Blade Runner 2049 — It's simply mind-blowing, see it — 10*/10

I don't understand how critics can give it a bad review. Unless you don't like long movies or anything to do with sci-fi, you have to at least be entertained.

In this master piece by Denis Villeneuve, produced by Ridley Scott, mood is everything. Yes, there are long scenes where few things happen, but so what, it's delicious if you stop to enjoy it.

It's close to perfection. Just see it. In IMAX, because the sound and the visual are spectacular. Avoid 3D.

Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, Robin Wright, Mackenzie Davis, Ana de Armas and Jared Leto.

Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1856101/

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets — Astoundingly beautiful and exciting sci-fi — 10*/10

I'll only denounce the "love is stronger than everything" and monogamy ideas. Beyond that it's perfect. Amazing intrigue, action, story... It's just mind-blowing. One of the best 3D I've ever seen, but not necessary. A masterpiece by Luc Besson.

Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Rihanna, Clive Owen, Ethan Hawke, Rutger Hauer and John Goodman.

Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2239822/

War for the Planet of the Apes — A solid post apocalypse movie — 7*/10

For a flick with "War" in its title, there isn't much of it or action for that matter. However, like its two predecessors, in this reboot there is a strong sense of finality to it, strong emotional perspectives, as well as dirty, raw animosity, so you could say this is a proud continuation in the name of this franchise and I would agree.

The only thing I didn't like is that they introduced a comic relief element that clashes too strongly with this film and the two previous. Beyond that, great acting, solid special effects and powerful camera shots will entertain you without any issue.

Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn and Judy Greer.

Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3450958/

Passengers — An awesome sci-fi with a great story — 9*/10

• Overall: Amazing. The preview doesn't do it justice, but at least, it doesn't sell any of the punches.
• Who is it for? Everyone, unless you really hate sci-fi.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1355644/
• Known actors: Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt, Michael Sheen and Laurence Fishburne.
• Cameos: Andy Garcia.
• Setting: Outer space.
• Style: Slick sci-fi about space travel with some romantic development.
• Pacing: Perfect.
• Intro: Slow. It gets you right in so smoothly you're not even aware of it. Then you forget you're watching a movie.
• Story: Although there are some tense action moments, this is about the chain of events, even more than about the characters themselves. This is about their life and their predicament. A solid little intrigue. The only real negative point would be the apparition of the "lie". Fortunately this doesn't take over the whole scenario, which is as it should be.
• Ending: Quite amazing if somewhat predictable.
• Epilogue: Short, fun and unexpected. Great.
• Dialogs: Well structured and very interesting. This is the engine of the film.
• Characters: Solidly built with nice depth and realistic attitude.
• Acting: Amazing.
• Visuals: Fucking superb. Intensely beautiful on the big screen.
• Special Effects: Perfect.
• Afterthoughts: I couldn't have asked for more. It's a must see.

Star Trek Beyond — The third of the reboot and still going strong — 8*/10

• Overall: Very entertaining with the same quality as the preceding two. Not as stupendously epic with more introspection, but just as enjoyable.
• Who is it for? Star Trek or sci-fi fans.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2660888/
• Known actors: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, John Cho and Anton Yelchin who will be sorely missed.
• Setting: Far distant future.
• Style: Deep space conflict.
• Pacing: This time the action is interspersed with quiet reflections.
• Story: Nice. Nothing ultra-complex but made well enough to keep you captivated. The little intrigue is well set, the action fabulous and the technology as fun as ever.
• Ending: Predictable, but extremely enjoyable, especially the music trick.
• Epilogue: Nice.
• Dialogs: Funny. Loved it.
• Characters: Just as interesting and captivating as ever.
• Acting: Great.
• Visuals: Stupendous.
• Special Effects: Near perfect with the exception of the first motocross run, right after it materializes.

Read my review of the preceding chapter here.

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace — Great despite its flaws — 8*/10

• Scenario: Captivating story with lots of action and details. Although there are things that diehard fans of the original trilogy (read my review here) might not like, I think George Lucas really took the time to transpose his tale into modern cinematography. Gone are sexism and plastic clichés. However, this chapter also introduced the Gungans that tend to only by liked by kids, especially Jar Jar Binks. That being said, it's still great entertainment.
• Known actors: Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson, Samuel L. Jackson, Sofia Coppola, Keira Knightley and Terence Stamp.
• Visual & sound: Incredible soundtrack by the masterful John Williams. Great special effects for the time that are still good.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120915/
• Who is it for? The fans of the series as well as anyone looking for a good sci-fi, just don't take it too seriously.

Æon Flux — Could have been so much better — 5*/10

• Scenario: Great idea and background, unfortunately, badly implemented. The action is good, the mystery does keeps you interested, but the story lacks weight, so the resulting entertainment value is medium.
• Known actors: Charlize Theron, Frances McDormand and Pete Postlethwaite.
• Visual & sound: Varies from great to could be better.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0402022/
• Who is it for? Theron fans and hardcore sci-fi fans in need of a fix.

Tomorrowland — A powerful vision that could have been even better — 8*/10

• Scenario: Very imaginative on many levels, nice tension, lots of action and a mystery you can't wait to understand. Unfortunately, the build up was so great that the conclusion felt almost too simple. The last 20 minutes or so of the movie feel too light, without substance. Still, great entertainment value.
• Dialogs: Great, often funny with lots of attitude.
• Characters: The main characters are very interesting and extremely lovable.
• Actors: Great work on the part of everyone. Cast members include Britt Robertson, George Clooney and Raffey Cassidy.
• Photography: Extremely beautiful.
• Sound: Good music and score.
• Special effects: Amazing.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1964418/
• Who is it for? Sci-fi lovers and those looking for a solid distraction.

Mad Max: Fury Road — Fucking rocks! — 10*/10

• Scenario: A very simple story, but what makes it unforgettable and totally incredible is the amazing setting. A post apocalyptic society based on water, gasoline, and cars perfectly rendered. High octane action that starts right away and takes only a few short breather.
• Dialogs: Solid. Really transport you into their world.
• Characters: Simple, yet with an incredible depth, probably due to the performance of the actors.
• Actors: Perfect. Cast members include Charlize Theron, Tom Hardy and Nicholas Hoult.
• Photography: Mind blowing. It's so beautiful, and the 3D is extremely well done and thought out. Great camera work.
• Sound: Great music and score that's exactly right for the movie.
• Special effects: Simply astounding.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392190/
• Who is it for? Anyone should watch, unless you don't want to see action and violence.

It's a master piece by George Miller, the writer and director of the original Mad Max and its less successful sequels.

The Zero Theorem — The future is weird but humans will always be humans — 8*/10

The Zero Theorem is a difficult film to get into because its world is so confusing, it's so different that it's almost alien. At first setup seems somewhat too goofy, like it's a ridiculous parody of the future. However, once you get immersed, you get to really appreciate the situation the main character is in. The story and the scenario are very novel and each turns taken is a surprise. There's something deep hidden in the guts of this flick and paying attention doesn't seem to help, you have to let yourself float.

A must try.
8*/10

Dredd — Cheap entertainment, but good entertainment — 7*/10

Dredd, in its latest incarnation, is a simple flick and it doesn't try to do more than entertain. The story is linear without getting boring, it veers away from trying to tackle a larger issue, and is very single minded, much like the hero. Excellent settings, you can almost taste the futuristic crass, solid acting and nice action, with only a few dubious special effects that are easily overlooked. One thing though I just have to comment on, those motorcycles: ugly ass pieces of garbage.

For a good action fix.
7*/10

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 — Barely worth the time — 6*/10

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 doesn't let what is happening sink in. It pushes the feelings down the throat of the audience which makes the whole experience very mechanic. The action is interesting, if sparse. The story bland and linear.

Only for those who really want to know what happens next.
6*/10

Interstellar — A sublime masterpiece that will transport you — 10*/10

Interstellar is much better than the previews make us believe. Christopher Nolan proved once again that he is a master of his art. The IMAX price is more than worth it. A science-fiction film to cherish.

GO SEE IT.
10*/10

The Congress — You might not understand it, but it will make you think — 8*/10

The Congress is the type of movie you need to think about. I didn't understand it, but it made me think and imagine a different future. The first part is incredibly immersive with excellent acting. The rest feels like an acid trip, or at least what I think an acid trip feels like. It's confusing and mind-boggling.

Judge for yourself.
8*/10

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes — The end of humanity has come and you can feel it — 8*/10

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is the post-apocalyptic second part of the remake. Great settings, solid action, strong emotional strings, and a captivating story. There are a few logical flaws that mar this movie, but all in all, I can't deny its quality.

I must confess that I didn't like the first part. It was good, but not my kind of film. This is more to my liking.

For the fans of the series, those who like post-apocalyptic settings, and sci-fi aficionados.
8*/10

Total Recall — Astounding visuals built on a flawed story for entertainment purposes — 6*/10

Total Recall made in 2012 is not a bad remake of the 1990 original. Great action, superb special effects, especially for the landscapes, and a fast paced scenario. The acting is minimal, the dialogs are just adequate, and there are many logical flaws in the story.

For science-fiction and action fans.
6*/10

Terminator Salvation — Forgetting the third instalment with something really decent — 7*/10

Terminator Salvation, the 4th Terminator, is not the best of the series, but after the dismally horrid third part, it's a balm to a fan of the first two. I'd even say that it's pretty good. It has all the action and special effects you can ask for, plus the story is interesting, the dialogs are nicely done and the acting is solid. My gripe is with the almost inexistent defence of Skynet central, and the lousy last scene.

For great entertainment.
7*/10

Edge of Tomorrow — You have to see this unless you can't stand sci-fi — 10*/10

Edge of Tomorrow is an excellent science-fiction movie, in which you grab the edge of your seat and you don't want to let go, ever. The only thing I'd criticize is the fact that the end, after the grenades, is unnecessary sugar coating as well as flawed logically. Everything else is perfect.

A must for everyone, especially sci-fi fans.
10*/10

Ghost in the Shell - A solid intro to the menga world - 8*/10

Ghost in the Shell is a relatively old manga, but still very watchable. It has a captivating score and a strong intrigue. The story explore the definition of self, consciousness and life through AI, at least a future version of it, at the time of singularity.

For sci-fi enthusiasts who wish to explore manga.
8*/10

Elysium - A mind blast - 8*/10

Elysium is a visual feast. Special effects, incredible sci-fi technology, a surreal future, and plenty of action. The story is electrifying, but contains a certain number of logical flaws and a final speech that could have been scratched that lessened somewhat the resulting quality. It's not enough to distract the audience, however, it can be annoying. Matt Damon delivered a solid performance, as he usually does, but it was Jodie Foster who really surprised me.

It's for everyone to enjoy.
8*/10