Quick Reviews: 2013 Movies [PART 10]

A Haunted House (2013) - This terribly over-acted, horribly unfunny "Paranormal Activity"-inspired, or more like uninspired spoof of a horror comedy is so dumb, it will haunt you in your dreams for months to come, so yes, consider yourself warned. (2.00/10)

This is the End (2013) - It's fun to see the actors playing themselves for a change, however, "This is the End" is a pretty deluded apocalyptic comedy, that thinks it's hilarious and original, but is actually disastrously moronic, bordering on disturbing. (4.50/10)

Baggage Claim (2013) - It's easy to watch, and every single member of the all-black cast is a charmer, but that can't excuse the predictable, corny, and at times truly cheesy plot, and the film's cheap, made-for-TV look, that brings it down further. (5.00/10)

Free Birds (2013) - It has potential, and the animation itself is decent and colorful, but "Free Birds" feels rushed as hell, and breaks the No. 1 rule in animation, which is never ever to involve humans in a story about animals/birds. It just doesn't work! (5.50/10)

The Heat (2013) - It's fair to say that Bullock and McCarthy make a great comedic on-screen duo, and that the film has its moments of  laughter, however, "The Heat" is so busy it's often exhausting to watch, and so talky it may give you a headache. (5.50/10)

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 (2013) - It feels a little bit contrived, and the animation while colorful and deliciously creative isn't as vivid as the one in the first movie, but "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2" is still a solid sequel with big heart. (6.50/10)

Don Jon (2013) - Its repetitiveness gets a bit annoying after a while, but apart from that, "Don Jon" is a sex-driven, yet rather amusing directional debut by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, executed with confidence, that feels very current, real, and above all frank. (6.50/10)

Epic (2013) - While not necessarily what its title claims to be, "Epic" is a stunningly-animated feature with a genuine sense of adventure, and true spirit of enchantment, that will grab you with both its flawless graphics and thoroughly entertaining story. (6.75/10)

Despicable Me 2 (2013) - Sure, the plot may not be as strong and well-thought-out as the one in the first movie, but the animation is every bit as splendid, the kids are still super-cute, and the yellow minions are more fun and adorable than ever. (7.25/10)

The Croods (2013) - Highly inventive both visually and story-wise, this untypical and imperfect, if undeniably original animated flick, is all about the joy of experiencing something new and different, as well as growing up as a person, and being daring. (7.50/10)