EvilPhoEniX

This Japanese revenge bully splatter sounded appealing, but unfortunately didn't live up to its potential. As long as the film focused on school bullying, it felt believable and quite gritty, but the revenge aspect itself is uninteresting due to the not so good CGI effects (the gore is very bad) and rather than excitement or enthusiasm, it makes you laugh and cry at the same time. There are a few interesting moments, but due to the long running time, I wasn't very entertained by the end. 3 stars and being generous. 50%

Serial killers are a very popular theme in South Korea, see the excellent I Saw the Devil or The Chaser, which are among the most brutal films of this genre, and this new release deserves praise as well. The film focuses on the psychological confrontation between a detective and a serial killer who confesses to multiple murders and puzzles the detective as to where he may have buried bodies. The film stands primarily on excellent performances, with veteran Kim Yoon-Seok doing an outstanding job and manic psychopath, and Ju Ji-Hoon doing the same. Although it is more or less devoid of violence, it is a solid film based on real events (the detective is still investigating the case today) and it also took home a couple of festival awards. Despite the slower pace, very engaging and immersive. 75%.

After Triple Frontier, Netflix pulls another ace from its sleeve, a macho western/gangster flick set in the 1930s, where the excellent Texas Ranger duo of Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson are hot on the heels of the legendary Bonnie and Clyde. John Lee Hancock perfectly captures the feel of 1930's American South (the costumes, the cars and the guns a thing of beauty) and it's safe to say he gave the two stars a chance for a solid comeback, as they both do an excellent job. In terms of direction, acting, visuals and atmosphere, the film is flawless, the only issue may be the slower pace, but I had a decent time throughout. The highlights are definitely Costner purchasing a gun, Woody's solo in the bathroom, the bandit story and the final carnage. "Clyde might be the king, but I am a Texas Ranger! You little shit!" 80%

For a debut, an enjoyable B-movie action flick with a likeable hero and an attractive setting dealing with local pirates terrorizing the neighborhood. At times I was a little bothered by the visibly weaker CGI, especially for the gore (blood and blown heads abound here though) and the fights aren't the worst, but they don't outright dazzle. 60%.

Strange incidents are happening in a neighborhood in Buenos Aires and three paranormal experts are called in to look into it. In terms of acting and story, the film doesn't dazzle, but when it comes to the scares, it is very effective, mainly due to the impressive cinematography, which captures the boogeymen in a different style than we are used to. The atmosphere is uncomfortably stuffy, the music is solid, and the scares are plenty. The creative look of the strange monster is also intriguing, and the naked Gollum under the bed was very disturbing. The highlight is probably the opening scene, where a floating woman brutally smashes herself against the bathroom walls. A very pleasant surprise that gave me chills and had me feeling uncomfortable most of the time. 75%.

After four years, this anticipated buddy action flick is finally available and it's a blast. Two partners are tasked with taking down a local crime boss, but they have to fight their way carefully along the process. The leading duo is aptly chosen, one has a thing for women, the other likes to tackle everything with his hands and they complement each other nicely both verbally and physically. It's very brisk, entertaining, sufficiently action-packed with amazingly clear camerawork and physically dynamic choreography that stands out especially in the awesome finale. From an unknown director, a very nice surprise and finally a dynamic Korea as I like it. 80%

A perfect adaptation of the manga, and for the first time in a while, a Japanese film that suited me. The main character is a 58 year old man dying of cancer. He is eternally ignored by his family and the outside world, but the one night he comes to an unearthly power and becomes a Cyborg of all sorts of abilities (besides all sorts of weapons, rockets, or the ability to fly, especially the ability to cure deadly diseases), in short, a good-for-nothing who will try to save the world around him. That same night a young student also gains the ability and decides to use it in the wrong direction, with the goal of disarming the whole of Japan. It's a bit of a Japanese Marvel movie, but the unconventional heroes make it very original, highly emotional in places, visually impressive and epically spectacular in terms of action. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. 85%

Indonesia is getting more and more ambitious, and this time it pleased me with a solid period Western in the style of The Magnificent Seven, except there are only two of them. The film has attractive visuals, very likeable heroes and great villains, and also features a familiar face from The Raid. I was a little disappointed that action is not a priority , but the finale is properly packed and there are both great shootouts and decent fights, and blood is not spared at all. I enjoyed it. 75%.

After The Body and The Invisible Guest, the popular Oriol Paulo serves up the sci-fi thriller During the Storm and hits the mark again. Very likeable characters, original time travel, a tense atmosphere and a shocking climax where the director pulls off and excellent twist and everything fits together nicely. Only the Spaniards can make such a masterfully directed mindfuck, proving once again that they are rightfully on the throne and will not be dethroned. It is better not to find out anything about the plot, because the less you know, the better. This is a thriller as intricate as a spiderweb.

S. Craig Zahler one of the most interesting and distinctive directors of recent years. After the western Bone Tomahawk and the brutal prison thriller Brawl in Cell Block 99, he brings us a solid raw crime film starring Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn. Although it’s mostly dialogue and takes place mostly in a car, it almost doesn't matter, because watching two excellent actors critique the social situation in America and hilariously stick it to us is a blast. The highlights are definitely the uncompromising bank robbery and the final shootout, which takes pulls no punches. Uncompromising, violent, surprising and actually unpleasant, that's Zahler. Some may be bothered by the 160-minute running time, but surprisingly the film passes quickly. 80%