Sing — Great animation film fun for all — 8*/10

It's easy to love this flick. As adults, there are a myriad of great little jokes and some awesome music. It's even touching. As a kid, it's full of silly stuff and bright colors, although some might shed a tear or two. No worries, though, it's very positive. A must for the family.

Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane, Scarlett Johansson and John C. Reilly.

Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3470600/

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping — A parody that's totally silly — 7*/10

• Story: A crazy caricature of pop music stardom. It's funny and it doesn't take itself seriously at all. 
• Style: Goofy, silly, juvenile and way out there parody, in the unsubtle style of Lonely Island which derives from the good old SNL style.
• Characters: Shallow and hilarious.
• Acting: Solid in its own style.
• Known actors: Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, Akiva Schaffer, Sarah Silverman, Tim Meadows.
• Cameos:  Justin Timberlake, Maya Rudolph, Joan Cusack, Imogen Poots, Martin Sheen, Jimmy Fallon, Bill Hader, Will Forte, 'Weird Al' Yankovic, Kevin Nealon, Snoop Dogg, Michael Bolton, Ringo Starr, 50 Cent and Mariah Carey.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3960412/
• Entertainment value: Good, much more if you like the style.
• Who is it for? Those looking for something really silly as well as Samberg or Loney Island fans.

Sing Street — Brightens your day and elevates your heart in a real way — 9*/10

• Story: It's all about getting the girl and music. No scene is wasted. Each and everyone of them has meaning. They feel real. You'd want to be part of them and go along with them.
• Style: It's incredibly sweet, but not sugary. It's a sweetness that brightens your day and elevates your heart. It's a bit sentimental, a bit funny, and totally genuine.
• Ending: Excellent.
• Dialogs: Sweet, thoughtful and sometimes witty or funny.
• Characters: Perfect. You have a nice depth to the main characters, and the supporting ones do not feel empty of unidimensional. They don't follow the usual lines or they don't stay there. The interactions between the two brothers is particularly powerful.
• Acting: Right on the dot. Can't ask for more.
• Costumes: Great. Thoughtfully done.
• Music: Excellent, especially the new songs. You definitively have the 80's vibe, but it's not full glam, cheap or kitch.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3544112/
• Entertainment value: Very!
• Who is it for? Everyone, unless you can't stand a bit of the 80's.

I'm convinced we'll hear again from these actors and the director/writer.

Danny Collins — Best seen without paying too much like on Netflix — 6*/10

• Scenario: There's no real flaw, or at least no big ones, in this flick. However, Many things are missing. Substance for one. It has some, but not enough to have a good meal. Novelty is another. I mean, it takes a few jabs at bringing something new to the table, but otherwise fails. The dialogs are overly predictable or simple. The story is barely interesting. The characters have few things to talk about and are barely kept alive by the quality of the actors. Finally, the end just missed being perfect by a few extra seconds that gave too much away. That being said, the Pacino did a believable burnt out star.
• Known actors: Al Pacino, Annette Bening, Jennifer Garner, Bobby Cannavale, Christopher Plummer and Nick Offerman.
• Visual & sound: Nice.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1772288/
• Who is it for? Those who really need to see Al Pacino.

Rock the Kasbah — Laughters where you least expect it — 7*/10

• Scenario: The story is simple and there is no depth to it considering the subject, but this movie is more about the characters especially the quirks of the music manager. The comedy and the resulting fun is done in a straight forward manner using good quality cinematography. Nothing really over the top, nothing silly or goofy, just a good script.
• Known actors: Bill Murray, Zooey Deschanel, Kate Hudson, Bruce Willis, Scott Caan and Danny McBride.
• Visual & sound: Nice.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3164256/
• Who is it for? Those looking for a nice simple comedy.

Frank — Weird depressing comedy that stretch creativity and famedom — 7*/10

• Scenario: Depressingly funny just this side of pathetic and missing genius by a hair. Nobody can really relate, but it's definitely novel and worth a try.
• Known actors: Michael Fassbender, Domhnall Gleeson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Carla Azar and Scoot McNairy.
• Visual & sound: Nice.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1605717/
• Who is it for? Everyone should give it a try, but it's definitively not for everyone. You have to like weird humor and crazy situations.

We Are Your Friends — This electro music flick is fucking HOT! — 9*/10

• Scenario: The trailer doesn't really reflect what this movie is. It starts with some characters you can only think of as pathetic, wannabes. It quickly gets sidetracked by some easy plot elements that could come right out of the head of any hack writer. However, what you don't know is that it's slowly building the real story leading to a great culmination. It's not really a music story, although music is its primary vector, or even a romantic story, it's a modern twist of the coming of age story. Nowadays, instead of growing up, we chew up what others want and regurgitate a semblance of success. We only grow up when we finally find who we really are. This is that story, and the ending is perfect.
• Known actors: Zac Efron, Emily Ratajkowski, Wes Bentley and Jon Bernthal.
• Visual & sound: Excellent visual and awesome track!
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3787590/
• Who is it for? Those who don't like electronic music, should stay away, the rest shouldn't miss it.

Magic Mike XXL — Sexy movie perfect for the ladies — 7*/10

• Scenario: The story is very interesting, you learn about the various character and the group slowly and its peppered with juicy scenes. The ladies will love it. Sexy male bodies everywhere dancing sensuously to please the most demanding queen. I was floored by their moves, just incredible, but there was one part I thought the scenario was getting lost a little bit. That being said, the rest is just great, especially the ending which was perfect. I think it was better than the first one (read my review here).
• Dialogs: Simple, but interesting and well made.
• Characters: Simple. Some are better developed than others.
• Actors: Good work on the part of everyone. Cast members include Channing Tatum (he,s still the incredible dancer), Andie MacDowell (who was amazing in such a little role), Elizabeth Banks and Amber Heard.
• Photography: Stunning.
• Sound: Excellent music and score.
• Special effects: None.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2268016/
• Who is it for? Any one who loves dancing and doesn't mind the male form in all its glory.

Pitch Perfect 2 — The silliness continues unabated — 6*/10

• Scenario: It's a silly comedy that unfortunately lost the sparkle of novelty that had the first chapter (read review here). It's still funny, there are many hilarious moments, but it seems it couldn't make anything new.
• Dialogs: Silly, funny.
• Characters: Nothing new. The best characters are the two commentators.
• Actors: Good work overall. Cast members include Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Elizabeth Banks, John Michael Higgins and Snoop Dogg.
• Photography: Nice.
• Sound: Great music.
• Special effects: None.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2848292/
• Who is it for? Those who saw the first one and like it.

Rudderless — Touching with lots of beautiful songs and a few smiles — 9*/10

• Scenario: A story that is rarely told. Yes, it is about grief and moving on with all its usual plot elements, but the perspective takes a 180° two thirds of the way in. Very touching, captivating and full of emotions that can be easily understood. There are a few laughs, but in counter point to the sad parts. Great ending.
• Dialogs: Excellent.
• Characters: Well done with nice depth.
• Actors: Excellent work on the part of everyone. Cast members include Billy Crudup, Anton Yelchin, William H. Macy and Laurence Fishburne.
• Photography: Nice.
• Sound: Great music and score.
• Special effects: None.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1798243/
• Who is it for? Those looking for a touching tale.

William H. Macy directed a great piece. Well done.

Boychoir — A touching drama about an angry young boy finding his way — 8*/10

• Scenario: Predictable, but not in a boring way. It's your basic underprivileged boy meets inspiring teacher story adapted to choir. Nice entertainment value overall.
• Dialogs: Good.
• Characters: The main character is well built with a nice background which reminds us of a mix between the boy in Terminator 2 and the blond boy in Basketball Diaries, but the rest of the boys are shallow and very simple. The adults are well done, if sometimes slightly stereotypical.
• Actors: Great work on the part of the adults and the main character. Cast members include Dustin Hoffman, Josh Lucas, Kathy Bates and Eddie Izzard.
• Photography: Nice.
• Sound: Excellent music.
• Special effects: None.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3302706/
• Who is it for? Those looking for a nice touching story.

Tonight You're Mine — A love story born when animosity met a prophet — 9*/10

• Story: Simple and elegant. Novel and classic. Very well told. Much better than what the synopsis might lead you to believe.
• Characters: Weirdly enough, the lack of depth doesn't seem to be a problem. Maybe it's because it's such a simple story to tell.
• Dialogs: Great. Realistic.
• Scenario: Excellent pacing. The length, even though short, is just right.
• Actors: Excellent work on the part of everyone.
• Photography: Nice. The inclusion of non-setting or non-controlled filmed shots is great.
• Sound: The music is absolutely brilliant.
• Special effects: None.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1672845/
• Who is it for? Those who love music, concerts, rock bands or those who want to see a different love story.

Another title for it seems to be « You Instead ».

Pitch Perfect — Very light, silly and totally appreciable comedy — 7*/10

• Story: Light, silly and very entertaining comedy with a touch of romance.
• Characters: Interesting. Not a lot of depth and a bit stereotypical without too shallow.
• Dialogs: Funny.
• Scenario: Good pacing, keeps your attention. I would have removed the last kiss, but beyond that the end was well done.
• Actors: Overall nice performance. The notable cast members are Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson.
• Photography: Nice.
• Special effects: None.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1981677/
• Who is it for? Those looking for light entertainment and don't mind singing.

That Thing You Do! — Captivating and quite entertaining — 8*/10

• Story: Becomes quickly engrossing.
• Characters: Nice depth.
• Dialogs: Realistic and funny most of the time.
• Scenario: Well paced and sprinkled with little details that make it really interesting and funny.
• Actors: Tom Everett Scott is the guy you'll love in the main role. Liv Tyler shines with the little time she has, touching, totally adorable and cute. Tom Hanks has an easy role for his talent and plays it well. Charlize Theron wasn't seen much, but she was a stunner nonetheless. Giovanni Ribisi wasn't well known at the time, but did a good job with his small role. Kudos to Ethan Embry, Bill Cobbs and Steve Zahn.
• Photography: Nothing to say.
• Special effects: Nothing to say.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117887/
• Who is it for? Those looking for something easy to listen and entertaining, or a funny historical/biographical flick. Music lovers, Hanks fans, Tyler fans, 

Groove — The archetypical underground rave — 10*/10

Groove is the perfect rave in the sense that it's not commercial, it's from the fringe by locals, there's no alcohol, it's small, and everybody is having fun. However, nothing is perfect and so the night goes...

The good. Excellent music. You meet almost every kind of raver. The characters are nice, well developed, and acted just right. Each scene has something special and represent a usual occurrence in a rave. You can feel the ecstasy taking hold, and you can live the tracks as if you were dancing the floor. The dialogs, interactions, actions, reactions, settings, and costumes are very realistic.

The bad. Nothing.

The ugly. Nothing.

The result. If you've ever experienced a rave, after seeing this, you'll be looking for your next one.

10*/10

Empire Records — Mostly marginal kids working in a record shop as solace — 7*/10

Empire Records is funny and slightly offbeat teen movie. A well built one, which each quirky character having a well defined personality, a set of problems, and realistic interactions with each other. Their personas all ring solidly true, each with deep emotional affects. However, not everybody will see themselves represented here, it is but a thin slice of society.

The music is good, the dialogs are interesting just like the story, and it keeps an overall  positive tone, although it does talk about some serious issues. It touches each subjects lightly, and keep the focus on the what is happening, on the development of the situation.

You will be entertained, if you're looking for a good adolescent flick.

7*/10

Pump Up the Volume — Teenage angst and raising your voice to defy the status quo — 9*/10

Pump Up the Volume might have been the true opening salvo of the 90s, and the voice of Generation X, but it speaks to every teen of every generation.

It is about raising your voice, being heard, but only with the advent of the Internet was its dream fully realized.

This is the type of movie that will make you want to write your own blog, make a video journal, or do a podcast. It has that quality that grip people attention and make them do things worthwhile with their lives.

It's an excellent performance by a young Christian Slater, and the rest of the cast. The whole story, every scene, each dialog, they all ring of authenticity. And the soundtrack is amazing.

It might be getting old, but it doesn't feel like it.

9*/10

It's All Gone Pete Tong — From rave king to nothing, how do you get up? — 9*/10

It's All Gone Pete Tong has a incredible dichotomy. You go from rave scenes with large uncontrolled crowd to complete isolation. From incredible super loud techno music to silence. The man looses it all, yet finds something.

The settings are captivating, the music is off the wall, the acting on spot, the scenario very interesting, the situation unusual, and the drama gripping. What more can you ask for?

Well, you have to like techno music and its usual scene to appreciate fully, but it's not a prerequisite, really. The fall is very human in nature, as is the end. You'll smile, I guaranty it.

Take a peak at least, and you'll finish the movie, I'm sure.

9*/10

High Fidelity — A movie about a breakup with humor and lots of intelligent inner monologues — 10*/10

High Fidelity is another of my all time favorite. John Cusack excels at brooding philosophical monologs loaded with sarcastic humor, and this movie really makes him shine.

He plays a sort of half-decent asshole which he admits being. However, the jokes and the situation makes it hard to see and kind of love him, which in turn enables you to really appreciate the whole story.

The characters are well played, Jack Black is his exuberant early self, and even the other sales clerk provides us with a lovable quiet self-effaced persona (a great balance to Cusack and Black). John Cusack himself is great, if a tiny bit over the top (which makes the movie, I must say), and his sister, Joan, is particularly well casted.

The dialogs are near perfect, the montage is without reproach (I especially like the one live mental alternate possibilities), and the soundtrack amazing.

See it, especially if you like lots of smart text.

10*/10