[6.75/10] Dumbo [3D] (2019)

Dumbo [3D] (2019) 

Quick Review: Dexterously-crafted and sumptuous to look at, Burton's somber rendition of Disney's classic has his signature murky tone written all over it, which perfectly reflects the sad nature of its emotional story with a powerful moral message, and though it drags a bit, "Dumbo" is a charming and poignant fantasy flick that benefits from its talented cast, beautifully vintage visuals and pitch- perfects CGIs with cartoonish touch, but above all a lovable title charater you can't help but adore.

[8.25/10] Mirage (2019)

Mirage (2019)

Quick Review: Another finely-cast, cleverly-conceived, and deftly-made thriller from the Spanish mastermind Oriol Paulo, but with sci-fi touch for a change, "Mirage" uses its intricate time-wrap-driven narrative structure to skillfully unveil the mystery behind its enthralling story, taking place in 2 parallel universes which seamlessly merge together in the very end, and deliver an increasingly suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat thrilling cinematic experience with one staggering twist and turn after the other.

CineMarvellous!' TOP 10 Most Disappointing Movies of 2018

2018 offered some really great films, indeed, but respectively, some pretty disappointing ones as well. Yes, disappointing doesn't necessarily means terrible, but these particular movies left a really bad taste in our mouths, as they all failed to live up to our expectations in one way or another. Here's our TOP 10 list of Most Disappointing Movies of 2018...

What were yours?

[6.25/10] The Dirt (2019)

The Dirt (2019)

Quick Review: Undoubtedly aptly- titled, "The Dirt" depicts the story of the infamous rock band Mötley Crüe in scandalous fashion, exposing the darkest, filthiest, lowest moments of the mostly degrading members and the group as a whole, and though it's utterly stereotypical and by-the-numbers in its narrative and none of the characters is particularly likable, this musical biopic is 'trashy fun' in a rockstar kind of way, not to mention it manages to convey some genuine emotions in the third act.

[7.50/10] Capernaum (2018)

Capernaum (2018)

Quick Review: As realistic highly as a movie can get, and with almost a documentary-like feel due to the gritty shooting style and washed out color palette, "Capernaum" depicts sheer poverty and life struggles so credibly trough its fascinating story, it's a tough watch by all means, but thanks to the clever, vigorous, full- of-life protagonist Zain, played so believably and convincingly by the 12-year-old Al Rafeea, this Lebanse drama remains engrossing despite its depressing essence.

[6.00/10] A Dog's Way Home (2019)

A Dog's Way Home (2019)

Quick Review: All pet lovers will definitely find it adorable, probably for a reason, as the lead is as much super-cute as a baby as is it as grown-up, not to say how smart and loyal it really is, and despite all the corniness written all over it, and the cheesy CGIs in particular scenes, "A Dog's Way Home" is still a feel-good 'comeback' story with loads of heart, lovable animals, some laughs, and nice shooting locations that focuses more on the sweet animals and less on the humans involved.

[6.50/10] Girl (2018)

Girl (2018)

Quick Review: As gentle and frail as its delicate subject matter, this Flemish transgender coming-of-age drama is refreshingly open-minded in its approach, which gives the whole 'sex change journey' an oddly normal feel, and this is exactly what makes "Girl" so special, despite its sluggish pace, along with Polster's astonishing physical transformation as Lara and his natural acting talent which makes you believe 100% that his disheartened character dreams to become a real female.

[6.75/10] Triple Threat (2019)

Triple Threat (2019)

Quick Review: Although it doesn't completely utilize or showcase the remarkable skills of its international all-martial-arts-stars cast, who are equally as brilliant in their own style, "Triple Threat" is still a true kick-ass of an action thriller with a seemingly generic, but unexpectedly intriguing cat'n'mouse-like plot, a few thrilling, gory, and hard-hitting fights midway through and especially towards the end, and some plausible chemistry between its multicultural and pretty sympathetic trio of leads.

[3.50/10] Holmes & Watson (2018)

Holmes & Watson (2018)

Quick Review: Not only this dud of a film insults the legacy of Holmes and his protege, making them both look like complete and utter morons, but "Holmes & Watson" is also so painfully unfunny, it's a crime to be labelled as comedy, and fra from intriguing to be a proper mystery, not to mention the otherwise gifted cast is totally wasted by the dumb script they have to work with. That said, for such a terrible movie, this one looks surprisingly fine in terms of production standards.

[6.00/10] Darkness Visible (2019)

Darkness Visible (2019) 

Quick Review: Although it never gets proper scary, this supernatural horror, spiced-up with oriental Indian flavor that gives the tone a further gritty and ominous feel, thanks to the Hindi settings which carry their own 'cultural' ambience, "Darkness Visible" fails to deliver memorable frights, but succeeds in maintaining the mystery around its twisty plot, offering just enough suspense and throwing enough curveballs to keep you gripped till the witchy finale with some shocking reveals.

[6.25/10] The New King of Comedy (2019)

The New King of Comedy (2019)

Quick Review: A finely-measured and surprisingly touching dramedy that's equal part's funny and sad, Stephen Chow's latest may lack the quirky creativity of his earlier work, but in spite of its simplicity and the often overly goofy humor, "The New King of Comedy" tells an involving story of an unlucky, yet determined and likable wannabe actress with a never-give-up attitude, and her hard way to success, filled with bullying, rejection, and betrayal.

[6.50/10] Triple Frontier (2019)

Triple Frontier (2019)

Quick Review: Sure, it scratches the surface plausibility-wise, due to its often over-the-top plot, and the narrative itself is as bumpy as the characters' hard journey, but "Triple Frontier" features an engaging all- male all-star cast you cannot take your eyes off, brutal shoot-em-up action scenes, and quite possibly one of the sleekest, most beautiful cinematography in any heist movie, thanks to the precise camera work, glorious shooting locations, spot-on lighting, and slick filters.

[6.25/10] Isn't It Romantic (2019)

Isn't It Romantic (2019)

Quick Review: Juxtaposing the un- romantic grayness of real world with the it's-all-so-colorful 'faux' vibe of romantic films in fun, humorous, and visually contrasting fashion, "Isn't It Romantic" is a refreshingly satirical rom-com that parodies pretty much each and every cliche in the sappy genre with mostly hilarious results, with the charming and clumsy, but never awkward Rebel Wilson being as funny as always in a seemingly unsuitable role, which she pulls off shamelessly effortlessly.

[6.75/10] Captain Marvel [3D] (2019)

Captain Marvel [3D] (2019)

Quick Review: Lacking any action spectacle until the blasting final act, and with CGIs that are rarely 'wow', "Captain Marvel" is no visual marvel, though it charms with its '90s vibe, plus, despite its directors' attempts to put a feminist twist and shake up its plot, the 'origin story' formula still feels overly familiar, not to say that Larson is never fully invested in the character, and yet, MS' first female superhero film has some emotional weight to it, enough thrills, and a few funny bits along the way.

[6.75/10] Lords of Chaos (2019)

Lords of Chaos (2019)

Quick Review: Explicitly displaying everything, from Satan worshiping and self-harming to church burnings and gruesome homicides, "Lords of Chaos" lives up to its title in a truly unsettling manner, by representing a dark era in the Black Metal music history filled with vastly outrageous violence and mayhem to the point of extremity, but also telling an oddly intriguing story about the big rivalry between two metal band members that goes so out of control, it is too shocking to bear calmly.

George Beremov's TOP 20 Best-Reviewed Movies of 2018

[click on the title to read the quick review]

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1. Shadow (9.50/10)

Quote: "...a mesmerizing wuxia epic with profound characters, whose intricate intrigue-driven story with an elegant touch of romance is elevated by breathtaking set pieces..."

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2. The Night Comes for Us (9.25/10)

Quote: "...manifesting one of the most fierce, gory, ruthless and deftly -executed fights ever put on screen, without compromising on its rousing plot and audacious characters..."

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3. Black Panther [3D] (9.25/10)

Quote: "...this origin story screams 'black power' in every scene, offering a dazzling 3D imagery of Wakanda which perfectly blends 
the traditional and futuristic..."

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4. Mission: Impossible - Fallout [3D] (9.25/10)

Quote: "...it provokes with a tricky plot full of twists, captures the eye with its diverse locations, and stuns with its astonishing 
no-green-screen stunt sequences..."

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5. Hereditary (9.00/10)

Quote: "...the most disturbing, twisted, and harrowing, horror film in years, benefiting from its twisted approach, sinister visuals, vague tone, hauntingly tense score, and Collette's stellar turn..."

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6. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse [3D] (9.00/10)

Quote: "...visual treat full of life, humor, energy and heart that brings our Spidey back to his playful comic book roots, delivering heaps of fun, thrills, and kinetic action."

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7. Avengers: Infinity War [3D] (9.00/10)

Quote: "...an emotional roller-coaster that is as funny and thrilling, as it somber and dramatic in a game -changing way, "Infinity War" is the ultimate superhero nirvana..."

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8. The Incredibles 2 [3D] (8.75/10)

Quote: "...a more than worthy spot-on sequel, "Incredibles 2" effortlessly balances out some classic family-friendly plot elements with genuine laughs, and superhero thrills..."

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9. Deadpool 2 (8.50/10)

Quote: "Delightfully violent, shamelessly cheeky, full of spot-on movie references, and tying with the X-Men universe in a funny manner, "Deadpool 2" is a blast of a "family" sequel..."

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10. A Quiet Place (8.50/10)

Quote:  "...a near mute, yet deeply expressive horror feature that may demand patients at first, but the further it goes, and the quieter it gets, the scarier it actually becomes..."

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11. Border (8.25/10)

Quote: ""Border" works equally effectively as an unsettling crime drama and creature romance with a horror twist, offering a bizarre, compelling, emotional, and ominous experience..."

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12. Searching (8.25/10)

Quote: "Clever in concept, unique in execution, and brilliant in its voyeuristic approach,"Searching" takes full advantage of its relevant, technology-inspired premise..."

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13. Suspiria (8.00/10)

Quote: "...a mesmerizing experience with inexplicable depth, filled with constant sense of dread, in which Guadagnino's elevates the freaky nature of the source material one step further..."

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14. The Favourite (8.00/10)

Quote: "...delightfully melodramatic and viciously amusing lesbian love triangle of a story about rivalry, dominance, sexual seduction 
and masterful manipulation..."

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15. A Star is Born (8.00/10)

Quote: "...works greatly as both a rocky love story of vulnerability, passion, and commitment, as well as a catchy musical all about 
real music, vocals, and talent..."

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16. Green Book (7.75/10)

Quote: "Equal parts frank, genuine, funny, and touching, and featuring some of the best acting of 2018, with Mortensen's flawless turn as the flawed Tony being the driving force..."

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17. Ant-Man and the Wasp [3D] (7.75/10)

Quote: "Bright, lighthearted, humorous, energetic, and above all tons of mindless fun, the 20th entry in the MCU brings the much needed 
breath of fresh air..."

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18. Widows (7.75/10)

Quote: "...with the end result being an engrossing, intricate, and richly textured fusion of a feature, elevated by McQueen's 
competent direction..."

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19. Crazy Rich Asians (7.75/10)

Quote: "...silkily ties in old-fashioned romance, witty humor, and poignant family drama, while showing off the beauty of Singapore through its eye -candy production values..."

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20. The Hate U Give (7.75/10)

Quote: ""The Hate U Give"is an engrossing and profoundly impactful film, driven by Stenberg's outstanding turn as the fascinating, 
fierce, and fragile Starr."
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Honorable mentions:

A Simple Favor (7.75/10) and Annihilation (7.75/10)

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