Movie Watchlist (09/2022 - 09/2023)
A complete and chronological list of all movies I watched between September 2022 and September 2023 (= list ongoing). Included are only feature films and movies that were made for TV or streaming services but no short movies, tv shows or serials. The movies will be rated on a 1-10 scale, 1 being the worst - the ratings reflect my own opinion.
Movies I've already seen since starting anual lists in 2012 will be marked with brackets and the respective latin number, representing how many times I've seen them. A star indicates that I found this movie exceptionally good; these titles are in no specific order and simply highlight how much of a personal impact they had on me.
My list of selected movies for 2022-2023:
Booksmart [2019]
Marat/Sade [1967]
Im Westen nichts Neues [2022]
The Tale [2018]
Pleasure [2021]
Harlan County U.S.A. [1976]
Fire of Love [2022]
Movies I've already seen since starting anual lists in 2012 will be marked with brackets and the respective latin number, representing how many times I've seen them. A star indicates that I found this movie exceptionally good; these titles are in no specific order and simply highlight how much of a personal impact they had on me.
My list of selected movies for 2022-2023:
Booksmart [2019]
Marat/Sade [1967]
Im Westen nichts Neues [2022]
The Tale [2018]
Pleasure [2021]
Harlan County U.S.A. [1976]
Fire of Love [2022]
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152 titles
- 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.Having reached the end of high school and having spent most of the time learning, two girls go to the parties they missed out on. Incredibly charming and well-written comedy with stellar performances and a great score.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorDominik GrafStarsGötz GeorgeGudrun LandgrebeJoachim KemmerTwo bank robbers hold the clerks hostage and demand 3 million German marks as ransom. What the police do not realise is that the true criminal mastermind watches them from outside the bank, anticipating every move.Three bank robbers start an elaborate heist in a small German bank. Thrilling and suspenseful with great writing and decent performances, although some plot elements are clichéd.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorDany BoonStarsKad MeradDany BoonZoé FélixA French public servant from Provence is banished to the far North. Strongly prejudiced against this cold and inhospitable place, he leaves his family behind to relocate temporarily there, with the firm intent to quickly come back.A middle-aged postal employee is transferred from South France to a Northern region. Mostly fun if simple comedy with uneven, over-the-top performances and uneven writing.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorAlex LehmannStarsChristine WoodsMark DuplassRay RomanoAn unlikely friendship between two misfit neighbors becomes an unexpectedly emotional journey when the younger man is diagnosed with terminal cancer.A dying middle-aged man asks his friend to support him during assisted suicide. Simple but efficient dramedy with authentic performances and good writing.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJohn Patton FordStarsAubrey PlazaTheo RossiBernardo BadilloDown on her luck and saddled with debt, Emily gets involved in a credit card scam that pulls her into the criminal underworld of Los Angeles, ultimately leading to deadly consequences.A young broke woman blunders into a small criminal gang and starts robbing people. Well-written and believably acted independent crime drama with efficient storystelling.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorRomain GavrasStarsDali BenssalahSami SlimaneAnthony BajonHours after the tragic death of their youngest brother in unexplained circumstances, three siblings have their lives thrown into chaos.Following an act of police criminality, a small community in France plunges into anarchy. Incredibly well-shot and proficient crime drama with impressive visual production values but uneven writing.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorNeil LaButeStarsChris RockMartin LawrenceKeith DavidA funeral ceremony turns into a debacle of exposed family secrets and misplaced bodies.The funeral of a wealthy patriarch is marked by petty conflicts and surprising disclosures. Middling black comedy with great performers who can't rise to their full potential due to the adapted screenplay.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJohn Alan SchwartzStarsMichael CarrSamuel BerkowitzMary Ellen BrightonA collection of death scenes, ranging from TV material to homemade super 8 movies.Mockumentary about death in different human societies featuring authentic and fictional footage. Mediocre independent thriller with poor production values and uneven writing but some remarkably appalling images.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorRichard RushStarsPeter O'TooleSteve RailsbackBarbara HersheyA fugitive stumbles onto a movie set just when they need a new stunt man, takes the job as a way to hide out and falls for the leading lady while facing off with his manipulative director.A wanted criminal stumbles on to a film set only to become a stunt man. Fascinating genre mix with clever ideas about how we chose to construct reality that has many serious elements wrapped up in a silly comedy.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorAgnieszka SmoczynskaStarsMarta MazurekMichalina OlszanskaKinga PreisIn Warsaw, a pair of mermaid sisters are adopted into a cabaret. While one seeks love with humans the other hungers to dine on the human population of the city.Two mermaids become singers at a Polish night club while secretly preying on young men. Remarkable horror musical with stellar performances and myriad ideas that don't always come together in a fulfilling way.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorGilles PensoStarsRay HarryhausenPeter JacksonTerry GilliamThe life and work of the renowned film visual effects artist and producer.Documentary about legendary special effects technician Ray Harryhausen who revolutionized stop motion animation in the mid 20th century. Entertaining and comprehensive film with decent interviews, although the editing is uneven.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorPola BeckStarsYuval ScharfAylin TezelAleksandar JovanovicAfter her boyfriend becomes extremely ill, Mascha re-evaluates her path and decides to leave her previous life behind. But it's only by returning home that she can find peace.After the death of her boyfriend, a young woman franticly searches for her family roots. Mostly decent drama with a capable lead actress and some high-concept ideas that sometimes work; however, the plot pacing and dialogue writing are mediocre at best.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorChris DelforceStarsJoaquin PhoenixRooney MaraSiaDominion uses drones, hidden and handheld cameras to expose the dark underbelly of modern animal agriculture, questioning the morality and validity of humankind's dominion over the animal kingdom.Documentary about the animal agriculture in Australia. Highly important, unnerving, and guerilla filmmaking at its finest with breathtaking footage and well-researched statistics that highlight a worldwide problem of the food industry.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorMed HondoStarsAï KeïtaJean-Roger MiloFéodor AtkineOn January 2 1899, starting from the French Soudan, a french column under the commandment of the captains Voulet and Chanoine is send against the black Sultan Rabah in what is now the Cameroun. Those captains and their african mercenary troops destroy and kill everything they find on their path. The French autority try to stop them sending orders and a second troop but the captains even kill the emissaries who are reaching them. Sarraounia, queen of the Aznas, have heared about the exactions. Clever in war tactics and in witchcraft, she decides to resist and stop those mad men.Fictionalized retelling of how a small matriachal tribe successfully fought French colonialists in the late 19th century. Historical drama with great production values, stellar writing, and a mesmerizing score.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsSylvia SidneyOscar HomolkaDesmond TesterA Scotland Yard undercover detective is on the trail of a saboteur who is part of a plot to set off a bomb in London. But when the detective's cover is blown, the plot begins to unravel.An undercover cop follows a man who plans a terroristic bombing in London. Well-written crime thriller with decent performances and fast pacing.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJuliano DornellesKleber Mendonça FilhoStarsBárbara ColenThomas AquinoSilvero PereiraAfter the death of her grandmother, Teresa comes home to her matriarchal village in a near-future Brazil to find a succession of sinister events that mobilizes all of its residents.Several mysterious deaths happen in a small and remote village in Brazil. Clever and innovative mystery thriller with well-written dark humoristic episodes and great performances.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorMathieu KassovitzStarsJean RenoVincent CasselNadia FarèsA murder detective must follow the footsteps of a brutal killer within the secrets of a classist college.A seasoned detective and a young officer investigate mysterious murders in a small alpine town. An interesting premise, a beautiful setting, and a decent cinematography don't detract from the poor writing and weak ending.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorKurdwin AyubStarsMelina BenliLaw WallnerMaya WopienkaIn a moment of ordinary madness, three girlfriends decide to shoot a burqa music video.Three young women shoot a burqa music video that goes viral. Uneven drama with a major focus on authenticity that sometimes obscures the heavy themes of religion and self-discovery.
Oveall 4/10 - DirectorNicolas RoegStarsJulie ChristieDonald SutherlandHilary MasonA married couple grieving the recent death of their young daughter are in Venice when they encounter two elderly sisters, one of whom is psychic and brings a warning from beyond.During their stay in Venice an English couple has to cope with the loss of their daughter. Narratively and visually fragmented with many interesting and challenging elements being cleverly intertwined.
Overall 7/10 [II] - DirectorHenry SelickStarsLyric RossKeegan-Michael KeyJordan PeeleTwo scheming demon brothers, Wendell and Wild, enlist the aid of 13-year-old Kat Elliot to summon them to the Land of the Living.After juvenile prison, a teenage girl summons her personal demons to bring her parents back to life. Extraordinary technical achievement in stop-motion and CGI animation; the plot is convoluted and contrived at times.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorBo HuStarsYu ZhangYuchang PengUvin WangFour people in a Chinese city live through a complicated day as their lives intersect.The lifes of four people in a Chinese city are entangled, while each tries to escape their fate. Authentic and well-written drama with believable characters and a great score.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorByron HowardRich MooreJared BushStarsGinnifer GoodwinJason BatemanIdris ElbaIn a city of anthropomorphic animals, a rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox must work together to uncover a conspiracy.In a world with anthropomorphic animals, a bunny wants to become a police officer. Gorgeuos animation with high quality writing lightly touching on the issue of structural discrimination - however, many themes are not really explored in-depth.
Overall 7/10 [II] - DirectorFernando CortizoStarsCarlos BlancoXosé Manuel Olveira 'Pico'Paul NaschyAn escaped prison convict attempts to retrieve a loot hidden years ago in a lonely village. Sinister elders, strange disappearances, spirits, a peculiar priest and even the Archpriest of Santiago will cross their paths in a history of horror.Stop-motion animation fantasy about a criminal escaping prison only to get trapped in a mysterious village. Artistically well-made movie with a moody atmosphere but an underdeveloped plot.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJaneen DamianStarsLindsay LohanChord OverstreetGeorge YoungIn the days leading up to Christmas, a young and newly engaged heiress experiences a skiing accident. After being diagnosed with amnesia, she finds herself in the care of the handsome lodge owner and his daughter.After being diagnosed with amnesia, a rich and arrogant young woman falls in love with a regular handyman. Mediocre romantic comedy with tolerable performances but a poorly written and with a predictable plot.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorPeter BrookStarsPatrick MageeClifford RoseGlenda JacksonIn an insane asylum, Marquis de Sade directs Jean Paul Marat's last days through a theater play. The actors are the patients.At the beginning of the 19th century, the patients of an asylum recreate the last days of French revolutionary Jean-Paul Marat. Incredibly well-written dramatization of a stage play with stellar performances and a captivating plot.
Overall 9/10* - DirectorChristoph SchlingensiefHelge SchneiderStarsHelge SchneiderHelmut KörschgenAndreas KunzeDetective 00 Schneider has to return from retirement to catch a mad art collector.A genius detective comes out of retirement to investigate a high-profile case of art theft. Slapstick comedy with intentional poor production values but a good sense of improvisation humor.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJohn FordStarsHenry FondaLinda DarnellVictor MatureAfter their cattle are stolen and their brother murdered, the Earp brothers have a score to settle with the Clanton family.Fictionalized retelling of how Wyatt Earp fought the Clanton clan in Tombstone, AR. Well-made classic Western with great performances and stellar cinematography.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorNancy MeyersStarsKate WinsletCameron DiazJude LawTwo women troubled with guy-problems swap homes in each other's countries, where they each meet a local guy and fall in love.Two young women swap their homes over the Christmas holidays, and each of them falls in love with a local guy. Well-meaning romantic comedy with a decent script and great acting, although the on-screen chemistry is not always enough.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorStephen DonnellyStarsLuke EvansOlivia ColmanJessie BuckleyA supernatural, time-travelling, musical adaptation of Charles Dickens's cult Christmas story.Animated musical about a bitter old man who is visited by three ghosts during Christmas that tell him to change his ways. Mediocre adaptation of the well-known eponymous novel with no standout qualities.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorTaika WaititiStarsChris HemsworthNatalie PortmanChristian BaleThor enlists the help of Valkyrie, Korg and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster to fight Gorr the God Butcher, who intends to make the gods extinct.Action comedy about the god of thunder who searches for an evil being that butchers gods. Over-the-top entertainment with a decent script and high production values that only sometimes feels tiresome.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJustin G. DyckStarsKaitlyn LeebScott CavalheiroMark GhaniméSecret aspirations between a failed restaurateur and a celebrity chef threaten their blossoming Christmas romance.During the holidays, a young woman falls in love with a famous chef. Poorly written and produced romantic comedy with generally weak performances and tired clichés.
Overall 3/10 - DirectorLuke SnellinStarsIsabela MercedShameik MooreOdeya RushIn a small town on Christmas Eve, a snowstorm brings together a group of young people.During Christmas, a group of teenagers are trapped in a small town because of a heavy snow storm. Mediocre and mostly not memorable holiday comedy with uneven performances.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorHarry BradbeerStarsMillie Bobby BrownHenry CavillDavid ThewlisNow a detective-for-hire, Enola Holmes takes on her first official case to find a missing girl as the sparks of a dangerous conspiracy ignite a mystery that requires the help of friends - and Sherlock himself - to unravel.Sherlock Holmes' little sister starts a detective agency in late Victorian England. Lengthy crime comedy with a strong lead performance and some clever ideas that take too long to develop.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorJules DassinStarsBarry FitzgeraldHoward DuffDorothy HartA step-by-step look at a murder investigation on the streets of New York.Crime drama set in New York City where the police investigate the murder of a young woman. Influential movie with strong performances and an authentic directing style that only seldom feels dated.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorNora TwomeyStarsLeighton MeesterCharlyne YiJudy GreerElmer Elevator searches for a captive Dragon on Wild Island and finds much more than he could ever have anticipated.Animation adventure about a young boy helping a small dragon to escape a sinking island. Artistically well-made movie with a dark and multifacetted plot; the movie struggles in its first half and to show the characters' emotions adequately.
overall 6/10 - DirectorAleksandr KottStarsElena AnDanila RassomakhinKarim PakachakovA mischievous father and his gentle, beautiful daughter live a quiet life in a vast plain until two young men fall for the girl. The love triangle leads to a wholly unexpected turn of events in an astounding story that incorporates unimaginable beauty with a strong social message.The life of a teenage girl living in rural Russia is disrupted when her father dies and two men compete for her attention. Experimental movie without dialogue that still works in most ways, although the simplistic plot drags.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorFrank PerrySydney PollackStarsBurt LancasterJanet LandgardJanice RuleA man spends a summer day swimming as many pools as he can all over a quiet suburban town.A middle-aged man decides to swim in every pool of his neighbors on a hot summer day. Dark existentialist drama with a strong lead performance and disturbing ending.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJeremiah S. ChechikStarsChevy ChaseBeverly D'AngeloJuliette LewisThe Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.Chaotic comedy that lampoons family meetings at Christmas. The protagonist excessively tries to provide a wonderful time for his family, while nothing really works the way it should.
Overall 8/10 [XI] - DirectorJosh GordonWill SpeckStarsJason BatemanOlivia MunnT.J. MillerWhen his uptight CEO sister threatens to shut down his branch, the branch manager throws an epic Christmas party in order to land a big client and save the day, but the party gets way out of hand...Two men throw an excessive Christmas party to prevent their IT company from being shut down. Mediocre comedy with decent lead performances and an adequate premise but the overall plot feels incoherent and pointless.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorRainer SarnetStarsRea LestJörgen LiikArvo KukumägiIn a poor Estonian village, a group of peasants use magic and folk remedies to survive the winter, and a young woman tries to get a young man to love her.A dark fantasy tale about how the villagers of a small Estonian town survive the hostile winter. Well-made and carefully crafted movie with clever ideas and decent performances but the overall movie all to often feels inaccessible.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorBernard QueysanneStarsJacques SpiesserLudmila MikaëlA 25-year-old male student in Paris becomes indifferent to the world around him, and subsequently feels a strong sense of alienation and hopelessness.A young student living in Paris reflects the meaningless of life and the trappings of modern society. Short existentialist drama with a strong narrator and remarkable editing.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorEdward BergerStarsFelix KammererAlbrecht SchuchAaron HilmerA young German soldier's terrifying experiences and distress on the western front during World War I.A young teenager experiences the horrors of Word War I. A remarkable technical achievement with decent performances, this adaptation of the eponymous anti-War classic delivers, although it strays far from the original.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorAlireza GolafshanStarsTom SchillingKlaas Heufer-UmlaufLisa BitterA good natured comedy about tax evasion and disability.A banker with paraplegia uses a group of disabled people to smuggle dirty money. Uneven comedy with an interesting approach and some clever ideas, which is ultimately too shallow for a serious (crime) drama and too morally problematic for a comedy.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorJames CameronStarsSam WorthingtonZoe SaldanaSigourney WeaverJake Sully lives with his newfound family formed on the extrasolar moon Pandora. Once a familiar threat returns to finish what was previously started, Jake must work with Neytiri and the army of the Na'vi race to protect their home.The chief of an alien tribe seeks shelter for his family when humans invade his planet. Visually impressive and technically unparalleled animation adventure with a decent plot that rarely drags during its lengthy runtime, with the exception of the excessive prologue.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorGary RossStarsJennifer LawrenceJosh HutchersonLiam HemsworthKatniss Everdeen voluntarily takes her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games: a televised competition in which two teenagers from each of the twelve Districts of Panem are chosen at random to fight to the death.Epic, dystopian tale of a young woman having to compete in a challenge, in which only one can survive. The author crafted an interesting universe with complex characters, while the actors also deliver.
Overall 8/10 [II] - DirectorChristian PetzoldStarsPaula BeerFranz RogowskiMaryam ZareeUndine works as a historian lecturing on Berlin's urban development. But when the man she loves leaves her, the ancient myth catches up with her. Undine has to kill the man who betrays her and return to the water.After a break-up, the life of a mysterious young is turned upside down. Clever mix of fantasy and romance with strong performances, although the overall movie feels distinctly cold and distant.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorChris RenaudKyle BaldaStarsZac EfronTaylor SwiftDanny DeVitoA 12-year-old boy searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.In search of real trees, a teenage boy breaks out of his hometown made out of plastic. Uneven animated musical with few memorable songs, mediocre production values, and an incoherent plot.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorRobert SchwentkeStarsAugust DiehlChristian RedlNadeshda BrennickeTwo police detectives, a grizzled veteran and one fresh-faced rookie, hunt a ritualistic serial killer murdering people with tattoos and skinning them.A young slacker teams up with a seasoned detective to investigate gruesome murders. Mostly decent thriller with some clever ideas and adequate production values, but most elements are found better in similar movies.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorRian JohnsonStarsDaniel CraigEdward NortonKate HudsonTech billionaire Miles Bron invites his friends for a getaway on his private Greek island. When someone turns up dead, Detective Benoit Blanc is put on the case.A world-class detective is invited to the luxurious island of a billionaire who hosts a potentially dangerous murder mystery game. Well-written crime comedy that successfully deconstructs the classic formula, although the ending doesn't do the movie justice.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorGang Tae-ungStop-motion animated adaptation of the classic Cinderella fairy tale. Simple but efficient movie with an atmospheric art style and decent storytelling.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorParker FinnStarsSosie BaconJessie T. UsherKyle GallnerAfter witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, a psychiatrist becomes increasingly convinced she is being threatened by an uncanny entity.A young therapist's life is turned upside down when a patient commits suicide in front of her. Well-made if over-the-top horror movie with a strong lead actress, some clever jump scares, and a mostly well-written, multi-layered plot.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorGuillermo del ToroMark GustafsonStarsEwan McGregorDavid BradleyGregory MannA father's wish magically brings a wooden boy to life in Italy, giving him a chance to care for the child.Stop-motion animated adventure about a wooden puppet who wants to become of real boy. Dark and well-produced adaptation of the classic fairy tale that succeeds in retaining the mature elements from the story and connecting them with a more modern setting.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorFabrizio TerranovaStarsDonna HarawayFeatures Haraway in a playful and engaging exploration of her life, influences, and ideas. Best-known for her ground-breaking work on gender, cyborgs, animals and post-colonialism, Haraway is a passionate and discursive storyteller with a curious and nimble mind. Story Telling For Earthly Survival is a clever and insightful glimpse into the thoughts of a major contemporary figure.A series of interviews with renowned cultural anthropologist Donna Haraway about the connection between humans and their companion species. Uneven documentary with some odd design choices and poorly edited interviews that, nevertheless, feature some interesting discoursive elements.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorJordan PeeleStarsDaniel KaluuyaKeke PalmerBrandon PereaThe residents of a lonely gulch in inland California bear witness to an uncanny and chilling discovery.Two siblings living on a remote horse range try to capture a mysterious UAP on camera. Well-produced horror movie that successfully blends various genre elements, while featuring an impressive and memorable soundtrack.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorZach CreggerStarsGeorgina CampbellBill SkarsgårdJustin LongA woman staying at an Airbnb discovers that the house she has rented is not what it seems.A young woman stays the night at a house in a run-down urban area and discovers something sinister hidden in the basement. Well-made and thrilling horror movie with strong writing and a great sense of tension building, mostly due to the stellar camera work.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorKaizô HayashiStarsMoe KamuraShirô SanoKoji OtakeAn aging silent film actress hires a private eye and his wacky but helpful assistant to track down her missing daughter, Bellflower. The two follow a succession of bizarre, obscure clues, until they track down the location of the kidnappers and the daughter.An aging movie star hires a private detective to solve the mysterious kidnapping of a young woman. Clever and atmospheric experimental crime drama with great black-and-white cinematography and a well-written plot.
Overall 7/10 - 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.Animated adventure about a city of living LEGO people being invaded by LEGO Duplo figures. Generally well-produced movie that succesfully opts for popcultural references and breathless action scenes instead of a coherent plot.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorHelmut WeissStarsHeinz RühmannKarin HimboldtHilde SessakA successful writer, home-schooled in his youth, masquerades as a student at a secondary school to experience all the fun and pranks he missed out on.Comedy about the childish misadventures of a middle-aged man returning to school. Superbly scripted, over-the-top characters, and thoroughly entertaining.
Overall 8/10 [VIII] - DirectorBernd SchadewaldStarsChristian RedlUlrike KrienerSilvan OesterleThis TV-Movie is based on real events that took place in southern Germany in the mid 80's. A policeman tries to build a house for his family while he experiences financial troubles; everything goes tragically wrong from then on.Based on the true story of a German police officer who robbed banks to save his family from bancruptcy. Efficient and well-made crime drama with standout performances.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJennifer FoxStarsLaura DernJason RitterCommonA woman filming a documentary on childhood rape victims starts to question the nature of her childhood relationship with her riding instructor and running coach.A documentary filmmaker discovers a repressed memory from her past involving an intimate relationship with a much older man. Well-written and sensitive drama with a breathtaking lead performance.
Overall 9/10* - DirectorMark JonesStarsWarwick DavisJennifer AnistonKen OlandtAn evil, sadistic Leprechaun goes on a killing rampage in search of his beloved pot of gold.A group of people staying in a remota cabin are terrorized by an ancient Irish leprechaun. Poorly conceptualized horror comedy with few memorable moments - mostly due to the exeptionally weak writing and acting quality.
Overall 2/10 - DirectorHannes Þór HalldórssonStarsAuðunn BlöndalEgill EinarssonSverrir Þór SverrissonIceland's toughest cop will stop at nothing to solve a string of violent bank robberies. But when he is forced to take on a new partner, the pressures of solving the case prove too much for the tough-as-nails renegade.The two toughest cops in Iceland investigate the largest heist in the country's history. Decent action comedy that delivers a few punchline by successfully paying homage to the genre's juggernauts.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorMark MylodStarsRalph FiennesAnya Taylor-JoyNicholas HoultA young couple travels to a remote island to eat at an exclusive restaurant where the chef has prepared a lavish menu, with some shocking surprises.A young couple realize that not everything is what it seems in a remote exclusive restaurant. Well-written satire with great production values and stellar performances.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorAlan CroslandStarsAl JolsonMay McAvoyWarner OlandThe son of a Jewish Cantor must defy the traditions of his religious father in order to pursue his dream of becoming a jazz singer.A young up-and-coming jazz musician needs to decide between his conservative family's wishes and his own ambitions. Decent music drama that is mostly known for its historical impact regarding synchronized dialogues on film.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorTommy WiseauStarsTommy WiseauJuliette DanielleGreg SesteroIn San Francisco, an amiable banker's seemingly perfect life is turned upside down when his deceitful fiancée embarks on an affair with his best friend.Drama about a dysfunctional relationship, leading to the death of a middle-aged man. The movie lacks competency in cinematography, acting, writing, and direction, therefore barely qualifying as one.
Overall 2/10 [II] - DirectorFrancis LawrenceStarsJennifer LawrenceJosh HutchersonLiam HemsworthKatniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem.The plot is about a young girl having to stand up for the rights of her people and the movie blends elements of a political thriller, well-shot action sequences, and a dystopian setting perfectly; mostly great cast otherwise.
Overall 8/10 [II] - DirectorEnki BilalStarsLinda HardyThomas KretschmannCharlotte RamplingIn the distant future, Earth is occupied by ancient gods and genetically altered humans. When a god is sentenced to death he seeks a new human host and a woman to bear his child.In a futuristic version of New York City, a reanimated soldier and a mysterious alien woman engage in a toxic relationship. Incredibly uneven science fiction noir thriller with believable enough performances but incoherent writing and middling production values.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorRay LawrenceStarsAnthony LaPagliaGeoffrey RushRachael BlakeThe relationships of four couples unravel after the discovery of a young woman's body in Lantana bush in suburban Sydney.The romantic lives of several people are affected when a dead body is found in the Australian outback. Complex and well-written drama with believable performances and an authentic plot.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorRyan CooglerStarsLetitia WrightLupita Nyong'oDanai GuriraThe people of Wakanda fight to protect their home from intervening world powers as they mourn the death of King T'Challa.Following a tragic death, the leaders of a culturally dominant African country face fierce international conflict. Decent superhero movie with standard storytelling, above-average performances, and mostly good action sequences.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorNoah BaumbachStarsAdam DriverGreta GerwigDon CheadleDramatizes a contemporary American family's attempts to deal with the mundane conflicts of everyday life while grappling with the universal mysteries of love, death, and the possibility of happiness in an uncertain world.After a severe accident, the lives of a suburban family are in disarray. Incredibly well-written movie that doesn't handle the juxtaposition between the mundane and the supernatural well, and only partly succeeds due to the strong performances and some unconventional ideas.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorAdam McKayStarsLeonardo DiCaprioJennifer LawrenceMeryl StreepTwo low-level astronomers must go on a giant media tour to warn humankind of an approaching comet that will destroy planet Earth.After two researchers find a comet headed for Earth, they set off an avalanche or political ignorance and public neglect. Wonderfully well-written satire about how the public uses scientific findings - although the movie overall fails to decide whether it leans for comedy or drama.
Overall 6/10 - 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.A disgraced army commander trains a doppelganger to take a fortified city. Interesting retelling of a historic battle during China's Three Kingdoms; however, the action epic only partly delivers due to the uneven storytelling and the beautiful but highly artificial cinematography.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorJohn KrasinskiStarsEmily BluntMillicent SimmondsCillian MurphyFollowing the events at home, the Abbott family now face the terrors of the outside world. Forced to venture into the unknown, they realize the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats lurking beyond the sand path.When a small American town is invaded by sound-sensitive aliens, a mother has to fight for her children's survival. Well-written and perfectly paced horror thriller with a conventional but decent plot.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorElaine MayStarsCharles GrodinCybill ShepherdJeannie BerlinA newlywed man on his honeymoon has second thoughts about his marriage and falls for a different woman.When on his honeymoon, a young mother falls madly in love with a beautiful stranger. Clever dramedy with good performances and a strong ending, although certain aspects have aged poorly.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJeff Orlowski-YangStarsAndrew AckermanPim BongaertsNeal CantinCoral reefs around the world are vanishing at an unprecedented rate. A team of divers, photographers and scientists set out on a thrilling ocean adventure to discover why and to reveal the underwater mystery to the world.Documentary about the worldwide phenomenon of coral bleaching during the latter half of the 2010s. Shocking and well-produced film that explains as well as it sells its main message.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorAmy PoehlerStarsHadley RobinsonLauren TsaiAlycia Pascual-PenaInspired by her mom's rebellious past and a confident new friend, a shy 16-year-old publishes an anonymous zine calling out sexism at her school.A teenage wallflower wreaks havoc at her school when she forms an aggressive feminist movement. Well-meaning movie off to a promising start due to the writing and lead performance; however, the latter half feels contrived and cluttered.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorJennifer Kaytin RobinsonStarsCamila MendesMaya HawkeAustin AbramsDrea and Eleanor agree to go after one another's bullies.Two young women join forces to get revenge on their bullies. Fun concept and a well-written homage to highschool movies of the 1990s, the movie is mostly superficial fun that should not be thought about in detail.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorKristine StolakisStarsYvette Cantu SchneiderMichael BusseeJohn PaulkFormer leaders of the "pray the gay away" movement contend with the aftermath unleashed by their actions, while a survivor seeks healing and acceptance from more than a decade of trauma.An insight look at the rise and fall of Exodus, a movement that endorsed the pseudoscientific method of homosexual conversion therapy. Well-made documentary with some breathtaking interviews that, nevertheless, should have provided more background details.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorChris ButlerStarsHugh JackmanDavid WalliamsStephen FryMr. Link recruits explorer Sir Lionel Frost to help find his long-lost relatives in the fabled valley of Shangri-La. Along with adventurer Adelina Fortnight, this trio of explorers travel the world to help their new friend.A seasoned adventurer finds bigfoot and helps him to get to his relatives in the Himalayas. Well-crafted stop-motion animation movie with beautiful set pieces and a talented cast but a disappointing plot.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorAaron NeeAdam NeeStarsSandra BullockChanning TatumDaniel RadcliffeA reclusive romance novelist on a book tour with her cover model gets swept up in a kidnapping attempt that lands them both in a cutthroat jungle adventure.A writer of erotic novels and her cover model are accidentally dragged into a real-life adventure. Mostly entertaining if unoriginal adventure comedy that only soars when it focuses on its crude but likable characters.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorTomasz ThomsonStarsJürgen RißmannThomas WodiankaReiner SchöneWhile protecting a crime boss's home in the Carpathian Mountains, a contract killer and his old friend get into a dangerous situation when the boss's wife is accidentally killed.A washed up professional killer joins a former drug lord in his remote Swedish villa. Strange and unconventional black crime comedy with some clever ideas but inconsistent writing and pacing.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorFrancis LawrenceStarsJennifer LawrenceJosh HutchersonLiam HemsworthKatniss Everdeen is in District 13 after she shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta and a nation moved by her courage.In a dystopian future, a group of rebels seeks to destroy the system with a young woman as their symbol. Terrific action movie with many worthwhile elements, yet the cliffhanger at the end loosens the story.
Overall 7/10 [II] - DirectorJorgo PapavassiliouStarsRalf MoellerJulia StinshoffGregor BloébWhen helicopter pilot Sven Hanson learns that a shark terrorizing the citizens of Mallorca is the same monster that killed his wife, he teams up with the marine biologist Julia Bennett. Together they battle the beast - and its creator.A helicopter pilot discovers a presumably extinct predatory shark in the mediterranean sea. Poorly written and amateurishly acted low budget action thriller that fails on most levels.
Overall 2/10 - DirectorFrieder WittichStarsMax RiemeltDieter MannRobert GwisdekThe friends Moritz and Dirk get accepted at the TU Darmstadt and leave their small home village in Brandenburg to set out for the big town to study business arithmetic (mathematical economics).Before his final exam, a student reflects his time at the university. Entertaining comedy that works well in its first half due to the decent performances and some clever ideas, but the movie ultimately loses its momentum in the second half.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorTim DünschedeStarsNatalia BelitskiLevi BrandlGedeon BurkhardFollows a famous detective trio of boys in Transylvania who must unravel mysteries involving a long-missing boy, a mysterious brotherhood and a mysterious undead.Three American boys travel to Rumania and investigate strange occurences in an old castle. Mildly entertaining adventure movie aimed at children with decent writing and middling performances - although there are some nice homages to the original book series.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorBilly WilderStarsHumphrey BogartAudrey HepburnWilliam HoldenA playboy becomes interested in the daughter of his family's chauffeur, but it's his more serious brother who would be the better man for her.After living in Paris, a chauffeur's daughter suddenly finds herself the center of attraction of two wealthy brothers. Entertaining classic comedy with decent writing and spot-on performances by the main cast.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorFrancis LawrenceStarsJennifer LawrenceJosh HutchersonLiam HemsworthKatniss and a team of rebels from District 13 prepare for the final battle that will decide the fate of Panem.Dystopian YA movie about the fall of a totalitarian regime and the political implications of a new dawn. Good end to a complex story of deception, existentialist thought and the implications of the media - but does not really stand on its own.
Overall 6/10 [II] - DirectorUrs EggerStarsMark WaschkePaulus MankerAlexander HeldBamberg 1630. The era of witch-hunting. The surgeon professor Cornelius (Mark Waschke) returns from Vienna, where he is a renowned physician, to his homeland. He is soon forced to face the show trial of witches and appraise, as medical expert, the methods of Commissioner Mr. Berger (devilish Axel Milberg). Cornelius feels his blood churning inside when he is ordered to stay in the city. Snow in June, crop failures, the Catholic Church is worried about those obvious signs of the Devil's presence in the Reformation and its growing power. Rumors start wafting through the city of important people tempted by the Evil. Eventually the first alleged witches come in detention. Who wants to get rid of someone or hurt him, simply accuses him of being a magician or witch. One day the pyre threatens his childhood sweetheart Johanna (Silke Bender). Cornelius plots with bold city councils against the arbitrariness of the church and the fanaticism of Bamberg's authorities. He tries by all means to save Johanna. But the hunt continues unabated. More and more pyres burn. The Church - Alexander Held convinced as auxiliary bishop and chief ideologue of the fanatical pursuit - plays their power mercilessly. At the cruel Maleficent Chamber, Mr. Berger is the wily witch Commissioner. He benefits greatly with the witch processes, because the legacy of the condemned flows to the Church coffers. Cornelius escapes Bamberg and presents the case before the emperor in Vienna. Can he convince him to put an end to the horrific events in Bamberg? But how can Cornelius enforce the law and order in time to save Johanna?Historical drama about the inquisition in Southern Germany. Low budget movie with decent writing and pacing, although the action sequences feel lifeless and the acting is mediocre in parts.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorGerard JohnstoneStarsAllison WilliamsViolet McGrawRonny ChiengA robotics engineer at a toy company builds a life-like doll that begins to take on a life of its own.An engineer builds her adoptive daughter a companion android that soon gains consciousness and runs amok. Fun horror comedy that delivers both thrills and chills although some scenes are extremely campy.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJeremy GarelickStarsAdam SandlerJennifer AnistonMark StrongFull-time detectives Nick and Audrey are struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground. They find themselves at the center of international abduction when their friend Maharaja is kidnapped at his own lavish wedding.An unsuccessful private detective couple investigate the case of their kidnapped millionaire friend. Mostly bland crime comedy with a beautiful setting but mediocre actors and a poor script.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorDon HallQui NguyenStarsJake GyllenhaalJaboukie Young-WhiteGabrielle UnionThe legendary Clades are a family of explorers whose differences threaten to topple their latest and most crucial mission.A successful inventor joins an underground expeditation to investigate why their power source is failing. Middling animation adventure with stunning production values but a contrived and unoriginal plot that relies to heavily on bland characters.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorRichard AttenboroughStarsSean ConneryRyan O'NealMichael CaineOperation Market Garden, September 1944: The Allies attempt to capture several strategically important bridges in the Netherlands in the hope of breaking the German lines.WWII drama about Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands during the summer of 1943. Incredibly well-produced and stunning action sequences are joined by competent actors, although the overall movie often feels too generic.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorYong-Kyun BaeStarsJeong Gyu-suMi-ji KimByeong-in MinA film about the events that occur to a middle aged man as he stays overnight at a remote village called Haecheon Village.Existentialist drama about a middle-aged man in search of his roots in a small Korean village that no longer exists. Captivating drama with surreal cinematography and mesmerizing dialogues.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorRobert EggersStarsAlexander SkarsgårdNicole KidmanClaes BangA young Viking prince is on a quest to avenge his father's murder.Epic retelling of the classic Hamlet tale set in Iceland in the 10th century. Well-made drama with stunning cinematography and memorable fantastical scenes, although the lead performance feels limited in less action-oriented moments.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorCristi PuiuStarsDoru AnaMonica BarladeanuAlina BerzunteanuMr. Lãzãrescu, a dying old man, is shuttled from hospital to hospital by a loyal paramedic as doctors refuse to operate and no one can agree on a diagnosis.In a suburb of Bucharest, Romania, an old man is hospitalized although the doctors are unsure about the exact diagnosis. Heavy medical drama with authentic performances; a great achievement in directing.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorChung-Hyun LeeStarsPark Shin-hyeJeon Jong-seoKim Sung-ryungTwo people live in different times. Seo-Yeon lives in the present and Young-Sook lives in the past. One phone call connects the two, and their lives are changed irrevocably.Two young women, one living in 1999 and one living in 2019, are connected by a stationary phone. Fantastical time travelling horror thriller with devoted performances that is mostly entertaining, although the plot is blatantly contrived.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorSeth GordonStarsSteve WiebeBilly MitchellMark AlpigerDie-hard gamers compete to break world records on classic arcade games.Video game documentary about two gamers who compete in one of the hardest classic arcade games, Donkey Kong. Wonderful film that tells a naturally evolving story, featuring great interviews - although some information is only selectively reported.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorGerald PottertonJohn BrunoJohn HalasStarsRichard RomanusJohn CandyJoe FlahertyA glowing green orb that embodies ultimate evil terrorizes a young girl with an anthology of bizarre and fantastic stories.Animated anthology aimed at adults featuring stories about an ancient and supernatural evil being. Although quite revolutionary at the time, the stories and the animation style have aged poorly both in style and substance, and the overall movie feels more like a curiosity than a genuinely good movie.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorMartin McDonaghStarsColin FarrellBrendan GleesonKerry CondonTwo lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both of them.Follows two middle-aged men on a remote Irish island who end their friendship on drastic terms. Somber but effective drama with standout performances and an extremely well-written plot full of surprises.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorNinja ThybergStarsSofia KappelZelda MorrisonEvelyn ClaireBella Cherry arrives in Los Angeles with dreams of becoming an adult film star, but she soon learns that fame won't come easy as she harnesses her ambition and cunning to rise to the top of this mesmerizing and singular world.A young Swedish woman starts as an adult actress in the LA-based pornography industry. Shocking movie that delivers surprisingly realistic insights into an industry dominated by power with a perfect lead performance.
Overall 7/10*