Movies Graded

Director: Jérémy Clapin Stars: Hakim Faris, Victoire Du Bois, Patrick d'Assumçao Runtime:  81 minutes Synopsis:   A 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. Animation: 8/10 Performances: 7/10 Screenplay: 8/10 Editing: 9/10 Score/Soundtrack:  9/10 Verdict: The film opens on the site of an accident in which Naoufel, a young French adolescent, is lying on the group with his severed hand next to him. That same hand reappears a few seconds later,  this time in a dissection lab, as it magically becomes sentient and on a mission to find its owner. The concept may sound odd, but throughout the gorgeously animated journey, the disembodies hand remembers key events in the life of its young holder. And that is what constitutes the heart of "I Lost My Body", now available around the world on Netflix. Calling the film an excepti...

Director: Martin Scorsese Stars: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci Runtime:  209 minutes Synopsis:   A mob hitman recalls his possible involvement with the slaying of Jimmy Hoffa. Performances: 10/10 Screenplay: 9/10 Special Effects: 7/10 Costumes/Makeup: 10/10 Editing: 9/10 Cinematography: 10/10 Score/Soundtrack:  10/10 Verdict:  A Martin Scorsese Picture. When you see these 4 words on a poster, you just know that you’re in for a treat. Add the names of Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci next to that magical phrase, and you’re guaranteed to have one of the finest films of the year. “The Irishman” is a movie that shouldn’t have worked. No studio in Hollywood was ready to commit to a three-and-a-half-hour long epic crime biography with a budget north of $100 million (it eventually reached $160 million due to massive reshoots and CGI work), and from a business perspective, it’s completely understandable. But Netflix came to save ...

Director: James Mangold Stars: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal Runtime:  152 minutes Synopsis:   American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference, the laws of physics and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary race car for Ford and challenge Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. Performances: 8/10 Screenplay: 6/10 Special Effects: 5/10 Costumes/Makeup: 7/10 Editing: 7/10 Cinematography: 6/10 Score/Soundtrack:  5/10 Verdict: Fresh off Logan's resounding success a couple of years ago, James Mangold is back behind the camera for what is considered by many to be a front-runner at next year's Academy Awards. "Ford v Ferrari", also known as "Le Mans '66" in some parts of the world, tells the true story of the legendary rivalry between the two titans of the automobile industry on the car racing field during the 1960s with a focus on the two men at the center of it: Ca...

Director: Martin Scorsese Stars: Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci Runtime:  129   minutes Synopsis:   The life of boxer  Jake LaMotta , whose violence and temper that led him to the top in the ring destroyed his life outside of it. Performances: 10/10 Screenplay: 9/10 Costumes/Makeup: 8/10 Editing: 10/10 Cinematography: 9/10 Score/Soundtrack:  8/10 Verdict: Whenever someone asks me what my favorite Scorsese picture is, I freeze for a couple of seconds. The director has such a versatile and rich filmography that it's nearly impossible to pick a single movie that separates itself from the others. But every single time, the same 4 or 5 projects immediately come to mind when asked this question, and "Raging Bull" is one of them. Marty has proven himself to be a master in the art of dissecting despicable men with films such as "Taxi Driver" or "The King of Comedy". "Raging Bull" on the surface looks like a boxi...

Director: Martin Scorsese Stars: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci Runtime:  146 minutes Synopsis:   The story of Henry Hill and his life in the mob, covering his relationship with his wife Karen Hill and his mob partners Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito in the Italian-American crime syndicate. Performances: 5/5 Screenplay: 5/5 Costumes/Makeup: 5/5 Editing: 5/5 Cinematography: 5/5 Score/Soundtrack:  5/5 Verdict: "Goodfellas" is the ultimate gangster movie and quite possibly Martin Scorsese's most famous and accessible picture to date. I hadn't seen it in a while, which is a crime of itself, and with the near release of "The Irishman", I found the timing to be ideal for a rewatch. Despite the film being 2 and a half hour long, and the story taking place over a time span of 3 decades, it never feels long in the slightest thanks to its immersive style designed to make the audience feel like a passive character in the film, as well a...

Director: Andy Fickman Stars: John Cena, Keegan-Michael Key, John Leguizamo Runtime:  96 minutes Synopsis:   A crew of rugged firefighters meet their match when attempting to rescue three rambunctious kids. Performances: 4/10 Screenplay: 2/10 Editing: 6/10 Cinematography: 4/10 Score/Soundtrack:  2/10 Entertainment Factor: 6/10 Verdict:  Are you looking for an insightful look at the lives of firefighters as they risk their lives to save civilians? Look elsewhere. Now are you looking for a (very) light comedy in which John Cena appears shirtless on more than one occasion and flosses to a BTS song? Then "Playing with Fire" is exactly the film you're searching for! Produced by Nickelodeon, it's very clear that the targetted demographic is a much younger one than the one I belong in. But damn it, despite all the cringe-worthy attempts at recycled and repetitive jokes and the predictable nature of its narrative, I'd be lying if I said that I ...

Director: Martin Scorsese Stars: Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci Runtime:  178 minutes Synopsis:   A tale of greed, deception, money, power, and murder occur between two best friends: a mafia enforcer and a casino executive, compete against each other over a gambling empire, and over a fast living and fast loving socialite. Performances: 10/10 Screenplay: 8/10 Costumes/Makeup: 9/10 Editing: 10/10 Cinematography: 9/10 Score/Soundtrack:  9/10 Verdict: "Casino" was the last film featuring the powerhouse duo of Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci before they reunited one last time in this year's "The Irishman". In it, they play two best friend, each on a separate path to becoming a feared name in Sin City itself. As usual, they both excel in their intimidating roles, with De Niro bringing coldness and seriousness to his and Pesci playing the hot head that he somehow manages to make both scary and hilarious at the same time. Interestingly...

Director: Martin Scorsese Stars: Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, Liam Neeson Runtime:  161 minutes Synopsis:   In the 17th century, two Portuguese Jesuit priests travel to Japan in an attempt to locate their mentor, who is rumored to have committed apostasy, and to propagate Catholicism. Performances: 9/10 Screenplay: 8/10 Costumes/Makeup: 10/10 Editing: 8/10 Cinematography: 10/10 Verdict: "Silence" might be Martin Scorsese's most overlooked film. Made with a budget of over $40 million, it only made a little over half that amount during its theatrical run and received only one Oscar nomination (for Best Cinematography). And that's a crime against Cinema. What Scorsese considers to be a passion project of his is also, in my opinion, his most gorgeous film to date. The way he captures feudal Japan is nothing short of breathtaking. Each frame is crafted with so much attention to detail, and it's difficult not to gaze at the beautiful natural ...

Director: Martin Scorsese Stars: Asa Butterfield, Chloë Grace-Moretz. Ben Kingsley Runtime: 126 minutes Synopsis:   In Paris in 1931, an orphan named Hugo Cabret, who lives in the walls of a train station, is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton. Performances: 3/5 Screenplay: 4/5 Special Effects: 3/5 Costumes/Makeup: 4/5 Editing: 5/5 Cinematography: 4/5 Score/Soundtrack:  5/5 Verdict: (+) You can certainly count on Scorsese to make a family movie with a cultural background. Pretty rare to find nowadays. (+) The adult performances served their purpose. Also Christopher Lee's in it. (+) It's Scorsese's love letter to Cinema. And it's an absolutely heartwarming one. (+) The score by Howard Shore is beautiful. (+) Always love an experimental Scorsese flick. And this one's definitely that. (-) The comedy doesn't always work and does feel forced at some points. (-) As children are the targeted demo...

Director: Mike Flanagan Stars:  Ewan McGregor ,  Rebecca Ferguson ,  Kyliegh Curran Runtime:  152 minutes Synopsis:   Years following the events of "The Shining," a now-adult Dan Torrance must protect a young girl with similar powers from a cult known as The True Knot, who prey on children with powers to remain immortal. Performances: 6/10 Screenplay: 3/10 Special Effects: 5/10 Costumes/Makeup: 5/10 Editing: 4/10 Cinematography: 6/10 Score/Soundtrack:  6/10 Entertainment Factor: 4/10 Verdict: "The Shining" is considered by many to be a landmark in the horror genre. So obviously, in typical Hollywood fashion, a sequel for it had to be green-lit nearly 40 years after its release. Based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, "Doctor Sleep" follows a now grown up Danny Torrance, here played by Ewan McGregor, as he attempts to protect a girl with powers similar to his from a villainous cult led by Rebecca Ferguson's Rose...

Director: Babak Anvari Stars: Armie Hammer, Zazie Beetz, Dakota Johnson Runtime:  95 minutes Synopsis:   Disturbing and mysterious things begin to happen to a bartender in New Orleans after he picks up a phone left behind at his bar. Performances: 2/5 Screenplay: 2/5 Special Effects: 2/5 Editing: 3/5 Cinematography: 3/5 Entertainment Factor: 2/5 Verdict: "Wounds" was... bad. No real surprise here, but frustration nonetheless. Directed by Babak Anvari ("Under the Shadow") and starring  Armie Hammer, Zazie Beetz, and Dakota Johnson, the psychological thriller had the talent required to work, but failed to grab me even a little. It felt like a film put together on the go, with no clear vision in mind. The actors seemed lost, the narrative empty for a long time. Despite a somewhat decent first 5 minutes, the film completely derails into nonsense territory where cheese, predictability, and chaos reigned. I was bored, disconnected, patiently s...

Director: Steve McQueen Stars: Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan, James Badge Dale Runtime:  101 minutes Synopsis:   A sex addict's carefully cultivated private life falls apart after his sister arrives for an indefinite stay. Performances: 5/5 Screenplay: 5/5 Editing: 5/5 Cinematography: 5/5 Score/Soundtrack:  5/5 Verdict:  (+) Steve McQueen is one of the best directors working today and this might be his best movie to date. (+) Is a riveting character study of a person trapped in his own addiction, who obviously is ashamed by it but cannot escape it. Also shows how that addiction affected his close surrounding, which is heart-breaking to witness. (+) The score by Harry Escott is magnificent and adds so much emotion to the narrative. (+) A masterclass performance by Michael Fassbender, who at the time still knew which projects to pick. Carey Mulligan also does an amazing job as his sister, Sissy. (+) The cinematography by Sean Bobbit...

Director: Jennifer Kent Stars: Aisling Franciosi, Sam Claflin, Baykali Ganambarr Runtime:  136 minutes Synopsis:   Set in 1825, Clare, a young Irish convict woman, chases a British officer through the rugged Tasmanian wilderness, bent on revenge for a terrible act of violence he committed against her family. On the way she enlists the services of an Aboriginal tracker named Billy, who is also marked by trauma from his own violence-filled past. Performances: 3/5 Screenplay: 3/5 Costumes/Makeup: 4/5 Editing: 2/5 Cinematography: 4/5 Verdict: "The Nightingale" is a film I was very much looking forward to seeing. Directed by Jennifer Kent ("The Babadook"), the film is a revenge story that takes place in the 1820s in which a young Irish woman seeks out the despicable men who have taken everything from her. Despite its interesting premise and quite frankly beautiful scenery, I'm disappointed to say that "The Nightingale" ultimately ...

Director: Wash Westmoreland Stars: Alicia Vikander, Riley Keough, Kiki Sukezane Runtime:  107 minutes Synopsis:   An 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. Performances: 5/10 Screenplay: 3/10 Editing: 5/10 Cinematography: 6/10 Score/Soundtrack:  5/10 Verdict: With films like "Still Alice" or "Colette", Wash Westmoreland have proven himself to be a  more than decent director. Pairing him with emerging actresses such as Alicia Vikander and Riley Keough made me curious enough to check out his latest project, this time distributed by Netflix. But "Earthquake Bird" unfortunately did not live up to the success of his previous films. The mystery, adapted from a novel of the same name written by Susanna Jones, reminded me a lot of 2016's equally disappointing "The Girl on the Train". I...

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos Stars: Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Jessica Barden Runtime:  119 minutes Synopsis:   In a dystopian near future, single people, according to the laws of The City, are taken to The Hotel, where they are obliged to find a romantic partner in forty-five days or are transformed into beasts and sent off into The Woods. Performances: 9/10 Screenplay: 9/10 Editing: 8/10 Cinematography: 9/10 Score/Soundtrack:  9/10 Entertainment Factor: 9/10 Verdict: (+) Easily one of my favorite Colin Farrell performances. The rest of the cast, and notably Rachel Weisz, are incredible as well. (+) Closest thing we have to a modern Greek tragicomedy. Yorgos Lanthimos is this era's Aristophanes. (+) The at-times overly exaggerated score is hilarious. (+) In fact, the entire movie is hilarious. Lanthimos' dark script, which normalizes the absurd, is brilliant. (+) Gorgeous cinematography and production design. (+) Perfect blending of drama...

Director: Sergio Pablos Stars: Rashida Jones, Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons Runtime:  96 minutes Synopsis:   A 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. Animation: 7/10 Performances: 7/10 Screenplay: 6/10 Editing: 7/10 Score/Soundtrack:  5/10 Entertainment Factor: 7/10 Verdict: I usually have a hard time trusting Christmas movies that come out in November. And at first glance, "Klaus" seemed to be yet another throwaway holiday film purely made to cash in on the season. But to my surprise and utmost pleasure, upon giving it a shot, I have no problem labeling it the best family Christmas film to come out in recent years. It definitely isn't perfect as it does contain quite a bit of cheese, a turbulent final act, and questionable song choices, but boy does it...

Director: Charlie Bean Stars: Tessa Thompson, Justin Theroux, Sam Elliott Runtime:  103 minutes Synopsis:   CGI and live-action re-imagining of the 1955 Disney classic. Performances: 3/10 Screenplay: 2/10 Special Effects: 3/10 Costumes/Makeup: 4/10 Editing: 4/10 Cinematography: 5/10 Score/Soundtrack:  5/10 Entertainment Factor: 2/10 Verdict:  I haven't seen the original "Lady and the Tramp" in at least 15 years and only remember a few scenes from it, which obviously include the immortal spaghetti kiss shared between the two canines. The live action remake, which serves as Disney's 4th(!) live action remake of a beloved classic to come out this year, was dropped on their new streaming service on the day it was made public. And as expected, it wasn't good at all. Despite not remembering most of the narrative, I wasn't in the slightest interested in watching the barely developed relationship between the two protagonists unfold. I am ...

Director: Denis Villeneuve Stars: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker Runtime:  116 minutes Synopsis:   A linguist works with the military to communicate with alien lifeforms after twelve mysterious spacecraft appear around the world. Performances: 5/5 Screenplay: 4/5 Special Effects: 5/5 Editing: 5/5 Cinematography: 4/5 Score/Soundtrack:  5/5 Verdict: (+) One of the best, smartest, and most realistic alien invasion movie ever made. (+) Still manages to be a very human story that is both depressing and emotional. (+) The score by the late Jóhann Jóhannsson is incredibly moving and beautifully sets the mood. (+) The marriage between science and language is one of the best love stories I have ever seen on screen. (+) Also acts as a great political thriller and commentary on tense diplomatic relations. (+) Amy Adams' performance is god-like. Jeremy Renner is good too. (+) Casting Michael Stuhlbarg in anything is always a win. (+)...

Director: Julius Onah Stars: Naomi Watts, Octavia Spencer, Kelvin Harrison Jr. Runtime:  109 minutes Synopsis:   A married couple is forced to reckon with their idealized image of their son, adopted from war-torn Eritrea, after an alarming discovery by a devoted high school teacher threatens his status as an all-star student. Performances: 4/5 Screenplay: 3/5 Editing: 3/5 Cinematography: 4/5 Score/Soundtrack:  3/5 Verdict: "Luce" has all the elements of a small gem with the potential of making big box office returns, and yet, it only grossed a little over 2 million dollars. Directed by Julius Onah, for who this is a major step in the right direction after the failure of "The Cloverfield Paradox",  the film follows a prodigy student whose teacher is convinced that he's not the role model he's made out to be. I really was invested in the story told. And that was mostly due to its characters being well fleshed-out. Is Luce in fact onl...

Director: Kevin Smith Stars:  Ben Affleck ,  Matt Damon ,  Linda Fiorentino Runtime:  130 minutes Synopsis:   An abortion clinic worker with a special heritage is called upon to save the existence of humanity from being negated by two renegade angels trying to exploit a loop-hole and reenter Heaven. Performances: 7 /10 Screenplay: 6/10 Special Effects: 3/10 Costumes/Makeup: 5/10 Editing: 5/10 Cinematography: 4/10 Score/Soundtrack:  4/10 Entertainment Factor: 6/10 Verdict: Kevin Smith is a director whose passion is a driving force that has to be admired, but who I've always felt works more efficiently when working under budgetary restraints. "Clerks" (made with a budget of less than 30,000$) and "Chasing Amy" (made with a budget only 250,000$) are my favorite movies of his and also (not so) coincidentally his least expensive ones. "Dogma" takes a genius concept that serves as a hilarious commentary on organized religion (ma...

Director: Joon-ho Bong Stars: Kang-ho Song, Yeo-jeong Jo, So-dam Park Runtime:  132 minutes Synopsis:   All unemployed, Ki-taek's family takes peculiar interest in the wealthy and glamorous Parks for their livelihood until they get entangled in an unexpected incident. Performances: 5/5 Screenplay: 4/5 Costumes/Makeup: 5/5 Editing: 4/5 Cinematography: 5/5 Score/Soundtrack:  5/5 Verdict: Saying that "Parasite" is one of this year's most critically acclaimed films would be an understatement. The Palme d'Or winner, as I'm writing this, holds a 99% approval rate on Rotten Tomatoes, a 93% audience score on the same website, and an astonishing Metascore grade of 95. And given Joon-ho Bong's filmography, it shouldn't really come as a surprise. And a surprise it was not. Because "Parasite" is indeed one of the best films I have seen this year. About a family living in poverty who manage to con their way into a wealthier hou...

Director:  Evgeny Afineevsky Runtime:  102 minutes Synopsis:   A documentary on the unrest in Ukraine during 2013 and 2014, as student demonstrations supporting European integration grew into a violent revolution calling for the resignation of President Viktor F. Yanukovich. Verdict: About the Euromaidan revolution that took place for 93 days in Ukraine in 2014, "Winter on Fire" is an exceptional documentary that highlights the unlimited power of a unified and determined population. The road was long, the obstacles were numerous, but their perseverance remained the same. They made it clear from day one: They weren't going back home until their voices were heard. Until their demands were met. They were aware that it wasn't going to be a walk in the park, but they also understood that this was their only chance for a change. It was now or never, and never was not an option. Nothing, and least of all their tyrannical leader and his trained thugs, were ...

10: Lighthouse, The 9: Apollo 11 Fyre Irishman, The Little Women Marriage Story Midsommar Parasite Uncut Gems 8: American Factory Armstrong Assistant, The A Sun Climb, The Extra Ordinary For Sama I Lost My Body I'm No Longer Here Invisible Life John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum Joker Knives Out La Llorona Last Black Man in San Francisco, The Le Jeune Ahmed Lux Æterna Missing Link Monos Official Secrets Paddleton Pain and Glory Proxima Rocketman Saint Maud 7: 1917 Ad Astra An Easy Girl Babyteeth Bad Education Beach Bum , The Cold Pursuit Dark Waters Dolemite is My Name Edge of Democracy, The Fyre Fraud Gentlemen, The Honey Boy How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World Klaus LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part, The Les Misérables Light of My Life Luce Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood Papicha Peanut Butter Falcon, The Portrait of a Lady on Fire Ready or Not Truth, The Vivarium Waiting for the Barbarians Waves You Will Die at 20 6:...

Director: Steven Soderbergh Stars: Gary Oldman, Antonio Banderas, Meryl Streep Runtime:  95 minutes Synopsis:   A widow investigates an insurance fraud, chasing leads to a pair of Panama City law partners exploiting the world's financial system. Performances: 4/5 Screenplay: 2/5 Editing: 3/5 Cinematography: 3/5 Score/Soundtrack:  2/5 Verdict: Steven Soderbergh is a filmmaker who's had ups and downs in his career, but also one who never fails to give flavor to his movies. "The Laundromat" is definitely not one of his best efforts, but it's also not one of his worst. It's just a fine movie about a very interesting subject that sadly uses the exact same stylistic formula of Adam McKay's "The Big Short" to an alarming extent. The film is a dramatization of the Panama Papers scandal that made headlights back in 2015, and if that subject is of interest to you, I'd recommend either checking this movie out or watch a 10 min...

Director: Daniel Scheinert Stars: Michael Abbott Jr., Virginia Newcomb, Andre Hyland Runtime:  100 minutes Synopsis:   Dick died last night, and Zeke and Earl don't want anybody finding out how. That's too bad though, cause news travels fast in small-town Alabama. Performances: 5/5 Screenplay: 3/5 Editing: 4/5 Cinematography: 3/5 Score/Soundtrack:  3/5 Entertainment Factor: 3/5 Verdict: "Swiss Army Man" is one of the most uniquely put together comedies in recent years, and also one of my favorites. "The Death of Dick Long" sees  Daniel Scheinert,  one half of the directing duo responsible for the aforementioned movie, come back to the filmmaking scene after a 3 year hiatus. And to be perfectly honest, this one didn't grab me as much. Despite some great acting and more than just a few hilarious moments, the comedy, unlike "Swiss Army Man", was very bland from a stylistic point of view. It was much more grounded and wa...

Director: Gene Stupnitsky Stars: Jacob Tremblay, Keith L. Williams, Brady Noon Runtime:  90 minutes Synopsis:   Three 6th grade boys ditch school and embark on an epic journey while carrying accidentally stolen drugs, being hunted by teenage girls, and trying to make their way home in time for a long-awaited party. Performances: 2/5 Screenplay: 1/5 Editing: 2/5 Cinematography: 2/5 Score/Soundtrack:  1/5 Entertainment Factor: 2/5 Verdict: I had a long day at work. I wanted to kick back with a light film and chose to watch "Good Boys" despite having a gut-feeling that I wasn't going to enjoy it all. I shouldn't have doubted myself, I should've picked something else because in fact, enjoyable is the last thing I'd call this movie. I can state exactly two things I sort of liked about it: The final 10 minutes do have some kind of heart despite being horribly cheesy and its runtime "only" 90 minutes long (even though it felt muc...