EvilPhoEniX

I haven't read the book, but I believe that it is definitely more interesting. The film feels very rushed in places and what can we say, cramming seven books into ninety minutes is impossible, a longer running time would have been better. I have no complaints about the acting, Idris Elba is a proper hero and Matthew McConaughey as the bad guy is excellent – it's a wonder that A-list actors are in such a B-movie. The action is decent, nicely shot, only the scene with the demons was too dark. There’s almost no atmosphere, so I wouldn't describe the film as horror even though it is labelled as such here, but for one viewing I think it's decent, inoffensive fun. 65%

If you fancy a chilling thriller from Iceland from director Baltasar Kormákur (Everest, 2 Guns, Contraband), The Oath is the right choice. The story tells of a successful cardiac surgeon whose daughter starts dating a drug dealer and is willing to do anything to break up their relationship, but it will cost him a lot of trouble that will turn his life upside down. The atmosphere of Iceland is properly chilling, the acting, especially from the lead, is excellent, the police are intrusive and quite clever, and the final denouement is certainly gripping. It is disappointing that there is no violence, but everything is made up for by a hefty dose of suspense. I had fun. 70%.

A film has almost amateurish performances, and it stars Josh Stewart (the main character from The Collection), who is disgustingly unlikeable and comes across as bored and annoyed throughout the film. On the one hand, the film is a big detective borefest that's hard to finish, but on the other hand, it has some pretty decent make-up effects and there are a number of brutal deaths (the finale in the pool is pretty cool). I don't recommend it, it’s a cheaper B-movie from a not very successful director. 45%

Better Watch Out is a very decently made, suspenseful and clever film with great acting, and it’s strongest point are the several twists and surprises it offers. I enjoyed the creative play with genre and the devilish 15 year old Levi Miller, who does an admirable job for a little boy and I would love to see him in similar films again. The only issue is that the film skimps a lot on the brutality. A fun flick that will bring the Christmas spirit into your home. For a miserable year like this, a nice genre piece! 75%

Similar to City of God, but not nearly as good, this is still an above average film from an unusual and rugged setting that has a lot to offer. I enjoyed watching the story of how a young kid grows up to be a full-fledged gangster and a feared man of his neighborhood. It's entertaining enough, decently gritty in places, so yeah these movies are starting to get me. 80%

Probably the biggest movie experience I've had and I'm not afraid to give it a full score. City of God has a very gritty story set in Rio de Janeiro, with no shortage of dead children and women. Little Z is a devilishly cool villain, the main character, a photographer, is a likable guy, and playboy Denny is the most popular and friendly drug dealer I've ever seen. There's also humor and some very powerful scenes that will stick in your memory for a long time. 95%

The first half is great, with decently filmed war turmoil, realistically presented and slightly brutal (could have been more), but the second half is absolutely devoid of action and I had trouble finishing it. I prefer dosed action rather than an hour of entertainment and the following hour of misery. 65%.

I'm surprised that I've only seen the film today, which was quite big for its time. Of the actors, I liked Dennis Quaid and the young Jake Gyllenhaal. The disaster scenes are decently gripping and gritty, and the scene with the aggressive wolves is great. I had fun. 80%.

Wind River is a very chilling thriller set in Wyoming. Jeremy Renner (who incidentally is slowly turning from action hero to Oscar-winning actor), plays an excellent tracker and hunger who, together with an FBI agent played by Elizabeth Olsen, investigate the death of an Indian girl. Cool setting, Indians, great acting, a decent amount of suspense, heightened emotions and escalating atmosphere culminating in an impressive shootout, which is undoubtedly the best scene of the film. If it wasn't for the slower opening I would have gone even higher with the rating. Anyway, a solid affair from an unusual setting. The final monologue underlines the strength of the whole film. 80%

I love the acting of both the excellent Nicole Kidman and Colin Farrell, but even the young puppy Elle Fanning has something going for her. I was expecting a more steamy psychological and erotic experience which the last half hour politely encouraged, just a shame they ended it so quickly. It was watchable, but could have been better. 60%