[6.25/10] Battle: Los Angeles (2011)

Battle: Los Angeles (2011)

Brief review: Jonathan Liebesman's latest 'alien invasion' flick, "Battle: Los Angeles" falls slightly flat plot-wise, but it compensates with plentiful action, likable characters, and some moments that pack an emotional wallop. Liebesman uses a lot of fast zooms, quick cuts and shaky camera technique, in order to provide a more realistic feel to the movie, and although it's all a bit overused in places, his directional style mostly works. The VFX team behind "Skyline" has done an incredible job yet again, as the special effects in movie are simply astounding - the alien droids are deeply-detailed and skilfully designed, as are their imposing spaceships, and the post-apocalyptic setting of L.A. is as overwhelming as it's frightening. The action scenes are an elaborate blend of huge explosions, massive gun fights and sudden attacks, definitely worth-seeing on the big screen. Aaron Eckhart does does an adequate job as the fearless,loyal and dedicated US marine, though his characters is may be a bit too heroic. Despite his good looks, Ramon Rodriguez plays a rather unlikable character, that you may find hard to feel much sympathy for. However, all the supporting performances are believable and engaging enough to make you care about the characters.

Overall summary: Loud, fast-paced and heavy on explosive action, yet a bit muddled and slightly over-directed, "Battle: L.A." may not be as spectacular and entertaining as it thinks it is, but it still boasts plenty of impressive visual effects, and some truly great action set pieces.

[8.25/10] Made In Dagenham (2010)

Made In Dagenham (2010)

Brief review: Dealing with sexual discrimination under the slogan “Equal pay! Equal rights!”, "Made In Dagenham" is an incredibly uplifting experience, that inspires and informs, as well as entertains. The fantastic Sally Hawkins gives another tour-de-force performance as the sassy, temperamental Rita. Her quirky charm is so captivating, it's hard to take your eyes off of her. Jaime Winstone and Rosamund Pike both deliver outstanding supporting performances, and the lovely Miranda Richardson totally steals every scene she appears in. Nigel Cole, the creator of the wonderful "Calendar Girls" does an amazing job behind the camera - his direction is extremely focused and spot-on, and complimented nicely by Parker's flawless editing and David Arnold's joyous music score. "Dagenham" also succeeds visually. The retro production design is as authentic as it gets, and it represents the 60's era quite perfectly. John de Borman uses some warm color filters to achieve this slightly fuzzy, yet beautiful type of cinematography, and the yellow tint lighting gives an appropriately dated look to the film, which is very also appealing. Not to mention the chic costumes and the fancy hairstyles, that also add to the beauty of the movie.

Overall summary: Thoroughly inspiring, gorgeously-photographed, brilliantly-acted, and delightfully enjoyable and easy to watch, Nigel Cole's "Made In Dagenham" is truly a hidden cinematic gem, waiting to be discovered by all movie connoisseurs out there.

[3.75/10] The Dragon Pearl (2011)

The Dragon Pearl (2011)

Brief review: Proclaimed as the first-ever Chinese-Australian co-production, "The Dragon Pearl" seems like an interesting project, and very promising on paper, but sadly, its lackluster execution and director Mario Andreacchio's lack of ideas and imagination really let the film down - pretty much everything about this juvenile fantasy flick feels contrived and uninspired, to the point of being ridiculous. Another big surprise is that, despite its fair budget, "The Dragon Pearl" is quite unimpressive, visually, except that it offers plenty of beautiful landscapes. But, let's face it - a couple of stunning shots don't make a good movie. The Chinese dragon itself is kinda cute and friendly-looking, yet totally lame in terms of graphic design. The CGI effects are cheesy at best, the action sequences are few and far between, and the music score is annoyingly inappropriate. Aside from Mr. Sam Neill, all the other actors involved in this project are wildly unknown and inexperienced, and it shows. Neill does a typically decent job as the archeologist and Josh's father, but the otherwise adorable Li Lin Jin and Louis Corbett fail do impress in their roles. They both deliver their lines stiffly and react quite unnaturally in front of the camera, due to the lack of acting experience.

Overall summary: With its poorly-adapted script, unimaginative direction and sub-par acting, this unfortunate collaboration between China and Australia could be considered as a huge cinematic failure, as "The Dragon Pearl" offers nothing new or even remotely entertaining.

Guest Post: Melissa Bradley's "Dirty Dozen" - TOP 12 All-Time Favorite Movies

Hello, dear readers! Today is a very special day for me and my blog, because it’s time for the first-ever guest post on CineMarvellous!, and I’m truly honored that it comes from this particular person. I’m extremely happy to introduce you the absolutely lovely Melissa Bradley and her “Dirty Dozen” – the twelve most impactful films, that will stay with her forever. Enjoy the list – it’s as versatile and wonderful as Mel herself. So enjoy, and don’t forget to check out her fantastic blog - Melissa's Imaginarium.

Huge thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh for the "Dirty Dozen" thing, as it was originally his idea. He did a movie blogfest with that name a while ago, and it was amazing! I hope you don't mind I've used it, Alex :)

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Mel: "When George asked me to do a list of my twelve favorite movies, I was very flattered and excited. Then I was overwhelmed at the sheer size of this task, I have so many, many favorites. However, I managed to narrow the list to films that I have watched innumerable times and that have had a lasting impact on me. Here they are in no particular order, Mel’s Dirty Dozen"

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Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)

"This is my absolute favorite, laugh out loud film. Cary Grant has a gift for comedy that transcends. The writing is spectacular, filled with witty dialogue and all manner of humor from the dry to the slapstick. It shaped my love for dark comedy."

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Romeo and Juliet (1968)

"Franco Zeffirelli was an astounding filmmaker who captured the essence of the Bard in this lush, magnificent presentation. From the choices of Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting as the star-crossed lovers to Pasqualino De Santis as cinematographer, Zeffirelli creates the most stunningly epic translation of the tragic love story ever put on film. Every frame is gorgeous, sweeping the viewer straight into 16th century Verona."

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Star Wars: Episode IV
A New Hope (1977)

"This was the first movie I ever saw on the big screen. To this day Williams’ score sends thrills down my spine. I watch this movie with a child-like enthusiasm that has never faded. It’s a grand majestic tale with ground-breaking F/X for its time, that may seem a bit dated today, but to my eyes it’s still awesome."

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The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
(2001 - 2003)

"The greatest films ever. I love everything about this trilogy from the writing and acting to the cinematography, to the F/X and the costumes. It’s all brilliant, a sublime visual feast that completely transports you to another world. I had never seen anything like this before and haven’t since."

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Goodfellas (1990)

"My ultimate all time favorite gangster movie. I love the gritty realism, the violence and the raw, rude dialogue. Scorsese’s direction and Nicholas Pileggi’s writing blew me away. This film is why I love mob movies with such a passion."

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Glory (1989)

"One of the greatest war movies ever, in my opinion. The visionary direction, amazing acting and glorious score combine for a haunting tour de force. Freeman and Washington are perfection as disparate former slaves struggling to find their way with each other and in a racist army that does not accept them as real soldiers. I get caught up every time I see this movie, even though I know what happens."

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Mississippi Burning (1988)

"Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe mesmerize as two FBI agents who clash constantly over their investigation into the disappearance of three Civil Rights workers in 1964 Mississippi. Frances McDormand shines as the brow-beaten wife of the local deputy, played to evil perfection by Brad Dourif. Tense with explosive undercurrents throughout, Alan Parker’s film leaves me shaken and disturbed each time I watch it."

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The Howling (1981)

"I absolutely had to include a werewolf movie and this one is my favorite of all time. The transformation scene alone is brilliant. A couple of other flicks, An American Werewolf in London and Dog Soldiers have come close to supplanting this, but not quite. It’s a bit cheesy with a good mystery and has its female characters shockingly not acting like typical horror film bimbos."

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What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)

"This is one of my favorite Johnny Depp films. Gilbert’s struggle to care for his brother Arnie and his morbidly obese mother while trying to have a life of his own is heart wrenching. Lasse Hallstrom’s direction and Peter Hedge’s screenplay are wonderful. This is a uniquely strange story that could have easily been over the top, but Hallstrom kept it grounded and honest so that we all see ourselves in Gilbert."

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Silkwood (1981)

"Meryl Streep gives an amazing performance as Karen Silkwood. She’s a woman barely keeping her head above water, who rises to the occasion when she sees something wrong at the nuclear plant where she works. Mike Nichols directs this sentimentalized film, downplaying many the less pleasant aspects of Karen’s life, but it is a great story nonetheless."

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300 (2007)

"Zack Snyder wows with the story of King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans. The stylized violence and the epic action sequences are mind blowing. Then you have the sheer physical awesomeness of Gerard Butler, Michael Fassbender, Rodrigo Santoro and the rest of the cast. It is simply breathtaking on so many levels."

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Aliens (1986)

"One of James Cameron’s finest. Watching Sigourney Weaver kick alien ass is cool as hell. The action sequences are rapid fire, coming at you like speeding bullets. I feel like ducking and running with the characters. No matter how many times I watch this, the same excitement washes over me and I half expect to be handed my own pulse rifle."

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[8.25/10] Rango (2011)

Rango (2011)

Brief review: From the creator of the super-spooky "The Ring", and the wildly popular "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, here comes "Rango" - the most creative, witty and oddly enjoyable animated flick, released in the past couple of years. While "Rango" can't boast with great originality story-wise, its execution is so flawless and breathtakingly-brilliant, its plot weaknesses can be forgiven. Though it drags here and there and is a bit too moody in places, the story is well-paced, balancing action, narrative and dialogue quite nicely. The witty and cleverly-written script gives depth to the characters and their quirky, colorful personalities, and makes the audience feel connected to them. Furthermore, "Rango" is a true visual splendor! Gore Verbinski certainly has an eye for detail, and it shows. The animation is so masterfully-crafted and extraordinarily-detailed, you won't believe your eyes. Although the director avoids bright and vivid colors, and uses more muted color palette, the CGI sets are still eye-catching and quite beautiful, and each of the characters is stunningly-designed, if not exactly sweet or very charming. The action scene in the second half is definitely the highlight of the movie, along with Johnny Depp and Isla Fisher's spectacular voice acting.

Overall summary: Charmingly-bizarre, smartly-written and beautifully-crafted, "Rango" is undoubtedly one of the most visually-unique animated features ever created, and certainly the quirkiest one, and it will appeal to anyone with an open mind and great imagination.

[2.75/10] Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son (2011)

Big Mommas:
Like Father, Like Son (2011)

Brief review: John Whitesell, who has directed the terrible sequel to the 2000's "Big Momma's House", has made another directional mistake yet again, by bringing the comedic garbage "Like Father, Like Son", which makes the original seem like a masterpiece. Not only this second sequel is ridiculously formulaic, but its script is so unimaginative, and lacking in wit, it fails to deliver any laughs or a single memorable line. The characters couldn't be more stereotyped, hence the actors struggle to deliver or to be funny, mainly because they try to force the laughs in rather than let them play out naturally. Martin Lawrence has lost a lot of his charm and charisma, as in this movie, he feels kinds spent, and not interested in what he's doing. Worst of all, he's incredibly unfunny as Big Momma, even when he tries his best. B.T. Jackson is a notch better in his two-faced role as Trent / Charmaine, but his efforts don't always work out as planned, as he's either phony or too over-the-top. Jessica Lucas as Haley is the only likable character, but sadly, she doesn't have much to work with. Technically, "Like Father, Like Son" is also quite poor, as John Whitesell's direction is generic and nothing-to-write-home-about, and the production values are incredibly low and uninteresting.

Overall summary: Unsurprisingly stupid and painfully unfunny, "Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son" is just as unnecessary as its dreadful predecessor, and without a doubt the worst movie of 2011 so far.

Numerous QuickRatings PART 5: 2010 Movies [3]

Primal (2010)

QuickRating: Although the Australian bush provides a beautiful backdrop for this oddly intriguing story, and the acting from the young Aussie cast is decent at best, the film itself is almost ruined by an incompetent execution, so-so directing and weak script, and though it succeeds in the gore department, "Primal" fails to deliver genuine scares.

My Rating: 5.00/10

Jackass 3D (2010)

QuickRating: Featuring the best slow-mo sequences since "Zombieland"'s opening scene, and numerous incredible stunts, as well as some gross and even scary ones, "Jackass 3D" is three times crazier than its predecessors, and just as funny and entertaining, even though it's hardly watchable at times. Just see it.. if you dare.

My Rating: 5.75/10

Welcome to the Rileys (2010)

QuickRating: Grim, yet somewhat uplifting, "Welcome to the Rileys", can't boast with excellent production values or skillful direction, but it offers and original and emotionally-gripping story, and it features Kristen Stewart's best performance to date, a great turn by James Gandolfini, and an absolutely amazing supporting performance from Melissa Leo.

My Rating: 6.50/10

Another Year (2010)

QuickRating: Thoughtful, poignant and astoundingly acted, if rather slow-moving and overly simplistic, "Another Year" may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it offers a realistic glimpse of everyday life with its ups and lows, and shows how you can easily create your own happiness, if you believe in yourself, and if you're dedicated to the people you love.

My Rating: 7.25/10

[5.50/10] TRON: Legacy (2010)

TRON: Legacy (2010)

Brief review: First-time director, Joseph Kosinski, brings this unnecessary sequel to the 1982 'cult classic', "Tron", and despite its stylized update and the supposed-to-be-impressive visuals, "TRON: Legacy" fails to live up to the hype. "Legacy" suffers from the exact same problems as its predecessor - the more you speculate about the film's concept, the more ridiculous it becomes, plus, it takes itself way too seriously, which makes it even more ludicrous. The film lacks wit and humor completely, and it's joyless contains one the most lame dialogues I've ever heard in my life, poorly-delivered by the actors involved. Garrett Hedlund reminds me a lot of Hayden Christensen - he's just as handsome... and just as stiff. Jeff Bridges does a typically good jobs as Sam's father, Kevin Flynn, but he often feels out-of-place and not very interested in what he's doing. Olivia Wilde has a strong on-screen presence and she delivers an above average performance as the stunning Quorra. Michael Sheen is, well, miscast. Believe it or not, "TRON: Legacy" is just okay, visually. "The Games" scenes are the only highlight of this movie, as they're thrilling, startlingly action-packed and brilliantly-executed. However, the lackluster 'neon' visuals fails to represent the so-called digital world, as instead they give a rather gloomy and depressing feel to the movie. The CGI work is skillful, but not exactly groundbreaking. Not to mention the silly costumes and the overly stylish interior, which doesn't seem very appropriate for the world of Tron. At all. Daft Punk's original music score works in the film's favor, but unfortunately, their expertly-crafted, dark and exciting electronic music is not enough to save this lackluster effort from mediocrity.

Overall summary: Dull, poorly-written, badly-acted and surprisingly unspectacular, Joseph Kosinski's "TRON: Legacy" is like a bad club experience - it offers plenty of fancy neon lights, intended pomposity and loudness, but not enough fun and enjoyment.

Numerous QuickRatings PART 4: 2010 Movies [2]

Blue Valentine (2010)

QuickRating: Although Derek Cianfrance's debut feature "Blue Valentine" is a bit too depressing, moody and melancholic at times, it's still an emotionally involving, subtly-crafted, outstandingly-performed, and also a very daring film, that unveils the the inconvenient truth about never-lasting love, exploring an unfortunate love-turned-hate relationship.

My Rating: 7.50/10


Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (2010)

QuickRating: As silly as it sounds, yet thoroughly hilarious, "Tucker & Dale vs. Evil" could be considered as both a ridiculous mess, and an incredibly original horror comedy, injected with a huge dose of wit and humor, that shows how misunderstandings can lead to fatal consequences, in the funniest, goriest and bloodiest possible way.

My Rating: 6.25/10


Djinns (2010)

QuickRating: "Djinns"'s cast does an excellent job in their roles, its settings are incredibly atmospheric, it features some truly spooky images, and the grotesque violence doubles the horror, but sadly, the film never reaches its potential, and it's neither scary nor suspenseful enough to be considered a great horror movie, despite its flawless execution.

My Rating: 5.75/10


L'arnacoeur a.k.a.

Heartbreaker (2010)

QuickRating: The American rom-com filmmakers should learn some tricks from their French fellas, as "Heartbreaker" is so enjoyable, charming and fantastically-executed, it manages to deliver on many levels, despite its slightly cliched script, and it features a wonderfully-charismatic turn from Johnny Depp's beloved, the gorgeous Vanessa Paradis.

My Rating: 6.50/10

[9.50/10] Shaolin (2011)

Shaolin (2011)

Brief review: Benny Chan's latest effort, "Shaolin" is a martial arts movie with heart, brain and soul, and it delivers on almost every single level, as it manages to be dramatic, serious, funny and action-packed all at the same time, due to it's well-balanced and thought out script and pitch-perfect execution. Benny Chan is an incredibly versatile and very capable Asian filmmaker, and "Shaolin" is a significant projection of his talent, imagination and skills as a director. His positioning of the camera mount achieves a sensational diversity of camera angles, plus, the dynamic camera movements emphasis and enhance certain scenes. The action is just one of the film's major strengths. The fight sequences and the stunts are extremely high-octane, fast-paced, and briskly-shot and edited by the legendary action director Corey Yuen. Chung Chi Li also does a brilliant job with the choreography, as he increases the effect with a fair use of flawlessly-executed wire work and some polished CGIs. Visually, "Shaolin" also never fails to impress. The production design is as beautiful as it's authentic, and the refined, eye-candy greenish cinematography pleases the eye throughout the film. The intense, yet beautiful music score adds depth to the picture. The acting ranges from good to exceptional. The widely popular Andy Lau's delivers, arguably, the strongest performance of his career. He conveys different emotions with ease, and makes us really care about his evil-turned-good character, General Hou Jie. Jackie Chan brings comic relief, but without being over-the-top this time around. Each and every one of supporting actors also do an excellent job in portraying their characters and making them incredibly sympathetic and likable.

Overall summary: With its compelling story, brilliantly-portrayed characters, fantastic visuals and stupendous action sequences, Benny Chan's "Shaolin" ranks as one of the most accomplished, profoundly-engrossing and slickly-crafted martial arts movies ever made.

[6.50/10] Sanctum (2011)

Sanctum (2011)

Brief review: Alister Grierson's debut feature "Sanctum" may not shine with great originality or brilliant script, but it's a well-shot and consistently gripping adventure flick, that offers enough thrills and suspense to make for a satisfying experience. Basically, "Sanctum" is a fight for survival, and although it often takes itself way too seriously and lacks humor completely, it delivers almost everything it promises in terms of entertainment. Sadly though, the mostly unknown cast fails to impress. All the actors involved play a rather dull and badly-written characters, and as a result, they all give pretty lifeless and unengaging performances, and deliver their lines quite poorly and stiffly. However, "Sanctum" truly succeeds visually. The cave setting is as spectacular as it's utterly creepy, and it creates a very tense and claustrophobic atmosphere that will leave you gasping for air. The underwater scenes are nothing short of breathtaking, the Australian wilderness scenery is beautifully-captured by the first-time director Alister Grierson, and his cinematographer, Jules O'Loughlin, and the panoramic shots are just as fantastic. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see the 3D version, but even in an old-fashioned 2D, the movie looked absolutely striking.

Overall summary: Although "Sanctum" often 'acts' like it doesn't really care about its characters, and it's not without its flaws, it does an excellent job of establishing tension and it certainly delivers plenty of entertainment, and some stunningly-atmospheric visuals.

Numerous QuickRatings PART 3: 2010 Movies [1]

Hereafter (2010)

QuickRating: It may not be one of Clint Eastwood's strongest efforts, but "Hereafter" offers a thoroughly compelling and thought-provoking story that deals with the intriguing subject matter of 'after life', and it's elevated by its talented cast, Eastwood's smooth direction, the moody cinematography, and some truly impressive visual effects.

My Rating: 7.25/10



The Clinic (2010)

QuickRating: Slightly original and thoroughly disturbing, yet hardly credible and lacking in genuine suspense, "The Clinic" is a low-budget Australian horror flick, that may suffer from mediocre execution and sub-par directing, but it compensates with an efficient acting, plenty of mystery and intrigue, and enough shocks and gore to keep genre addicts contented.

My Rating: 6.50/10

Morning Glory (2010)

QuickRating: Far from great and often uneven, yet refreshingly sweet, charming and enjoyable, "Morning Glory" is a 'behind-the-scenes TV' comedy, that delivers both the laughs and the drama, led entirely by McAdams' captivating performance as the determined and ambitious Becky, and Ford's charismatic turn as the grumpy Mike Pomeroy.

My Rating: 6.50/10

Due Date (2010)

QuickRating: Just like Todd Phillips' previous effort "The Hangover", "Due Date" is just an overhyped comedy, that is neither as entertaining, nor as amusing as it thinks it is, and despite its two leads share a good chemistry on screen, the movie fails to impress, or to evoke any laughter, due to its painfully unfunny script and lackluster execution.

My Rating: 4.50/10

Numerous QuickRatings PART 2: 2009 Movies

Le Petit Nicolas (2009)

QuickRating: Original, quirky and thoroughly hilarious, "The Little Nicola" engages with its humorous story, odd yet extremely likable characters, stylish costumes and production design, and slick cinematography, and proves that the lack of substance is not necessarily an issue that may ruin the viewer's pleasure of cinematic enjoyment.

My Rating: 7.50/10

2:13 (2009)

QuickRating: Although it had the potential to be a decent entry into the serial killer genre, "Two:Thirteen" turned out to be yet another disappointingly mediocre effort, that suffers from unimaginative execution, lackluster direction, unnecessarily convoluted plot, utter laziness, and irrelevant conclusion that is as ridiculous as it's implausible.

My Rating: 4.50/10


The Girl Who Played with Fire (2009)

QuickRating: It may not be as skillfully-crafted and impressively compelling as its predecessor, but the second installment in Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy is a solid, intense, consistently gripping and visually-atmospheric crime thriller, led by the sensational Nooni Rapace and her mesmerizing performance as Lisbeth.

My Rating: 7.50/10

A Christmas Carol (2009)

QuickRating: As magical, darkly funny and edifying as its source material, but a bit too creepy and disturbing for younger kids, "A Christmas Carol" is a decently-crafted adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel, elevated by Kim Carrey's perky, vigorous voice work, but let down by its gloomy, unpolished and surprisingly unspectacular visuals.

My Rating: 6.00/10

Numerous QuickRatings PART 1: Pre-2009 Movies

To Live (1994)

QuickRating: With its splendidly-executed and remarkably-realistic portrayal of one family's struggle during China's pre-revolutionary era, Zhang Yimou proves yet again that he's capable of turning a seemingly simplistic story into something so deeply-moving, heart-wrenching and emotionally-powerful, it may touch your heart and soul forever.

My Rating: 9.00/10

In My Skin (2002)

QuickRating: Although it deals with the disturbing subject matter of self-mutilation, "In My Skin" is neither as shocking nor as effective as it thinks it is, and its bleak, grinding atmosphere and obnoxious characters, make it an unpleasant and rather bizarre experience, that never fully manages to get under your skin, despite its graphicness.

My Rating: 4.50/10

Dawn of the Dead (2004)

[Director's Cut]

QuickRating: Thanks to its excitingly action-packed plot, compelling characters, eye-candy cinematography, top-notch special and practical effects, and stylized goriness, visionary director Snyder's debut feature, "Dawn of the Dead", ranks as one of one of the most most polished and accomplished horror remakes in cinematic history.

My Rating: 8.25/10


The Wrestler (2008)

QuickRating: Exceptionally well acted, yet rather unimpressive compared to Aronofsky's previous efforts, "The Wrestler" is a compelling if slightly overrated character-driven drama, that surely marks Mickey Rourke's comeback as a serious actor, and showcases director's talent, but the film itself is as flawed and inconsistent as its main character.

My Rating: 7.00/10