[4.75/10] Stung (2015)

Stung (2015)

Quick Review: The movie's campy premise, and truly spot-on practical blood effects save it from being a total garbage, and if it wasn't for its utter cheesiness and really painful predictability, "Stung" could've been one of those 'so bad it's good' type of horror movies, but sadly, it never rises above mediocrity, because of its one-note characters you couldn't care less about, and a dumb, close to nonexistent plot, which is just an excuse for the giant insects to kill, sting and rip people off.

[6.00/10] While We're Young (2015)

While We're Young (2015)

Quick Review: At times moody, at times slightly pretentious, but always genuine and honest, "While We're Young" may have the feel of a low- cost indie movie, but the warm color palette still makes it very appealing to look at. What really draws you in, though, is the unusual story about one younger and one older couple, and the odd relationship between them, along with what unfolds after the twist midway through. The cast add to film, working confidently with the finely-written script.

[5.25/10] Black or White (2015)

Black or White (2015)

Quick Review: What this film does benefit from is its outstanding lead cast, with Costner being consistently good as the struggling father, and Spencer shining bright as the feisty mother-in-law, making this domestic drama watchable at least, thanks to the lively dynamics between them, but "Black and White"'s lackluster execution, sluggish pacing, and lack of powerful emotional impact stand on its way to greatness, contrasting with its strengths the exact way the colors black & white do.

[6.00/10] Project Almanac (2015)

Project Almanac (2015)

Quick Review: Well, the hand-held camerawork, if stylish, barely works in the film's favor, even though this technique is necessary, taken the approach into account, and the first half is far from great, but as soon as the time-travel itself begin, "Project Almanac" gets pretty fun, and even intense towards the end. You can't help but enjoy what all of the teen characters are getting into, the CGIs are finely-executed, and for a movie of this drained genre, it actually has some originality to offer.

[4.25/10] Get Hard (2015)

Get Hard (2015)

Quick Review: It sounds absolutely hilarious on paper to watch a rich, spoiled white guy 'preparing' himself for a month to get into prison, being, well, mentored by a desperate black family man, and asked to do dumb, often crazy stuff, but the whole thing fails to project on the big screen as intended, making "Get Hard" a badly executed comedy, that barely brings any laughs, wasting the talent of Will Ferrell due to a sub-par script, while throwing the loud and irritating Hart very, very in your face.

[5.00/10] Backcountry (2015)

Backcountry (2015)

Quick Review: The mountain wood scenery is as glorious as it's chilling, and the big tension between our two protagonists is a decent set up for what's about to happen later on in terms of terror, but as realistic as the entire thing looks and feels the whole time, that terror comes a little bit too late, and it's not effective at all... And watching a couple walking around lost in the woods, desperate and arguing for more than an hour is not worth it, when the climax itself is largely disappointing.

[6.25/10] The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015)

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015) 

Quick Review: Dev Patel is pretty irritating, there's too much going on in a plot that is, well, not particularly inspired, and the movie as a whole somewhat lacks the rather delightful appeal of the original film, but "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" can still be appreciated for what it is, thanks to its incredible veteran cast, who work effortlessly together, witty lines, and its enchanting setting and vibrant complemented so beautifully by the jolly music score.

[5.00/10] The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (2015)

The SB Movie: Sponge Out of Water (2015)

Quick Review: Fans of the tv show might get everything they're bargain for, but the rest of the audience may find this film too pointless, moronic, and crazy to enjoy. The live action sequences towards the end are the best part of the movie, thanks to the funny superhero-y approach taken, and the delightful charm of the CGI characters, but sadly, the rest of it feels like one super-long episode of the popular series, and not at all the most entertaining one...

[7.25/10] Woman in Gold (2015)

Woman in Gold (2015)

Quick Review: Part history lesson, part personal human drama with a touch of refined humor, therefore, equally educational and interesting, if a bit too rushed here and there, and not as profound as expected, "Woman in Gold" is a sophisticated, gripping, and beautifully-shot piece of cine-art, powered by the brilliant performance of Helen Mirren, who carries the film with great charisma, supported solidly by Ryan Reynolds who makes the already great story even more so intriguing.

[5.75/10] Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015)

Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015)

Quick Review: In terms of looks, it's cheaper than the previous two, and doesn't have the typical feel, as the new director fails to create the ominous atmosphere Wan managed to, but on a positive note, "Insidious 3" is a passable prequel with more than a few solid frights, and some chilling scenes with the gas-masked demon deserving a special mention. Shaye nails her character yet again, but all of the new additions here are not at all as memorable.

[4.25/10] Cub (2014)

Cub (2014)

Quick Review: Unfortunately, far from being 'European horror at its finest', despite its big potential on paper, considering the film's rather interesting premise, "Cub" has too many flaws and shortcomings to be considered any successful, or even mildly effective -- from the below-par execution and way underdeveloped characters, to the hackneyed wood setting and semi-entertaining story, everything about this Belgian horror is half-baked, plus, it lacks bite and sheer intensity big time.

[4.75/10] Poltergeist (2015)

Poltergeist (2015)

Quick Review: Well-produced, but badly-executed, the 2015 version of "Poltergeist" doesn't do the original any justice, but on the other hand it doesn't insult it at all, either. Instead of taking a full-on advantage of the technology-driven era it's set in, and add some edgy value to the familiar story, it relies on the same old tricks, providing only some ghastly, if CGI-y imagery, and one or two soft scares. The cast is okay, but the lazy script and sub-par direction stand on their way to deliver properly.

[7.00/10] McFarland USA (2015)

McFarland, USA (2015)

Quick Review: On the surface, this looks like your typical Disney sports drama, as its plot formula has been already used numerous times, which also makes it often predictable, but on a deeper level, "McFarland USA" is actually a pretty feel-good movie, driven by the earnest relationships between its very likable characters, and their struggles on the road to success as well as in life, and that's nothing less than inspiring. Costner is solid, and the young runners are as genuine as it can get.

[5.50/10] Return to Sender (2015)

Return to Sender (2015)

Quick Review: Suspiciously similar in style to Fincher's "Gone Girl", and not just because them two share the same leading star, but still different enough to stand on its own, "Return to Sender" is a quiet, subdued, but sick-in-nature revenge thriller with a slow pacing, and a visual simplicity which suits it well, that benefits from Pike, who turns in another strong, yet sensual performance, but even her big talent can't compensate for the lack of major thrills and the lazy direction that lets it down.

[4.00/10] Maggie (2015)

Maggie (2015)

Quick Review: Both leads deliver solid performances throughout, and director Henry Hobson successfully generates a very murky atmosphere that sets the right tone for the film, and while definitely not your typical cheesy zombie flick, sadly "Maggie" is neither tense, nor even remotely scary, nor emotional enough to hold your interest for more than two or three scenes, getting duller and and duller as the otherwise decent story unfolds, leading to a conclusion that is predictably 'touching'.

[9.50/10] Inside Out [3D] (2015)

Inside Out [3D] (2015)

Quick Review: With a plot as witty, inventive, and original as it can get, one that perfectly matches its richly imaginative 3D visuals, "Inside Out" is probably the most complex Pixar feature to date, interpreting human emotions in a very unique, moving, yet playful way, without losing any of its quirk. And all of these script pros, combined with the glossy graphics, and colorful, often bright characters, turn it into a one-of-a-kind emotional roller-coaster that will grab all your senses, and then some.

[7.50/10] Jurassic World [3D] (2015)

Jurassic World [3D] (2015)

Quick Review: Far from being as effective as the cult original was 22 years ago, despite the similar set up and astounding CGI work it flashes, "Jurassic World" is just 'okay' during the first forty minutes or so, but as soon as things go out of control and the dino mayhem kicks in, this solid sequel instantly 'sharpens its teeth', providing enough big thrills, intense attack and chase sequences, likable characters, and arresting visuals, in masterful 3D, to make you glued to the screen for 120 mins.

[6.00/10] She's Funny That Way (2015)

She's Funny That Way (2015)

Quick Review: So fabricated, it's ridiculous, but still amusing anyway, "She's Funny That Way" gets a bit all over the place towards the end, the saturated yellowish tinge of the visuals is not necessarily pleasant, and the humor doesn't always work, but this weird comedy manages to entertain and with its pure silliness, boasting the great fun the talented cast have playing their crazy roles. Poots nails her part and pretty much steals the whole show.