Quick Reviews: 2015 Movies [PART 05]

The Green Inferno (2015) - Eli Roth's latest does posses a certain shock value, and it is so gruesomely graphic, it leaves nothing to imagination, but on the other hand, this cannibal splatter is everything but frightening, as it offers nothing but extreme gore. (5.50/10)

The Lobster (2015) - Its peculiar originality in terms of both concept and execution can't be denied, and the intentionally stiff, at times even bland acting is somewhat refreshing, but on the other hand, this real weirdo of a film is too moody, and pretentious. (5.75/10)

Steve Jobs (2015) - Certainly a good movie, if hardly an enjoyable one, "Steve Jobs" is busy, talky, and nerdy, but it doesn't possess the depth it's supposed to, and it somewhat tiresome most of the time, except for the final act, which is very emotional. (6.00/10)

Goosebumps (2015) - It is one of those 'horror' movies that could scare only a kid, and yet, with its enjoyable story, charming characters, brisk pacing, and delightfully cartoonish creature effects, "Goosebumps" is a fun ride that never fails to entertain. (6.50/10)

Victoria (2015) - The shot-in-a-single-take technique is remarkable, and give the movie a genuine feel of gritty realism, plus, the fact that it shifts from a moody romance to an insanely intense heist thriller turns it into a roller-coaster ride riddled with twists. (7.00/10)

Spectre (2015) - While certainly not the strongest Bond film from the Craig era, "Spectre" is still one with lot of thought put into it, as despite its uneven pacing, it remains an engrossing spy thriller with great action scenes, done in classic, if edgy style. (7.00/10)

Concussion (2015) - A bit too by-the-numbers, therefore predictable, yet compelling nonetheless, this is a superbly-acted and beautifully-filmed based-on-a-real-story drama that is on one hand genuinely inspirational, but on the other somehow disturbing. (7.25/10)

The Big Short (2015) - It i not easy to follow, the intentionally sloppy zoom-ins and outs are distracting, and some of the economical terms are very hard to get, but this is nevertheless a cleverly put together financial drama, as well as a true eye-opener. (7.25/10)

The Little Prince (2015) - Much like its source material, it's a bit odd and peculiar, but also adorable, and truly heartwarming, plus, the stop motion animation is every bit as stunning as the CGI one, and they both breathe life into the characters extraordinarily. (7.25/10)

The Walk (2015) - Offering visual thrills big enough to give you a huge adrenaline rush, and make your heart pound, an aspiring, if not inspiring true story that will hold your attention, and superb performance by Levitt, "The Walk" is a rarely exciting feature. (7.75/10)

Quick Reviews: 2015 Movies [PART 04]

Son of Saul (2015) - Shot at a 4:3 aspect ratio for more authenticity that mostly works against it in terms of viewing experience, "Son of Saul" is an extremely difficult film to watch, due to its heavy subject matter, and because it's, well, far from gripping. (6.00/10)

Carol (2015) - Basically plotless, and not particularly appealing to look at, because of the dull cinematography, yet amazingly well-acted by both Blanchett and Mara, "Carol" is watchable, well-made, and very seductive, albeit sadly, not at all that involving. (6.50/10)

The Good Dinosaur (2015) - Not half as inventive as Pixar's previous hit "Inside Out", and arguably the least visually impressive feature from the studio so far, yet still cute, kind-hearted and utterly adorable, "The Good Dinosaur" will win the children over. (6.75/10)

Dope (2015) - Tastefully crafted with flair, originality, and also a touch of quirk, but also clever, thoughtful, and refreshingly nostalgic in terms of visuals, because of its colorful '90s retro vibe, "Dope" is dope for sure, and proabably 'too cool for school'. (6.75/10)

The Hateful Eight (2015) - It may be Tarantino's laziest, most overwritten, and least satisfying effort yet, but he balances it out with some stylized over-the-top violence, slick cinematography and top-notch performances from the impressive ensemble cast. (7.00/10)

Ip Man 3 (2015) - The dramatic parts are surprisingly touching, and the fight sequences are thrilling, expertly-choreographed and performed to perfection, but the plot is slightly offbeat and way too by-the-numbers to surpass its excellent predecessors. (7.00/10)

Bridge of Spies (2015) - An intelligent film-making at its finest, "Bridge of Spies" is a neatly-paced, deeply engaging spy thriller, led by Tom Hanks' great performance, that owes its nice look to the slick cinematography, and outstanding production design. (7.50/10)

Room (2015) - Although pretty uncomfortable to watch in its quietly dark and disturbing first half, set in a single filthy room, "Room" becomes very rewarding later on, in a way you have to experience to understand. Both leads make the movie unforgettable! (7.50/10)

Sicario (2015) - Equally gritty and stylish in terms of visuals, "Sicario" is a focused, electrifying, and intelligently-scripted thriller that relies on so much more than just the action, as it has a few clever tricks up its sleeve, and a talented cast that carries it out. (8.00/10)

The Revenant (2015) - Worth-seeing for the truly breathtaking scenery alone, Innaritu's survival revenge thriller may be a bit hard to sit through at times, but it's also thrilling, masterfully-shot, and fueled by two of the very best male performances of 2015. (8.50/10)

Quick Reviews: 2015 Movies [PART 03]

Sinister 2 (2015) - Crafted with zero originality and imagination, utterly contrived, and not even remotely scary, the unnecessary and pointless "Sinister 2" is a big step down from the original, and one of the messiest, silliest horror films you'll ever see. (3.75/10)

The Final Girls (2015) - It pays homage to the trashy '80s slashers in a creative and refreshing way that makes it stand out from the crowd, but on the other hand, "The Final Girls" is too cheesy, and sloppily-made to leave any long-lasting impressions. (4.75/10)

Victor Frankenstein (2015) - The production design is nothing short of ravishing, and the relationship between Victor and Igor is intriguing, but this messy film fails to deliver the thrills it is expected to, nor it manages to add anything to the classic story. (5.00/10)

Goodnight Mommy (2015) - More observant viewers will figure out the twist sooner than they should, but nevertheless, "Goodnight Mommy" is still a disturbing experience, filled with violence and dread that will make you think about it long after it ends. (6.25/10)

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 (2015) - The overwhelmingly shocking "lizard mutts" scene is a definite WOW, but that's the only real highlight in this passable and finely-executed, if mostly unsatisfying finale to the globally well-acclaimed series. (6.25/10)

Anomalisa (2015) - Not only it has more soul than most live-action films out there, but Kaufman's oddball, superby-crafted animation also exudes more credibility and realism, and although very slow-moving, "Anomalisa" remains engaging for the most part. (6.75/10)

The Second Mother (2015) - Regina Casé's genuine, honest and truly heartfelt performance as Val is what makes this Brazilian drama so great to watch, down-to-earth, and beautiful in its simplicity, however, do not expect to see the greatest film ever. (7.00/10)

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015) - Gomez-Rejon's filming style is quirky and often mesmerizing, and adds freshness to this poignant and sweet dramedy, but it's the young cast and their wonderful performances that make this film so very emotional. (7.25/10)

Creed (2015) - Soft and gritty at the same time, "Creed" is basically a clever, perfectly-paced "Rocky" spin-off with some fresh ideas to help it stand out, and a skillfully cutting-edge cinematography, especially during the brutal, superbly thrilling final fight. (7.25/10)

Brooklyn (2015) - Accurately depicting the life of Irish immigrants in the US in the '50s, "Brooklyn" is a touching personal story with huge heart, and authentic looks, further elevated by the sensual acting by Ronan, who gives the performance of her life. (7.75/10)

Quick Reviews: 2015 Movies [PART 02]

The Perfect Guy (2015) - The attractive cast makes it watchable for the most part, but their charm just can't cover up the countless cliches this predictable, flat thriller is built on, plus, Rosenthal's often lazy direction makes it a little bit of a snore-fest. (4.50/10)

Howl (2015) - For a low-budget, werewolf B movie, "Howl" looks decent enough, and the gore and practical effects are spot-on, but most of the characters are hardly likable at all, which kind of makes them instantly forgettable, as it is the movie itself. (5.25/10)

Monster Hunt (2015) - Although too goofy even for an ancient Chinese action comedy, it's enjoyable to watch, thanks to the funny characters, cute, cartoonish creatures, and solid, fun-to-watch fight sequences that inject great energy into the feature. (6.00/10)

The Visit (2015) - A definite step in the right direction for Shyamalan, his latest oddball horror flick is as funny as it is creepy, but the word that describes it perfectly is disturbing. That said, "The Visit" may be too slow moving for most horror enthusiasts. (6.25/10)

Krampus (2015) - Even though it doesn't have much of a bite and it's a bit too over-the-top, "Krampus" is a fun creature feature, wrapped in a creepy Christmas spirit, that successfully blends mythology and modern horror in one crazy, yet messy story. (6.50/10)

45 Years (2015) - Slow, simple, profoundly touching, and devoid of any unnecessary sentiments, and manipulative drama gimmicks, "45 Years" does a superb job at exploring the doubts in a half-century-lasting love, complemented by remarkable acting. (6.75/10)

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) - A bit too overhyped, and frankly not as visually impressive as it should be, yet still satisfactory to a certain extend, Episode VII owes a huge part of its success to the talented Daisy Ridley, who actually makes it exciting. (6.75/10)

The Danish Girl (2015) - The uncomfortable subject matter may not be everyone's cup of tea, but this beautifully-crafted drama is still worth-seeing for its looks, and stellar acting from Eddie Redmayne and Alicia Vikander, who both deliver their best. (7.25/10)

99 Homes (2015) - Gripping from beginning to the end, and with high level of intensity, but above all brilliantly-acted by its two capable leads, "99 Homes" is a contemporary rags-to-riches drama many viewers can relate to and/or appreciate its morals. (7.50/10)

Liza, the Fox-Fairy (2015) - Quirky, colorful, and truly one of a kind, this Hungarian black comedy with retro vibe, and an exotic Asian flavor often feels like Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Wes Anderson's cinematic lovechild, and something you'll not soon forget. (7.75/10)

Quick Reviews: 2015 Movies [PART 01]

The Last Witch Hunter (2015) - The opening sequence is entertaining, and beyond promising, but sadly, this turns out to be the only good thing about this cheese-fest, wrongly set in modern days, as it's neither scary, nor fun, nor even so-bad-it's good. (4.50/10)

Vacation (2015) - Okay, there are one or two very hilarious moments in this unnecessary reboot of the popular comedic franchise, but "Vacation" fails to take advantage of its talented cast, as they have to work with a mediocre script that ruins the movie. (5.00/10)

Sisters (2015) - This movie is just nuts. And not at all in a good way. Even though Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are always great together, this time not even they manage to handle the crazy mess happening on screen. At least "Sisters" has heart. (5.50/10)

Entourage (2015) - So restless, it's almost too much to handle at times, "Entourage" often feels like one very long episode of the popular TV series, but not  in a bad way -- the cast is spot-on, the energy is great, and it possesses the 'cool factor'. (5.75/10)

Everest (2015) - Neither bad, nor particularly exceptional, "Everest" will hold your interest throughout for what it is, but if you expect big thrills, you may end up very disappointed. One the other hand, it can't be denied the the film is very realistic. (6.25/10)

The Wave (2015) - This surprisingly effective Norwegian disaster flick not only fully benefits from the breathtaking location it is set in, but it flaunts amazing character development, and boasts some spot-on CGI work. The intensity level is insane. (6.75/10)

Spotlight (2015) - Well-made, superbly-acted, and definitely significant, "Spotlight" is a memorable movie, indeed. That said, the tough subject matter makes it difficult to watch at times, despite the subtlety of it. Plus, it all feels somewhat very familiar. (7.00/10)

The Gift (2015) - Grim in tone, constantly intriguing, and full of twists and turns, "The Gift" is a simply great debut feature by actor-director Joel Edgerton, even if it's far from thoroughly original. The suspense will keep you glued to the screen, though. (7.25/10)

The Intern (2015) - It's fair to say, "The Intern" is a pure crowd-pleaser, as it does an amazing job at balancing humor and drama, providing as many laughs, as it does emotional moments. De Niro and Hathaway work amazing together, and both deliver! (7.50/10)

The Martian [3D] (2015) - Unexpectedly funny, clever in its approach, and truly well-crafted, "The Martian" is hands down one of 2015's best movies, all thanks to Ridley Scott's capable direction, and Damon's stellar 'one man show' performance. (8.00/10)

[4.75/10] Dark Was the Night (2015)

Dark Was the Night (2015)

Quick Review: The final act brings some solid, if familiar thrills, Kevin Durand's mesmerizing charisma is what makes the film watchable, and unlike the questionable CGI effects, the practical creature ones are very passable, but "Dark Was the Night" still has such a moody atmosphere, sluggish pacing, and unattractively bleak visuals, and it uses so many overly familiar plot devices, it leaves a bad taste in the mouth, as none of the director's efforts to make it good really pay off in the end.

[6.25/10] Burnt (2015)

Burnt (2015)

Quick Review: The somber tone does not feel right, and much like a burnt meal, it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth, nor it does go well with the subject matter, since cooking is supposed to be big fun even under pressure, and Cooper does not play the most likable character ever, but on the other hand the rivalry and all of the interactions are intriguing, the quick-cut editing during the intense cooks gives it both edge and style, and everyone involved are beyond convincing as top chefs.

[7.25/10] Crimson Peak (2015)

Crimson Peak (2015)

Quick Review: What starts off as a typical period ghost story, smoothly transforms into something way more visceral in terms of terror, and the end result is an unsettling blend of sheer dread and dark romance with a twist, that succeeds vastly due to del Toro's strong visual storytelling. Everything from the slick production design to the murky cinematography makes "Crimson Peak" one of the most atmospheric horror films ever made that also benefits largely from its undeniably gifted cast.

[6.50/10] In the Heart of the Sea [3D] (2015)

In the Heart of the Sea [3D] (2015)

Quick Review: The huge contrast between the adventurous and fairly exciting first half and the difficult-to- watch and rarely compelling second one is so drastic, it basically kills the film's potential for epicness midway through, and makes it uneven. That said, the delightfully old-school style of storytelling is to be admired, the acting is really hard to fault and the 3D visuals are so sweepingly pretty they will take your breath away. Too bad the film lacks impact.

[3.25/10] The Gallows (2015)

The Gallows (2015)

Quick Review: Effective only at the very end, "The Gallows" is basically cursed to hang out and collect dust on the shelves, as it has nothing to offer, other than shaky camera work that will make you dizzy, a bunch of obnoxious characters you'd love to see dead at any point, and one or two scares so cheap, they feel more like failed attempts at such. Instead of creating an ominous atmosphere, the low-key lightning cheapens the visuals, and shows that this film has technical issues as well.

[5.75/10] Turbo Kid (2015)

Turbo Kid (2015)

Quick Review: Very nostalgic, very 80s, and very cool, if very sloppy in terms of execution, "Turbo Kid" is a post-apocalyptic flick that celebrates everything viewers loved about the cheap sci-fi flicks from the decade it pays cinematic tribute to, but those unfamiliar with it may find it tedious, amateurish, and too 'old-school' for their tastes. The colorful props, and objects pop out against the barren scenery, the score is a winner, and the acting is just over-the-top as the gore it splatters all over.

[4.50/10] Aloha (2015)

Aloha (2015)

Quick Review: With its bright color palette, that finely reflects the feel of the setting, and all of the references to this pretty location and its culture, "Aloha" succeeds as a 'love letter' to Hawaii but what distracts from that is the purposeless and incoherent plot which consists of dull romance, and an implausible 'revenge' back story, that never fit together well. And with so many great names amongst the cast, this film is pretty much a waste of talent, as the script fails to cope with all that 'star power'.

[6.50/10] Southpaw (2015)

Southpaw (2015)

Quick Review: Being pretty by-the-numbers, hence, easy to predict for the most part, it fails to distinguish itself from all the rest sports dramas of this type, but thanks to Fugua's sleek visual style, and Gyllenhaal's ability to turn a good story into great one, through his superb acting and real dedication, "Southpow" remains involving from beginning to the end, while also striking a huge emotional punch. The boxing matches are the real deal, and the biggest highlight of this finely-crafted film.

[7.25/10] Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015)

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015)

Quick Review: Moving along at a taut pace for the most part and filled with heart-racing action set-pieces, but also carrying loads of dramatic weight to balance it all up, "Scorch Trials" is a bigger, scarier, and way more mature successor to the great original, if not necessarily superior, as it runs out of steam towards the end. It makes up for that with strong performances, and some beautifully gritty post-apocalyptic imagery. The 'mouse scene' is a killer!

[5.00/10] Creep (2015)

Creep (2015)

Quick Review: Far from scary, but totally disturbing, "Creep" lives up to its title 100%, owing all of that to Mark Duplass, who turns in a totally nutty performance as the seemingly friendly, yet obsessive troubled man skillfully manipulating his victims with his confusing behavior. It all comes across very credibly through Brice's camera, who also directs the movie. However, the fact that "Creep" takes quite some time to warm up can't be neglected, plus, it looks awful even for a 'found footage' film.

[3.00/10] Contracted: Phase II (2015)

Contracted: Phase II (2015) 

Quick Review: The funny thing is, this very useless sequel pretty much suffers from the exact same issues it so-so predecessor does -- it never explains what causes the infection, showing just the consequences of it, which is frustrating. On top of that, "Phase II" attempts to include some poorly-developed crime elements in it, which further bring it down, along with the poor acting. The only good thing is it delivers the gross out gore everyone's expecting to.

[6.25/10] Magic Mike XXL (2015)

Magic Mike XXL (2015)

Quick Review: Playing as a road movie -- a sassy, yet rather frivolous one, "Magic Mike XXL" is a passably enjoyable sequel, created mostly to make ladies happy, and guys pretty jealous, in which it succeeds, even if its so-so plot is, as expected, just an excuse for its well-built characters to take all of their cloths off and dance. Speaking of which, Tatum yet again proves he's got the moves, with his routines being the best parts of the film, which in the end owes all of its charms to the cool cast.

[5.00/10] Attack on Titan (2015)

Attack on Titan (2015)

Quick Review:Die-hard fans of the Japanese manga books, anime TV series, and video game of the same name will get almost everything they bargain for, but those unfamiliar with the source material may find "Attack on Titan" a bit unbalanced and hard to enjoy, due to its sluggish pacing, as it ranges from slow, and talky to extremely chaotic, and even though it cares for its characters and brings equal amounts of thrilling action and uncompromising terror, this contrast kills the intensity it aims.

[8.25/10] Tale of Tales (2015)

Tale of Tales (2015)

Quick Review: Delightfully twisted in nature, obscure in tone, and even grimmer than any Grimm story ever told, "Tale of Tales" is far from being your typical 'happily ever after' fairy tale, telling three different stories, all of which equally as dark, freaky, and bizarre, that are effective enough on their own, but combined turn the film into a unique and deeply compelling experience, you will not soon forget, and not just because of its lavish art direction, slick cinematography, and stellar international cast.

[6.50/10] Monk Comes Down the Mountain (2015)

Monk Comes Down the Mountain (2015)

Quick Review: Kaige's latest tries to blend one too many genres in it, and as a result the whole thing feels a bit messy and unbalanced, but at least the unusual style of storytelling makes it far from predictable. Due to the superb wire-work, sharp editing, and creative choreography, the fight sequences end up being best parts, and, luckily there are plenty of them. Moreover, "Monk" cares as much for its secondary characters as it does for its quirky protagonist.