[4.25/10] Barefoot (2014)

Barefoot (2014) 

Quick Review: At times funny, at times embarrassing to watch, but never truly plausible, “Barefoot” is about a reckless guy and a mentally unstable girl who fall in love under unusual circumstances, and much like their relationship, the film has its ups and downs, with the latter taking over. On the top of that, it has a weird tone that is neither romantic, nor dramatic, nor comedic. Yes, the acting on the other hand is decent, and pretty much saves the film from being totally unwatchable.

[5.25/10] Pompeii [3D] (2013)

Pompeii [3D] (2014)

Quick Review: Everything this sword-and-sandal epic wannabe offers in its first hour is a clumsy narrative, questionable acting, lots of cheesy dialogues, a decent fight or two, and luckily some remarkable CGI backdrops to help you forget its inconsistency, but as soon as the volcano erupts, “Pompeii” instantly transforms into an eye-popping 3D spectacle, that is truly worth-seeing on the big screen. Too bad all the cool stuff comes a bit late.

Quick Reviews: 2013 Movies [PART 10]

A Haunted House (2013) - This terribly over-acted, horribly unfunny "Paranormal Activity"-inspired, or more like uninspired spoof of a horror comedy is so dumb, it will haunt you in your dreams for months to come, so yes, consider yourself warned. (2.00/10)

This is the End (2013) - It's fun to see the actors playing themselves for a change, however, "This is the End" is a pretty deluded apocalyptic comedy, that thinks it's hilarious and original, but is actually disastrously moronic, bordering on disturbing. (4.50/10)

Baggage Claim (2013) - It's easy to watch, and every single member of the all-black cast is a charmer, but that can't excuse the predictable, corny, and at times truly cheesy plot, and the film's cheap, made-for-TV look, that brings it down further. (5.00/10)

Free Birds (2013) - It has potential, and the animation itself is decent and colorful, but "Free Birds" feels rushed as hell, and breaks the No. 1 rule in animation, which is never ever to involve humans in a story about animals/birds. It just doesn't work! (5.50/10)

The Heat (2013) - It's fair to say that Bullock and McCarthy make a great comedic on-screen duo, and that the film has its moments of  laughter, however, "The Heat" is so busy it's often exhausting to watch, and so talky it may give you a headache. (5.50/10)

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 (2013) - It feels a little bit contrived, and the animation while colorful and deliciously creative isn't as vivid as the one in the first movie, but "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2" is still a solid sequel with big heart. (6.50/10)

Don Jon (2013) - Its repetitiveness gets a bit annoying after a while, but apart from that, "Don Jon" is a sex-driven, yet rather amusing directional debut by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, executed with confidence, that feels very current, real, and above all frank. (6.50/10)

Epic (2013) - While not necessarily what its title claims to be, "Epic" is a stunningly-animated feature with a genuine sense of adventure, and true spirit of enchantment, that will grab you with both its flawless graphics and thoroughly entertaining story. (6.75/10)

Despicable Me 2 (2013) - Sure, the plot may not be as strong and well-thought-out as the one in the first movie, but the animation is every bit as splendid, the kids are still super-cute, and the yellow minions are more fun and adorable than ever. (7.25/10)

The Croods (2013) - Highly inventive both visually and story-wise, this untypical and imperfect, if undeniably original animated flick, is all about the joy of experiencing something new and different, as well as growing up as a person, and being daring. (7.50/10)

Quick Reviews: 2013 Movies [PART 09]

The Complex (2013) - Sure, it has a couple of twists along the way, and it's sort of creepy, but "The Complex" is also painfully slow, often boring, and largely devoid of any real suspense, let alone scares. It's hard to believe that it's from "Ringu" director. (3.75/10)

Under the Bed (2013) - The monster looks cool, and the relationship between the two boys is believable, but after a promising start, "Under the Bed" gets more and more absurd with each next sequence, and the scares get progressively less and less. (4.00/10)

Frankenstein's Army (2013) - Some of the creatures are inventively-designed and really creepy-looking, and the gore is there too, but other than that "Frankenstein's Army" is a poor attempt at a POV horror movie, that doesn't really know where to go. (4.25/10)

The Jungle (2013) - Not half as great as director's previous effort "The Reef", nor even remotely as tense, this 'found footage' creature feature brings nothing new to the table, relying too much on cliches in order to spread some fear, which it does not. (4.50/10)

Here Comes the Devil (2013) - Its ominous feel aside, "Here Comes the Devil" is a run-of-the-mill Mexican horror flick with little to no 'fear factor', which potential is wasted mainly because of Bogliano's lazy direction, that only leads to our loss of interest. (4.75/10)

I Spit on Your Grave 2 (2013) - Decently-made if rather unnecessary, "I Spit on Your Grave 2" is nowhere nearly as polished as the first remake, and it's so graphic, nasty, and repulsive, it's almost unbearable at times, not to mention the amateurish acting. (5.00/10)

3096 Days a.k.a. 3096 Tage (2013) - Based on a horrifying true story, "3096 Tage" is inevitably disturbing, however, it lacks the dramatic punch a heavy-themed film like this should hit, due to its fairly straightforward script, and very ironically, improbability. (5.50/10)

Nurse 3D (2013) - "Nurse 3D" is by no means a great movie... it's tacky, badly-acted and kind of ridiculous, but it's also sexy, bloody, provocative, revengeful, slightly nuts and very, very entertaining from start to finish, in spite of its countless shortcomings. (5.75/10)

The House of the End Times (2013) - It's not in the same league as "The Orphanage", or "Julia's Eyes" for instance, but "La casa del fin de los tiempos" is still a decent Spanish chiller with a complex story, surrounded by mystery, and with unexpected twists. (6.25/10)

The Flu (2013) - Entertaining, expertly-crafted, realistically frightening, massive in production values, and full of characters you can't help but care about and feel sympathy for, "The Flu" is, hands down, one of the better non-zombie virus films ever made. (7.00/10)

Quick Reviews: 2013 Movies [PART 08]

The Lone Ranger (2013) - It has an authentically sleek western feel, the few action scenes are very well-shot, and the cast delivers, but "The Lone Ranger" has three major issues -- it's bumpy, 30 minutes overlong, and just not adventurous enough. (5.00/10)

Ender's Game (2013) - It's a visual stunner, that's for sure, but "Ender's Game" is  humorless and takes itself rather seriously, plus, it's sad to see that a movie full of so much creativity and so many original ideas, suffers badly from such a lifeless execution. (5.25/10)

White House Down (2013) - Loud, messy, and apparently expensive to made, "White House Down" is an action-driven flick that requires you to turn off your brain, and enjoy both the presidential chaos happening on screen, and the actors' chemistry. (5.50/10)

Olympus Has Fallen (2013) - There's zero originality about it, and the story over-exaggerated, and yet "Olympus Has Fallen" still entertains due to Fuqua's ability to maintain the suspense throughout, as well as to deliver some epic, if messy action. (5.50/10)

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (2013) - It's far from great, but much like its predecessor, "Sea of Monsters" is a lighthearted fantasy flick, with a solid story, likable characters, and awesome CGIs, that can be easily enjoyed by children and adults alike. (6.00/10)

Riddick (2013) - The creatures are imaginative to say the least, Riddick himself is total badass, and the golden tint of the cinematography gives the film a slick edge, but while heavy on special effects, "Riddick" is very light on plot, and that makes it just ok. (6.25/10)

Escape Plan (2013) - Entertaining, well-conceived, and smarter than it should be, Escape Plan works well not only because it brings probably the two biggest action stars of the 80s together, but also because of its old-school vibe and clever plot twists. (6.50/10)

Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) - Smartly-written, visually-striking, and impeccably-made, if slightly uneven, "Star Trek: Into Darkness" may be a notch below its fabulous predecessor, but it's still a solid, and thrilling entry into the beloved sci-fi franchise. (7.50/10)

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) - The river sequence is perfection, but apart from that "The Desolation of Smaug" is slightly less exciting and spectacular than the previous film, and yet still a great entry that proves Jackson's consistency. (8.00/10)

Thor: The Dark World (2013) - More about Asgard, and less about the Earth, as it should be, "Thor: The Dark World" is, certainly, superior the original, impressing with its darkly engaging story, big sense of humor, and some truly astounding imagery. (7.50/10)

[3.50/10] Ride Along (2014)

Ride Along (2014)

Quick Review: Ice Cube is boring, Kevin Hart is obnoxious, and the whole cop buddies so-called story is so utterly familiar, it hurts, not to mention the never-ending pointless dialogues, unfunny jokes, and even lamer comic situations. The direction is 'nothing to write home about', and on the top of that, 'Ride Along" is technically bad, visually plain, and underwhelming on so many levels, including in the action department, it makes its huge box-office success even more unbelievable.

[7.50/10] The Lego Movie [3D] (2014)

The Lego Movie [3D] (2014)

Quick Review: It's full of energy, if a bit manic, and also overwhelming in terms of ideas and creativity - the must-see in 3D animation is colorful, rich, and with mind-blowing attention to detail, the story is great fun, and offers a moral message for all ages, about everyone having something special. Nope, not everything about "The Lego Movie" is perfect, but it's nonetheless a pretty unique trip to the magical world of Lego, you have to experience at all costs.

[6.50/10] RoboCop (2014)

RoboCop (2014)

Quick Review: RoboCop himself looks million bucks, indeed, in his new, super-stylish black costume, the special effects are flawless to the point of being truly realistic, and the action bits, while very few and far between, are superbly-executed, however, this made-for-grown ups remake lacks the satirical edge and wit of the original, due to Padilha's totally different approach at telling a story that is probably a bit too deep and personal for this type of sci-fi movie, and not enough fun. 

[4.00/10] Cabin Fever: Patient Zero (2014)

Cabin Fever: Patient Zero (2014)

Quick Review: Honestly, the most disappointing fact about this truly deceiving prequel-turned-sequel to the 2002's gorefest "Cabin Fever", is that it doesn't reveal anything about the true origin of the flesh-eating virus, as it's supposed to. What further ruins it is the sluggish pacing, and the lack of thrills, but at least "Cabin Fever: Patient Zero" looks a lot better than it should, considering its limited budget, and offers some decent gore.

[5.00/10] I, Frankenstein [3D] (2014)

I, Frankenstein [3D] (2014)

Quick Review: Realizing it won't win any points at all for its lack of originality, sub-par acting, stiff line delivery, so-so 3D effects, and lame, underwritten script, which borrows very shamelessly from the original "Underworld" movie, the rip-off-ish "I, Frankenstein" relies on its flashy visuals, fancy action scenes, and pretty cool Gothic tone to cause some interest in the viewer, and it sort of does, but sadly, not enough to make you excited... just enough not to let you fall asleep.

New Beginnings for CineMarvellous!

Dear friends and readers,

I probably should have made this announcement on January 1, 2014 as it's the beginning of a new year, but since I forgot, I'm making it now... Perhaps most of you have noticed, that I haven't posted many reviews last year. That's because I was extremely busy with my new full time job, as well as studying at uni, and I had no spare time at all. For the first time ever in my life I gave up on movies... well... at least for 8-9 months. I couldn't forgive myself for abandoning two of my biggest passions in life - cinema and my blog, so I decided to come back with a bang! :) I have a lot of catching up to do, and trust me, I'm doing my best to see, as many 2013 movies I missed, as possible. Up until the end of 2013, I've been writing brief reviews, and the so-called QuickRatings, but from now I will be writing only quick one-two sentence reviews, much like my ex-QuickRatings. So "Quick" is the new format of my upcoming reviews of 2014 movies! Those from 2013, I'm still catching up to, will be in another new format, called 1 Post - 10 Reviews, but you already know that, as I've been posting these since the beginning of the new year, and will continue to do so, until I'm satisfied with the amount of 2013 films I've seen. This change needs to be done due to my lack of enough spare time, but above all, because of my desire to see and review as many movies as possible. I hope this change won't be bothering you, and stop you from visiting my blog, and reading my honest, to-the-point reviews. :) Thank you for reading this announcement. Love you all dearly!

Yours,

George Beremov

Quick Reviews: 2013 Movies [PART 07]

Le passé a.k.a. The Past (2013) - It's nowhere near as memorable and affecting as "A Separation", but "Le Passé" is an incredibly well-acted domestic drama, that has an intriguing enough story and characters to make up for the utter lack of energy. (6.00/10)

Her (2013) - Its odd, yet sensual nature certainly won't be everyone's cup of tea, but "Her" daringly and accurately represents exactly what the 'promising' future holds for us -- advanced technologies, lack of physical communication, and sheer alienation. (6.00/10)

Mud (2013) - Engaging, if hardly memorable, "Mud" is a character-driven crime drama with a touch of adventure, that benefits from its gorgeous Southern scenery, and the genuine on-screen chemistry between Mattew McConaughey and the two children. (6.25/10)

Fruitvale Station (2013) - At first you may find the story a bi too plain and uninteresting, but later on it will most likely win you over with its honesty, pure simplicity, and lack of gimmicks, especially in its absolutely heart-wrenchingly devastating final 15 min. (6.75/10)

Jagten a.k.a. The Hunt (2013) - It would have sucked if it was made by Hollywood, but because it's Danish, well-executed and acted, and tense, "The Hunt" feels special, despite its straightforwardness and familiar subject matter, thanks to Mikkelsen. (6.75/10)

The Spectacular Now (2013) - It's not your typical coming-of-age story, nor is your usual teen love story. "The Spectacular Now"'s lack of tired cliches and unnecessary sentimentality makes it truly honest, genuine, realistic, and emotionally bitter-sweet. (7.00/10)

Short Term 12 (2013) - Emotional, sensitive, and deeply moving, "Short Term 12" brings you into the foster care world with all of its ups and downs, mostly struggles, revealing its flawed, but truly lovable characters with heartfelt honesty and affection. (7.00/10)

Dallas Buyers Club (2013) - Powered by McConaughey and Letos truly Oscar-worthy performances, "Dallas Buyers Club" is a film as much about desperation as determination, that is supposed to be feel-bad, but ends up being very touching instead. (7.75/10)

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) - Perky, cocky, self-centered, and cynical, but also insanely funny in the most outrageous way, this might be the busiest, most talky film of 2013, due to Scorsese's direction on steroids, and Leo DiCaprio's savage performance. (8.25/10)

 

Prisoners (2013) - Slightly overlong, yet always compelling, and quietly intense, "Prisoners" is a brilliantly-conceived, and smoothly-executed crime thriller with a grit that matches its grim tone, complemented by the two outstanding central performances. (8.50/10)

 

Quick Reviews: 2013 Movies [PART 06]

Maniac (2013) - Slightly artsy, slightly moody, slightly odd, "Maniac" is just as crazy, sadistic, and disturbing as its title suggests, but it's lacking in suspense and true scares big time, and not even Elijah Wood nutty performance can compensate for that. (4.00/10)

R.I.P.D. (2013) - Some creative camera work aside, "R.I.P.D." sounds fun on paper, but actually sucks. It's ridiculous, genuinely silly, the special effects are pretty obvious, and so is the lack of chemistry between the leads Ryan Raynolds and Jeff Bridges. (4.50/10)

V/H/S/2 (2013) - As expected, "V/H/S/2" is a hit-n-miss horror anthology, with the hit certainly being Gareth Evans' sick, gory and unsettling "Safe Heaven", and the miss being... well... all the other three shorts, as well as the very unfortunate frame narrative. (5.00/10)

Oblivion (2013) - Its futuristic barren scenery, combined with the splendid washed-out cinematography, and flawless CGIs makes it really visually-stupendous, but "Oblivion" is too unspectacular, aimless, confusing, and lifeless to be a successful sci-fi movie. (5.25/10)

Kick-Ass 2 (2013) - Neither as inventive, nor as delightfully witty as its predecessor, yet never boring, "Kick-Ass 2" is a very passable sequel, featuring some sarcastic, often black humor & crazy action, injected with a huge dose of enjoyable ridiculousness. (6.00/10)

Man of Tai Chi (2013) - Luckily for all action junkies, "Man of Tai Chi" is non-stop fighting, the choreography by Yuen Woo-ping is spot-on as usual, and the central character Tiger Chen is pretty likable, but on the other hand the story is very paper thin. (6.00/10)

Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons (2013) - Not as half as good as "Shaolin Soccer", or "Kung Fu Hustle", "Journey to the West" is, in a typical Stephen Chow fashion, goofy, cartoonish, and fun, but not nearly as inventive as it's supposed to be. (6.00/10)

Elysium (2013) - It's pretty innovative, well-acted, technically-brilliant, remarkably detailed, and featuring a first-class CGI work, however, "Elysium" never realizes its full potential, leaving the viewer somewhat unsatisfied, yet still thoroughly entertained. (7.00/10)

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) - Grimmer, darker, slicker, and better than the cult original, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" is 'more of the same', but that's okay as it still works on so many levels, especially when it's crafted with such care. (7.75/10)

The Grandmaster (2013) - It unevenness aside, "The Grandmaster" is not only a wise and philosophical film, but also one of the most polished martial arts movies ever made, flaunting Kar-wai's elegant direction, and Woo-ping's masterful fight choreography. (8.50/10)

Quick Reviews: 2013 Movies [PART 05]

Europa Report (2013) - It's not an easy watch, nor is that frightening, but at least "Europa Report" seems scientifically accurate, not overdone, and its creative if messy 'static multi-cam' filming style makes it stand out from the mass of 'found footage' flicks. (5.75/10)

Carrie (2013) [Extended] - Not pretending it's any better than the cult original, this gore-filled remake is crafted with both care and flair, and manages to stand on its own, thanks to the solid direction, atmospheric visuals, and the excellent performances. (6.50/10)

Captain Phillips (2013) - Involving, well-made, terrifyingly disturbing, and further elevated by Tom Hanks' stellar performance, "Captain Phillips" recreates the major global issue of sea piracy accurately, unafraid of showing terror, that is very hard to handle. (7.25/10)

The Way Way Back (2013) - The cast is every moviegoer's dream, the story is honest, sincere, and heartfelt, the protagonist is as likeable as he's awkward, the setting is exhilarating, and the direction is smooth as silk, hence, "The Way Way" Back rules! (7.50/10)

Trance (2013) - Danny Boyle's latest effort definitely lives up to its title -- from the haunting music score and intricate, yet absorbing storyline to the hypnotic direction and competent performances, everything about "Trance" is truly and utterly mesmerizing. (7.50/10)

Now You See Me (2013) - The best thing about this film is nothing is what it seems, and that's exactly what keeps drawn in. Moreover, "Now You See Me" is smart, energetic, original, and as entertaining as a first-class illusionist show. The camera work is magic! (7.75/10)

Blue Jasmine (2013) - Led by its clever plot structure, "Blue Jasmine" is a bright, elegant, darkly-comic, and vividly-shot riches-to-rags dramedy, that features arguably the best and most riveting female performance of 2013, by the magnificent Cate Blanchett. (8.00/10)

Rush (2013) - Not only "Rush" gives us an intimate look at one of the biggest rivalries in professional car racing ever, but it's also a splendidly crafted film about passion, raw enthusiasm and inner drive, that delivers as much adrenaline rush as it does drama. (8.00/10)

American Hustle (2013) - Boasting a clever storyline, authentic vintage vibe, engaging characters, and probably the best ensemble cast of 2013, "American Hustle" is definitely Oscar material, and also director's second best movie after 10's "The Fighter". (8.00/10)

12 Years a Slave (2013) - It's a beautifully-shot, and marvelously acted film about American slavery, in which the lush cinematography contrasts dramatically with the tough subject matter of the story, as does the raw emotion against the devastating violence. (9.50/10)

Quick Reviews: 2013 Movies [PART 04]

The Purge (2013) - The premise is decent and sort of unique, the acting is adequate, and the setting is fairly claustrophobic, but unfortunately "The Purge" is neither scary, nor very thrilling... it's just a sadistic 'home invasion' flick, that's hardly memorable. (5.00/10)

Beautiful Creatures (2013) - The "Twilight"-ish romance doesn't really work, the story is neither enchanting, nor horrorish, and the running time is way overlong, but at least "Beautiful Creatures" has a cool gothic feel, and delightfully muted cinematography. (5.00/10)

Oz the Great and Powerful (2013) - Despite its vibrant and colorful imagery, and some imaginative ideas, "Oz The Great and Powerful" is a surprisingly dull fantasy fare, with no real heart and soul, or magic, and also Sam Raimi's weakest film in years. (5.25/10)

Curse of Chucky (2013) - The limited setting gets a bit tiresome after a while, but other than that "Curse of Chucky" is a bloody, at times cruel, but always fun and watchable sequel, and a welcome return for the well beloved, if spent horror franchise. (5.50/10)

47 Ronin [3D] (2013) - Exquisitely pretty to look at, yet muddled, unengaging, badly-acted, and hollow, "47 Ronin" is an underwhelming 3D f/x-travaganza lacking in action, that will most likely put you to sleep, or even worse -- bore you to death. (5.50/10)

G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013) - It may be loud, messy, and brainless, but "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" delivers exactly what it promises -- fast pacing, frantic action, startling explosions, cool ninjas and even cooler stunts, all accompanied by its charming cast. (6.50/10)

Dark Skies (2013) - "Dark Skies" is an almost non-stop thrill ride with never a dull moment, and some truly solid performances. Prepare to be frightened, and thoroughly entertained by easily one of the better horror movies involving aliens of this decade. (7.00/10)

Man of Steel (2013) - Yeah, "Man of Steel" is too much, but too much of awesomeness! The sci-fi-ish approach feels different, the ambitious story keeps you drawn in, Snyder's visual style is slick as usual, the CGIs are flawless, and the action is kinetic. (8.50/10)

Pacific Rim (2013) - Giant robots, even more ginormous sea monsters, confident characters, stunning visuals, stupendous action, sensational special effects, and all this directed by the uber-imaginative Guillermo del Toro. What not to like really?!? (8.75/10)

Frozen [3D] (2013) - With its magically adventurous, yet sweet story, charming characters, breathtaking and richly detailed animation and phenomenal use of 3D, "Frozen" is the very best animated feature of 2013, and also one of Disney's finest! (9.25/10)

Quick Reviews: 2013 Movies [PART 03]

The Last Days on Mars (2013) - Proving there's a curse about all the films set on Mars yet again, "The Last Days on Mars" not only fails to take advantage of its great lead actor, but also fails to generate any thrills and suspense, let alone scares. (4.50/10)

I Give it a Year (2013) - It tries hard to be funny and confident in its script, but despite there are some truly fine actors involved, "I Give it a Year" ends up being a rather joyless affair, that is neither very romantic, nor particularly hilarious to watch. (5.00/10)

The Big Wedding (2013) - It's unbelievable how much talents has been wasted in this pretty to look at, but also pretty mediocre comedy. The experienced A-list cast struggles big time with the underwritten script, and the jokes are few and far between. (5.00/10)

Bad Milo! (2013) - The lack of budget is obvious, the acting is sub-par to say the least, but "Bad Milo" instantly wins point for originality, no matter how ridiculous and absurd the story is. Yes, tt's sick, it's gross, it's downright nasty, but it's also kind of fun. (5.50/10)

Contracted (2013) - Far too many things remain unexplained in the end, which will confuse the viewers for sure, but for what it is, "Contracted" is a decent indie horror flick with some impressive practical effects, offering enough gore and gruesomeness. (5.50/10)

Dark Touch (2013) - It leaves far too many questions unanswered, and it's far from terrifying, but "Dark Touch" is nevertheless a reasonably effective little horror movie with a gloomy tone, and chilling atmosphere, that really suits its truly dark nature. (5.75/10)

Identity Thief (2013) - It's silly, and it knows it, but it doesn't afraid to admit it. Moreover, "Identity Thief" embraces its stupidity, prompting its audience to have fun with it, with Melissa McCarthy carrying the entire movie on her shoulders with such ease. (6.00/10)

We're the Millers (2013) - Sure, you won't be able to remember anything as soon as the credits roll, but "We're the Millers" is very fun to watch in a raunchy sort of way, and the chemistry between the well-cast lead actors is just as apparent as it's genuine. (6.00/10)

The Best Man Holiday (2013) - At times funny, at times serious, at times sad and depressing, but always honest and sincere, "The Best Man Holiday" is one of the better Christmas movies, balancing comedy and drama well, while caring for its characters. (6.25/10)

The Kings of Summer (2013)  - Rebellious, yet uplifting, and just as free spirited as its teen characters, "The Kings of Summer" is a finely-crafted coming-of-age drama that exudes purity in the most innocent sort of way, bringing back all our childhood memories. (6.50/10)

Quick Reviews: 2013 Movies [PART 02]

Hatchet III (2013) - It has basically no plot, the practical effects are rather questionable, and there's not a single character you'd care for, but if you're in the mood for guts galore, buckets of blood, and over-the-top goriness, than this one is the movie for you. (4.50/10)

Stoker (2013) - Despite its well-chosen cast, and potentially intriguing story, this Hitchcockian thriller fails on so many levels. From the not-so interesting, if not boring characters to the mysterious, yet confusing plot, everything about "Stoker" is so half-baked. (4.75/10)

You're Next (2013) - It looks pretty decent considering its limited budget, the kill scenes leave nothing to imagination, and Sharni Vinson saves it from being another pointless slasher crap, but sadly "You're Next" ain't original or smart enough to be memorable. (5.00/10)

The Lords of Salem (2013) - "The Lords of Salem" is a mixed bag. While definitely not that scary, it has an eerie, almost depressing tone that works in its favor, and also easily wins the title for 'the oddest horror movie of the year'... in a (sort of) good way. (5.25/10)

Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013) - It has its moments of dread, and the cast do their best, but "Insidious: Chapter 2" lacks the genuine creepiness of the original, besides, Wan's inconsistent direction, and clumsy execution bring the overall quality of this sequel down. (5.50/10)

The World's End (2013) - While neither as brilliant, nor as bonkers as Edgar Wright's previous films, "The World's End" is a downright hilarious alien-esque comedy full of typical British humor, moronic, yet likable characters, and cool CGIs for you to enjoy. (6.75/10)

Jack the Giant Slayer (2013) - With its amusing and fun-to-watch British cast, likable characters, top-notch CGIs, considerably brisk and tight pacing, and startling action scenes, the truly enjoyable "Jack the Giant Slayer" is nothing, but mindless entertainment. (6.75/10)

The Wolverine (2013) [Extended] - For a 130-minute superhero movie "The Wolverine" could have had a little bit more action, but other than that and some pacing issues, it's a slick and stylish flick with a refreshing Asian flavor, that sets it apart from all the rest. (7.50/10)

Gravity (2013) - Technically exceptional, visually-sumptuous, well-acted and thoroughly intense from start to finish, yet tad overhyped, "Gravity" showcases Alfonso Cuaron's great versatility as a director, and his ability to provide his audience with something unique. (8.25/10)

Iron Man 3 (2013) - Every bit as engaging, witty, and humorous, as it's visually spectacular and impressively action-packed, "Iron Man 3" never takes itself way too seriously, and has all the right ingredients for a cool, successful, and highly enjoyable superhero flick. (8.75/10)

Quick Reviews: 2013 Movies [PART 01]

Scary Movie 5 (2013) - Featuring probably the worst screen combo of 2013, namely Lindsay Lohan and Charlie Sheen, loads of painfully unfunny jokes,  and uninspired spoofs, "Scary Movie 5" is the bottom of the barrel of this tired  parody of a franchise. (2.50/10)

Beneath (2013) - Although it sounds like a lot of fun on paper, this creature feature has its own terribly unlikable characters as its worst enemies, hence, you care more about the man-eating fish that the humans. Otherwise, it provides some good gore. (4.00/10)

After Earth (2013) - The film looks fantastic, and the chemistry between Will and Jaden Smith is great, but it's the sluggish pacing, limited cast, and Shyamalan's bland direction that turn "After Earth" into a tedious sci-fi snoozefest, that is instantly forgettable. (4.50/10)

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013) - Sure, it has zero brain, but "Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters" is one of those type of 'silly fun' movies, that provides decent entertainment with its brisk pacing,  dynamic action sequences, and awesomely bloody witch kills. (5.75/10)

Warm Bodies (2013) - While, it could have been a little bit more exciting, especially in the first half, but "Warm Bodies" is still a fairly original take on the zombie genre, that actually balances horror, humor, and romance quite well, plus, it's visually pleasing to the eye. (6.25/10)

World War Z (2013) - It goes downhill as the story progresses, and the pacing is pretty uneven, but "World War Z" manages to make up for that with some decent thrills, and a couple of clever ideas, and also benefits from its main star Brad Pitt, who basically saves it. (6.50/10)

The Call (2013) - Yes, the climax is hardly that believable, and way too over-the-top, but apart from that "The Call" is an incredibly well-crafted and fairly intense thriller, that will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time. And Halle Berry shines in the lead role. (6.75/10)

Side Effects (2013) - It's a bit too moody for mass tastes, and certainly not one of the best efforts in Soderberg's career, "Side Effects" is nevertheless a smart and engaging thriller, full of unexpected twists and turns, that succeeds mainly due of its stellar cast. (7.00/10)

Evil Dead (2013) - Not only it doesn't hurt the classic original in any way, but the "Evil Dead" remake stands on its own, providing its anticipating audience with a heavy dose of ultra-gory gruesomeness, some brutally nasty death scenes, and a couple of good scares. (7.75/10)

The Conjuring (2013) - James Wan is hands down at the top of his game with "The Conjuring" - an old-fashioned, atmospheric, tastefully-crafted, and genuinely frightening creepfest, that can be easily considered one of the ten best horror movies of the past decade! (9.50/10)