who were individually kidnapped and reunited by dictator and film fan Kim Jong-il to force them to develop North Korea's film industry.Documentary about the real-life kidnapping of a famous South Korean movie couple who were forced to produce films for the North. Fantastically bizarre story with some touching interviews and interesting footage from vintage films. However, the documentary lacks coherence and sometimes only offers shallow information.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorAndrzej WajdaStarsTeresa IzewskaTadeusz JanczarWienczyslaw GlinskiIn 1944, during the Warsaw uprising against the Nazis, Polish Lieutenant Zadra and his resistance fighters use Warsaw's sewer system to escape the German encirclement.In WWII, Polish soldiers use the sewer system of Warsaw to escape German soldiers. Breathtakingly grim war drama with a marvellous atmosphere, great performances, and hauting set pieces.
Overall 9/10* - DirectorHiroshi HaraguchiMasayukiKazuya TsurumakiStarsMegumi OgataMegumi HayashibaraKotono MitsuishiThe fate of the world is threatened by seemingly monstrous entities known as Angels. NERV is an organization set up to counter this threat and it is up to young pilots to protect Earth but exactly what are the real motives behind NERV?In a dystopian future, a young boy is recruited to fight hostile aliens using gigantic monsters. Well-made animated science fiction movie with an original take on the mecha sub-genre - that ultimately doesn't add much substance over the original series.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorMasayukiKazuya TsurumakiHideaki AnnoStarsKotono MitsuishiMegumi OgataMegumi HayashibaraIn the face of increasingly bizarre and powerful Angel attacks, Shinji Ikari and his partner Rei Ayanami are assisted by two new pilots: the fiery Asuka Langley Shikinami and the mysterious Mari Illustrious Makinami.Follows a group of teenagers, as they fight hostile aliens to save mankind. Decent animated science fiction movie with great production values, fluid action scenes, and a unique plot; even though it largely follows the original series.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorMahiro MaedaMasayukiKazuya TsurumakiStarsMegumi OgataMegumi HayashibaraYûko MiyamuraFourteen years have passed since the near Third Impact. Most of the world has changed, except for Shinji Ikari, who awakens in a strange new environment without having aged.Set in the future, a young boy is mixed up between the fight of two rivalling groups fighting an alien invasion. Decent science fiction action movie with an entertaining setup that puts another spin on the original series. The plot development and characterization are mediocre, however.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorNoel BlackStarsAnthony PerkinsTuesday WeldBeverly GarlandWhen a mentally-disturbed young man tells a pretty girl that he's a secret agent, she believes him; murder and mayhem ensue.A disturbed young man convinces a teenager that he is a secret agent but things get out of hand when both are mixed up in a murder case. Generally entertaining crime thriller with a great lead performance and a fairly original premise.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorMahiro MaedaKatsuichi NakayamaKazuya TsurumakiStarsMegumi OgataMegumi HayashibaraYûko MiyamuraMisato and her anti-NERV group WILLE arrive in Paris, a city now red from core-ization. Crew from the flagship Wunder land on a containment tower.In a dystopian future, a teenage boy joins a group of freedom fighters to save mankind from hostile, god-like aliens. Spectacular conclusion to a great series of animated science fiction movies with remarkable production values and a complex but intriguing plot.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorShawn LevyStarsBen StillerOwen WilsonAmy AdamsSecurity guard Larry Daley infiltrates the Smithsonian Institution in order to rescue Jedediah and Octavius, who have been shipped to the museum by mistake.A former night guard travels to a large museum complex to save exhibits that come magically to life. Mildly entertaining action comedy with mediocre performances, tired clichés, and few standout comedical moments.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorOrlando von EinsiedelStarsAndré BaumaEmmanuel de MerodeMélanie GoubyA team of brave individuals risk their lives to protect the last mountain gorillas.Documentary about how the Virunga National Park in Congo suffered during the brutal warfare of a rebel military group. Fascinating piece of investigative journalism that leaves a lasting impression on its viewers.
Overall 9/10 - DirectorRoberto GavaldónStarsIgnacio López TarsoPina PellicerEnrique LuceroPoor and hungry peasant Macario wishes to have a good meal for All Saint's Day. After his wife cooks him a turkey he has three apparitions: The Devil, God, and the Death.Because of a noble deed, a poor man is given a magical tonic that may cure sick people. Magnificent fantasy drama with fitting dramatic performances, a well-written plot, and a shocking twist ending.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorHideaki AnnoKazuya TsurumakiStarsMegumi OgataMegumi HayashibaraYûko MiyamuraConcurrent theatrical ending of the TV series Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995).Theatrical ending of the eponymous psychological science fiction series about a teenage boy fighting hostile aliens with gigantic monsters. Although the movie doesn't work as a standalone feature, the animation quality, the plot, and the production values are exceptional.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorAndrzej ZulawskiStarsAndrzej SewerynJerzy TrelaGrazyna DylagA team of astronauts land on an inhabitable planet and form a society. Many years later, a single astronaut is sent to the planet and becomes a messiah.Science fiction drama about astronauts, stranded on a foreign planet, being whorshipped as gods by the local inhabitants. Fragmented and ultimately unfinished movie with outstanding art direction and many wonderfully memorable scenes.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorShawn LevyStarsRyan ReynoldsJodie ComerTaika WaititiWhen Guy, a bank teller, learns that he is a non-player character in a bloodthirsty, open-world video game, he goes on to become the hero of the story and takes the responsibility of saving the world.A non-player character in an open world action video game gains consciousness and saves his city from being shut down. Highly entertaining action comedy with good production values, decent pop-culture references, and great character chemistry.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorMark AndrewsBrenda ChapmanSteve PurcellStarsKelly MacdonaldBilly ConnollyEmma ThompsonDetermined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse.Animated adventure movie about a young princess trying to escape her arranged marriage. Decent film with at the time marvellous production design and a good enough plot that holds together most of the story elements.
overall 6/10 - DirectorDenis VilleneuveStarsTimothée ChalametRebecca FergusonZendayaA noble family becomes embroiled in a war for control over the galaxy's most valuable asset while its heir becomes troubled by visions of a dark future.A young man travels to a remote sand planet where his family is killed in a vicious attack. Epic science fiction adaptation that largely succeeds due the massive scale, bombastic production values, and professional performances; the movie sometimes struggles when it comes to small-scale narrative elements, though.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorChris ColumbusStarsDaniel RadcliffeRupert GrintEmma WatsonAn orphaned boy enrolls in a school of wizardry, where he learns the truth about himself, his family and the terrible evil that haunts the magical world.An 11-year old boy is confronted with his past, when he realizes that he is a wizard. Epic adaption of the famous books, that also succeeds on a more detailled level - nice atmosphere and characters.
Overall 7/10 [II] - DirectorHerbert WiseStarsAdrian RawlinsBernard HeptonDavid DakerA lawyer travels to a small seaside town to settle the estate of a recently deceased woman, but soon becomes ensnared in something much more sinister.A young solicitor travels to a remote village where he is haunted by the ghost of a widow. Atmospheric ghost story with decent performances and some chilling moments, although the plot isn't wrapped up nicely.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorNia DaCostaStarsYahya Abdul-Mateen IITeyonah ParrisNathan Stewart-JarrettA sequel to the horror film Candyman (1992) that returns to the now-gentrified Chicago neighborhood where the legend began.A young artist becomes obsessed with the Candyman, a shadowy figure who kills children in a gentrified housing project. Horror movie with outstanding cinematography and some clever ideas that contribute to an interesting lore; the movie stumbles when it focuses on its characters and in combining mystery and slasher elements.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorFreddie FrancisStarsJoan CollinsPeter CushingRalph RichardsonFive strangers get lost in a crypt and, after meeting the mysterious Crypt Keeper, receive visions of how they will die.Horror anthology set in a crypt where the crypt keeper tells a group of people disturbing stories involving their gruesome deaths. Classic and mostly well-made horror movie with decent episodes, low production values, and an overall entertaining atmosphere.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorCate ShortlandStarsScarlett JohanssonFlorence PughDavid HarbourNatasha Romanoff confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises.Comic book movie about a super spy fighting against a Russian secret criminal organization. Over the top action movie with great production values, good on-screen chemistry between the stars, and decent writing, although the overall plot is thin and dated.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJacques-Yves CousteauStarsPierre BidaultLouis BidegantChristian BonniciFascinating underwater documentary filmed with hand-held cameras by frogmen and mostly filmed in deep-water seas from within a special designed batiscaff, by the Cousteau family of sea explorers.Documentary about an underwater research facility and the scientists working there. Remarkable and for the time groundbreaking feature with a slow but steady narrative and breathtaking cinematography.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorDavid LynchStarsAnthony HopkinsJohn HurtAnne BancroftA Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man who is mistreated while scraping a living as a side-show freak. Behind his monstrous façade, there is revealed a person of kindness, intelligence and sophistication.Adaptation of the real life story of a severely disfigured man and his struggle for his humanity in the late 19th century England. Remarkable achievement in acting, costumes, visual and narrative juxtaposition.
Overall 8/10 [II] - DirectorDestin Daniel CrettonStarsSimu LiuAwkwafinaTony Leung Chiu-waiShang-Chi, the master of weaponry-based Kung Fu, is forced to confront his past after being drawn into the Ten Rings organization.Being trained as an assassin, a young man estranged from his father fights back, when he goes after him and his sister. Fun and thrilling action movie with good stunt work and mostly great casting; the plot and the CGI generally work in favor of the overall spectacle.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorHarry O. HoytStarsWallace BeeryBessie LoveLloyd HughesThe first film adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic novel about a land where prehistoric creatures still roam.An aging scientist recruits a ragtag group of adventurers to find evidence that somewhere in the Amazon rainforest, dinosaurs are still alive. Blockbuster adventure movie with at the time marvellous visual effects and a great sense of scale; the plot and characterizations haven't aged well, though.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJuraj HerzStarsRudolf HrusínskýVlasta ChramostováJana StehnováSet in Central Europe during World War II, a demented cremator believes cremation relieves earthly suffering and sets out to save the world.In the 1940s, a cremator becomes a fanatic supporter of the German nationalist ideology. Stark and gruesome horror movie with surprisingly strong elements of black humor, wonderful performances, and captivating montage editing.
Overall 9/10* - DirectorEdgar G. UlmerStarsTom NealAnn SavageClaudia DrakeThe life of Al Roberts, a pianist in a New York nightclub, turns into a nightmare when he decides to hitchhike to Los Angeles to visit his girlfriend.While hitchhiking, a penniless young man becomes involved in a potential murder case. Decent noir crime thriller with a strong performance by the female lead, and a short but thrillingly told narrative.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJayne LoaderKevin RaffertyPierce RaffertyStarsPaul TibbetsHarry S. TrumanW.H.P. BlandyDisturbing collection of 1940s and 1950s United States government-issued propaganda films designed to reassure Americans that the atomic bomb was not a threat to their safety.Made entirely from segments of propaganda shorts, cartoons, and commercial videos, this documentary tells the story of political disinformation at the dawn of the atomic age. Short feature with strong editing highlighting that great narration can be achieved without a commentary audio track.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorFrank CapraStarsClark GableClaudette ColbertWalter ConnollyA rogue reporter trailing a runaway heiress for a big story joins her on a bus heading from Florida to New York and they end up stuck with each other when the bus leaves them behind at one of the stops along the way.A young reporter meets a famous runaway by chance and the two fall in love. Highly influential romantic comedy with strong lead performances and a clever plot - that, however, hasn't aged well.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJaromil JiresStarsJaroslava SchallerováHelena AnýzováPetr KoprivaSurreal tale in which love, fear, sex, and religion merge into one fantastic world. Based on a classical Czech novel of the same title.A teenage girl is mixed up in an intrigue by her grandmother to use her to gain everlasting youth. Psychedelic horror fantasy with lush visuals, naturalistic performances, and cheap but effective production values.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorCary Joji FukunagaStarsDaniel CraigAna de ArmasRami MalekJames Bond has left active service. His peace is short-lived when Felix Leiter, an old friend from the CIA, turns up asking for help, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.An aging secret spy fights against an evasive criminal mastermind who stole a killer virus from the government. Effective action thriller with great stunt work and a dedicated lead performance; the plot and overall formula feel dated, though.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorKirsten JohnsonStarsMichael HilowAna HoffmanDick JohnsonA daughter helps her father prepare for the end of his life.Documentary about a middle-aged filmmaker coping with the inevitable death of her demented father. Both funny and touching, the feature explores death in Western societies quite thoroughly and from a very personal perspective.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorRebecca HallStarsTessa ThompsonRuth NeggaAndré Holland"Passing" follows the unexpected reunion of two high school friends, whose renewed acquaintance ignites a mutual obsession that threatens both of their carefully constructed realities.When a young Black woman poses as White, she becomes entangled in a marital crisis of her former best friend. Decent drama that all too often feels limited in its perspective, nevertheless featuring two outstanding lead performances and a beautiful black-and-white cinematography.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorChris ColumbusStarsDaniel RadcliffeRupert GrintEmma WatsonHarry Potter lives his second year at Hogwarts with Ron and Hermione when a message on the wall announces that the legendary Chamber of Secrets has been opened. The trio soon realize that, to save the school, it will take a lot of courage.Continuation of the story around the famous wizard Harry Potter. The adaption stays closely to the book and is generally well done with great production values, good actors, and superb music.
Overall 7/10 [II] - DirectorSharon MaguireStarsJune SquibbJillian BellSonia ManzanoAn unskilled young fairy godmother ventures out on her own to prove her worth by tracking down a young girl whose request for help was ignored.A fairy godmother, disenchanted by her traditional fairy teacher, reaches out to the real world to help a young woman find love. Decent idea that serves for some clever and entertaining moments; the overall plot feels apathetic and conventional, however.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorDan MazerStarsEllie KemperRob DelaneyArchie YatesA married couple tries to steal back a valuable heirloom from a troublesome kid.A rich young kid is forgotten at home by his parents and feels the need to defend his house against supposed robbers. Poorly executed comedy that fails on most levels, like acting, writing, production values, and charaterization.
Overall 3/10 - DirectorDusan HanákPictures of the Old World is an unquestioned masterpiece of European documentary cinema, with existential radicalism that offers a contrast to the shallowness of hundreds of other documentary films showing images from the outskirts of civilization. The outskirts here are a Slovakian town in the Tatra Mountains. Though censored for 17 years, Dusan Hanáks poetic visual essay is not a political or even social film. It goes to far deeper and more fundamental levels of human experience. Inspired by the photographs of Martin Martinek, the films power lies in its unusual portraits of people whose raw visual beauty radiates from their very souls. Some, like the village cosmos aficionado or the disabled old man who climbs stairs on his knees, are hard to forget.Documentary about elderly people living on the edge of society in Slovakia. Skillful piece of social realism with heart-breaking life stories and a gripping black-and-white cinematography.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorWilliam ClemensStarsBonita GranvilleJohn LitelJames StephensonAfter a wealthy dowager who has made a substantial donation to her alma mater suddenly disappears, Nancy Drew sets out to solve the mystery.When a wealthy donor of her highschool gets kidnapped, a teenage girl investigates the case herself. Low-budget crime comedy with a strong lead performance and a fun, if shallow, plot.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorMonika MitchellStarsVanessa HudgensJosh WhitehouseEmmanuelle ChriquiA medieval English knight is magically transported to present-day America where he falls for a high school science teacher who is disillusioned by love.A medieval knight travels trough time and falls in love with a woman living in contemporary US. Mostly bland romantic comedy that sometimes works due to the on-screen chemistry of the lead and the few quirky comedic moments.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorLin-Manuel MirandaStarsAndrew GarfieldAlexandra ShippRobin de JesusOn the brink of turning 30, a promising theater composer navigates love, friendship and the pressure to create something great before time runs out.Biopic about the musical writer Johnathan Larson and the story about his first show. Well-made musical with some catchy songs, great performances, and simple but efficient set pieces.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorShôgo FuruyaSatoshi KonStarsTôru EmoriYoshiaki UmegakiAya OkamotoOn Christmas Eve, three homeless people living on the streets of Tokyo discover a newborn baby among the trash and set out to find its parents.Three homeless people accidentally find a baby and try to find her parents in Tokyo at Christmas time. Both the comedic moments and the dramatic scenes work because the characters and the overall plot - although sometimes over the top - are well-written, rounded, and interesting.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorAlfonso CuarónStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintHarry Potter, Ron and Hermione return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for their third year of study, where they delve into the mystery surrounding an escaped prisoner who poses a dangerous threat to the young wizard.A famous wizard boy and his friends have to face evil demons that feast on happy emotions. Great production values with decent actors and great music make for an overall good adaption of the source material.
Overall 7/10 [II] - DirectorSiegfried HartmannStarsJulie JuristováKatrin MartinPavel TrávnícekScreen version of the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm about two sisters - Schneeweißchen and Rosenrot, who with their love saved Princes Michael and Andreas from the evil spells of the Mountain SpiritTwo sisters fall in love with two brothers who are transformed into animals by an evil dwarf. Middling fairy tale adaptation with decent performances, mediocre storytelling, and a good score; there are some memorable moments.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorOliver DieckmannStarsAlexander ScheerNoah KrausMercedes Jadea DiazTwo weeks before Christmas, the last thing Ben and Charlotte expected is for Santa to crash-land his sleigh in their town. Santa has just escaped the villainous Gerold Goblynch, recently named the new head of the Great Christmas Council.Fantasy adventure about the last Santa Claus and two children who help him against an army of evil nutcrackers. Christmas movie with little redeeming value, poor storytelling, passable performances at best, and a largely inadequate direction.
Overall 3/10 - DirectorKevin LimaStarsAmy AdamsSusan SarandonJames MarsdenA young maiden in a land called Andalasia, who is prepared to be wed, is sent away to New York City by an evil Queen, where she falls in love with a lawyer.Fantasy adventure about a fairy tale princess being magically transported to the real world. Fun and entertaining, with a great score, and a star-turning performance by the lead actress; only the latter half of the otherwise creative movie feels plodding and conventional.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorEdmund GouldingStarsTyrone PowerJoan BlondellColeen GrayThe rise and fall of Stanton Carlisle, a mentalist whose lies and deceit prove to be his downfall.Noir crime drama about the rise and eventual fall of a mentalist and con artist. Dark and atmospheric drama with believable performances, great lead performances, and wonderful black-and-white cinematography.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorJaume Collet-SerraStarsDwayne JohnsonEmily BluntEdgar RamírezBased on Disneyland's theme park ride where a small riverboat takes a group of travelers through a jungle filled with dangerous animals and reptiles but with a supernatural element.A young scientist goes on a trip to South America to find a mythical land. Entertaining-enough adventure movie with likeable leads and beautiful scenery. However, the overall plot is completely forgettable and the heavy CGI is sometimes distracting.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorGarth JenningsStarsBill MilnerWill PoulterJessica HynesDuring a long English summer in the early 1980s, two schoolboys from differing backgrounds set out to make a film inspired by First Blood (1982).Two misfit teenagers start a shot-for-shot remake of First Bood [1982] during summer. Well-written and competently directed coming-of-age comedy with enough weird characters and situations to make for an entertaining movie.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJeremiah S. ChechikStarsChevy ChaseBeverly D'AngeloJuliette LewisThe Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.Chaotic comedy that lampoons family meetings at Christmas. The protagonist excessively tries to provide a wonderful time for his family, while nothing really works the way it should.
Overall 8/10 [X] - DirectorErnst MarischkaStarsRomy SchneiderKarlheinz BöhmMagda SchneiderIn the first of a trilogy of movies about Elisabeth "Sissi" of Austria, the vibrant young princess catches the eye of her sister's fiancé, Emperor Franz Josef.Romantic comedy and fictional retelling of how Franz Joseph of Austria met his later wife Elisabeth of Bavaria in the mid-19th century. Sentimental movie with regional background and a heavy dose of romantic kitsch. However, the movie mostly works because of the decent lead performances and the beautiful setting.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJared BushByron HowardCharise Castro SmithStarsStephanie BeatrizMaría Cecilia BoteroJohn LeguizamoA Colombian teenage girl has to face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers.Animation adventure about a young woman saving her family when their magical powers are threatened. Highly creative and rhythmical fantasy movie with lovable characters, decent musical numbers, and a consistenty great art direction.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorCharlie BeanStarsTessa ThompsonJustin TherouxSam ElliottThe romantic tale of a sheltered uptown Cocker Spaniel dog and a streetwise downtown Mutt.Romantic adventure about a well-bread female dog falls in love with a courageous and fun street dog. Inflated and lesser version of the classic animation movie with a decent voice cast and an entertaining, albeit shallow plot.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorJoseph VilsmaierStarsMichael HerbigHape KerkelingHannah HerzsprungThe continuous story of Brandner Kaspar in Bavaria in the mid-1950s. When Death (Boandlkramer) is supposed to take little Maxl, he falls in love with his mother Gefi. Confused by previously unknown feelings, he confides in the devilFantasy dramedy about the henchman of death falling in love with a mortal woman. Highly inconsistent movie with a great setting but questionable writing, especially concerning the balance between comical and tragic moments.
Overall 3/10 - DirectorSlava TsukermanStarsAnne CarlislePaula E. SheppardSusan DoukasA small, heroin seeking UFO lands on a Manhattan roof, observes a bizarre, drug addicted fashion model and sucks endorphin from her sexual encounters' brains.In the early 1980s, an UFO lands in NYC and causes a drug addicted model to murder her sexual partners. Creative and influential science fiction drama with a memorable setting, great art direction, and a thrilling plot.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorWilliam J. HollowayMaskull, a man longing for adventures, accepts an invitation from Krag, an acquaintance of his friend Nightspore, to travel to Tormance after a seance. The three set off in a crystal ship from an abandoned observatory in Scotland.After a seance, a man travels to a remote planet only to encounter different people sharing a tragic fate. Lacking adaptation of a classic science fiction fantasy novel that has a certain amateurich charme but nevertheless struggles in most other areas, like acting, writing, and tonal consistency.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorJimmy ChinElizabeth Chai VasarhelyiStarsBancha DuriyapuntApakorn YoukongkaewAnan SurawanA chronicle of the enthralling, against-all-odds story that transfixed the world in 2018: the daring rescue of twelve boys and their coach from deep inside a flooded cave in Northern Thailand.Documentary about the 2018 cave rescue of a Thai football team during typhoon season. Impressive and engaging movie with a great balance of interviews, real-life footage, and reenacted scenes.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorLana WachowskiStarsKeanu ReevesCarrie-Anne MossYahya Abdul-Mateen IIReturn to a world of two realities: one, everyday life; the other, what lies behind it. To find out if his reality is a construct, to truly know himself, Mr. Anderson will have to choose to follow the white rabbit once more.A middle-aged programmer discovers the meta games he developed are based on reality. Highly inconsistent blockbuster action movie with a fun but shallow deconstruction of its predecessors. However, it is willing to drop the more creative aspects halfway for a more conventional and lacklustre standard action fare.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorMichael PowellStarsKarlheinz BöhmAnna MasseyMoira ShearerA young man murders women, using a movie camera to film their dying expressions of terror.A psychopath killing people while filming their expression during their dying moments, commits to a romantic relationship to a young woman. At the time controversial thriller with great performances, great art direction, and a thrilling, if slightly drawn-out plot.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorYorgos LanthimosStarsOlivia ColmanEmma StoneRachel WeiszIn early 18th-century England, the status quo at the court is upset when a new servant arrives and endears herself to a frail Queen Anne.Set in the early 18th century and loosely based on the reign of Queen Anne of England, the story focuses on two competitors for her affection. Wonderfully entertaining historical comedy that is decidedly not historically accurate but focuses on character interaction and the atmospheric setting.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorJim McBrideStarsL.M. Kit CarsonEileen DietzLouise LevineA young filmmaker decides to make a movie of his life.Mockumentary about a young filmmaker filming his daily life. Uneven movie that mostly satirizes the then-prominent nouvelle vague movement but ultimately struggles with making a coherent statement about it.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorIrene StarewiczWladyslaw StarewiczStarsClaude DauphinRomain BouquetSylvain ItkineWhen Renard the Fox's mischievous pranks go too far, King Lion is forced to attempt to bring the trickster to justice.In a fantasy kingdom, the mighty lion king declares war on a mischievous and clever fox. Early and historical stop-motion animation adventure with incredibly fluid animation quality, outstanding art direction, and an entertaining plot.
Overall 9/10 - DirectorWes CravenStarsHeather LangenkampRobert EnglundJf DavisA demonic force has chosen Freddy Krueger as its portal to the real world. Can Heather Langenkamp play the part of Nancy one last time and trap the evil trying to enter our world?The star of an 1980s slasher horror movie discovers that the killer of her movie has come to life. Clever approach to deconstructing the slasher horror genre with decent performances, and good writing.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorDavid SilvermanRaymond S. PersiStarsAdam DevineRachel BloomKen JeongOp and Ed accidentally time-travel from the Galapagos Islands in 1835 to present-day Shanghai. They make their way through the city in confusion and make the horrifying discovery that the species to which they belong became extinct shortly after.Two rabbid-like creatures travel to the future only to discover that thei entire species is set to be extinct. Well-meaning animation comedy that serves mostly tired tropes, mediocre animation quality, and few original ideas.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorJeff TomsicStarsJeremy RennerEd HelmsJake JohnsonA small group of former classmates organize an elaborate, annual game of tag that requires some to travel all over the country.A group of middle-aged man play a game of tag each year during the month may. Mosty entertaining comedy with some funny moments and a clever premise that, however, is never fully realized.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorAng LeeStarsSihung LungKuei-Mei YangWang Yu-wenA senior chef lives with his three grown daughters; the middle one finds her future plans affected by unexpected events and the life changes of the other household members.An elderly world-class cook lives with his three daughters to one by one leave him for pursuing their own goals. Wonderfully shot and acted drama with a great balance between humoristic elements and the more tragic undertones.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorBertrand BonelloStarsLouise LabèqueWislanda LouimatKatiana MilfortA man is brought back from the dead to work in the hell of sugar cane plantations. 55 years later, a Haitian teenager tells her friends her family secret - not suspecting that it will push one of them to commit the irreparable.A teenage girl in an elite high school tells her classmates that she is the granddaughter of a Haitian zombie. Moody and atmospheric horror drama with good direction and a thrilling last third act.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorAkira KurosawaStarsToshirô MifuneTakashi ShimuraKeiko AwajiDuring a sweltering summer, a rookie homicide detective tries to track down his stolen Colt pistol.Noir crime drama about a young police officer tracing his stolen gun in a war-ridden Japanese town. Atmospheric and beautifully shot thriller with impressive performances and magnificent writing.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorHelmut WeissStarsHeinz RühmannKarin HimboldtHilde SessakA successful writer, home-schooled in his youth, masquerades as a student at a secondary school to experience all the fun and pranks he missed out on.Comedy about the childish misadventures of a middle-aged man returning to school. Superbly scripted, over-the-top characters, and thoroughly entertaining.
Overall 8/10 [VII] - DirectorHsiao-Hsien HouStarsTony Leung Chiu-waiMichiko HadaMichelle ReisIn the "flower houses" (upscale brothels) of Shanghai, various interweaving stories of love, loyalty, and deceit play out subtly.Drama about people interconnected by rivalling brothels in late 19th century Shanghai. Well-written and filmed in a subtle way - but the plot is hard to follow if unfamiliar with the subject.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorChloé ZhaoStarsGemma ChanRichard MaddenAngelina JolieThe saga of the Eternals, a race of immortal beings who lived on Earth and shaped its history and civilizations.A group of superpowered god-like individuals protect humankind through the millenials. Stylish superhero action movie with great audiovisual direction; however, the writing quality doesn't match the high concept approach.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorTod BrowningStarsWallace FordLeila HyamsOlga BaclanovaA circus' beautiful trapeze artist agrees to marry the leader of side-show performers, but his deformed friends discover she is only marrying him for his inheritance.Rightfully considered as standing alone in a subgenre of one, Freaks has well-balanced characters, an engaging atmosphere, and a controversial yet important message, that still holds up.
Overall 7/10 [II] - DirectorAndrei TarkovskyStarsMargarita TerekhovaFilipp YankovskiyIgnat DaniltsevA dying man in his forties remembers his past. His childhood, his mother, the war, personal moments and things that tell of the recent history of all the Russian nation.A dying writer remembers episodes of his childhood in the 1930s-1940s Russia. Highly abstract and picturesque drama that eludes conventional explanations, but instead focuses on states of emotions.
Overall 9/10 - DirectorMaria SchraderStarsMaren EggertDan StevensSandra HüllerIn order to obtain research funds for her studies, a scientist accepts an offer to participate in an extraordinary experiment: for three weeks, she is to live with a humanoid robot, created to make her happy.A middle-aged professor acquires a humanoid robot to evaluate whether his kind should be given societal rights. Philosophical romantic drama with exceptionally strong writing but incoherent direction choices and a shallow lead performance detract from its overall quality.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJacqueline AudryStarsArlettyFrank VillardGaby SylviaThree people who despise each other find themselves sharing a room in Hell - forever.Two women and a man are trapped in purgatory, bound to torture each other. Thoughtful fantasy drama with decent performances, great writing, and good overall direction.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJason ReitmanStarsCarrie CoonPaul RuddFinn WolfhardWhen a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind.When investigating their grandfathers' inheritance, two kids discover that he used to capture ghosts. Wonderful fantasy action comedy with quirky characters, great pacing, and a lovable homage to its predecessors - even if the overall plot is fairly conventional.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorKiyoshi KurosawaStarsKoji YakushoHiroyuki IkeuchiRen ÔsugiA seasoned detective is called in to rescue a politician held hostage by a lunatic. In a brief moment of uncertainty, he misses the chance for action. Leaving his job and family without explanation, he makes his way to a mountain forest, where there is a peculiar tree called charisma. Should it be destroyed or protected? People stand divided over this one tree.A disgraced cop is caught in the crossfire between two groups fighting over a mystical tree. Surreal crime drama that works as an ecological allegory with a wonderfully moody atmosphere, although certain parts lack coherence and the performances are uneven.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorGaspar NoéStarsMonica BellucciVincent CasselAlbert DupontelEvents over the course of one traumatic night in Paris unfold in reverse-chronological order as the beautiful Alex is brutally raped and beaten by a stranger in an underpass tunnel.Drama about two men going after the man who attacked and raped their friend. Uneven revenge drama with a conventional plot and poorly written charaters; the non-linear plot structure and the direction, however, are worth experiencing.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorClyde GeronimiWilfred JacksonHamilton LuskeStarsKathryn BeaumontEd WynnRichard HaydnAlice stumbles into the world of Wonderland. Will she get home? Not if the Queen of Hearts has her way.When following a talking rabbit, a small child discovers a strange and fantastical land full of weird creatures and non-sensical situations. Entertaining animation adventure with a great production quality but poorly structured episodes that feel incoherent.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorAlejandro AmenábarStarsAna TorrentFele MartínezEduardo NoriegaWhile doing a thesis about violence, Ángela finds a snuff video where a girl is tortured until death. Soon she discovers that the girl was a former student in her faculty...When writing her thesis on violence, a young student discovers a criminal network producing snuff videos in her university. Highly efficient horror thriller with decent performances, clever metafilmic commentary, and suspenseful writing.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorPeter WeirStarsRichard ChamberlainOlivia HamnettDavid GulpililA Sydney lawyer defends five Aboriginal Persons in a ritualized taboo murder and in the process learns disturbing things about himself and premonitions.A pragmatic lawyer's life is turned upside down when he takes the case of an alleged murder among Aboriginal tribal people. Fantastic mystery thriller with atmospheric set pieces, great performances, and a well-written plot.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorAaron BlaiseRobert WalkerStarsJoaquin PhoenixJeremy SuarezRick MoranisWhen a young Inuit hunter needlessly kills a bear, he is magically changed into a bear himself as punishment with a talkative cub being his only guide to changing back.Beautiful animation with lively colors and a sweet but not childish plot revolving around an American Indian seeking redemption for his dead brother.
2013 Overall 9/10
2022 Overall 6/10 [II] - DirectorGreta GerwigStarsSaoirse RonanEmma WatsonFlorence PughJo March reflects back and forth on her life, telling the beloved story of the March sisters - four young women, each determined to live life on her own terms.The story of four sisters and how they live life on her own terms in the late 19th century. Wonderfully entertaining and touching drama with marvellous performances, and an upbeat direction style.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorChris BuckKevin LimaStarsTony GoldwynMinnie DriverBrian BlessedA man raised by gorillas must decide where he really belongs when he discovers he is a human.Scientists find a man raised by gorillas in the South American jungle. Beautiful and technically groundbreaking animated adventure that's a decent and fun adaptation of a classic tale.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJean-François LaguionieStarsJean BarneyChloé BerthierJB BlancThree characters of different social classes escape their unfinished painting in search of the Painter, hoping he will complete it.Animated fantasy movie about characters of a portrait coming to life and searching for their creator. Clever allegorical story with decent writing and a memorable art style.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorAleksandr AskoldovStarsNonna MordyukovaRolan BykovRaisa NedashkovskayaKlavdia Vavilova, a Red Army cavalry commissar, is waylaid by an unexpected pregnancy. She stays with a Jewish family to give birth and is softened somewhat by the experience of family life.During the Russian Revolution, a Red Army commissar lives with a Jewish family when she gets unexpectedly pregnant. Challenging war drama with great characterizations, wonderful cinematography, but an uneven plot.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorStuart GordonStarsChristopher LambertLoryn LocklinKurtwood SmithIn a future, private underground prison/Fortress, the inmates are computer controlled with CCTV, dream readers and devices that can cause pain or death. John and his illegally pregnant wife are inside but want to escape before birth.In a post-apocalyptic future, a young couple is sent to a high security prison for having a child. A decent premise and some clever ideas don't make the middling production values, trite action scenes, and mediocre writing any better.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorMatt Bettinelli-OlpinTyler GillettStarsNeve CampbellCourteney CoxDavid Arquette25 years after a streak of brutal murders shocked the quiet town of Woodsboro, Calif., a new killer dons the Ghostface mask and begins targeting a group of teenagers to resurrect secrets from the town's deadly past.A group of teenage friends is thrown into the plot of a killer targeting the survivors of a previous murder spree. Middling meta-horror slasher movie with some clever ideas and a fantastic third act; however, overall the movie lacks thrilling moments, a coherent plot, and memorable characters.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorWes AndersonStarsBenicio Del ToroAdrien BrodyTilda SwintonA love letter to journalists set in an outpost of an American newspaper in a fictional twentieth century French city that brings to life a collection of stories published in "The French Dispatch Magazine".Anthology of loosely connected episodes centering on an American newspaper in a fictional French city. Stylistically, the movie succeeds on all levels and some episodes are outstanding, but the overall movie seems too indulgent in its own style and concept to care for its characters.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorNicholas MeyerStarsJason RobardsJoBeth WilliamsSteve GuttenbergThe effects of a devastating nuclear holocaust on small-town residents of eastern Kansas.Follows several characters and their struggle for survival after a nuclear attack on Kansas. Devastating drama with lowkey performances and an unagitated documentary-like style.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorMeir ZarchiStarsCamille KeatonEron TaborRichard PaceAn aspiring writer is repeatedly assaulted, humiliated, and left for dead by four men she systematically hunts down to seek revenge.After a young writer is raped and left for dead, she seeks revenge on the men involved. Poorly written and sluggishly acted revenge horror movie with a barebone plot and few memorable moments - leaving aside the starkness of the rape scenes.
Overall 3/10 - DirectorMasayuki KojimaHiroshi SaitôStarsRabbe SmedlundJyrki KovaleffElina SaloMoomin, Sniff and My set out to stop a comet approaching the Moomin valley. Along the way they meet Snusmumriken, the beautiful Snorkfröken, Snorken and a Hemul, who join them in their quest.In a fantasy land, a young boy and his friends are searching for ways to prevent a comet from hitting their town. Interesting animation adventure with a great art direction and some memorable moments, although the overall plot feels dated and poorly paced.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorHiroshi TeshigaharaStarsTatsuya NakadaiMikijirô HiraKyôko KishidaA businessman with a disfigured face obtains a lifelike mask from his doctor, but the mask starts altering his personality.After an accident scarred a rich young man for life, he consults a plastic surgeon for a new face. Quietly paced but thrilling tale of the horrors associated with the loss of one's own identity.
Overall 9/10 - DirectorIvo CaprinoStarsWenche FossPer Theodor HaugenHarald Heide-Steen Jr.Reodor Felgen decides that he will enter a car race to defeat his former friend who has stolen his plans for a car.Stop-motion animated adventure movie about an elderly inventor and his pet friends building a race car together. Entertaining movie with many fun moments, great animation quality and art direction, but the plot aged somewhat poorly when compared to other aspects of the film.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorAbbas KiarostamiStarsHomayoun ErshadiAbdolhosein BagheriAfshin Khorshid BakhtiariAn Iranian man drives his car in search of someone who will quietly bury him under a cherry tree after he commits suicide.A middle-aged man drives around in the suburbs to find somebody who's willing to assist in his suicide. Deeply emotional and somber character drama with an ambiguous-enough plot to be fascinating - although the ending is a stark break in style.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorLambert HillyerStarsLewis WilsonDouglas CroftJ. Carrol NaishThe very first serial to adapt the comic book character of the Batman. In it, the Batman is a secret U.S. government agent, attempting to defeat the schemes of Japanese agent Dr. Daka operating in Los Angeles at the height of World War II.A rich bachelor takes on the identity of the Batman, a crime-fighting detective. Action-packed serial with decent performances, but with an ultimately very formulaic, tedious, and outdated plot.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorLeslie H. MartinsonStarsAdam WestBurt WardLee MeriwetherThe Dynamic Duo faces four supervillains who plan to hold the world for ransom with the help of a secret invention that instantly dehydrates people.Action comedy about the crime fighting duo Batman and Robin facing their fiercest enemies. Extremely stylized comic book movie with clever over-the-top performances and many funny and memorable scenes.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorDavid Gordon GreenStarsJamie Lee CurtisJudy GreerAndi MatichakSurviving victims of Michael Myers form a vigilante mob and vow to end his reign of terror.After a serial killer is spotted in a small town, the local people go on a murderous witch hunt. Slasher horror movie with a promising and clever premise, but neither the horror moments, nor the action scenes or the characters live up to their potential.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorDomee ShiStarsRosalie ChiangSandra OhAva MorseA thirteen-year-old girl named Mei Lee is torn between staying her mother's dutiful daughter and the changes of adolescence. And as if the challenges were not enough, whenever she gets overly excited she transforms into a giant red panda.A young girl discovers that she turns into a mythical red bear whenever she gets excited. Well-written animation comedy that's a clever and lovable throwback to the early 2000s.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorJoe BerlingerBruce SinofskyStarsTony BrooksDiana DavisTerry WoodA horrific triple child murder leads to an indictment and trial of three nonconformist boys based on questionable evidence.Breathtaking and captivating true crime documentary about the Memphis Three, three teenagers who were sent to jail for murdering three boys on questionable evidence.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorBilly WilderStarsTyrone PowerMarlene DietrichCharles LaughtonA veteran British barrister must defend his client in a murder trial that has surprise after surprise.An aging lawyer takes on the case of an alleged murder but things soon turn out to be much more complicated and twisted than expected. Well-written court drama with mostly great performances, a great sense of wit and humor, as well as perfect pacing.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorJoe BerlingerBruce SinofskyStarsDamien Wayne EcholsMelissa ByersNorris DeajonThe case of the West Memphis Three, its questionable circumstances and the parties involved are followed up years later.Continuation of the true story about the Memphis Three and their battle for gaining a fair trial after new evidence was revealed in a case of triple homicide.
Overall 7/10