Every Movie I watched in 2018
My goal is for this list to include 365 different movies by the end of the year!
This list does NOT include rewatches in the same year.
Scores:
10- Masterpiece
9- Phenomenal
8- Great
7- Good
6- Okay
5- FINE
4- Bad
3- Terrible
2- Horrendous
1- Unredeemable
This list does NOT include rewatches in the same year.
Scores:
10- Masterpiece
9- Phenomenal
8- Great
7- Good
6- Okay
5- FINE
4- Bad
3- Terrible
2- Horrendous
1- Unredeemable
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343 titles
- DirectorJim JarmuschStarsAdam DriverGolshifteh FarahaniNellieA quiet observation of the triumphs and defeats of daily life, along with the poetry evident in its smallest details.This movie captivated me, it was just so unique. It focused on day to day life, and somehow made that so incredibly interesting, plus Adam Driver is phenomenal. 8/10
- DirectorJake KasdanStarsDwayne JohnsonKaren GillanKevin HartFour teenagers are sucked into a magical video game, and the only way they can escape is to work together to finish the game.This movie is terrible. It's long, it's unfunny, the plot is boring, the jokes are lazy. 3/10
- DirectorMartin McDonaghStarsFrances McDormandWoody HarrelsonSam RockwellA mother personally challenges the local authorities to solve her daughter's murder when they fail to catch the culprit.One of the best movies I've ever seen in my life. It subverts all expectations, boasts an incredible cast, features brilliant writing, and is gorgeously shot. 9/10
- DirectorMichael GraceyStarsHugh JackmanMichelle WilliamsZac EfronCelebrates the birth of show business and tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.Apart from the musical numbers, this movie is so boring and bland. None of the characters are developed, the direction is flat, and the plot is so conventional. 6/10
- DirectorSean BakerStarsBrooklynn PrinceBria VinaiteWillem DafoeSet over one summer, the film follows precocious six-year-old Moonee as she courts mischief and adventure with her ragtag playmates and bonds with her rebellious but caring mother, all while living in the shadows of Walt Disney World.One of the best movies I've seen in a long time. Strong performances across the board, a widely original premise and script, really great cinematography. Not to be missed! 8/10
- DirectorMacon BlairStarsMelanie LynskeyChris DoubekMarilyn Faith HickeyWhen a depressed woman is burgled, she finds a new sense of purpose by tracking down the thieves along with her obnoxious neighbor. But they soon find themselves dangerously out of their depth against a pack of degenerate criminals.Very strange and tonally inconsistent. It has flaws but it's leads and interesting premise make up for it. 7/10
- DirectorHayao MiyazakiStarsHitoshi TakagiNoriko HidakaChika SakamotoWhen two girls move to the country to be near their ailing mother, they have adventures with the wondrous forest spirits who live nearby.One of my all time favourites, I've seen it something like 30 times, and I could easily watch it 30 more. 10/10
- DirectorTaichi IshidateNaoko YamadaStarsMiyu IrinoSaori HayamiAoi YûkiA young man is ostracized by his classmates after he bullies a deaf girl to the point where she moves away. Years later, he sets off on a path for redemption.Gorgeous animation sadly is outweighed by a great premise that is overshadowed by my lack of connection to the protagonist. 6/10
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsMeryl StreepTom HanksSarah PaulsonA cover-up spanning four U.S. Presidents pushes the country's first female newspaper publisher and her editor to join an unprecedented battle between press and government.I've seen this movie twice in theatres. I've loved it twice, I'll happily see it again and again. 9/10
- DirectorTrish SieStarsAnna KendrickRebel WilsonBrittany SnowFollowing their win at the world championship, the now separated Bellas reunite for one last singing competition at an overseas USO tour, but face a group who uses both instruments and voices.This movie sucksssssssss. It was so boring from start to finish, I didn't laugh once. I'm glad there are no more coming. 2/10
- DirectorLee UnkrichAdrian MolinaStarsAnthony GonzalezGael García BernalBenjamin BrattAspiring musician Miguel, confronted with his family's ancestral ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer.This was my second viewing, and my thoughts haven't really changed from when I saw it a few months ago. Incredible visuals, great characters, fun music, a somewhat safe plot. 8/10
- DirectorJoe WrightStarsGary OldmanLily JamesKristin Scott ThomasIn May 1940, the fate of World War II hangs on Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Adolf Hitler, or fight on knowing that it could mean the end of the British Empire.Darkest Hour couldn't exist without Gary Oldman in it's leading role. His performance is immaculate, and deserving of all the awards he is nominated for. Joe Wright directs this movie with such style, and the supporting roles range from passible to very good. However, this film tends to drag in parts and never really earns its full 120+ minute runtime.
7/10 - DirectorJames MangoldStarsHugh JackmanPatrick StewartDafne KeenIn a future where mutants are nearly extinct, an elderly and weary Logan leads a quiet life. But when Laura, a mutant child pursued by scientists, comes to him for help, he must get her to safety.I've now seen this three times now, it's a really solid film and might just be the best superhero movie ever made (besides Dark Knight). Hugh Jackman's best performance by far, yada yada yada, it's great go and watch it. 9/10
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsMichelle WilliamsChristopher PlummerMark WahlbergThe story of the kidnapping of 16-year-old John Paul Getty III and the desperate attempt by his devoted mother to convince his billionaire grandfather Jean Paul Getty to pay the ransom.All the Money in the World is a great movie. Christopher Plummer provides an incredible performance (and in such a short time, this is truly amazing). The film covers a large span of time and never really feels messy. Although it does tend to feel a little repetitious during its second act, the excellent performances (apart from Mark Wharlberg), interesting cinematography, and truly interesting plot make this movie one of the years best.
8/10 - DirectorEthan CoenJoel CoenStarsJosh BrolinGeorge ClooneyAlden EhrenreichA Hollywood fixer in the 1950s works to keep the studio's stars in line.Excellent performances, and really strong visual direction are overshadowed by a fine script and plot. 6/10
- DirectorBenny SafdieJosh SafdieStarsRobert PattinsonBenny SafdieJennifer Jason LeighAfter a botched bank robbery lands his younger brother in prison, Connie Nikas embarks on a twisted odyssey through New York City's underworld to get his brother Nick out of jail.Good Time is actually a great time! A career best performance by Robert Pattinson, an electric soundtrack, wonderful visual flair, and an exciting story. Good Time really does live up to it's name. 7/10
- DirectorDarren AronofskyStarsJennifer LawrenceJavier BardemEd HarrisA couple's relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence.This is my third viewing of Mother, I really really love this movie, and feel that I get a little more out of it after each viewing. 8/10
- DirectorHiromasa YonebayashiStarsHana SugisakiRyunosuke KamikiYûki AmamiBased on "The Little Broomstick" by Mary Stewart, a strange flower grants a girl magic powers.Mary and the Witch's Flower feels like a blend of many of Studio Ghibli's films (especially Kiki's Delivery Service and Castle in the Sky), as well as the Harry Potter series. This film is pure fun from start to finish. Top notch animation and one of the best soundtracks of 2017, along with an intriguing story makes this movie one of the most enjoyable of the year. 7/10
- DirectorStephan ElliottStarsGuy PearceKylie MinogueJesse DenyerA teenager comes of age in a small Australian town during the 1970s when a 200-ton blue whale gets washed up on a local beach.Swinging Safari has a really distinct visual flair that is consistently enjoyable to watch. The direction is very strong also, but unfortunately the rest of the movie.... not so much. The main protagonist is pretty okay, but his intentions never really made sense due to his lack of deep development. The rest of the ensemble cast is obviously having a great time here, and that energy rubs of to a certain extent, but where this movie really fails is in its comedy. The jokes are so off here, I didn't laugh once. They come across as lazy and predictable, and in most cases the joke is "hey heres this product from the 70s". If you're a fan of these actors then thats probably reason enough to come and see this, but apart from that I can't really recommend this to anyone since it never really escapes the realm of "meh". 5/10
- DirectorLisa ArnoldStarsConnor RosenLogan ShroyerMichael GrossEncouraged by his quirky grandfather, a young boy faces his fears at summer camp.Camp Cool Kids is about as good as any direct to dvd christian movie could be. It's long, it's poorly written, and stars AWFUL child actors. Even the themes about friendship and doing the right thing are inconsistent. This movie is great to make fun of, but if you had to watch it alone, paying full attention, you'd probably want to drown yourself. 2/10
- DirectorDanny BoyleStarsMichael FassbenderKate WinsletSeth RogenSteve Jobs takes us behind the scenes of the digital revolution, to paint a portrait of the man at its epicenter. The story unfolds backstage at three iconic product launches, ending in 1998 with the unveiling of the iMac.It's pretty okay. Aaron Sorkin has done a great job with the script, Michael Fassbender is fantastic (as always), but it's just not all that interesting. 6/10
- DirectorStanley KubrickStarsMalcolm McDowellPatrick MageeMichael BatesIn the future, a sadistic gang leader is imprisoned and volunteers for a conduct-aversion experiment, but it doesn't go as planned.An undeniable masterpiece. I was gripped from beginning to end. Brilliant visuals, truly fascinating social commentary, a very interesting lead character, phenomenal use of music, and a story I won't soon forget. 8/10
- DirectorGuillermo del ToroStarsSally HawkinsOctavia SpencerMichael ShannonAt a top secret research facility in the 1960s, a lonely janitor forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity.The Shape of Water feels like a dark, yet beautiful, modern day fairtytale. With powerful performances from both of it's silent leads, and a gorgeous visually aesthetic from Guillermo Del Toro. This film is a spectacle from start to finish. 9/10
- DirectorMatt RossStarsViggo MortensenGeorge MacKaySamantha IslerIn the forests of the Pacific Northwest, a father devoted to raising his six kids with a rigorous physical and intellectual education is forced to leave his paradise and enter the world, challenging his idea of what it means to be a parent.Doesn't live up to the title. 6/10
- DirectorTrey Edward ShultsStarsJoel EdgertonChristopher AbbottCarmen EjogoSecure within a desolate home as an unnatural threat terrorizes the world, a man has established a tenuous domestic order with his wife and son. Then a desperate young family arrives seeking refuge.One of the best horror movies I've seen in my entire life, I love how it focuses on how people would react amongst one another in a grim situation, rather then just pitting them against a beast. 8/10
- 19641h 35mPG8.4 (519K)97MetascoreDirectorStanley KubrickStarsPeter SellersGeorge C. ScottSterling HaydenAn unhinged American general orders a bombing attack on the Soviet Union, triggering a path to nuclear holocaust that a war room full of politicians and generals frantically tries to stop.I was watching this at like 1am and kept nodding off so I don't really have an opinion. I should rewatch it because I really liked what I saw. 7/10
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsLeonardo DiCaprioJonah HillMargot RobbieBased on the true story of Jordan Belfort, from his rise to a wealthy stock-broker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government.One of my all time favourites. I've seen this movie something like 6 or 7 times before, and I will probably revisit it again later in the year. 8/10
- DirectorNat FaxonJim RashStarsSteve CarellToni ColletteAllison JanneyShy 14-year-old Duncan goes on summer vacation with his mother, her overbearing boyfriend, and her boyfriend's daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen, manager of the Water Wizz water park.Great writing and a good cast are overshadowed by an incredibly unlikable protagonist. 6/10
- DirectorAaron SorkinStarsJessica ChastainIdris ElbaKevin CostnerThe true story of Molly Bloom, an Olympic-class skier who ran the world's most exclusive high-stakes poker game and became an FBI target."Enormously Enjoyable" is a very accurate quote from the trailer, this is a very good movie that only really suffers from some out of place family drama sequences. 8/10
- DirectorCraig GillespieStarsMargot RobbieSebastian StanAllison JanneyCompetitive ice skater Tonya Harding rises amongst the ranks at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, but her future in the activity is thrown into doubt when her ex-husband intervenes.One of the best movies I've seen in years. I had a huge smile for the entire runtime, and plan on seeing it again in a day or so. 9/10
- DirectorJordan Vogt-RobertsStarsTom HiddlestonSamuel L. JacksonBrie LarsonAfter the Vietnam war, a team of scientists explores an uncharted island in the Pacific, venturing into the domain of the mighty Kong and must fight to escape a primal Eden.A bad movie that understands exactly what it is. This movie is campy as hell, and is all the better for it. 6/10
- DirectorChris McKayStarsWill ArnettMichael CeraRosario DawsonA cooler-than-ever Bruce Wayne must deal with the usual suspects as they plan to rule Gotham City, while discovering that he has accidentally adopted a teenage orphan who wishes to become his sidekick.Definitely not as funny the second time, but man oh mani is this enjoyable. 7/10
- DirectorRupert SandersStarsScarlett JohanssonPilou AsbækTakeshi KitanoIn the near future, Major Mira Killian is the first of her kind: A human saved from a terrible crash, who is cyber-enhanced to be a perfect soldier devoted to stopping the world's most dangerous criminals.It's just soooooooo boring! 4/10
- DirectorDaniel EspinosaStarsJake GyllenhaalRebecca FergusonRyan ReynoldsA team of scientists aboard the International Space Station discover a rapidly evolving life form that caused extinction on Mars and now threatens all life on Earth.Not as good upon second viewing, the CGI is very impressive, and the characters are interesting enough to have me invested, but overall it just seems like its Alien again. 6/10
- DirectorDavid WainStarsFrank GingerichMorgan GingerichAnnette O'TooleIn the 1970s and '80s, National Lampoon's success and influence creates a new media empire overseen in part by the brilliant and troubled Douglas Kenney.A Futile and Stupid Gesture is a perfectly serviceable ode to its source material that never takes any risks. The two leads are likeable enough, with somewhat developed personalities, but the rest of its very talented cast is wasted by being shoved out of the spotlight, and it's not terribly funny (which is pretty ironic based on its source material). It's a Netflix Original, so it won't cost you anything to sit through, this is perfectly passable entertainment that never really impressed or offended me. 5/10
- DirectorHarold RamisStarsChevy ChaseRodney DangerfieldBill MurrayAn exclusive golf course has to deal with a flatulent new member and a destructive dancing gopher.A dull and mostly unfunny movie (besides a handful of properly hilarious jokes), this movie doesn't really live up to its reputation. 5/10
- DirectorJim AbrahamsDavid ZuckerJerry ZuckerStarsBette MidlerDanny DeVitoJudge ReinholdA couple cheated by a vile businessman kidnaps his wife in retaliation, not knowing that their enemy is delighted that they did.Very well acted, consistently entertaining, and surprisingly well directed. 7/10
- DirectorStanley KubrickStarsMatthew ModineR. Lee ErmeyVincent D'OnofrioA pragmatic U.S. Marine observes the dehumanizing effects the Vietnam War has on his fellow recruits from their brutal boot camp training to the bloody street fighting in Hue.The visual flair and strong performances outweigh the so-so story. Still pretty great though. 8/10
- DirectorGiuseppe TornatoreStarsPhilippe NoiretEnzo CannavaleAntonella AttiliA filmmaker recalls his childhood when falling in love with the pictures at the cinema of his home village and forms a deep friendship with the cinema's projectionist.This movie moved me like no movie has in quite some time. Beautifully acted, a very grounded and emotional story about childhood and growing up. I was so emotionally invested that I cried! 9/10
- DirectorRobert EggersStarsAnya Taylor-JoyRalph InesonKate DickieA family in 1630s New England is torn apart by the forces of witchcraft, black magic and possession.A slightly dull first half is definitely made up for with an excellent, and genuinely unsettling second half. This movie suffers from a lack of any deep character development, but succeeds by creating one of the most unsettling and uncomfortable atmospheres that I've ever witnessed in a horror movie. If you have the patience, and are interested in seeing something a little less traditional, this is a very good choice. 7/10
- DirectorWilfred JacksonJack KinneyHamilton LuskeStarsFred ShieldsJosé OliveiraLee BlairDisney animators tour South America and present four animated shorts inspired by their trip.A strange hybrid that is part documentary, part uninteresting short movies. This is honestly one of Disney's most forgettable entries to date. 6/10
- DirectorKogonadaStarsJohn ChoHaley Lu RichardsonParker PoseyA Korean-born man finds himself stuck in Columbus, Indiana, where his architect father is in a coma. The man meets a young woman who wants to stay in Columbus with her mother, a recovering addict, instead of pursuing her own dreams.Columbus is one of the most beautifully shot movies of 2017, its cinematography is almost as good as Blade Runners! This film succeeds by telling a very non-traditional story about a budding romance that is so genuine and well written, that it stands well above the rest of its genre counterparts. All 4 of the films characters are fully developed and realised which really made me feel invested in them. This film deserves more buzz around it! 7/10
- DirectorJames AlgarClyde GeronimiJack KinneyStarsBing CrosbyBasil RathboneEric BloreAn animated adaptation of "The Wind in the Willows" followed by an adaptation of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow".This movie is split into two parts so here are my thoughts on each.
Mr Toad: A perfectly fine adaptation of The Wind in the Willows, fun animation, some really funny gags, no real character development, not particularly interesting. 6/10
Ichabod: Much much better! A really fun story, an iconic villain, great visuals, catchy music. 7/10 - DirectorGary TrousdaleKirk WiseStarsMichael J. FoxJim VarneyCorey BurtonA young linguist named Milo Thatch joins an intrepid group of explorers to find the mysterious lost continent of Atlantis.One of the worst Disney movies that I've seen. The characters are all so bland, and the plot is so predictable. It's just boring and unlikeable from beginning to end. Even the animation looks strange. 4/10
- DirectorPaul Thomas AndersonStarsVicky KriepsDaniel Day-LewisLesley ManvilleSet in 1950s London, Reynolds Woodcock is a renowned dressmaker whose fastidious life is disrupted by a young, strong-willed woman, Alma, who becomes his muse and lover.Phantom Thread had me completely gripped and immersed from the very beginning. Outstanding performances from Daniel Day Lewis and Vicky Krieps (as well as the rest of the supporting cast) drive this fascinating character drama. The writing is mostly top notch (apart from one very out of place confrontation), the cinematography is phenomenal, and the score is very memorable. The only really gripes I had were a unearned finale, and a true lack of character development from the lead. Besides these minor issues, I loved this film, and I'd be happy to watch it again right now. 9/10
- DirectorFritz LangStarsBrigitte HelmAlfred AbelGustav FröhlichIn a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences.A product of its time for sure, Metropolis is unlike anything that I've ever seen, yet I found it incredibly fascinating. From a technical stand point alone this movie is brilliant and really quite impressive. But when I have to explain what I liked about the plot/characters, thats a little more difficult as I have nothing else to really compare it with. I did enjoy this movie, I just don't feel comfortable scoring it. 8/10
- DirectorJill BauerRonna GradusStarsTressa SilgueroRiley ReynoldsRachel BernardA documentary about young women who have been drawn into the sex trade - and how easy it is for a web-savvy generation to end up making porn.Hot Girls Wanted feels as if it's without focus. The message behind the original intentions for this documentary feel lost, as it tends to lose focus as well as never really offering any answers or solutions to the problems it presents. 6/10
- DirectorJulius OnahStarsGugu Mbatha-RawDavid OyelowoDaniel BrühlOrbiting a planet on the brink of war, scientists test a device to solve an energy crisis, and end up face-to-face with a dark alternate reality.As someone who hasn't seen the previous two Cloverfield films, The Cloverfield Paradox really does stand on its own. The premise and initial set up are fantastic, but after about the halfway mark, this movie begins to fall apart. The characters become very one dimensional, the story forgets its original potential and instead chooses to follow a very safe and uninteresting route. There are also a lot of tonal inconsistencies with some of the characters thanks to some truly terrible writing. The first 40 minutes are truly great, but the remaining hour sadly can't continue that momentum. This is by no means a bad movie, it's just very inconsistent. 6/10
- DirectorByron HowardChris WilliamsStarsJohn TravoltaMiley CyrusSusie EssmanThe canine star of a fictional sci-fi/action show that believes his powers are real embarks on a cross country trek to save his co-star from a threat he believes is just as real.I remembered literally nothing about this movie and I now understand why. There's nothing particularly bad about this movie, but there's also nothing that stands out. It's very bland, and sometimes that's worse. 5/10
- DirectorShane AckerStarsElijah WoodJennifer ConnellyCrispin GloverA rag doll that awakens in a postapocalyptic future holds the key to humanity's salvation.Phenomenal visuals and a fascinating world are brought down a little by the characters never having any true depth. 7/10
- DirectorJames FoleyStarsDakota JohnsonJamie DornanEric JohnsonAnastasia and Christian get married, but Jack Hyde continues to threaten their relationship.For the sake of being fair, I'm going to give credit to the two things that I liked about this movie. 1. From a direction standpoint it was mostly sound. 2. Dakota Johnson (in a select few scenes) is a pretty decent actress.
Now onto the bad, this movie is everything that is wrong with cinema today. The entire romance doesn't work because neither of the characters have any sort of chemistry. Christian is never given anything to do apart from have sex and be mad for no reason. Throughout the movie there are all of these plots that are introduced and then wrapped up about 10 minutes later that don't amount to anything at all. For example (this is in the trailer), Christian buys a house and then Anna confronts the flirty designer. After this scene we never see the house or the woman ever again, SO WHAT WAS THE POINT. This continues on for the rest of the TWO HOUR runtime. As well as this movie having literally no plot, the acting and writing is horrendous, truly some of the worst I've ever seen/heard (it's consistently hilarious that it's this awful). The movie feels the need to constantly blast pop music (a good 20 songs are used for no real reason), the sex is incredibly boring and uninteresting because the characters are just awful, and from a moral standpoint Anna's character is really terrible. The moral here is that even if your partner hurts you, you should just forgive them immediately and do what they say.... it's frankly uncomfortable.
This movie is not worth your time or money, but if you liked the other two you're not going to pay any attention to this anyway, so I hope you can enjoy what I could not. 2/10 - DirectorAri SandelStarsAdam DevineAlexandra DaddarioShelley HennigNoah meets Avery at a Halloween party and falls in love but gets friend-zoned. 3 years later, she's engaged to someone else. Noah returns in a time machine to fix things.This movie is directed by the same guy who made The DUFF and apparently he hasn't learnt anything about film making since then. This movie is cringe inducing for the majority of the runtime. The story goes exactly where you think it will, and the "twist" is painfully obvious from the moment it begins. I gave this movie a chance because I like Adam Devine and Alexandra Daddario, but even they couldn't save this mess.
4/10 - DirectorDaniel KwanDaniel ScheinertStarsPaul DanoDaniel RadcliffeMary Elizabeth WinsteadA hopeless man stranded on a deserted island befriends a dead body, and together they go on a surreal journey to get home.One of the strangest movies I've ever seen. Features excellent performances from both of it's leads, and a truly original premise that is sadly brought down by feeling a little half baked. 7/10
- DirectorLouis J. GasnierStarsDorothy ShortKenneth CraigLillian MilesCautionary tale that features a fictionalized take on marijuana use. A trio of drug dealers lead innocent teenagers to become addicted to "reefer" cigarettes by holding wild parties with jazz music.A cautionary tale about the terrifying dangers of smoking weed. (it's hilarious and really dated, a very fun time)
If you smoke weed, any of these things could happen to you... OR YOU- Laughing like a crazy person
- Playing the piano really quickly
- Speeding at 50 miles per hour and then hitting someone
- Shooting your girlfriend
- Karate chopping your dad with a gun
- Jumping out of a window and dying
- Actually going insane.
Don't do drugs kids. I truly am scarred forever!
7/10 - DirectorLars von TrierStarsCharlotte GainsbourgStellan SkarsgårdStacy MartinA self-diagnosed nymphomaniac recounts her erotic experiences to the man who saved her after a beating.This movie is a very challenging cinematic experience. It has some truly great moments such as a fantastic lead character, a fascinating concept and story structure, some excellent performances, and boundary pushing storytelling devices. But a bloated run time and a heavy reliance on its sequel bring this movie down a little. I was captivated for most of the runtime, but not enough to make me watch another 2 hours of this story. 8/10
- DirectorDan TrachtenbergStarsJohn GoodmanMary Elizabeth WinsteadJohn Gallagher Jr.A young woman is held in an underground bunker by a man who insists that a hostile event has left the surface of the Earth uninhabitable.Strong performances, an extremely intriguing premise, an okay twist, and a consistently cool visual style make 10 Cloverfield Lane a really enjoyable and surprisingly tense experience. It's definitely better then Paradox. 7/10
- DirectorJames BobinStarsAmy AdamsJason SegelChris CooperA Muppet fanatic with some help from his 2 human compatriots must regroup the Muppet gang to stop an avaricious oil mogul from taking down one of their precious life-longing treasures.I hold this movie in very high regard, and would consider it one of my all time favourites. Does it hold up as well? Not really. The plot is sooooo uninspired and conventional, and there are no new ideas brought to the table, but the fun musical numbers, consistently funny dialogue, and overall Muppet charm really make this as good as it is. 7/10
- DirectorD.J. CarusoStarsVin DieselDonnie YenDeepika PadukoneXander Cage is left for dead after an incident, though he secretly returns to action for a new, tough assignment with his handler Augustus Gibbons.This movie is pretty terrible. It doesn't take itself seriously which is apparently an excuse for it sucking. It's really drawn out, the characters are just shells of people, the action sequences are far too long and regular for my liking. It's a fine movie to make fun of. 3/10
- DirectorJoel CoenEthan CoenStarsWilliam H. MacyFrances McDormandSteve BuscemiMinnesota car salesman Jerry Lundegaard's inept crime falls apart due to his and his henchmen's bungling and the persistent police work of the quite pregnant Marge Gunderson.Fargo is one of the best movies I've ever seen, period. This movie showcases a culmination of incredible talent (especially from Frances McDormand and Steve Buscemi), a wonderfully written screenplay, and powerful visuals that I won't soon forget! I had such a blast with this movie, and I'd quite happily rewatch it right now. 8/10
- DirectorMike FiggisStarsNicolas CageElisabeth ShueJulian SandsBen Sanderson, a Hollywood screenwriter who lost everything because of his alcoholism, arrives in Las Vegas to drink himself to death. There, he meets and forms an uneasy friendship and non-interference pact with prostitute Sera.A career best performance by Nicolas Cage makes this movie as great as it is. This movie is at times very challenging and uncomfortable to sit through, but the unique story, unconventional 'love' story, strong writing, and truly engrossing cinematography make this a cinematic treat to behold. 8/10
- DirectorDan GilroyStarsJake GyllenhaalRene RussoBill PaxtonWhen Louis Bloom, a con man desperate for work, muscles into the world of L.A. crime journalism, he blurs the line between observer and participant to become the star of his own story.Nightcrawler is one of the best written movies that I've seen in a very long time. The screenplay is the best part of this film, but Jake Gyllenhaal provides one of his best performances ever! The direction is really solid, the performances across the board are very strong, the plot dares to take risks that aren't often seen, not to mention the brilliantly tense atmosphere that is created, especially for the last half hour. 8/10
- DirectorChuck JonesPhil MonroeMaurice NobleStarsMel BlancArthur Q. BryanPaul JulianBugs Bunny reflects on his past cartoon exploits.This compilation of some of the best 60s-70s Looney Tunes cartoons is a perfectly fine way to spend 90 minutes, but there isn't really any extra incentive for fans to rewatch these classics apart from a few added segments with Bugs Bunny that feel more like filler than anything else. 5/10
- DirectorMatt ReevesStarsMike VogelJessica LucasLizzy CaplanA group of friends venture deep into the streets of New York on a rescue mission during a rampaging monster attack.A very cool premise, genuinely creepy atmosphere, and a surprisingly good looking CGI monster are overshadowed by some truly awful performances from the unlikable leads. 6/10
- DirectorOlivier DahanStarsNicole KidmanTim RothAndré PenvernThe story of former Hollywood star Grace Kelly's crisis of marriage and identity, during a political dispute between Monaco's Prince Rainier III and France's Charles De Gaulle, and a looming French invasion of Monaco in the early 1960s.Although most critics slammed this movie, I didn't think it was awful. It's shot very well, and most of the performances are pretty good (nothing truly exceptional but Nicole Kidman does a fine job). The biggest issue of the film is that it's just so boring. There is an interesting story in here somewhere, but this isn't the way to tell it. Maybe next time they should try developing their characters. 5/10
- DirectorStanley KubrickStarsJames MasonShelley WintersSue LyonA middle-aged college professor becomes infatuated with a 14-year-old girl.This movie had me infatuated from the moment it started. The direction from Kubrick lacks his now infamous style, but despite that this movie floored me. I was engrossed in this relationship, to the point that I was so invested that I was noticeably mad when bad things happened to these characters. This movie is brilliantly acted, with some truly top notch writing that is both clever and very funny. I didn't expect to love this as much as I did! This is one of my favourite movies ever, and I will be returning to it soon. 9/10
- DirectorLuc BessonStarsBruce WillisMilla JovovichGary OldmanIn the colorful future, a cab driver unwittingly becomes the central figure in the search for a legendary cosmic weapon to keep Evil and Mr. Zorg at bay.An incredibly goofy yet endearing movie. This isn't a good movie by any measure, but it's a very enjoyable space opera, one that I would say is better than the prequels AND Last Jedi. It's certainly more entertaining than those movies. 7/10
- DirectorDax ShepardStarsMichael PeñaDax ShepardVincent D'OnofrioAn inexperienced rookie is teamed up with a hardened pro at the California Highway Patrol in Los Angeles; the newbie officer soon learns his partner is really an undercover Fed investigating a heist which may involve some crooked cops.CHIPS is a garbage fire of a movie. It's painfully unfunny (I didn't laugh once), the characters feel miscast and are very unlikable, it's long, it's predictable. Just avoid this movie. 2/10
- DirectorJames WanStarsCary ElwesLeigh WhannellDanny GloverTwo strangers awaken in a room with no recollection of how they got there, and soon discover they're pawns in a deadly game perpetrated by a notorious serial killer.As a premise, Saw is really great. But unfortunately the scale of the film is far too small for it's own good, which results in a lot of filler through uninteresting B plots. The plot is messy, and the writing is weak, but when Saw works, it really really works. At times it is incredibly tense, but unfortunately it never gets much further then that. 6/10
- DirectorCameron CroweStarsBilly CrudupPatrick FugitKate HudsonA high-school boy in the early 1970s is given the chance to write a story for Rolling Stone magazine about an up-and-coming rock band as he accompanies them on their concert tour.Great writing and an excellent soundtrack with a by the numbers plot never truly elevate this film to the great heights it could have reached. 7/10
- DirectorLars von TrierStarsWillem DafoeCharlotte GainsbourgStorm Acheche SahlstrømA grieving couple retreat to their cabin in the woods, hoping to repair their broken hearts and troubled marriage, but nature takes its course and things go from bad to worse.Lars Von Trier delivers a film about dealing with death and depression against the 'antichrist' that is our world. This movie is filled with symbolism and really requires multiple viewings in order to unpack everything, but oh my god is this movie difficult to watch! Both leads provide incredible performances, and the direction here is nothing short of brilliant. This movie is unlike anything that I've ever seen, and for that reason it may be wroth watching for you. But the incredibly grotesque violence is a little too confronting, and will prevent me from watching this otherwise pretty good film again. 6/10
- DirectorRobert RodriguezStarsHarvey KeitelGeorge ClooneyJuliette LewisTwo criminals and their hostages unknowingly seek temporary refuge in a truck stop populated by vampires, with chaotic results.From Dusk Till Dawn has a really strong first act, with a fun premise, and interesting characters. Unfortunately at about the halfway mark it forgets all about that and becomes a vampire massacre (despite vampires never even being hinted at). Frankly it's jarring and messy. There is fun to be had with this movie, but I think both halves would have worked much better as their own movies. 6/10
- DirectorRyan CooglerStarsChadwick BosemanMichael B. JordanLupita Nyong'oT'Challa, heir to the hidden but advanced kingdom of Wakanda, must step forward to lead his people into a new future and must confront a challenger from his country's past.Black Panther ranges from okay to great. There are some truly great moments in here, and T'challa as a character is really interesting, some of the action set pieces are really great (whilst others are too CG heavy and boring), and the city of Wakanda is incredible (it's the best part of the movie since it's so well developed and fascinating on its own). Every character is very well acted, but none of them every really stand out which is a recurring issue in this movie. Everything we have here is good, but it very rarely goes beyond that. The plot feels very safe and not particularly original, the villains are okay at best (nothing really new about them), and the humour feels really off here (references to vines...? come on guys.). This is a good movie, don't get me wrong, but like Doctor Strange or Ant-Man, there's just nothing particularly special to make it stand out. It's worth seeing at least once but I honestly can't see me rewatching it anytime soon.
6.5/10 - DirectorAdam RobitelStarsLin ShayeLeigh WhannellAngus SampsonParapsychologist Dr. Elise Rainier faces her most fearsome and personal haunting yet, as she is drawn back to her ghostly childhood home where the terror began.This movie is Fifty Shades levels of bad. There is next to no plot or any sort of interesting character development. The writing is atrocious, the story beats make literally no sense, the "scares" are lazy to say the very least. This movie was made for no other reason then to make money, and man oh man is it obvious. 2/10
- DirectorGreta GerwigStarsSaoirse RonanLaurie MetcalfTracy LettsIn 2002, an artistically inclined 17-year-old girl comes of age in Sacramento, California.I did watch this film back in January, but because my opinion changed completely upon second viewing I've moved it down to reflect the date of my new opinion. Initially I discounted this film as following the generic story beats as most of it's genre counterparts, but boy was I wrong. Lady Bird has phenomenal writing, and absolutely riveting performances from both Lady Bird herself and her mother. Greta Gerwig does a really solid job as a first time director as she manages to truly capture the time and the experiences. Whilst I don't think this is worthy of Best Picture, I do highly recommend it. This movie takes what you've seen a million times before and comes close to perfecting these elements, this movie is definitely not one to be missed. 8/10
- DirectorDexter FletcherStarsTaron EgertonHugh JackmanTom CostelloThe story of Eddie Edwards, the notoriously tenacious British underdog ski jumper who charmed the world at the 1988 Winter Olympics.This biopic succeeds thanks to the charisma of its leads and the fun visual style that is injected into this film. But unfortunately it's extremely predictable narrative and lack of any true character development for any other characters who aren't the leads results in a fine viewing experience. 6/10
- DirectorWolfgang ReithermanClyde GeronimiDavid HandStarsRickie SorensenSebastian CabotKarl SwensonA poor boy named Arthur learns the power of love, kindness, knowledge and bravery with the help of a wizard called Merlin in the path to become one of the most beloved kings in English history.The Sword in the Stone is one of the few Disney movies that I haven't seen, which is bizarre because this is really really good. Fantastic and colourful animation, brilliant voice acting, and enough Disney magic to make this very memorable. 7/10
- DirectorSteve McQueenStarsChiwetel EjioforMichael Kenneth WilliamsMichael FassbenderIn the antebellum United States, Solomon Northup, a free Black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery.12 Years a Slave is a technical masterpiece with powerful performances, excellent direction, and excellently handled subject matter. Whilst I can recognise that this is a great film, I personally didn't like it very much due to its overly long runtime and a lack of any true connection to the protagonist. 8/10
- DirectorKyle NewmanStarsJaime KingSamuel L. JacksonMadeleine StackA teenage special ops agent coveting a "normal" adolescence fakes her own death and enrolls in a suburban high school. She quickly learns that surviving the treacherous waters of high school is more challenging than international espionage.Barely Lethal is an awful awful movie, but luckily in this case it's so completely incompetent in every way imaginable that this makes for a very enjoyable time. The action sequences are so boring, the characters are as over the top and filled with cliche ridden dialogue as you'd expect from a teen action movie. Overall this movie comes across as lazy and cheap, but it seems like the cast had a fun time making this piece of trash, so there is some fun to be had here. 2/10
- DirectorAnna BodenRyan FleckStarsBen MendelsohnRyan ReynoldsYvonne LandryDown on his luck and facing financial hardship, Gerry teams up with younger charismatic poker player, Curtis, in an attempt to change his luck. The two set off on a road trip through the South with visions of winning back what's been lost.Competently directed and acted very well, this movie just never really grabbed me. 6/10
- DirectorStephanie LaingStarsGugu Mbatha-RawMichiel HuismanSteve CooganA man and a woman who have known each other since age 8 are destined to be together until death does them part.Irreplaceable You is the worst movie I've ever seen in my life, I'm not even kidding. The premise alone is insensitive and even a little offensive to people who are actually terminally ill. There is no purpose to this movie, scenes play out but never actually lead anywhere or develop the characters/further the story. The characters are in the exact same place at both the beginning and end of the movie. This movie also looks really cheap, and is directed in the most boring way imaginable with literally no style at all, If you set the camera up on a tripod and left it, the exact same movie would be produced.
The writing is some of the worst I've ever heard (I basically cringed for the entire runtime). I know literally nothing about any of the cookie-cutter characters (not even their names). Literally the only thing I liked about this movie was the soundtrack, but that isn't ever used as anything more than background noise, so ultimately that doesn't change anything.
To summarise, this movie is unredeemable. It's lazy, predictable, free from any real chemistry or reason to care about these characters, relies on overused and uninteresting narrative devices (ooh yippee, more narration from beyond the grave!). This is undeniable trash and I am AMAZED that something like this was ever green light. Please don't watch this movie ever. 1/10 - DirectorVic ArmstrongStarsNicolas CageLea ThompsonCassi ThomsonA small group of survivors is left behind after millions of people suddenly vanish and the world is plunged into chaos and destruction.Left Behind is the perfect bad movie. The most enjoyable part of this films absurdity is the fact that the writer is taking this all very seriously. Nic Cage provides a wonderfully goofy performance that is consistently funny. The plot itself heavily implies that all non-christians are terrible people, which results in some hysterical scenarios where atheists are acting horribly (because that's how all atheists act guys!). On top of this, the action is incredibly over the top which would have been fine if the CGI didn't look so incredibly cheap. The other characters are shells, the dialogue is laughably bad and so out of touch, and there are huge plot points/ leaps of logic(like when a passenger on a plane somehow has a gun). Much like 'The Room' the fun to be had from this movie comes from it's total incompetence which makes it the premier choice for a fun time to watch with a group of friends. 10/10
- DirectorNacho VigalondoStarsAnne HathawayJason SudeikisAustin StowellGloria is an out-of-work party girl forced to leave her life in New York City and move back home. When reports surface that a giant creature is destroying Seoul, she gradually comes to the realization that she is somehow connected to this phenomenon.On paper this movie has a really unique premise for a movie. Unfortunately this premise is completely wasted by never really taking it to its full potential. There are huge leaps of logic in this movie, and Anne Hathaway's performance (whilst being very good) is so inconsistent from her characters perspective to the point that I honestly forgot how she felt in certain scenarios. The other characters never really elevate to anything more than background props, the writing is fine at best, and the big reveal for why the films events are happening are so ludicrous, to the point in which all dramatic tension is lost. 5/10
- DirectorEric SummerÉric WarinStarsElle FanningDane DeHaanCarly Rae JepsenAn orphan girl dreams of becoming a ballerina and flees her rural Brittany for Paris, where she passes for someone else and accedes to the position of pupil at the Grand Opera House.It's no secret that this movie is aimed at a younger demographic, but that's not an excuse to present us with an extremely familiar, and risk free plot filled with mostly one dimensional characters, poor writing, and a very uninteresting B plot that is often forgotten. However, whilst the screenplay doesn't stick the landing, there are a good amount of visual gags that do work, and Elle Fanning does a very nice job as the lead. The main reason to see this film is for the dance sequences, which feature fluent and realistic animation that makes the movie feel alive. The story may be weak, but the pretty great animation makes up for it's shortcomings, especially in an incredibly enjoyable final dance battle, that fully showcases the talent of this studios animators.6/10
- DirectorHarry BeaumontStarsBessie LoveAnita PageCharles KingA pair of sisters from the vaudeville circuit try to make it big time on Broadway, but matters of the heart complicate the attempt.I don't really have much to say about this one, it definitely hasn't aged well. The musical numbers are used far too sparingly, the acting isn't really that good, but the plot is interesting enough. I can't see myself ever watching this again, but as a product of it's time it's fine. 6/10
- DirectorMasaaki YuasaStarsGen HoshinoKana HanazawaHiroshi KamiyaIn this comedy about one epic night in Kyoto, a college sophomore goes on a series of surreal encounters with the local nightlife, all the while unaware of the romantic longings of her classmate Senpai.This is a perfect example as to why I love animation. The way this movie tells its story is as strange as it is exhilarating to watch. I couldn't look away, in fear that I would miss anything. There are about 5 or 6 animation styles that are utilised in this film, and all of them are so inventive and visually exciting. No two scenes are exactly the same, as this movie revels in this. As well as the phenomenal animation, the editing of each sequence is so fast and fluid in a very Edgar Wright kind of way. This is all complimented by a really fun story that comprises of two perspectives: the young girl who is letting fate take her through the night, and the man who is pining for her. The movie is populated with likeable, well developed characters, and features some excellent voice acting (and musical numbers!). If you're willing to watch a completely unique, and uncompromisingly cool movie that pushes the boundaries of animation, this should definitely not be missed. This is the best movie I've seen in a long time and will now be joining the ranks of some of my other favourite animated masterpieces. 9/10
- DirectorMasaaki YuasaStarsKanon TaniShôta ShimodaMinako KotobukiThe story centers on Kai, a gloomy middle school student whose life changes after meeting Lu, a mermaid.Lu Over the Wall is very reminiscent of films like Ponya, ET, and The Shape of Water. And whilst its influences are also quite apparent, it never really does anything new with its borrowed premise which holds this film back from truly standing on its own. However the crisp, oftentimes gorgeous animation, fun visuals and enjoyable score make up for the lack of any truly new ideas. Sadly the emotional moments never really hit either, due to a lack of true development of any of the side characters. This movie really is good, but it feels a little too safe which holds it back from being an animated great. This definitely is an enjoyable film, but its certainly not director Masaaki Yuasa's best work, nor does it ever reach the heights of its inspirations. 7/10
- DirectorVincent ParonnaudMarjane SatrapiStarsChiara MastroianniCatherine DeneuveGena RowlandsA precocious and outspoken Iranian girl grows up during the Islamic Revolution.Persepolis' harrowing true story is told through simplistic, yet effective animation. The world portrayed in this film is bleak, and the helplessness is hammered in through our view of the protagonist as she grows up. This story is a powerful coming of age story, that drags a little in its second act, and focuses on too many underdeveloped characters whose fates never really hit home. 7/10
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsChristian BaleHugh JackmanScarlett JohanssonAfter a tragic accident, two stage magicians in 1890s London engage in a battle to create the ultimate illusion while sacrificing everything they have to outwit each other.The Prestige isn't one of Christopher Nolan's best films. The film does feature some really solid direction, and the premise is used to its full potential, but the screenplays need to constantly "trick" the audience produces a downright unexplainable ending. There is a lot of fun visual flair here, and whilst Hugh Jackman and Michael Caine deliver enough energy to make their characters fun to watch, Christian Bale is the complete opposite, with motivations that don't ever really make sense, and a so-so performance. 7/10
- DirectorCraig McCrackenStarsCathy CavadiniTara StrongElizabeth DailyAfter destroying the city of Townsville in a game of tag, a trio of super-powered little girls must redeem themselves by stopping a vengeful monkey's plot for world domination.The fact that this is a made-for-TV movie holds this back from being anything truly special. The lower budget means that the animation doesn't really look all that spectacular, and the runtime is atrocious to say the least. Even at 74 minutes long, there are several scenes that just feel extended to fit that runtime. There's enough fan fair and charm to make this an enjoyable time for existing fans of the show, and the voice acting is top notch as usual, but as a standalone movie, this isn't going to make any audience members want to watch the show because it frankly comes across as uninspired and somewhat lazy. 6/10
- DirectorStallone Vaiaoga-IoasaStarsSuivai AutagavaiaAnna-Maree ThomasLafitaga Mafaufau"No Going Out and No Boyfriends" - Hibiscus' obedience towards her Mum's rules is put to the test in her final year of University. As guys start to impress Hibiscus, she asks her childhood friend Ruth, to help keep her focused.Hibiscus and Ruthless is an independent film from New Zealand, so I hadn't really heard anything about it before going in. If I had to use one word to describe the film, I would say "messy". There were certainly good intentions here, and it's obvious that the cast was having a good time whilst making this, but the fun premise is overshadowed by some very glaring issues such as bizarre tonal shifts (almost to the point that I was weirdly uncomfortable), the titular character of "Ruthless" is so painfully unfunny and obnoxious for the first half and then is completely unused in the second, the mother's intentions didn't even come close to justifying her downright menacing behaviour, and the movie feels a little rushed in parts. There is certainly some enjoyment to be had with this, but oftentimes it feels like the director was attempting to make a Taikia Waititi film, and frankly he doesn't come close. 5/10
- DirectorJohn Francis DaleyJonathan GoldsteinStarsJason BatemanRachel McAdamsKyle ChandlerA group of friends who meet regularly for game nights find themselves entangled in a real-life mystery when the shady brother of one of them is seemingly kidnapped by dangerous gangsters.There is a fun premise in here somewhere, but for some reason the screenwriters thought it would be a good idea to make the plot so incredibly convoluted and absurd to the point that its own ridiculousness is its own downfall. Jason Bateman is the only character that I really enjoyed in this movie (probably because he was just playing himself), whilst the rest of the cast felt like cookie cutter stereotypes who were painfully underdeveloped. The biggest fault of Game Night is how unfunny it is. In the 104 minute runtime I laughed a total of 3 times... and this is apparently a comedy movie? The tone here is so completely inconsistent and weirdly dark, to the point that there are extended sequences of 'serious' moments that felt incredibly out of place in a comedy film. This film looked bad from the trailers, and somehow (much like Jumanji) it didn't even exceed my very low expectations. 3/10
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsBob HoskinsChristopher LloydJoanna CassidyWhen a cartoon rabbit is accused of murder, he enlists the help of a burnt out private investigator to prove his innocence.Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a genuinely great movie. The premise here is both clever and used to its utmost potential. Both the human and the toon world feel rich and complimentary to each other. The murder mystery is intriguing, and thanks to the great leads I was fully invested. This movie has heart, its consistently funny, and always entertaining, and I was surprised at how well the animation hybrid style held up by todays standards! Yes it looks a little choppy every now and then, but this came out in 1988 so the technology is utilised very well, and the animations style is just gorgeous to look at. 8/10
- DirectorMichael RadfordStarsJohn HurtRichard BurtonSuzanna HamiltonIn a totalitarian future society, a man, whose daily work is re-writing history, tries to rebel by falling in love.This movie is a mess. Featuring some of the absolute worst audio mixing that I've ever heard, this movie is almost unwatchable without subtitles, due to many scenes being overshadowed by the incomprehensibly loud music and/or chanting. This movie is also very visually ugly, with the film comprising of a very ugly grey colour palette (done correctly this can be effective). This movie is just uninteresting, and feels like it wastes in intriguing premise and rich source material by showcasing dull and entirely unlikely characters (I couldn't tell you anything about them). There were two scenes that I really enjoyed, and the general atmosphere was pretty solid. Apart from that there's not much else to praise it for. 4/10
- DirectorHayao MiyazakiStarsShûichirô MoriyamaTokiko KatôBunshi Katsura VIIn 1930s Italy, a veteran World War I pilot is cursed to look like an anthropomorphic pig.Porco Rosso is one of the few Ghibli gems that I haven't seen, and man oh man am I glad that I fixed that. A really unique twist on a tried and true premise, really fleshed out and likeable characters, excellent Japanese voice acting, absolutely stunning animation with some great character design. This movie is just a blast from beginning to end, and it successfully adds the Ghibli magic to a story that has been seen before. 8/10
- DirectorThomas VinterbergStarsMads MikkelsenThomas Bo LarsenAnnika WedderkoppA teacher lives a lonely life, all the while struggling over his son's custody. His life slowly gets better as he finds love and receives good news from his son, but his new luck is about to be brutally shattered by an innocent little lie.The Hunt is one of the best character dramas that I've ever seen in my life. It is about a teacher who is wrongly accused of sexually assaulting a student, and It widely succeeds by embracing its difficult, and oftentimes uncomfortable source material and presenting it in a way that feels real but never exploitive. The realism in this film is what makes it have such a powerful impact. Mads Mikkelson's character is given plenty of time to be developed and understood, which makes the allegations against him, and the repercussions that follow incredibly powerful, and at times sickening. The films atmosphere left me in a constant state of dread as I genuinely cared about him. The other performances range from okay to good, and the only real negative I have is that there are instances where the plot feels a little too self contained (a character is introduced, we see them bond, something happens, they move on to another character and repeat). This is a very affecting movie, and shouldn't be missed by those who seek great stories in cinema. 8/10
- DirectorNobuhiko ÔbayashiStarsKimiko IkegamiMiki JinboKumiko ÔbaA schoolgirl and six of her classmates travel to her aunt's country home, which turns out to be haunted.Hausu is one of the most bizarre, yet wonderful movies that I've ever seen. This movie is campy as hell, featuring ridiculous props, very over the top death scenes, and even more ridiculous characters, yet it all comes across as endearing. This film features some of the strangest, yet most memorable editing that I've ever seen, which makes this stand out from the usual slasher films in the genre. The soundtrack is also particularly great. There is A LOT of fun to be had with this movie, and whilst its no technical marvel, it's a pretty enjoyable way to spend 90 minutes. This movie is so entirely original that it breathes new life into the genre. The absurdity's work because the film embraces them. The frantic editing style works because the movie embraces it. This movie dares to be different, and sticks the landing thanks to its bold direction. This truly is one of the most fascinating and unique pieces of art that I've ever seen. 7/10
- DirectorZoe Lister-JonesStarsZoe Lister-JonesAdam PallyFred ArmisenA couple who can't stop fighting embark on a last-ditch effort to save their marriage: turning their fights into songs and starting a band.Band Aid is a dialogue heavy look into a couples failing marriage and how they use music as an expression of their anger. The film succeeds by creating believable and likeable lead characters. As this movie is so reliant on their relationship, if they didn't work and have believable chemistry, the movie as a whole wouldn't work either. The dialogue is witty, often times fast paced, and (mostly) quite clever, with the only exception to this being the comic relief neighbour who is often jarring as his presence is so out of place and unearned. In another film this character would have worked well, but here his character just removes all gravity from serious sequences. The music played by the band also is intentionally not great, and the plot unfortunately feels a little too safe for its own good. 7/10
- DirectorMike MillsStarsAnnette BeningElle FanningGreta GerwigThe story of a teenage boy, his mother, and two other women who help raise him among the love and freedom of Southern California of 1979.20th Century Women is a coming of age story that dares to be different. The way the narrative unfolds, the way the characters are developed, even the themes it chooses to explore. This is how you make a coming of age drama. The way director Mike Mills chooses to handle the more sensitive topics head on creates a sense of realism. None of these characters feel artificial or cookie cutter. They're not all given equal time in the spotlight, but when they are on screen I felt engrossed in their stories and their lives. The only negatives I have for this film is the way it uses narration, as it cheapens the experience, as well as a bizarre affect that is consistently used whilst driving (which at this point is more of a nit-pick). This is a great film, and will go down in my mind as one of the best coming of age stories to date.
- DirectorRobert VinceStarsRobby BensonDevin Douglas DrewitzTrevor WrightJack's back and this time he is shredding up the slopes in his most Xtreme adventure yet. Jack meets up with Pete, a snowboarder, and his rocker brother Jay where they must outwit two crooks and win the boarder cross championships.Most Extreme Primate is one of the dumbest movies that I've ever seen. The plot is basically identical to Home Alone 2, if Kevin were a snowboarding monkey. The acting is so unredeemable that it's just laughable for the entire runtime. The monkey antics are obviously pretty prevalent, and almost always enjoyable. And for some reason there's a strange racist undertone throughout the film towards Mexicans. As a film, this is atrocious and there is nothing that even comes close to redeeming it. However from a pure enjoyment standpoint, this is one of the most dumb fun that I've had with a movie in recent years. I'm giving it an even 5 because it's by no means the perfect bad movie, but it's also not good enough to deserve an actual score. 5/10
- DirectorFrancis LawrenceStarsJennifer LawrenceJoel EdgertonMatthias SchoenaertsBallerina Dominika Egorova is recruited to 'Sparrow School,' a Russian intelligence service where she is forced to use her body as a weapon. Her first mission, targeting a C.I.A. agent, threatens to unravel the security of both nations.I don't have many nice things to say about Red Sparrow... the first 40 minutes or so create a dark atmosphere with an intriguing twist on the spy genre. These spies use sexual manipulation as their weapon, and Jennifer Lawrence needs to learn how to accept that. That's an interesting premise that is explored for a good chunk of the film (although the needlessly graphic rape scenes do detract from this), but after Jennifer actually begins her mission, all of this is forgotten and the film becomes an incredibly uninspired time. This is a very by the numbers film, with no new ideas ever really being presented. The performances here are mostly good, but unfortunately Jennifer Lawrence can't do a Russian accent at all so every single word that comes out of her mouth is ridiculous. The narrative is very generic, with the exact story beats that you would expect. There is only one action set piece in the entire movie (which would be fine if the actual dialogue weren't so boring). And for some reason, all of this is stretched out into a painfully long 2 hours and 20 minute run time. Even when JLaw has starred in bad movies (House at the end of the street, Mockingjay 1/2) I've still enjoyed them because of her charisma, but even that is missing here. This one should definitely be avoided. 4/10