[7.00/10] The BFG (2016)

The BFG (2016)

Quick Review: So let's be honest - we've all seen better from Spielberg, and although it does not dazzle with excellent storytelling, "The BFG" is а 100% kids-friendly fantasy flick with fairly light tone, which benefits from the sweet relationship between the spirited little Sophie, and the lovable giant, who's adorable friendship will move you. As expected, visuals-wise the movie is absolutely impeccable, from the astonishing CGI work to the beautiful shooting locations and top- notch production design.

[6.25/10] Passengers [3D] (2016)

Passengers [3D] (2016)

Quick Review: When a stylish sci-fi film set in a fancy starship lacks vital energy, and startling action, like this one does, it needs to have brains or emotional depth to deliver and sadly "Passengers" has zero. Still, Morten Tyldum's ambitious, yet flawed effort is fairly engaging, especially during Pratt's 'one man show' at the start, and it never fails to capture the eye with its polished production design, and visual effects. J Law adds some necessary edge, aiming to make up for the script's flimsiness.

[5.00/10] Why Him? (2016)

Why Him? (2016)

Quick Review: Franco's big charm and charisma makes this silly movie somehow watchable even in its most embarrassing moments and there're tons of them, considering how many awkward situations it really features, and the dad-vs-fiance clash is fairly amusing at least half of the time, but unfortunately "Why Him?" can't help but feel horribly familiar, due to the hackneyed plot it has, and a largely superficial script that relies more on swearing and cynicism, than it does on wit, and fresh humor.

TOP 20 MOST-READ Quick Reviews on CineMarvellous of 2016

The TOP 20 MOST-READ Quick Reviews 

on CineMarvellous of 2016 are:

[click on the title to read the review]

1. In the Deep [7.50/10] (Early Review)

2. Mechanic: Resurrection [4.75/10] (Early Review)

3. The Whole Truth [5.75/10]

4. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story [6.75/10] 

5. Train to Busan [8.00/10]

6. Sully [5.50/10]

7. The Fits [6.00/10]

8. Hacksaw Ridge [8.50/10]

9. The Monster [5.00/10]

10. Trolls [6.00/10]

11. Underworld: Blood Wars [3D] [5.25/10]

12. Southside with You [6.00/10]

13. Nocturnal Animals [8.00/10]

14. Skiptrace [5.50/10]

15. The Magnificent Seven [7.00/10]

16. Sausage Party [6.50/10]

17. Morgan [5.00/10]

18. Incarnate [5.25/10]

19. Indignation [6.25/10]

20. The Handmaiden [8.25/10]

[4.50/10] Demon (2016)

Demon (2016)

Quick Review: Bleak in tone, due to its washed-out color palette, and dim cinematography and finely-shot, this Polish possession flick is without a doubt a technically well-produced horror with a touch of black comedy, and even though there's something dark and sinister about its wedding party-gone-wrong story with Jewish folklore elements, at the end of the day, the one and only really fearful thing about it is well, its title. And not even the terrific acting helps the film in its attempt to frighten.

[6.50/10] Fences (2016)

Fences (2016)

Quick Review: Being entirely, and utterly dialogue-driven, "Fences" is certainly a brilliantly-written film with a deliberate stageplay feel, though it's often so chatty, your brain might fail to catch up with all the talking. There's a big dramatic twist mid-way through that shakes the things a bit, but that aside it's an old-fashioned, albeit very relevant, domestic drama dealing with cheating, poverty, and oppression that benefits enormously from Washington and Davis' award-deserving performances.

[3.75/10] Max Steel (2016)

Max Steel (2016)

Quick Review: Suffering from an uninspired, and random plot with no purpose, very poor characterization, amateurish direction, and probably the worst editing you'll see this year, "Max Steel" is a rather lame attempt at superhero flick, and a 'wannabe' one, with an unpleasant tone, and close to zero entertainment value, that has no reason to exist. Max is alright, Steel is the best part of this flick, indeed, and the costumes are passable, but the action is rare, and completely unsatisfying.

[6.75/10] Hell or High Water (2016)

Hell or High Water (2016)

Quick Review: While not really the masterpiece most people claim, this downbeat if, quietly intense western with neo-noir tone and pretty moody direction feels incredibly refreshing from the very start, offering classic, old-school thrills, and an enthralling story, whose taut final act will keep you on your toes. The razor-sharp script, filled with witty dialogues, and amazing acting from the entire cast, especially the faultless Jeff Bridges are this wonderfully-conceived heist film's biggest strengths.

[7.25/10] La La Land (2016)

La La Land (2016)

Quick Review: Delightful, uplifting, and splendidly surreal, "La La Land" may not be a musical perfection, but with all of the dancing, singing, and acting featured in its 'dreamy' story, it's surely a love letter to performing arts. Though set in the present, the creative use of color, saturation and light give the film an almost vintage feel with an appealing, mellow tone. Gosling, and especially Stone shine in their lively roles, but the emotive, complicated romance between them is the brighest star here.

[6.75/10] Our Kind of Traitor (2016)

Our Kind of Traitor (2016)

Quick Review: Although intriguing and constantly tense from beginning to the end, White's spy thriller does not bring anything particularly new, or fresh in terms of ideas, however, it does bring it competently enough to hold your attention for the entire running time. And it is not only the well-picked and convincing cast that elevates it above average, it's also the director's artful visual style that, turns "Our Kind of Traitor" into one effective, and absorbing experience with big moral message.

[5.00/10] Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (2016)

Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (2016)

Quick Review: Both Saunders and Lumley are absolutely unstoppable as an on-screen pair, and they are really having the time of their lives in this restless and reckless, but rarely funny, and completely inappropriate comedy. In terms of direction as well as looks "Absolutely Fabulous" feels exactly like a TV show, indeed, and that does not help it at all, plus, the kitschy visual style is often too much to handle, though it gives it a bit of an edge, which it needs.

[6.50/10] Captain Fantastic (2016)

Captain Fantastic (2016)

Quick Review: Suitably titled as a real-life superhero film, Ross' deep, genuine, and emotional look at one largely untypical family's dynamics, struggles, and values will make you laugh, cry, and cheer all at once, as "Captain Fantastic" is truly fantastic indeed, and even though some of its parts are hard to watch, and not necessarily pleasant, the film takes full advantage of its odd story with a hippie touch, and its amazing cast, led by Viggo Mortensen who gives a wonderful performance.

[6.00/10] The Great Wall (2016)

The Great Wall (2016)

Quick Review: As anticipated from such a visionary filmmaker, this one features pretty scenery and swanky, imaginatively-shot action set-pieces, but there is not at all much thought put into its monstrously silly fictional story, let down by a rushed pacing, one-note characters, Damon's blunt acting, and cheesy creature effects. Though Yimou's most mindless, and least impressive film yet, "The Great Wall" is still a 'guilty pleasure' type of fantasy flick, you cannot help but enjoy in spite of its flaws.

[7.00/10] Deepwater Horizon (2016)

Deepwater Horizon (2016)

Quick Review: It is overwhelmingly talky and tad overcrowded in its first half, if still involving and well-acted, "Deepwater" becomes the 'real deal' mid way through with the start of the rig explosion, which is both intense and shocking, but at the same time truly spectacular. From this moment till the very end, it transforms into an impressive blend of chaos, struggle, desperation, and battle for survival that will glue you to the screen. The incredible special and sound effects lift up the film technically.

[7.25/10] The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)

The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)

Quick Review: As engrossing, as it's terrifying, "The Autopsy"' implies lots of guts and ghastly images, and it has those. And because wаtching a proper autopsy isn't nasty enough this unpredictable film gets creepier with every next disturbing discovery about the cause of dead of the title character to the point where the plot embarks in a territory so dark, it will give you shivers, and nightmares. A few weak moments it makes up with some pretty solid acting.

[4.75/10] Assassin's Creed [3D] (2016)

Assassin's Creed (2016)

Quick Review: Being based on a video game, instead of relying on its entertainment value to deliver thrills, this one turns out to be a confusing, grim, and overdone mess with numb plot, whose misty visuals only add to its already gloomy tone. The scenes set in 1492 Spain are the best, but those are just a few, and while most of the fights and stunts are capably-choreographed, the noticeable CGIs involved often ruin them. Cast-wise, Cotillard is wasted, and Fassbender struggles with the script.

[6.75/10] Sing [3D] (2016)

Sing [3D] (2016)

Quick Review: Inspired by reality TV singing competitions, and sheer passion for music, Garth Jennings' feature is a jolly entertainment with fairly clever plot, and slick graphics, whose every single animal character is smoothly-designed, and cute as a button. Surprisingly enough though, for a flick with such title, "Sing" has more story than singing, which is a pity, because the musical numbers are joyful and big fun to watch, and some of the vocals are pretty much amazing. Tori Kelly, wow!

[4.50/10] The Disappointments Room (2016)

The Disappointments Room (2016)

Quick Review: Judging by its good looks, smooth camera work, and the somber atmosphere its director sets up, it has all the qualities of a well- produced horror film, plus, the very appealing Kate Beckinsale does her best with the given material. It's too bad the material itself is a complete piece of crap, devoid of any ideas, making "TDR" one of the dumbest, most derivative, unimaginative, and atrociously un-scary haunted house flicks in recent memory.