[8.75/10] The Raid 2 (2014)

The Raid 2 (2014)

Quick Review: More polished in production, if not as inventive and mind-blowingly frantic as the unique original film, "The Raid 2" is a 150- minute thrill ride of hyper violence, stylishly-executed and remarkably- choreographed fight scenes, each more heart-poundingly intense then the next, all surrounded by a solid plot, and further elevated by the likable Iko Uwais' impressive action skills and acting abilities. This is the near-perfect sequel, fans of the first flick were hoping to get.

[5.00/10] Neighbors (2014)

Neighbors (2014)

Quick Review: Okay, it causes a laugh or two along the way, and Zac Efron turns out to be a surprisingly good comedic 'villain', but the film's utter cluelessness, cruelty, and flat jokes take away from its potential, with the end result being a cocky comedy that thinks it is way more hilarious than it actually is, that will please undemanding viewers only. Furthermore, Seth Rogen is typically obnoxious, and Rose Byrne, while trying her best, is totally miscast, and often seems out of place.

[5.25/10] Maleficent [3D] (2014)

Maleficent [3D] (2014)

Quick Review: Swallowed by the murky beauty of its truly enchanting visuals and uber-imaginative special effects, and largely overpowered by Angelina Jolie's captivating, if sadly sometimes contrived performance, that basically saves the entire film, "Maleficent" is a clumsily-edited and poorly-paced Disney feature, that would hardly stand the test of time, because of its half-baked story, that promises to be darkly engaging, but ends up being surprisingly sugary and santimental instead.

CineMarvellous! Quoted in a "Dark Tide" TV Spot!

A few minutes ago, while googling 'CineMarvellous!', I accidentally found out that I've been quoted in a TV spot for 2012's shark flick "Dark Tide", starring the utterly amazing Halle Berry. I'm happy, of course, but also surprised, since I gave this film a pretty low rating, and didn't praise it much. Here's my review of it. Anyway, that's the very first time I've been quoted in a movie ad, or a poster, or a trailer, so YAY ME! :) Below, you can watch the TV spot I've been quoted in.

 

[4.00/10] The Quiet Ones (2014)

The Quiet Ones (2014)

Quick Review: One or two sinister images and a couple of reasonable scares aside, "The Quiet Ones" brings absolutely nothing new, or even remotely original to the table. It all feels obnoxiously familiar, thus unengaging, and that combined with the sub-par acting makes it a tough experience. Moreover, being rather cheap-looking, this movie fails to capture the era of the 70s properly, visually, with the result being one big ugly-looking bore, that shouldn't have been made at all.

[5.25/10] Anna (2014)

Anna (2014)

Quick Review: The stylishly simple visuals create a bleak atmosphere, and the promising young actress Taissa Farmiga gives a captivating performance, that will surely drawn viewer's attention every time she's on screen, but on the other hand this psychological thriller is neither as smart, nor as unpredictable as it thinks it is, as it gives far too many clues along the way, some of them more obvious than others, hence, it ends up being a missed opportunity, that truly underwhelms.