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Thursday, May 29, 2014

[8.25/10] X-Men: Days of Future Past [3D] (2014)

X-Men: Days of Future Past [3D] (2014)

Quick Review: It doesn't feel as fresh as "First Class", but the latest installment shows director Singer in top form, who competently builds up a bridge between the prequel and the old entries, assembling all the X- Men in a thrilling time-travel-ish plot, complemented by startlingly-crafted action sequences that truly excite, and flashy, 3D-enhanced CGIs. Add to that the introducing of the so-cool Quicksilver, who's fast-paced moves would spin your head off.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

[6.00/10] Oculus (2014)

Oculus (2014)

Quick Review: Even though its 'killer mirror' premise doesn't sound original, or very promising, "Oculus" turns out to be a pretty reasonable horror chiller, that doesn't rely on gore, or in-your-face scares to give you the creeps, but mostly on the silent dread it exudes throughout. Sure, the film is far from frightening and not as atmospheric as it could have been, but its story that blends past, present, and surrealism finely, will keep you entertained right to the satisfyingly dark ending.

Monday, May 26, 2014

[7.75/10] Godzilla [3D] (2014)

Godzilla [3D] (2014)

Quick Review: Led by a capable cast, and Edwards' more than solid direction, that smoothly balances terror and human drama, "Godzilla" is an epic monster of a movie, that boasts technical excellence as well. While the first half is very humanly oriented and not particularly action-packed, as soon as both MUTOs and Godzilla show up on screen, it turns into an eye-popping spectacle of mass destruction, monster fights, and sheer mayhem, all provided for your pure entertainment.

Sunday, May 25, 2014

[7.25/10] Afflicted (2014)

Afflicted (2014)

Quick Review: Showcasing there is still hope for the spent 'FF' horror sub-genre, Lee and Prowse's debut full-length feature film is surprisingly accomplished and skillfully-crafted. Sure, there are more than a couple similar elements to the far superior "Chronicle" from 2012, but those never feel intentionally ripped-off. Delivering enough scares, shocks, and gross-out gore, "Afflicted" will keep you entertained and intrigued by its plot, dealing with vampirism in a very creative fashion.

Monday, May 5, 2014

[6.75/10] The Sacrament (2014) [1000th Post]


Quick Review: Proving that West's versatility is out of question, and presented as a documentary, this is not your average POV flick, as its credibility factor is off the scale, and that is what makes it as viscerally suspenseful and intriguing as it is. Not to mention "The Sacrament" is as shocking and disturbing as it can get, showing some images that are really hard to forget. In addition, the isolated setting adds to the dreadful atmosphere, and the performances are solid and believable.

[5.25/10] Walk of Shame (2014)


Quick Review: Elizabeth Banks is absolutely captivating as usual, and manages to carry the entire movie on her shoulders, due to her charm, and true comedic talent, but her strong presence is not enough to make this movie successful. Why? Because even though it feature a couple of really hilarious situations causing laughter, "Walk of Shame" is a downright absurd, bordering on ludicrous, and only mildly amusing comedy, that has a bit of potential, but falls flat on its face.

[4.75/10] Vampire Academy (2014)


Quick Review: Yes, it's reasonably watchable, and has its moments of mindless entertainment, plus, Zoey Deutch adds a bit of energy, and sparkle to it, but "Vampire Academy" is so uneven and terribly-directed, sometimes it feels like a bunch of random sequences thrown together, that barely make any sense. Unlike "Twilight" series, though, this one never takes itself that seriously, but on the other hand, its goofy nature overshadows the decent stuff in it, dooming it to mediocrity.

[6.50/10] Devil's Knot (2014)

Devil's Knot (2014)

Quick Review: Precisely-cast and quietly engaging, this based-on-a true-story courtroom drama may be a bit too straightforward in terms of plotting, but the open ending has a hint of mystery to it, and contrasts provocatively with the rest of the film. Atom's low-key direction draws you in, and makes you feel like a witness of the horrific case. Acting wise, Colin Firth is a bit underused, but Reese Witherspoon's excellent performance saves the movie from being rather forgettable.

Sunday, April 27, 2014

[6.25/10] Blue Ruin (2014)

Blue Ruin (2014)

Quick Review: Okay, let's face it, "Blue Ruin" is overpraised. Sure, it's an ordinary-looking little film, that is extraordinarily effective at the same time, and Macon Blair's unsettling performance is beyond impressive, as is the simple yet refined direction by Jeremy Saulnier, but at the end of the day, "Blue Ruin" is nothing more than a well-crafted and quietly nerve-wracking revenge thriller with some moments of shocking violence that you will instantly like, but forget soon after you watch it.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

[5.00/10] That Awkward Moment (2014)


Quick Review: Its plot formula has a couple of familiar ingredients, but it's far from hackneyed, and the film itself features quite a few awkward moments, indeed, but all in all "That Awkward Moment" is an occasionally funny, watchable, and enjoyable 'hit and miss' sex comedy, driven by the obvious chemistry between its three young leads, who complement each other very naturally. If it wasn't really for them, this film would have turned into a complete disaster.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

[7.00/10] The Amazing Spider-Man 2 [3D] (2014)


Quick Review: It doesn't have the same dose of wit and energy as the first film, but this sequel benefits yet again from Webb's perky direction, the star power of its excellent cast, as well as the delightfully elaborate action sequences, which look even cooler in awesome 3D. Dealing with few villains is risky, but the "TASM 2" skillfully avoids tangling itself in its own web, giving enough screen time to all of its characters, without being messy, or over-crowded.

Monday, April 21, 2014

[6.25/10] Wolf Creek 2 (2014)

Wolf Creek 2 (2014)

Quick Review: Hardly better than the original, but surely nastier, more gruesome, and graphic, "Wolf Creek 2" is a worthy, if rather cruel sequel that cares a lot more about its nutty, merciless killer, played amazingly by John Jarratt, rather than its victims, but that is exactly what makes it as brutally entertaining as it is. Prepare yourself for one of the goriest, most repulsive death scenes you'll ever see, as well as for a slasher villain so darkly disturbing in his actions, it will make your skin crawl.

[7.00/10] Labor Day (2014)

Labor Day (2014)

Quick Review: Some may find it a bit sugary, because of the flawless male protagonist played superbly by Josh Brolin, but those willing to see a heart-melting movie with genuine emotions and real chemistry will be so captivated by "Labor Day". Jason Reitman shows us yet another side of him with his gentle, silky-smooth direction, Kate Winslet portrays her sensual character rather brilliantly, and the whole feel of the movie is so pure and sincere, it might bring a tear or two to your eyes.

Sunday, April 20, 2014

[4.50/10] Alien Abduction (2014)


Quick Review: Pretty much every bit as generic, and unoriginal as its stupid title, "Alien Abduction"'s only strength is the natural acting by the mostly unknown cast members, who make a believable on-screen family. Sadly, the found footage hand held camera style barely adds realism to the story, the aliens themselves are very uninspired, as cliched-looking as they could be, and not at all that menacing, most scares feel forced, and the whole movie falls flat on its face big time in the end.

Friday, April 18, 2014

[4.25/10] Dark House (2014)

Dark House (2014)

Quick Review: Has Victor Salva, the director of “Jeepers Creepers” lost his touch? Yeah, maybe a bit, as his latest effort “Dark House” is mediocre at best, and all over the place. The film feels like a mash-up of various horror sub-genres with no clear direction, and although there are a couple of original ideas here and there, the familiar elements in it take over. The scares are weak, the gore is meh, the acting ranges from decent to awful, and the entire look of the movie is tasteless.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

[8.75/10] Captain America: The Winter Soldier [3D] (2014)


Quick Review: Boasting a superb cast that delivers, thoughtful yet taut plot to constantly keep you on your toes, truly memorable villain, skillful direction, out-of-this-world CGI work, impressive use of 3D, spectacularly-executed action sequences, that will leave you in awe, and car chases to really die for, “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is not only far better than the original film, but also one of the very brightest jewels in Marvel’s crown so far. It kicks ass!

[4.25/10] Devil's Due (2014)

Devil's Due (2014)

Quick Review: Although nothin' so interesting happens during the first hour, "Devil's Due" is occasionally entertaining in a voyeuristic sort of way. That said, as soon as the so- called 'terror' starts to emerge, this failure of a POV horror film ventures into familiar territory with no caution, and as a result, it feels like a 'deja vu' of other genre flicks. Sadly, it's also lacking dread and atmosphere, and the main characters are difficult to connect with, hence, you couldn't care any less about them.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

[6.75/10] Enemy (2014)

Enemy (2014)

Quick Review: Sort of done in a David Lynch fashion, "Enemy" is a smartly-directed and quietly intense thriller, that will cause controversy amongst most viewers, because of its twisty, sometimes confusing, and yet completely satisfying plot, that's definitely thought-provoking. Also, the movie's neo-noir tone suits the mysterious moodiness of the story beautifully, and Mr. Jake Gyllenhaal proves himself a true chameleon in a subtly brilliant double role, that further elevates the film.