OVERRATED UNTIL THE VERY END

Arab world was and is truly brutal, especially during the duration of numerous civil wars.

„Theeb” will give us the story about the Bedouins guiding the pilgrims and foreigners through the harsh Saudi desert and all their misfortunes during one of those expeditions. Overall rhythm is really slow, followed by some stunning photography and occasional tense scenes of armed conflicts between the Arabs themselves.

Critical acclaim „Theeb” triggered will become visible only in the final minutes of a pretty flat-lined script, giving us the much awaited justice and redemption of the little Theeb (young Jacir Eid Al-Hwietat).

„Theeb” is a hardcore indie art war drama with some solid acting and great photography.

THEEB - 6/10

FOTO: media2.fdncms.com

VALUE FOR MONEY

Albanian cinema is totally unknown, even for European movie lovers. That's exactly why one rarely has an opportunity to watch one of their flicks in cinema, and should grab it.

 „Cahs only” is a really modest production, using cheap locations, one digital camera and a small international cast. Malik Bader's movie is a classic thriller: a lowlife landlord (Nickola Schreli's) entangles him into a net of organized crime that eventually leads to the kidnapping of his daughter for whose liberation he must find a huge amount of money in a short period of time.

The acting is really the weakest link in the entire flick, being too inconclusive and crude. On the other hand, Schreli's script is relatively solid, with some nice concepts and brutal scenes towards the end.

„Cash only” is one solid mini-thriller for the lovers of exotic indie productions.

CASH ONLY - 5/10

FOTO: twitchfilm.com

ENTERTAINING

Felix von Groeningen established his position in the world of indie productions by claustrophobic „Broken circle breakdown”, so it was really interesting to see how he will take on the much more positive subject.

Rise of „Belgica”, a club run by two brothers (Jo and Frank) from the margin of society to the fancy discotheque everybody wants to visit will take you on a rollercoaster of hilarious and twisted drug, liquor and sex driven episodes. Along the way, you will be able to see all the Felix's directing talent and listen to some really, really good music.

On the other hand, the story doesn't offer any solutions nor life lessons as some might expect.

„Belgica” will make you laugh and dance, without any false pretensions.

BELGICA - 6/10

FOTO: belgicadefilm.be

TRUE JAPANESE, BUT SOMEWHAT EMPTY

Hirokazu Koreeda is a director and scriptwriter focused almost entirely on family relationships and when you hear he has a new title, you know it's going to be good, complicated and full of hope.

„Our little sister” will take you on a journey through both traditional, as well as the modern Japan, and will picture the entire society flawlessly. However, the story itself will not take you anywhere, besides some occasional laughs and not much more. Script about the young girl that decides to live with her three half-sisters after the death of the common father deserved a little more elaboration and conclusion.

„Our little sister” is a movie for hardcore lovers of Japanese culture and not many more.

OUR LITTLE SISTER - 4/10

FOTO: fest.rs

BRUTAL OMEN

Complex civil war in Mali remains hidden from the focus of Western world, but media blackout doesn't make it any less brutal and heart-chilling.

Set in the poor country's capital, Timbuktu, the movie that bears the same name starts out slowly and with some amount of hope and humor that quickly subsides, leaving the podium for the insane way of Mujahideen and their hardcore interpretation of Quran.

„Timbuktu” is one of those flicks that doesn't offer any solution at its end, nor any hope. As for the gazelle that runs away from the Islamic fighters, the only thing left is to run. Run as far as possible, away from Taliban, from Mujahideen, from ISIS and everything that happens right now in the Middle East and Northern Africa.

„Timbuktu” will make you sick, worried and happy that you don't live in Timbuktu or anywhere near it.

TIMBUKTU - 8/10

FOTO: imwithgeek.co.uk

TURKISH CHOKER

„Oscar” category for best foreign language film hides some truly great flicks, safely tucked away form the spotlight of commercial US movies. Turkish contender for this year, „Mustang” is one of those hidden gems of real life drama in a society that differs so much from the ones we, Europeans, live in.

Script revolves around five sisters in a God forsaken Turkish city of Trabzon and gives us a heart-chilling story of their brutal coming of age in the wake of fanatically narrow-minded traditions and the position of women in the hardcore Islamic society. Main character is Lale (fantastic Günes Sensoy), the youngest and the wildest of the girls. Not broken down by pre-arranged and forced marriages of the elder sisters, Lale embarks on a dramatic and tense voyage towards freedom that awaits in Istanbul.

As for the „Mustang's” strongest asset, the rhythm, the story starts really slowly and relatively peacefully, even with some traces of humor in the situations and dialogues. As the plot thickens, drama steps in, leading to a tragedy somewhere in the last third of the movie. Final chapter will make you seat on the very edge of your chair and root your heart for little Lale, as all great dramas do.

„Mustang” is a great movie all Westerners should watch, especially women.

MUSTANG - 9/10

FOTO: trailers.apple.com

REMEBER TO WATCH „REMEMBER”!

Films about the fate of Jews wore out during the course of time, not bringing anything new to the genre in past 25 years. As for the serious flicks on this subject, those dealing with the question of revenge against the Nazis were even more rarer, so it is quite expected for a average viewer to miss out a hidden gem, „Remember”.

The thing that attracts the most when it comes to the crew and script of Atom Egoyan's latest movie is the overall sense of unpretentiousness. Slow rhythm, additionally slowed down by phenomenal Christopher Plummer and his character's repetitive dementia will soon form a very original story about finding the notorious Auschwitz block fuhrer, Otto Valisch. This unusual adventure will make a full circle around four potential Nazis who settled down in USA, culminating with one of those memorable twists at the very end that make „Remember” the most original Jew/Nazi flick in decades.

„Remember” is a great small movie, with some serious acting and a memorable script and you should definitely watch it.

REMEMBER - 8/10

FOTO: pinspider.com

INSTANT HOLLYWOOD CLASSIC

Hollywood was built on analytic scripts shedding a light on a chosen subject from every possible angle. This was particularly present in the golden era of journalistic movies, the 1970s, but somehow abandoned along the way. In present Hollywood, every reminiscence of those kind of scripts should be observed with special attention and acclaimed by both average viewers and critics.

„Spotlight” isn't a sensational script and won't give anything more than you already knew about Catholic church and child sexual molestation conducted by its priests. It will ''only'' thoroughly analyze all the aspects of the subject, each and every one of its participants, as well as traces of cover-ups that followed.

Built around the waterproof script, the following story, rhythm and all the actors step without any stutters and holdups. Cast in one of the most balanced ones in the past couple of years, led by reliable Michael Keaton, Liev Schreiber and Stanley Tucci, while often sidelined Mark Ruffalo finally takes his place beneath the spotlight.

The only visible and sensible fault of „Spotlight” is the overall „safe” mode and the expected ending without much conclusion attached to it.

Nonetheless, „Spotlight” is one of those scripts that built Hollywood and one of those precious gems in modern quality-slumped cinema industry.

SPOTLIGHT - 8/10

FOTO: blastmagazine.com

FASCINATING STORY, MEDIOCRE MOVIE

Communist hunt in Hollywood in the '40s and '50s have remained almost totally hidden from the mainstream production if we don't count some lonely shots like  „Good night and good luck”.

Story about witch hunt on the screenwriters with pretty solid Bryan Cranston at the helm is one of those unknown stories that represent „Trumbo's” greatest contributions to this years Academy nominees. Unparalled pressures that included jail and notices for the „red” entourage around Dalton Trumbo caused the writer's anonymity even from the greatest prize of them all, the „Oscars”.

Besides that fact, „Trumbo” is one average flick with some substandard supporting cast.

„Trumbo” will make you learn something you didn't know about Hollywood and not so distant US history and nothing more than that.

TRUMBO - 5/10

FOTO: generationfilm.files.wordpress.com

SOLID ACTING, OVERPRICED STORY

Rare were public figures in modern US history that raised so much hype and controversy as Steve Jobs, so two movie interpretations in just couple of years after his passing can not be considered as a surprise.

To be clear and unambigous, Danny Boyle's „Steve Jobs” by far exceeds the substandard „Jobs” with Ashton Kutcher (Oh, dear God!) qualitywise. And it still isn't anything more than just an average flick.

Why?

Steve Jobs's lifestory just isn't enough to make a superb movie everybody is trying to make. There isn't enough quality material there to attract and keep the attention of the average movie viewer. This can not be replaced even by very solid roles of Michael Fassbender and Kate Winslett, nor by the innovative approach of telling his lifestory through the backstage preparations for three most important presentations in his career Boyle uses this time.

„Steve Jobs” is just one average flick on a below average topic.

STEVE JOBS - 4/10

FOTO: cdn.collider.com

HARDCORE SHAKESPEARE

Shakespeare movie interpretations haven't had their fare share of success in the past couple of decades, primarily due to a lack of innovation.

The newest version of „Macbeth” for the big screen brings us hardcore medieval Shakespeare script, independent production and all-star actors lineup. Fassbender is solid as king Macbeth, while Cotillard steals the show as his Lady. If you have enough patience to break through the multiple layers of incomprehensible language and writing style, you will be awarded with one quality artistic flick filled followed by plethora of symbols discreetly inserted by the young director Justin Kurtzel.

„Macbeth” is strictly for the lovers of classical Shakespeare and fans of Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard.

MACBETH - 6/10

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BEST ANIMATED FLICK IN YEARS

The market for animated flicks coming from „Pixar” have become heavily saturated by mediocrity after the boom in the early 21^st century. Ideas for stories ran dry and mannerism took over. Up until „Inside out” anyway.

The core of every brilliant script is the idea. And the idea for the latest „Pixar” flick is simply the most original one since „Wall-E”. Cartoon about five major emotions inside the little girl Riley's brain: Joy (voice: Amy Poehler), Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust. After that single stroke of brilliance, everything that followed was like riding a bicycle. Growing up, maturing, losing the childhood memories, adapting to a movement to a new, big and strange city. All of those situations will show the immense potential of this concept, which can so easily be transferred to the obvious sequels that will follow and amuse us in the upcoming years.

Animation is pretty solid, but somewhat in the backplan of such an original and witty concept.

„Inside out” is one of the most refreshing ideas in the 21^st century coming from Hollywood and one of those cartoons  meant to be interesting and funny for adults only.

INSIDE OUT - 9/10

FOTO: cdn0.vox-cdn.com

TOM HARDY FANS ONLY

Movies outside the US are well off the radar of the Academy, and so are the roles of the established Hollywood actors in those flicks.

The story of the notorious Cray twin brothers that led London's underground in the '60s and '70s offered a unique opportunity for Tom Hardy to show everything he knows as one of the leading actors of his generation. And he delivered everything asked of him almost impeccably, especially when it comes to the role of deranged and bipolar Ronnie Kray.

Sadly, the script and supporting cast falls behind, leaving „Legend” floating somewhere between the movie it could have been and the corny stereotype it is.

„Legend” will be loved by Tom Hardy fans and not many more.

LEGEND - 4/10

FOTO: zekefilm.org

A HEARTSTABBER

Overall slump of quality in Hollywood is followed by a really dangerous trend of neglecting the rare flicks that stand out from the mainstream recycling of old ideas.

„Room” is one of those sidelined dramas, coming from the smaller production and entering the cinemas well below the radar of mainstream public. It is also one of those flicks that you just can not succeed in hiding from the light of the day it deserves.

The critically acclaimed adapted script written by Emma Donoghue is really well camouflaged in the first third of the movie, leaving the viewer wondering what the hell is going on with the five-year old boy (phenomenal Jacob Tremblay) and his mother (excellent Brie Larson) and why won't they leave the premises of their tiny house. Compiled from the several kidnapping real life stories, the plot thickens from then on, and it thickens majestically.

The scene in the pickup is so tense, that you will be dared to try to breathe during its course. You will be challenged by the breathtaking performance from the young nom-less Jacob (shame on you, Academy!) and by the discreet, but phenomenal directing of the obscure Lenny Abrahamson („Frank”). From that moment on, everything changes, evolving from the claustrophobic surroundings to a brand new world for little Jake and his mother.

Drama isn't over, although we are only half way there when it comes to overall course of the movie, but we can breathe easier. Little Jake enables us to do so, with his hearthstabbing, but unquestionably optimistic narrations depicting the adaptation of his untouched soul with the terrifying, but in the same time fascinating outer world. The closure will maybe considered as a anticlimax by some, but it will be the only possible ending for such an emotional roller-coaster.

„Room” is without any doubt and by far, THE BEST movie of the year and the best drama coming from Hollywood in this decade.

ROOM - 10/10

FOTO: asia361.com

PATHETIC, BUT INTERESTING

Hip-hop culture haven't had a decent movie interpretation, primarily due to a lack of time distance from the beginnings of the newest genre of black music that emerged at the end of '80s.

„Straight outta Compton” aims to fill precisely that gap, giving us an authorized story of the band „N.W.A.”, their rise to world glory, clashes with the police and authorities, as well as standard managerial traps along the road from anonymity to stardom and back.

Cast is really convincing, led by Ice Cube's son (O'Shea Jackson Jr.), one of the actual band members and reliable Paul Giamatti as the band's manager. Young guys portraying Dr. Dre and Easy-A (Corey Hawkins and Jason Mitchell) are also pretty solid too, as well as the soundtrack, which is logical. The most valuable moments in the movie come from the process of songwriting, which is really important when it comes to music biopics.

Downsides of this music biopic are the overall sense of pathetic relations between the band members, which were far worse in the real life, as well as some clear exaggerations of the actual story.

„Straight outta Compton” is a must-see for all hip-hop lovers and a true pioneer endeavor when it comes to this kind of music.

STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON - 5/10

FOTO: dorkshelf.com

BRIDGE OF BOREDOM

„Bridge of spies” is about espionage, double espionage and the struggle to exchange US and Soviet spies in Cold war Berlin. It lasts almost two and a half hours, it is directed by Steven Spielberg and casts Tom Hanks as a lead male role. And still, it is one painfully boring movie.

Why?

Because nothing happens during its course. Except for consistent Mark Rylance nothing twists, nothing changes, nothing, nothing, nothing. They just end up exchanging those spies on a fogy bridge and that's it. Literally!

„Bridge of spies” is one of the year's largest disappointments.

BRIDGE OF SPIES - 3/10

FOTO: assets1.ignimgs.com

GREAT, BUT AS A STANDALONE FEATURE

„The Rocky” saga quickly lost its momentum and stalled into a complete mess with its fifth part („Rocky Balboa”), raising the question of further sustainability of the entire franchise.

„Creed” offers a fresh start, with the story just loosely connected to the previous parts, and with little or no Sylvester Stallone involvement. The Sly himself represents the weakest link of the entire (otherwise solid) cast and script. Fights are more real than ever, with some actual fighters taking part in the movie. The pathetic emotions tend to stay below the level of unacceptability, opening the doors to a much needed standalone spin-off distance from the original script.

„Creed” is one of the most pleasant movie surprises in the year behind us.

CREED - 7/10

FOTO: www.cinemablend.com

ARTISTIC BRAINWASH

Artistic flicks are one of the most dangerous movie categories because the directors and screenwriters can really, really easily step into the vast sea of banality, stupidity and pretentiousness. And this is exactly what happened to „The Lobster”, easily the most annoying flick of the entire movie season.

There isn't a story here, nor acting, nor much sense. Just random scenes, absurd dialogues and overall sense of the movie maker's arrogance.

Taking everything said and done into consideration, „The Lobster” is just one of those flicks you should NEVER watch. Never. Ever.

LOBESTER - 1/10

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COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME

After some new energy coming from Daniel Craig's entrance to the franchise, 007 movies tend to plummet into mediocrity with the last two sequels. Sam Sam Mendes is without a doubt one great director, as so is Christoph Waltz as a villain. So, what's the problem with „Spectre”? Why is it so painfully boring, too long and almost without any fun at all?

The only possible answer to all of these questions is pretty simple actually. „Spectre” has one of the weakest scripts in a long history of this screenplay non-demanding franchise.

„Spectre” in one really redundant flick, even for James Bond's standards.

SPECTRE - 2/10

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A FEW DECENT SHOTS IN THE DARK

Dennis Villeneuve established his reputation as a movie director of slow tempo, difficult life stories with some strong symbolism („Incendies”, „Enemy”, „Prisoners”). His movies are highly recognizable, but also often without a real conclusion and purpose.

„Sicario” is one of those movies with its painfully slow script about the DEA and FBI agents hunting Mexico drug cartel leaders in the border area between two countries. The characters represent just rough sketches, with Benicio del Toro stealing the show as a merciless support male role. Emily Blunt is really annoying and redundant  as a female lead, while Josh Brolin is actually decent when it comes to quality of his acting, maybe for the first time in his entire career.

Villeneuve's directing talent bursts out in two tense action sequences (entering Ciudad Juarez and border stakeout), but remains dormant in the second part of the movie, excluding the dining scene at the very end.

„Sicario” is one ambitious flick with no real coverage when it comes to quality.

SICARIO - 4/10

FOTO: thehofstrachronicle.com

INCREDIBLE STORY

True stories tend to get a bit artificially sweetened in their movie interpretations, but that fact won't necessary mean that a bad script will emerge.

Story about the first man who walked on a wire stretched out between the twin towers of World Trade Center will bring you a lot of common places and some truly mesmerizing action sequences of the walk itself.

Casting is solid, with Joseph Joseph Gordon-Levitt leading the way, while Robert Zemeckis does his trademark reliable directing to the very end.

„The Walk” is one incredible story that deserved to be on the big screen long time ago and one of the best epitaphs for 9/11.

THE WALK - 6/10

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