2019 MOVIES and TV SHOWS I WATCHED (NON HORROR)
This is a list of all the movies and TV shows I watched from 2019, hence the once that had a wide release in 2019. Horror films are not listed here as I have a list just dedicated to those, most of which I review in-depth on my website: https://horrorworld.reviews/
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- DirectorCristina GallegoCiro GuerraStarsCarmiña MartínezJosé AcostaNatalia ReyesDuring the marijuana bonanza, a violent decade that saw the origins of drug trafficking in Colombia, Rapayet and his indigenous family get involved in a war to control the business that ends up destroying their lives and their culture.9/10
Fantastic and unique picture about the way cocaine trafficking changed the face of Colombian tribes and traditions. The movie is slow-paced but it's got no dull nor boring moments; immaculate performances all-around and only a couple of technical issues to prevent it from a 10/10 - DirectorSimon FellowsStarsAndrew ScottBronagh WaughDenise GoughWhen a young boy goes missing in a sleepy backwoods town, a local sanitation truck driver, Donald, plays detective, embarking on a precarious and obsessive investigation.4.5/10
Rather derivative thriller with a mentally disabled guy as the detective. The lead gives a solid performance and has quite a well-rounded character. Everything else feels very much by the numbers - DirectorJohn Lee HancockStarsKevin CostnerWoody HarrelsonKathy BatesThe untold true story of the legendary detectives who brought down Bonnie and Clyde.5/10
Both character study and road movie, this thriller falls flat as it feels more pandering than anything else - DirectorDome KarukoskiStarsNicholas HoultLily CollinsColm MeaneyTolkien's novels were inspired by his mom's storytelling, falling in love with another orphan, Edith, forming a brotherhood with 3 other misfits at school, the trench war of WWI and later telling stories to his own kids.4/10
Weak take on the life of Talkien, this movie focuses on the unimportant aspects of the author's life and is very bland from a visual standpoint - DirectorJ.C. ChandorStarsBen AffleckOscar IsaacCharlie HunnamLoyalties are tested when five friends and former special forces operatives reunite to take down a South American drug lord, unleashing a chain of unintended consequences.7/10
Very decent action movie with little action and a lot of interesting banter. The story feels original, the acting is solid, the locations are amazing. However, the movie looks flat and does never really reaches a peek - DirectorJoe BerlingerStarsLily CollinsZac EfronAngela SarafyanA chronicle of the crimes of Ted Bundy from the perspective of Liz, his longtime girlfriend, who refused to believe the truth about him for years.6/10
Zac Efron does his best in this movie about Ted Bundy, which at the end feels like a dull documentary about the serial killer with no elements that stand out - DirectorJonathan HelpertStarsMargaret QualleyAnthony MackieDanny HustonAs a young scientist searches for a way to save a dying Earth, she finds a connection with a man who's racing to catch the last shuttle off the planet.2/10
This poorly made sci-fi flick wastes a cool concept on wooden acting, non-existent plot and bland visuals - DirectorNeil MarshallStarsDavid HarbourMilla JovovichIan McShaneCaught between the worlds of the supernatural and human, Hellboy battles an ancient sorceress bent on revenge.3/10
This trein wreck is truly awful from every point of you but a few goofy fight sequences, filled with cartoonish gore, kinda save it from being totally worthless - DirectorCédric AngerStarsGuillaume CanetGilles LelloucheMichel FauTwo cops infiltrate the porn scene in the early 80's .4/10
Silly sexy-comedy from France that isn't daring nor erotic enough to stand out - DirectorMike MitchellStarsChris PrattElizabeth BanksWill ArnettIt's been five years since everything was awesome and the citizens are facing the huge new threat of Lego Duplo, invaders from outer space, wrecking everything faster than they can rebuild.6/10
Huge let-down in comparison to the first movie, this flick still manages to be fun and feature very impressive animation - DirectorMagnus WakeStarsCorin WakeIan HanmoreShonagh PriceSimon, a young man with exceptional powers, tracks down a serial killer, battling not only his own demons but a government agency that has decided Simon is too dangerous to be allowed to roam free. Based on a bestseller by Peter Flannery.5/10
A sci-fi thriller that suffers from its non-existent budget and poor performances - DirectorJoe PennaStarsMads MikkelsenMaria Thelma SmáradóttirTintrinai ThikhasukA man stranded in the Arctic after a plane crash must decide whether to remain in the relative safety of his makeshift camp or to embark on a deadly trek through the unknown.7/10
A survival film that, while not original, is extremely well-acted and directed by first-timer Joe Penna - DirectorJon S. BairdStarsSteve CooganJohn C. ReillyShirley HendersonLaurel and Hardy, the world's most famous comedy duo, attempt to reignite their film careers as they embark on what becomes their swan song: a grueling theatre tour of post-war Britain.7/10
Nostalgic and bitter-sweet look at the life of the famous comedic duo. Fantastic performances and a lot of emotional moments, although there are quite a few technical mistakes - DirectorDexter FletcherStarsTaron EgertonJamie BellRichard MaddenA musical fantasy about the fantastical human story of Elton John's breakthrough years.8/10
This is everything Bohemian Rapsody should've been. Egerton's performance elevates this picture made of hearthbreaking moments, surreal visuals and awesome musical numbers - DirectorGrant SputoreStarsLuke HawkerRose ByrneMaddie LentonIn the wake of humanity's extinction, a teenage girl is raised by a robot designed to repopulate the earth. But their unique bond is threatened when an inexplicable stranger arrives with alarming news.4/10
This post-apocalyptic film really isn't bad, however it's ruined by infinite plot-holes that truly make the script sloppy and unbearable - DirectorTatsuya NagamineStarsMasako NozawaAya HisakawaRyô HorikawaGoku and Vegeta encounter Broly, a Saiyan warrior unlike any fighter they've faced before.7/10
Fun watch for fans of Dragon Ball - DirectorFrant GwoStarsJing WuMan-Tat NgZhi WangWith the sun dying out, a group of brave astronauts set out to find new planet for the whole human race.5.5/10
This Chinese sci-fi action flick is quite easy to sit through, although the cheesiness and overreliance on CGI get tiresome very fast - DirectorOriol PauloStarsAdriana UgarteChino DarínJavier GutiérrezTwo storms separated by 25 years. A woman murdered. A daughter missed. Only 72 hours to discover the truth.6/10
A Spanish time-travel film that feels quite clever and thrilling, but the extremely corny moments and characters truly make it hard to justify at times - DirectorMartin GrofStarsJohnny MindlinRichard CanalSophie WilsonA mystery thriller about a 1980's devoted Czechoslovakian communist party member visiting his future self in London (UK), to make sure Socialism still prospers.7/10
Vastly underrated sci-fi thriller that's cerebral, well-acted and uses budget restraints to its advantage - DirectorLaure de Clermont-TonnerreStarsMatthias SchoenaertsJason MitchellBruce DernWhile participating in a rehabilitation program training wild mustangs, a convict at first struggles to connect with the horses and his fellow inmates, but he learns to confront his violent past as he soothes an especially feisty horse.6.5/10
The hearthwarming story of a convict bonding with a mustang, this French-US co-production is a compelling and contained watch, watered down by technical issues and a dull visual flair - DirectorMichael Curtis JohnsonStarsGrace Victoria CoxTequan RichmondWill BrittainSix young lives collide in the most horrific and twisted of ways. Based on true events.7.5/10
Raw and confronting coming-of-age story based on an actual crime. It feels genuine and realistic, while being very stylised. Unfortunately, some moments and sub-plots aren't developed enough and seem unwarranted by the end - DirectorAbbas KiarostamiStarsMohamad Ramezani PourCollection of 24 short four-and-a-half minute films inspired by still images, including paintings and photographs.6.5/10
Very experimental "art in motion", this French film is visually striking but feels repetitve given the runtime - CreatorNic PizzolattoIssa LópezStarsVince VaughnColin FarrellRachel McAdamsAnthology series in which police investigations unearth the personal and professional secrets of those involved, both within and outside the law.Season 3 - 8/10
Better than Season 2, not even close to Season 1 - StarsHanna ArdéhnFelix SandmanDavid DencikMaja, a student in Stockholm, finds herself on trial for murder after a tragedy at her school. More doubts and suspicions arise when new revelations are made.7/10
Thrilling and confronting teen drama that sometimes feels cheesy and too concerned with pop references - CreatorJannik Tai MosholtChristian PotalivoEsben Toft JacobsenStarsAlba AugustLucas Lynggaard TønnesenMikkel Boe FølsgaardAfter a brutal virus wipes out most of the population, two young siblings embark on a perilous search for safety.Season 2 - 5.5/10
Disappointing follow-up to a solid first season - CreatorCraig MazinStarsJessie BuckleyJared HarrisStellan SkarsgårdIn April 1986, the city of Chernobyl in the Soviet Union suffers one of the worst nuclear disasters in the history of mankind. Consequently, many heroes put their lives on the line in the following days, weeks and months.8/10
A fantastic mini-series that does right everything the creators wanted to achieve. One episode feels pointless though, as its themes could've been incorporated in the other four to give the show a more cohesive structure - CreatorBaran bo OdarJantje FrieseStarsLouis HofmannKaroline EichhornLisa VicariA family saga with a supernatural twist, set in a German town where the disappearance of two young children exposes the relationships among four families.Season 2 - 9/10
Mind-fucking Netflix show that's about the best TV series out there at the moment. Season 2 was nearly flawless - CreatorEd BrubakerNicolas Winding RefnStarsMiles TellerAugusto AguileraNell Tiger FreeDetective Martin Jones, who leads a double life as a killer for hire in Los Angeles' deadly underground, suffers an existential crisis which leads him deeper into a blood splattered world of violence.6/10
Experimental show by Nicolas Winding Refn that features two phenomenal episodes (4-5), whereas the rest of the series is pointless and dull, despite some great cinematography - DirectorAntonin BaudryStarsFrançois CivilOmar SyMathieu KassovitzIn the near future, a French submarine finds itself in a crisis situation.5/10
By the books war movie from France. Not bad, but very forgettable - DirectorJaime RosalesStarsBárbara LennieAlex BrendemühlJoan BoteyThe identity of Petra's father has been hidden from her all her life. When her mother dies, Petra embarks on a quest which leads to Jaume, a celebrated artist and a powerful, ruthless man.8/10
This ultra-slow Spanish family drama feels genuinely reviting and touching. Great performances, unique look and feel, only a few exposition dumps to drag it down - DirectorJeremy Kenyon Lockyer CorbellStarsBob LazarGeorge KnappJeremy Kenyon Lockyer CorbellIn 1989, physicist Bob Lazar broke the story of Area 51 and the US government's work on alien spacecrafts. He blew the whistle, shocked the world, then went silent - until now.1/10... if you watch it as a comedy it's pretty hilarious though
- DirectorJanet TobiasClaus WehlischStarsYanjaa WintersoulAndy FongKyle Bryan JohnsonGlimpse into the brain's vast potential for memorization through the eyes of four competitive memory athletes as they share techniques and insights.5/10
Funny Netflix documentary - CreatorDavid BenioffD.B. WeissStarsEmilia ClarkePeter DinklageKit HaringtonNine noble families fight for control over the lands of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for millennia.Season 8 - 5/10
One of the best shows ever unfortunately didn't get the ending it deserved - DirectorJonas ÅkerlundStarsMads MikkelsenVanessa HudgensKatheryn WinnickA retiring assassin suddenly finds himself on the receiving end of a hit, contracted by none other than his own employer seeking to cash in on the pensions of aging employees.2/10
This clusterfuck of a movie is honestly unwatchable, but Mads Mikkelsen saves it from being one of the worst movies of the decade - DirectorChris FogginStarsJames PurefoyMeadow NobregaDavid HaymanTen fisherman from Cornwall are signed by Universal Records and achieve a top ten hit with their debut album, "Sea Shanties."6/10
Entertaining British comedy about the differences between simple life and city life. Tonally inconsistent and rather dull visually at times, though - CreatorMatt DufferRoss DufferStarsMillie Bobby BrownFinn WolfhardWinona RyderWhen a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one strange little girl.Season 3 - 6/10
The weakest season of this fantastic show is unfortunately ruined by loads of fillers and some one-dimensional characters. It's still entertaining and emotional to watch, though - DirectorMax MinghellaStarsElle FanningAgnieszka GrochowskaArchie MadekweA shy teenager dreams of escaping her small town and pursuing her passion to sing. She enters a local singing competition that will test her integrity, talent and ambition. A spin on the Cinderella story.6/10
The coming-of-age story of a girl who tries to win this movie's version of X Factor. Very stylised but thin in plot, with a soundtrack that seems to come from the playlist of an intern - StarsAnthony SummersMaria João VazGonçalo AmaralThe Disappearance of Madeleine McCann takes a detailed look at the disappearance of three-year-old Madeleine McCann, who vanished from the seaside resort of Praia de Luz in Portugal, while on holiday with her family.8/10
Insightful, complete and unbiased documentary about an unsolved case that shocked England. Two episodes feel rather repetitive, besides that there are no real flaws - CreatorJoe BerlingerStarsStephen MichaudBob KeppelKathleen McChesneyA look inside the mind of serial killer Ted Bundy, featuring interviews with him on death row.6/10
Decent documentary about the "confession tapes" of Ted Bundy. It's interesting if you don't know much about this serial killer, but it lacks any originality, compelling presentation and truly revealing moments - DirectorYimou ZhangStarsChao DengLi SunRyan ZhengIn a Chinese royal court, an army commander secretly trains a "shadow" to retake a city against the wishes of the king.8/10
Nearly-B&W Chinese film that combines elements of war (with fantastically choreographed fight sequences) and personal drama. It drags a bit at the beginning and there are a few moments of exposition, but it's great otherwise - DirectorMatthew ShoychetStarsOskar GröningJeff AnsellHedy BohmSeventy years after WWII, Oskar Gröning, one of the last surviving members of the SS, goes on trial as an accessory to the murder of 300,000 people at the Auschwitz concentration camp.8/10
A documentary about the Holocaust that informs you about the long-lasting consequences of that tragedy. Very unique and rich with interviews, it's touching and depressing, all the while being very unbiased - DirectorJosh CooleyStarsTom HanksTim AllenAnnie PottsWhen a new toy called "Forky" joins Woody and the gang, a road trip alongside old and new friends reveals how big the world can be for a toy.6/10
Impressive animation and somewhat original storyline, this is a cash-grab that actually works most of the time, although it tries to be manipulative with the score and its characters - DirectorWi Ding HoStarsJack KaoHong-Chi LeeLouise GrinbergThis is a story about a common man who has extraordinary events in his mundane life. The film depicts the protagonist's turns of events in three eras, three seasons, three nights, in the same city, as told with reverse chronology.7/10
The depressing a bleak tale of a man trying to purse happiness in a dystopian future where happiness seems impossible to find. Diveded in three segments, two of which are fantastic and one very disappointing - DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsNikolaj Coster-WaldauSøren MallingPaprika SteenA Copenhagen police officer seeks justice for his partner's murder by a mysterious man.4/10
This is a very uninspired thriller by Brian De Palma: bland and forgettable trhoughout - DirectorRasmus Kloster BroStarsChristine SønderrisKresimir MikicSamson SemereRie visits a tunnel-boring machine being used to construct the Copenhagen Metro. When an accident occurs, she must survive the claustrophobic conditions of an airlock with Ivo and Bharan whilst reconsidering their lives.5/10
A claustrophobic Danish drama that has some fantastic sequences but also an equal number of poorly executed and acted moments - DirectorAnthony RussoJoe RussoStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris EvansMark RuffaloAfter the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to reverse Thanos' actions and restore balance to the universe.5/10
It's a superhero movie: it's enjoable and entertaining, but also way too long and manipulative in trying to make you feel for one-note characters - DirectorAgustin CastanedaStarsPaulina GaitanHéctor JiménezDavid CastroAfter his first love breaks his heart, a young American singer reluctantly leaves his home in San Diego, California and embarks on an epic road trip through Baja with his uncle in order to reconnect with his Mexican roots and find himself.4/10
A Mexican comedy-drama that struggles with its tone and presentation: it's not entertaining nor tragic enough to be worth recommending - DirectorMichael DoughertyStarsKyle ChandlerVera FarmigaMillie Bobby BrownThe crypto-zoological agency Monarch faces off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah.4/10
It's not a good movie. Terrible script and consequently awful performances. However, it's extremely entertaining for fans of monster movies: it's basically an animated feature where giant beasts punch and bite each other in a very cool manner - DirectorOlivia WildeStarsKaitlyn DeverBeanie FeldsteinJessica WilliamsOn the eve of their high-school graduation, two academic superstars and best friends realize they should have worked less and played more. Determined not to fall short of their peers, the girls try to cram four years of fun into one night.6/10
A little quirky comedy where the script and visuals can't hide the fact that the main characters are quite unlikeable - DirectorJoe TalbotStarsJimmie FailsJonathan MajorsRob MorganA young man searches for home in the changing city that seems to have left him behind.7/10
This is an indie melancholy film about a black man feeling pushed away from the city he loves. Story, acting and atmosphere are very gripping, but there are many continuity errors that hold it back from being truly great - DirectorRoss KauffmanStarsPavel FomenkoConservationists and local populations of India and Bhutan hope to double the wild tiger population by 2022.6/10
A fine Indian documentary about tiger population between India and Buthan. The topic feels overdone but the documentary is very well made to the point that it involves you even if you already know the story. - DirectorDavid Martín PorrasStarsMadeline ZimaAdrienne BarbeauRay WiseA man enlists the services of an assisted suicide company but discovers in order to take part he must kill someone first.3/10
Bland little thriller starring Ray Wise: he's always fun to watch - DirectorSebastián SchindelStarsJoaquín FurrielMartina GusmánLuciano CáceresLorenzo, a 50 y.o. painter, is having a child with his new wife, Sigrid. She gets stranger and stranger - or he does. He claims, the baby's been switched.4/10
A Spanish drama that feels very weak and hasn't got any element to make it stand out - DirectorMary HarronStarsHannah MurrayMatt SmithSosie BaconThe tragic tale of an all-American girl who was transformed into a cold-blooded killer in the summer of 1969.5/10
Another drama-thriller about the Manson murders. The focus is different here, which is refreshing, but other than that everything feels by the numbers - The lives of the Chinle High School boys' basketball team based on the Navajo Nation reservation in Arizona.7/10
Touching Netflix docu-series about high-school basketball. Despite the repetitive format, the way basketball and sports are intertwined with education of poor kids is really informative and captivating - DirectorKhalik AllahFrom red light districts to lush rain-forests, 'Black Mother' is a loving and lyrical ode to Jamaica and its people, a visual poem that is at once deeply felt love letter and ecstatic street-corner prayer.5/10
An experimental documentary about the life in Jamaica, from fervent Christians to violent criminals to prostitutes. It could have worked as either pure visual narrative or traditional format, but it tries to be both and feels jarring by the end - DirectorMatteo RovereStarsAlessandro BorghiAlessio LapiceFabrizio RongioneRomulus and Remus, two shepherds and loyal brothers, end up taking part to a journey that will lead one of them to be the founder of the greatest nation ever seen. However, the fate of the chosen one will pass from killing his own brother.5/10
Very promising and almost spotless first act for this Italian film about the foundation of Rome. Second and third act, though, are filled with goofy, silly moments and repetitive sequences. Spoken entirely in Latin, so bonus points for that - StarsDavid AttenboroughExplores and unravels the mystery of how and why animals migrate, showing some of the most dramatic and compelling stories in the natural world through spectacular and innovative cinematography.9/10
New environmentalist documentary narrated by the legendary David Attenborough. Fantastic new pieces of information, great camera-work and camera angles. Everything is perfect here, but the environmentalist agenda at the end of each episode feels a bit too on the nose - CreatorTony KrantzJohn WirthStarsIko UwaisByron MannLi Jun LiA warrior chosen as the latest and last Wu Assassin must search for the powers of an ancient triad and restore balance in San Francisco's Chinatown.2/10
Iko Uwais fights save this godawful show in which martial arts and super powers are combined: terrible acting, nonsensical storyline, awful dialogue and laughable special effects for one of the worst TV shows I've seen - DirectorBong Joon HoStarsSong Kang-hoLee Sun-kyunCho Yeo-jeongGreed and class discrimination threaten the newly-formed symbiotic relationship between the wealthy Park family and the destitute Kim clan.10/10
This masterpiece from legendary Korean director Joon-ho Bong is a genre-bending experience about social classes in Korean society, strive for success and loss of humanity. Perfect on a technical level, Parasite rightfully won the Palm d'Or at Cannes Film Festival this year - DirectorBugs Bhargava KrishnaStarsAmit SadhManjari FadnnisAaryan MenghjiA series of inexplicable and gruesome killings tear the Barot family apart and destroy the close relationship between father and son. Who could be behind this mindless slaughter? When the truth is discovered, it throws the family into further turmoil. But is the truth really the truth or games of a troubled mind?2/10
Cheesy, terribly acted, ruined by over-dramatic score and dated slow motion shots, this Indian thriller feels and looks like a cheap TV movie. Is the fact that it's based on a true story enough to consider it watchable or even good? Don't think so - DirectorSteven BognarJulia ReichertStarsJunming 'Jimmy' WangRobert AllenSherrod BrownIn post-industrial Ohio, a Chinese billionaire opens a factory in an abandoned General Motors plant, hiring two thousand Americans. Early days of hope and optimism give way to setbacks as high-tech China clashes with working-class America.8/10
This brilliant documentary studies the case of a Chines factory (Fuyao) that opens in Ohio. The difficulties to combine American and Chinese work ethics expands to become an analysis of Chinese colture in contrast with Western colture. Some music choices and a few weird editing choices are its only flaws - DirectorChad StahelskiStarsKeanu ReevesHalle BerryIan McShaneJohn Wick is on the run after killing a member of the international assassins' guild, and with a $14 million price tag on his head, he is the target of hit men and women everywhere.8/10
Action-packed third chapter in the new action franchise everyone seems to love. This entrance has the best fight choreography and the best pacing. The comedy worked very well too. Some of the acting and some weaknesses in the script are the only flaws - DirectorSacha PolakStarsVicky KnightKatherine KellyEliza Brady-GirardA young British mother struggles to reclaim her life after a brutal acid attack leaves her severely scarred.8/10
Portrayed by Vicki Knight, Dirty God follows a girl who, months after suffering from an acid attack, tries to rebuild her life. It's gritty, unflinching and perfectly captures the girl's emotion and a certain part of English society. Only a couple of choices bogged it down from a perfect score - DirectorJ.-P. ValkeapääStarsPekka StrangEster GeislerováEllen KarppoJuha has lost his wife in a drowning accident. Years after he still feels numb and unable to connect with people. Meeting Mona, a dominatrix, changes everything.9/10
TIFF 2019 - A man is affected by a terrible tragedy and, years after, he finds comfort in the relationship with a BDSM dominatrix. Perfectly shot, emotional, dour and sweet at the same time, disturbing and fascinating, this is a great film I watched at TIFF. Aside from one exaggerated scene and some repetitive moments, this film has little to no flaws - DirectorYe LouStarsGong LiMark ChaoPascal GreggoryYu Jin is working undercover gathering intelligence for the Allies.6/10
TIFF 2019 - Fantastic visuals and amazing performance from the lead woman, this black and white spy story/drama has troubles with defining clear characters and with the structure of the story - DirectorBen LawrenceStarsHugo WeavingAndrew LuriHayley McElhinneyDaniel is preparing an exhibition of his work from the world's war zones. When Sebastian learns that this exhibition may display photographs of a massacre in his village, he finds Daniel and appeals to him to exclude those photographs.8/10
TIFF 2019 - Fantastic directorial debut from Ben Lawrence, this drama/thriller from Australia is about the complex relationship between a war photographer and a Sudanese refugee. It intertwines character development with poignant social commentary. A sub-plot that feels a bit out of place makes it a bit unbalanced at points - DirectorTaika WaititiStarsRoman Griffin DavisThomasin McKenzieScarlett JohanssonA young German boy in the Hitler Youth whose hero and imaginary friend is the country's dictator is shocked to discover that his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their home.5/10
TIFF 2019 - The new comedy by Taika Waititi is his most disappointing film yet. It feels very time, given the subject matter that could've made for such off-beat and offensive humour. And Waititi as Hitler really doesn't work - DirectorTodd PhillipsStarsJoaquin PhoenixRobert De NiroZazie BeetzDuring the 1980s, a failed stand-up comedian is driven insane and turns to a life of crime and chaos in Gotham City while becoming an infamous psychopathic crime figure.7/10
TIFF 2019 - This is a very tricky film. It's incredibly well-made and it benefits from one of the best performances of the year, but it clearly takes its plot/main scenes from other successful movies from the past - DirectorKathleen HepburnElle-Máijá TailfeathersStarsViolet NelsonElle-Máijá TailfeathersCharlie HannahAfter a chance encounter on the street, a woman tries to encourage a pregnant domestic abuse victim to seek help.7/10
TIFF 2019 - Poignant. This film about abuse and feminism handles its subject matter in a very delicate and subtle way, so that it never feels gimmicky nor on-the-nose - DirectorAlejandro AmenábarStarsKarra ElejaldeEduard FernándezSanti PregoWriter Miguel de Unamuno faces himself and his ideals after the 1936's military coup d'etat.6/10
TIFF 2019 - The new movie from Alejandro Amenabar is masterful in its presentation, but the characters feel underdeveloped and the story seems to be a tad soulless - DirectorTerrence MalickStarsAugust DiehlValerie PachnerMaria SimonThe Austrian Franz Jägerstätter, a conscientious objector, refuses to fight for the Nazis in World War II.8/10
TIFF 2019 - Epic. This nearly 3 and a half hour long film from auteur Terrence Malik is the best-looking movie of the year. Cinematography and camera-work are spotless, the characters are captivating. A shorter runtime would've been welcome, though - DirectorKiyoshi KurosawaStarsAtsuko MaedaShôta SometaniTokio EmotoA young Japanese woman finds her cautious and insular nature tested when she travels to Uzbekistan to shoot the latest episode of her travel variety show.5/10
TIFF 2019 - The newest film from Kurosawa (Pulse, 2001) feels very uneven. Great visuals and one outstanding performance can't hide the fact that the movie feels too light-hearted for its own good. It's also badly paced, with some truly dull sequences every here and there. - DirectorSeung-woo KimStarsLee Yeong-aePark Hae-joonLee Won-geunA dedicated mother in search of her missing son follows a tip that leads her to a fishing village where corrupt police officers might have the answers to her mystery.8/10
TIFF 2019 - A great directorial debut, this South Korean thriller is fast-paced, disturbing, violent and very, very uncomfortable to watch. Aside from some predictable scenes and moments where the score was overbearing, this is a fantastic drama/thriller - DirectorAnthony ChenStarsYann Yann YeoJia Ler KohChristopher Ming-Shun LeeA teacher and student at a Singapore high school form a special, self-affirming bond.5/10
- DirectorChinonye ChukwuStarsAlfre WoodardRichard SchiffAldis HodgeAs she prepares to execute another inmate, Bernadine must confront the psychological and emotional demons her job creates, ultimately connecting her to the man she is sanctioned to kill.7/10
- DirectorOrlando von EinsiedelStarsOrlando von EinsiedelFollowing his Oscar winning The White Helmets, Orlando von Einsiedel turns his camera on his own family as they attempt to cope with a devastating loss. When his brother, newly diagnosed as schizophrenic and suffering from intense depression, took his own life at 22, Orlando and his other two siblings buried the trauma, rarely talking about it. Over a decade later, the remaining family set out on a hiking tour, visiting landscapes Evelyn liked to walk, to reflect on his life and death. The result is an intensely personal and moving take on the emotional impact of suicide within a family and a powerful account of the benefits of creating safe spaces for emotional communication. Shot in a subjective style and against the stunning backdrop of the British countryside, Evelyn is an emotionally raw film that documents the difficult, yet rewarding, attempt to navigate the rocky highlands of collective trauma.
The director of Virunga here tells the story of how the suicide of his younger brother affected him and his family for over 20 years. It's such a personal documentary that I really couldn't find an appropriate rating for it - DirectorJoko AnwarStarsAbimana AryasatyaTara BasroBront PalaraeIndonesia's preeminent comic book superhero and his alter ego Sancaka enter the cinematic universe to battle the wicked Pengkor and his diabolical squad of orphan assassins.7/10
TIFF 2019 - Fun fun fun fun fun! The director of Satan's Slave is responsible for this gory, violent Indonesian superhero flick that feels very creative and entertaining. Dialogues, character development and lighting could have been designed better, though - DirectorAndrew PattersonStarsSierra McCormickJake HorowitzGail CronauerOne night in New Mexico, in the late 1950s, a switchboard operator and radio DJ discover a strange audio frequency which could change the future forever.7/10
TIFF 2019 - This sci-fi drama is way smarter and deeper than you might anticipate. It's set in the 50s and that helps a lot with the suspension of disbelief. Great performances and style are the highlight. The derivative Twilight Zone vibe is the most distracting aspect of this eerie film - DirectorBertrand BonelloStarsLouise LabèqueWislanda LouimatKatiana MilfortA man is brought back from the dead to work in the hell of sugar cane plantations. 55 years later, a Haitian teenager tells her friends her family secret - not suspecting that it will push one of them to commit the irreparable.8/10
TIFF 2019 - A fantasy/coming-of-age/zombie film from France is very close to being a masterpiece. Great, believable performances all-around; fantastic visuals and purposeful style; unique story and compelling storytelling... aside from a couple of nitpicks, Zombi Child is nearly flawless - DirectorTakashi MiikeStarsBeckyBengalMasayuki DeaiA young boxer and a call girl get caught up in a drug-smuggling scheme over the course of one night in Tokyo.9/10
TIFF 2019 - The latest Takashi Miike film is one of the most accomplished in the prolific filmmaker's career. Part violent yakuza crime story, part horror, part comedy and part romance, this film blends all these different tones together beautifully in a wild, exhilarating ride - CreatorSusannah GrantMichael ChabonAyelet WaldmanStarsKaitlyn DeverToni ColletteMerritt WeverA teenager is charged with lying about being raped, but two detectives follow the path to the truth.8/10
Very tasteful and well-executed crime mini-series starring Toni Colette (who's amazing as always). Besides the approach to a real-life crime story about a serial rapist, which is handled very deeply and tastefully, this show features above average cinematography, performances and camera work. The first two episodes, as well as the last one, feature a few filler moments though, and the colour palette is very average-crime-series like - CreatorJeffrey AddissWill MatthewsStarsNeil SterenbergBeccy HendersonNathalie EmmanuelReturn to the world of Thra, where three Gelfling discover the horrifying secret behind the Skeksis' power, and set out to ignite the fires of rebellion and save their world.8/10
This unique and charming show starts off slow, but it gets more interesting and emotional with each episode. The technical achievements behind it are jaw-dropping, and the show never shies away from the scary and almost-disturbing parts. Great stuff! - DirectorJon WattsStarsTom HollandSamuel L. JacksonJake GyllenhaalFollowing the events of Avengers: Endgame (2019), Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever.6/10
Filmed in the most bland, un-special way, this superhero flick still manages to be entertaining due to Tom Holland and Jake Gyllenhaal's performances. The comedy is very hit or miss, but seeing Spider-Man doing his things is always enjoyable - DirectorScott AukermanStarsZach GalifianakisMatthew McConaugheyRekha ShankarZach Galifianakis and his oddball crew take a road trip to complete a series of high-profile celebrity interviews.4/10
I haven't seen the show, but this movie feels more like a combination of skits, some of which are funny, some others just annoying. The narrative structure is messy, the way it's filmed boring and uninspired - DirectorHarmony KorineStarsMatthew McConaugheySnoop DoggIsla FisherA rebellious stoner named Moondog lives life by his own rules.5/10
Milan Film Festival - The latest Harmony Korine's film is a stoner comedy that manages to be offensive, hilarious and off-putting. Unfortunately, everything falls flat as soon as it's clear the movie has no plot nor point to make. Plus, Snoop Dog's performance is unforgivably bad - DirectorKarim AmerJehane NoujaimStarsBrittany KaiserDavid CarrollPaul-Olivier DehayeThe Cambridge Analytica scandal is examined through the roles of several affected persons.6/10
A Netflix documentaries that's very informative but struggles to be comprehensive due to the overabundance of data-related jargon that isn't explained. Some thriller-esque presentation issues also make it a bit too overdramatic - DirectorMakoto NagahisaStarsKeita NinomiyaMondo OkumuraSatoshi MizunoFour orphans meet at a funeral home and none of them are sad about the recent deaths of their parents. They decide to become friends and live on their own.6/10
Milano Film Festival - Hyper-stylised drama/comedy/musical about 4 kids who lost their parents: they bond and go for a quest for freedom in their lonely lives. Very experimental in its presentation - inspired by 80s and 90s retro gaming - this is a unique watch that, however, would've benefitted from a way shorter runtime - DirectorLucía GaribaldiStarsRomina BentancurFederico MorosiniFabián ArenillasTwo young lovers embark on a relationship while a rumor of sharks at the beach has everyone talking.7/10
Milano Film Festival - The coming-of-age story of Rosina, a 15-year-old girl who comes from a very poor family, intertwines with the paranoia that spreads through the village where she lives. The movie combines mundane neorealism with subtle sexual awakening and it's kind of a gem for fans of the slow cinema movement - DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsLeonardo DiCaprioBrad PittMargot RobbieA faded television actor and his stunt double strive to achieve fame and success in the final years of Hollywood's Golden Age in 1969 Los Angeles.7/10
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is quite a departure from Tarantino’s usual style. It’s extremely well-acted and entertaining in the way it spoofs/pays homage to late 60s cinema. However, the pacing is quite uneven, some sound design choices feel odd and the ending is rather typical for Tarantino, as though he couldn’t care to craft something more original and unexpected - DirectorCraig BrewerStarsEddie MurphyKeegan-Michael KeyMike EppsEddie Murphy portrays real-life legend Rudy Ray Moore, a comedy and rap pioneer who proved naysayers wrong when his hilarious, obscene, kung-fu fighting alter ego, Dolemite, became a 1970s Blaxploitation phenomenon.6/10
Very enjoyable and well-acted biopic on Dolemite, one of the kings of blacksploitation, this movie benefits from great acting, solid makeup effects and outstanding recreation of the 70s. It lacks character development though, and sound-design and editing are too modern, they don’t capture the 70s feel at all - DirectorWash WestmorelandStarsAlicia VikanderKiki SukezaneKenichi MasudaAn enigmatic translator with a dark past is brought in for questioning after an ex-pat friend, who came between her and her photographer boyfriend, ends up missing and presumed dead.6/10
Alicia Vikander's performance and commitment elevate this otherwise formulaic and a bit manipulative drama-thriller. Nothing in the movie is particularly bad, aside the editing, but nothing is exceptionally good either - StarsYoram SheftelEli GabayMichael ShakedA Cleveland grandfather is brought to trial in Israel, accused of being the infamous German death camp guard known as Ivan the Terrible.7/10
Interesting docu-series about a former Nazi living in the US... or was he? There are a few inaccurate statements the documentary makes, but other than that it feels very interesting and rich - DirectorEva OrnerStarsLarissa AndersonFrancesca AsumahSarah BaughnTracing from his rise in the 1970s to his disgrace in accusations of rape and sexual harassment in more recent years.8/10
Another awesome documentary from Eva Orner. This time, she takes a look at Bikram, a yoga guru who turned out to be a sexual predator. This documentary feels very informative and, best of all, it's more suspenseful and thrilling than many fictional films thanks to the directing and the story itself. - DirectorDavid MichôdStarsTom Glynn-CarneyGábor CzapTom FisherYoung Henry V encounters deceit, war and treachery after becoming King of England in the 15th century, in the aftermath of his brother's death.6/10
Very well-made period-piece with an outstanding Timothee Chalamet. It's narrative is very formulaic and the cinematography feels quite average, but character development and acting make it an above par historical drama - DirectorSergio PablosCarlos Martínez LópezStarsJason SchwartzmanJ.K. SimmonsRashida JonesA simple act of kindness always sparks another, even in a frozen, faraway place. When Smeerensburg's new postman, Jesper, befriends toymaker Klaus, their gifts melt an age-old feud and deliver a sleigh full of holiday traditions.7/10
This Christmas animated movie is way better than I expected it to be. The animation, while not exactly Pixar-level, is very consistent and the art-direction feels seamless. The story and its message are captivating and poignant. The plot feels super predictable and it's clear not much effort was put into conflicts/resolutions - DirectorJérémy ClapinStarsHakim FarisVictoire Du BoisPatrick d'AssumçaoA story of Naoufel, a young man who is in love with Gabrielle. In another part of town, a severed hand escapes from a dissection lab, determined to find its body again.8/10
Awarded at the Cannes Film Festival, this hand drawn animated feature is truly an audio-visual marvel. Animation, art direction and camera work/cinematography are absolutely outstanding. A bit more story and a better finale would’ve elevated this to the status of masterpiece - StarsWilliam SalyersJayne TainiPage LeongWhen their 4-year-old son is murdered, a young couple fights a twisting and arduous battle trying to identify a frustratingly elusive killer.6/10
Thrilling crime docuseries that feels more fictional than fiction. It's exciting, enraging and truly cinematic. However, it fails at delivering information about the actual case, which makes it feel little informative and quite frustrating by the end of it - DirectorAdrian GrunbergStarsSylvester StallonePaz VegaSergio Peris-MenchetaRambo must confront his past and unearth his ruthless combat skills to exact revenge in a final mission.3/10
It's fun to watch for fans of over the top violence and gore. Acting, characters and storyline are absoultely hilarious and dumb, though - DirectorNoah BaumbachStarsAdam DriverScarlett JohanssonJulia GreerNoah Baumbach's incisive and compassionate look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together.9/10
Very close to a 10/10 for me. Wonderfully acted, timeless and insanely realistic; perfectly directed with all the right choices. Aside from a, perhaps, weak performance from the kid, this film is honestly a joy to watch