[4.75/10] Into the Forest (2016)

Into the Forest (2016)

Quick Review: Built entirely on the on-and-off relationship between the two protagonists, and their fight for survival in an isolated setting that is not particularly interesting in the first place, "Into the Forest" is limited in both, characters and locations, and though it sort of works on a dramatic level, it falls really short on providing many genuine thrills, considering its apocalyptic nature, due to its bland execution and true lack of creativity. Page and Wood's performances are the film's only strengths.

[6.25/10] Café Society (2016)

Café Society (2016)

Quick Review: Arguably W. Allen's least memorable effort in years, if still pretty tolerable, "Café Society" is a randomly-plotted, yet absolutely charming love story with predictable outcome that truly enchants with its gorgeous late '30s period sets, and ravishing cinematography with vivid color palette, which creates a warm tone. Stewart shines even brighter than the vibrant visuals here, giving one of her strongest performances yet, in a role no one would predict she will handle that well.

[8.50/10] Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

Quick Review: Set in the lush NZ bush -- a stunning backdrop, which the gifted Waititi tastefully utilizes in order to enrich his already creative direction, and give his adorably witty feature a visual value as well, "Hunt for the Wilderpeople" is every bit as clever as it sounds, mixing elements of a quirky coming-of-age story, and adventurous 'escapism' in an utterly refreshing way, allowing his talented stars and their characters' dynamics to drive the whole thing.

[3.50/10] Zoolander 2 (2015)

Zoolander 2 (2016)

Quick Review: Hands down one of the dumbest sequels ever created, everything in "Zoolander 2" makes little sense, especially the countless celebrity cameos popping out from every corner, making the film even messier and sillier than it already is, and adding ZERO fun to this talent-wasting garbage. Speaking of fun, this film doesn't contain any laughs, in spite of its desperate attempts to evoke such. Actually, the only 'fun' thing about this stinker is watching Justine Bieber get killed.

[6.50/10] Colonia (2016)

Colonia (2016)

Quick Review: Although it's based on actual events, revealing some of Chile's dark past, it is questionable how historically accurate this film is, but "The Colony" is nevertheless an engrossing and solidly-made thriller, whose intensity level is really off the scale at times, due to its disturbing nature, and Nyqvist's unsettling turn as the deranged, yet clever villain. Watson and Brühl are both doing a great job, even if the bond between their characters isn't as powerful, or genuine as it should be.

[8.00/10] Train to Busan (2016)

Train to Busan (2016)

Quick Review: If you're craving for a cinematic journey that is exciting, clever, staggering, moving, fun, and running on a high-speed rail, then "Train to Busan" is the right trip to take - featuring rabidly gory zombie attacks, nifty and masterfully-staged action scenes, and lots of emotional moments involving its grounded and sorely humane characters, who help and care for each other in their fight for survival, Yeon Sang-ho's Korean zombie sensation is a two-hour thrill ride you'll hardly forget.

[6.00/10] Blood Father (2016)

Blood Father (2016)

Quick Review: Trashy-looking, yet visually stylish in its own way, "Blood Father" may be old-fashioned in its approach, but it would still feel like a 'breath of fresh air' to all the action junkies hungry for something rather classic, as it is a finely-paced chase flick with big guts that has enough thrills and frantic action to keep you engaged. That said, the movie owes most of its success to star Gibson, and his forceful performance as the former prisoner, rebuilding the bond with his unruly daughter.

[6.25/10] The Neon Demon (2016)

The Neon Demon (2016)

Quick Review: As magnetizing and splendid to look at as its gorgeous, innocent, yet confident protagonist, played by the mesmerizing Fanning, who draws instant attention with her angelic looks, "The Neon Demon" is an odd story about rivalry and envy in the modelling world that has more to show rather then to tell, being too uneventful till the shocking final act. The moody tone it generates with its contrasting neon colors, and clever lighting gives it a dreamy, yet dread-soaked feel throughout.

[4.75/10] Friend Request (2016)

Friend Request (2016)

Quick Review: As relevant as it is gimmicky, this 'social media' horror uses Facebook as its main tool for success in an impertinent way, but it never manages to benefit from that, as it has so much going on about itself, it loses control on the various horror elements it's trying to handle, resulting in huge supernatural mess with cyber twist that fails to generate any proper tension. There are some effective 'jump' scares, and sinister imagery, but those barely make up for its many other flaws.

[6.25/10] The Man Who Knew Infinity (2016)

The Man Who Knew Infinity (2016)

Quick Review: Watching this finely shot biopic drama, you cannot help but predict where it will go from very early on, including how it will all end, because of its very by-the-numbers plotting, but the formulaic approach barely makes "The Man Who Knew Infinity" less engrossing or inspiring, thanks to Brown's spot-on direction, and the terrific acting from Irons and Patel, with the latter truly inhabiting the likable, and bright-minded Hindi genius in mathematics.

[6.50/10] Imperium (2016)

Imperium (2016)

Quick Review: Equally intelligent, disturbing, and gritty, "Imperium" is an extraordinarily well-written thriller, driven by engrossing dialogues, and exploring difficult themes of racism, and terror, whose fairly simple, but finely thought-out story has enough suspense to string you along from beginning to end. Radcliffe's brilliant turn shows how much he has grown in terms of acting since Harry Potter, but it's Collette that steals each and every scene she appears in with her truly feisty performance.

[5.25/10] Pete's Dragon [3D] (2016)

Pete's Dragon [3D] (2016)

Quick Review: Apart from some solid, if unimpressive CGI creature effects, and a precisely-picked cast full of talent, most of whom either don't have enough screen time, or much to work with, "Pete's Dragon" is juvenile affair with by-the-number plotting, devoid of ideas, originality, and creativity that elder audiences may find tiresome, and not even the relationship between Pete, and his fellow dragon is that poignant, not to mention the execution of the whole film is incredibly lifeless.

[6.50/10] Risen (2016)

Risen (2016)

Quick Review: A more toned-down version of 'The Greatest Story Ever Told', if hardly as gripping as some of the finest faith-based films such a "The Passion of the Christ", yet still truly absorbing, "Risen" depicts the resurrection of Jesus from a never-seen-before point of view, and also creates some controversy, because of the casting choice of the Messiah but fails to reach cinematic heights. However, this skilfully-photographed biblical drama is worth-watching for the superb acting alone.

[6.25/10] Florence Foster Jenkins (2016)

Florence Foster Jenkins (2016)

Quick Review: Shot with precision, and great attention to detail, Frear's biopic is visually exquisite, flaunting high-end production values, and the one and only Meryl Streep leads the film with yet another show-stopping performance as the deluded, if very likable title character, but "Florence Foster Jenkins" barely rises above average, being only mildly amusing, and somewhat incapable to engage fully with its rather unmemorable, if oddly pleasurable story.

[6.75/10] Bad Moms (2016)

Bad Moms (2016)

Quick Review: Yes, it does slip into predictable cheesiness towards the end with the whole 'positive turn out of events' thing, plus, some of the raunchy jokes, though truly hilarious may be far too cynical for some, but thanks to Kunis' charm and appeal, and the amusing supporting cast, all having so much fun with a script full of hysterical dialogues, "Bad Moms" never fails to bring the big laughs, and even touch with its story, which many full-time, and single moms will find ironically relatable. 

[7.75/10] The Shallows (2016)

The Shallows (2016)

Quick Review: Benefiting from its natural surroundings, Serra's latest is all about the pretty visuals at first, featuring beautifully-captured beach scenery, and state-of-the-art surfing sequences, but once the Big White gets involved, "The Shallows" grows into an exciting, highly taut survival thriller that alternates nasty, hyper- intense shark attacks with moments exposing the physical and emotional struggles of the determined female protagonist, played outstandingly by the alluring Blake Lively.