[6.25/10] The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015)

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015) 

Quick Review: Dev Patel is pretty irritating, there's too much going on in a plot that is, well, not particularly inspired, and the movie as a whole somewhat lacks the rather delightful appeal of the original film, but "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" can still be appreciated for what it is, thanks to its incredible veteran cast, who work effortlessly together, witty lines, and its enchanting setting and vibrant complemented so beautifully by the jolly music score.

[5.00/10] The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (2015)

The SB Movie: Sponge Out of Water (2015)

Quick Review: Fans of the tv show might get everything they're bargain for, but the rest of the audience may find this film too pointless, moronic, and crazy to enjoy. The live action sequences towards the end are the best part of the movie, thanks to the funny superhero-y approach taken, and the delightful charm of the CGI characters, but sadly, the rest of it feels like one super-long episode of the popular series, and not at all the most entertaining one...

[7.25/10] Woman in Gold (2015)

Woman in Gold (2015)

Quick Review: Part history lesson, part personal human drama with a touch of refined humor, therefore, equally educational and interesting, if a bit too rushed here and there, and not as profound as expected, "Woman in Gold" is a sophisticated, gripping, and beautifully-shot piece of cine-art, powered by the brilliant performance of Helen Mirren, who carries the film with great charisma, supported solidly by Ryan Reynolds who makes the already great story even more so intriguing.

[5.75/10] Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015)

Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015)

Quick Review: In terms of looks, it's cheaper than the previous two, and doesn't have the typical feel, as the new director fails to create the ominous atmosphere Wan managed to, but on a positive note, "Insidious 3" is a passable prequel with more than a few solid frights, and some chilling scenes with the gas-masked demon deserving a special mention. Shaye nails her character yet again, but all of the new additions here are not at all as memorable.

[4.25/10] Cub (2014)

Cub (2014)

Quick Review: Unfortunately, far from being 'European horror at its finest', despite its big potential on paper, considering the film's rather interesting premise, "Cub" has too many flaws and shortcomings to be considered any successful, or even mildly effective -- from the below-par execution and way underdeveloped characters, to the hackneyed wood setting and semi-entertaining story, everything about this Belgian horror is half-baked, plus, it lacks bite and sheer intensity big time.

[4.75/10] Poltergeist (2015)

Poltergeist (2015)

Quick Review: Well-produced, but badly-executed, the 2015 version of "Poltergeist" doesn't do the original any justice, but on the other hand it doesn't insult it at all, either. Instead of taking a full-on advantage of the technology-driven era it's set in, and add some edgy value to the familiar story, it relies on the same old tricks, providing only some ghastly, if CGI-y imagery, and one or two soft scares. The cast is okay, but the lazy script and sub-par direction stand on their way to deliver properly.

[7.00/10] McFarland USA (2015)

McFarland, USA (2015)

Quick Review: On the surface, this looks like your typical Disney sports drama, as its plot formula has been already used numerous times, which also makes it often predictable, but on a deeper level, "McFarland USA" is actually a pretty feel-good movie, driven by the earnest relationships between its very likable characters, and their struggles on the road to success as well as in life, and that's nothing less than inspiring. Costner is solid, and the young runners are as genuine as it can get.

[5.50/10] Return to Sender (2015)

Return to Sender (2015)

Quick Review: Suspiciously similar in style to Fincher's "Gone Girl", and not just because them two share the same leading star, but still different enough to stand on its own, "Return to Sender" is a quiet, subdued, but sick-in-nature revenge thriller with a slow pacing, and a visual simplicity which suits it well, that benefits from Pike, who turns in another strong, yet sensual performance, but even her big talent can't compensate for the lack of major thrills and the lazy direction that lets it down.

[4.00/10] Maggie (2015)

Maggie (2015)

Quick Review: Both leads deliver solid performances throughout, and director Henry Hobson successfully generates a very murky atmosphere that sets the right tone for the film, and while definitely not your typical cheesy zombie flick, sadly "Maggie" is neither tense, nor even remotely scary, nor emotional enough to hold your interest for more than two or three scenes, getting duller and and duller as the otherwise decent story unfolds, leading to a conclusion that is predictably 'touching'.

[9.50/10] Inside Out [3D] (2015)

Inside Out [3D] (2015)

Quick Review: With a plot as witty, inventive, and original as it can get, one that perfectly matches its richly imaginative 3D visuals, "Inside Out" is probably the most complex Pixar feature to date, interpreting human emotions in a very unique, moving, yet playful way, without losing any of its quirk. And all of these script pros, combined with the glossy graphics, and colorful, often bright characters, turn it into a one-of-a-kind emotional roller-coaster that will grab all your senses, and then some.

[7.50/10] Jurassic World [3D] (2015)

Jurassic World [3D] (2015)

Quick Review: Far from being as effective as the cult original was 22 years ago, despite the similar set up and astounding CGI work it flashes, "Jurassic World" is just 'okay' during the first forty minutes or so, but as soon as things go out of control and the dino mayhem kicks in, this solid sequel instantly 'sharpens its teeth', providing enough big thrills, intense attack and chase sequences, likable characters, and arresting visuals, in masterful 3D, to make you glued to the screen for 120 mins.

[6.00/10] She's Funny That Way (2015)

She's Funny That Way (2015)

Quick Review: So fabricated, it's ridiculous, but still amusing anyway, "She's Funny That Way" gets a bit all over the place towards the end, the saturated yellowish tinge of the visuals is not necessarily pleasant, and the humor doesn't always work, but this weird comedy manages to entertain and with its pure silliness, boasting the great fun the talented cast have playing their crazy roles. Poots nails her part and pretty much steals the whole show.

[4.75/10] Mortdecai (2015)

Mortdecai (2015)

Quick Review: With its vintage-y production design and color palette, "Mortdecai" has an appealing looks at least, but that's far from enough to cover up its tons of other issues -- from the premise that sounds fun on paper, but lacks in execution, to the shallow script full of dry humor that desperately wants to be witty, and yet another goofy performance from Depp, who seem to have lost his touch for good, this is a true spy comedy disaster, that won't last long in any viewer's memory.

[8.00/10] Spy (2015)

Spy (2015)

Quick Review: Constantly hilarious smartly-plotted, variable in settings, dynamic in execution, held with style and great flair, and boasting one of the quirkiest and original fight and kill scenes this year, that rival even those in "Kingsman", "Spy" is hands down the funniest, most entertaining spy comedy ever made, proving the huge comedic talent McCarthy really possesses, when given the suitable material, as well as the versatility of the rest of the amazing cast, putting them in untypical roles.

[6.50/10] The Age of Adaline (2015)

The Age of Adaline (2015)

Quick Review: The subdued, but heavy on contrast cinematography creates an appropriately mysterious mood around the intriguing 'forever young'-themed story, and the lovely and talented Blake Lively turns in an alluring and appealing performance, becoming the movie's main strength but midway through "Adaline" starts to feel a bit too contrived, and that's the only, but major issue that stops it from being great. That said, it's an absorbing, unusual love story with a lot more highs than lows.

[4.25/10] The Lazarus Effect (2015)

The Lazarus Effect (2015)

Quick Review: Olivia Wilde gives it her all with the mediocre script she has to work with, providing the very few chills the film provides, and the premise sounds good on paper, but sadly "The Lazarus Effect" turns out to be a bit too predictable then it's supposed to be, using gimmick and frights so obvious, they don't have any effect at all. Not to mention, the limited setting, and the overall ugly, insipid visuals, which combined with its other shortcomings make the film even more uninteresting.

[6.50/10] Pitch Perfect 2 (2015)

Pitch Perfect 2 (2015)

Quick Review: Banks' sometimes incompetent direction lets it down a notch, as the whole thing feels a bit random, the none-singing parts are not nearly as funny or amusing as those in the original film, but for a sequel of this kind, "Pitch Perfect 2" strikes all the right notes in terms of sheer entertainment -- the musical numbers are cheerful and uplifting, all of the characters have distinctive individuality, the jokes work for the most part, and it's a delight listening to Anna Kendrick sing.

[6.75/10] San Andreas [3D] (2015)

San Andreas [3D] (2015)

Quick Review: In terms of plotting, this is your typical silly, exaggerated, and often contrived disaster film with a heavy touch of family melodrama, that gives it a lot more intimate feel, but the visually-overwhelming "San Andres" makes up big time for those script faults with some of the finest 3D and CGI effects ever displayed, an attractive cast that interact well, and a level of intensity so high, it will keep you on the edge of your seat from the thrilling opening sequence to the shattering climax.

[5.75/10] Adult Beginners (2015)

Adult Beginners (2015)

Quick Review: Pretty much in the same vein as "The Skeleton Twins", "Adult Beginners" has a very similar bizarre mood about itself, also trying to balance its dramatic and comedic elements successfully, but same as the one compared, this film barely achieves that at all times. However, the well-picked, charming cast and the solid chemistry between them all, make the movie watchable and often amusing, covering the scripts shortcomings. Katz's direction is too plain and simple though.

[6.25/10] Tomorrowland (2015)

Tomorrowland (2015)

Quick Review: Sure, its incoherent narrative and pretty overambitious, if half-baked story, do not match the movie's stupendous, often inventive visuals, and the polished CGI work that helps its creators to achieve the futuristic feel, but "Tomorrowland" is still a fairly enjoyable 'romper', that will keep you really entertained for 107 mins, mostly thanks to Brittany Robertson amusing performance in the lead who turns this juvenile sci-fi flick from mediocre to watchable, if very far from impressive.