[7.25/10] Patriots Day (2016)

Patriots Day (2016)

Quick Review: Credibly disturbing in its own right, "Patriots Day" deals with a terrorist tragedy in a plausible way, without being by-the-numbers due to an atypical, finely-conceived plot structure with a few sub-stories that integrate with the investigating one effectively. The acting, including Wahlberg's is excellent, and Berg's shaky, hand-held-like shooting style adds a real-life grit to the film's raw tone, which is a smart directing trick to enhance the level of intensity and sense of sheer mayhem. 

[5.50/10] American Honey (2016)

American Honey (2016)

Quick Review: Part hippy road film part credible coming of age drama, "American Honey" is supposed to be a fine effort, based on its writing and directing qualities though apart form the real-life grit, and the authenticity it owns, this one ends up being way too long, carried away, dull in parts, and filled with dragged out scenes, which take away from its potential to engage the viewer. Sasha Lane is a promising young actress, and truly natural in her role, but at times even she appears a bit bored.

[8.00/10] Hidden Figures (2016)

Hidden Figures (2016)

Quick Review: Based on an actual story that really deserves to be told, "Hidden Figures" clashes civil rights with 'space race' in such a poignant, smart, funny, and uplifting manner, it quickly becomes an inspiring crowd-pleaser, with the help of its charming lead threesome, who each dazzle in their feisty roles, fighting for equality and recognition real wholeheartedly. Also, being set in the 60s, the movie has a fancy vintage vibe about itself that adds authenticity, vibrancy, and appeal to its good looks.

[6.75/10] Race (2016)

Race (2016)

Quick Review: It's rather overlong, and maybe not as inspirational as it should be, but the real story it tells about one black athlete's battle over racism is great and significant in its own right, and also paced smoothly enough to arrest your mind. Director Hopkins captures nicely on camera the era the film is set in, with notable attention to period details, as well as production values, but what makes "Race" really compelling is Stephan James' incredibly genuine, quiet, yet dedicated performance.

[4.75/10] Keeping Up with the Joneses (2016)

Keeping Up with the Joneses (2016)

Quick Review: The cast is terrific, with G. Gadot and I. Fisher basically stealing back and forth the scenes they appear in, and there a couple of hilarious moments throughout the formulaic story, but much like most spy comedies, "Keeping Up with the Joneses" often fails to find the right balance between humor and action, due to a script devoid of wit, and at the end of the day, it ends up being a mildly amusing comedy with some average action scenes.

[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.