Wind River — A powerful drama with a very interesting investigation — 10*/10

This movie won't leave anybody indifferent. Touching, sometimes in a harsh way with a reality that needs to be put to light. Surprising, shocking, and with unusual script decisions.

A must.

Elizabeth Olsen, Kelsey Asbille, Jeremy Renner, Julia Jones, Graham Greene and Jon Bernthal.

Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5362988/

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/

A Monster Calls — A beautiful fantasy tale about a hard emotional time — 9*/10

Not an easy tale. Very touching and emotional. However, it is not a damaging tale, it will not drag you down into darkness and leave you there. It is compelling, captivating and extremely well told with great visuals, especially those side stories.

Lewis MacDougall, Sigourney Weaver, Felicity Jones and Liam Neeson.

Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3416532/

Hidden Figures — An inspiring historic film about black women in technology — 9*/10

Crisp, well-told story with a good dose of entertainment, especially through the humor, but also through character development and a bit of tension. Highly recommended.

Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons and Mahershala Ali.

Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4846340/

Collateral Beauty — Beautiful sentimental piece that could have been more — 6*/10

• Overall: You'll be touched, you'll be captivated, but you might be disappointed if you’re expecting something different.
• Who is it for? Anyone looking for something emotional, but simple and slick.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4682786/
• Known actors: Will Smith, Edward Norton, Kate Winslet, Helen Mirren, Keira Knightley and Michael Peña.
• Setting: New York middle upper class.
• Style: Emotional story designed to give you a sad smile.
• Intro: It's not bad, per se, it's just straight from the standard mold and it's that particular trick woefully unnecessary.
• Story: Extremely interesting ideas, full of nice details and even a few side stories that are well built. Touching.
• Ending: Weak. Not because it's not good or uninteresting, but really, why? That was a good idea, but not nearly imaginative enough to be as good as the core of the story.
• Epilogue: Could have done without that. It was already pretty clear without it.
• Dialogs: Solid. Intelligent. Sometimes witty or funny.
• Characters: Well developed. Nice depth, even if a few of them are archetypes.
• Acting: Excellent, although Will Smith looks like he has been there and has done that and I think the little girl's father-hating phase sublimated too quickly, but I blame the director for that. Loved Edward Norton and Helen Mirren.
• Visuals: Beautiful, on the too-slick side.
• Afterthoughts: I loved it, but I was still disappointed because the ending just wasn't up to the quality of the rest of the flick.

Hacksaw Ridge — An amazingly well-told story of World War II — 9*/10

• Overall: Much better than the previews let on. A captivating story from end to end. A superb work by director Mel Gibson.
• Who is it for? Anyone not afraid of violence.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2119532/
• Known actors: Andrew Garfield, Hugo Weaving, Vince Vaughn and Sam Worthington.
• Setting: Working class America and one World War II Pacific island battle.
• Style: An inspiring war movie and biography.
• Pacing: Nice and smooth transition from one event to the other, slowly cranking up the heat.
• Intro: It's probably its most grievous weakness. The initial scene is an overused stratagem that is not used to its best here.
• Story: I was riveted. I forgot I was in a theater. Let me be clear, though, all the elements of a cheesy story are there, but they're deconstructed, or maybe I should simply say they were put back together for the benefit of the preview. In a way it's a good thing, because by watching the it, you're not spoiled the really delicious elements. No single things follow the usual script, they're always a wild card or . It's touching, it's gut wrenching, it will make you spill a few tears. It's inspiring.
• Ending: Solid. Worthy of fiction.
• Epilogue: One of the rare occasions where I didn't mind the comparison with the real people.
• Dialogs: Great.
• Characters: Amazing. Great depth and well rendered. Even though the main character is religious, it doesn't turn into a preachy flick. More than that, even though those are American troops, it doesn't turn into a USA rally. It's a personal story. The story of one man dedicated to his principles and the battalion he's in with.
• Acting: Can't ask for more. Near perfect.
• Visuals: Excellent.
• Special Effects: They're good, but there are a number of occasions that you do feel that you are in a studio. Hugo Weaving’s best performance to date. Probably not Vince Vaughn's most convincing, but pretty good.
• Afterthoughts: I wasn't going to see it because it looked preachy and full of clichés. I would have missed a gem.

Song of the Sea — An extremely touching and soft story — 9*/10

• Overall: A sad but marvelous faerie tale.
• Who is it for? Anyone that doesn't mind a slow pace and a few tears.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1865505/
• Known actors: Brendan Gleeson.
• Style: An old folk tale with magic.
• Pacing: Slow. If you let yourself float on, by the end of the first act, you won't want to stop.
• Story: No action, but full of meaning. Very touching. Beautiful.
• Ending: Amazing. Be ready to shed a few tears.
• Epilogue: It helps. Extremely short.
• Dialogs: Simple, but just right.
• Characters: Simple, but well developed.
• Acting: Solid.
• Visuals: Extremely beautiful. Very stylized.
• Afterthoughts: It took me a while to get into it, but it touched me greatly. Loved it.

The Dressmaker — An incredible movie that will fill your emotional cup — 9*/10

• Overall: Beautiful touching story with strong female roles. Very interesting and entertaining, full of surprises.
• Who is it for? Anyone, unless you require pervasive action.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2910904/
• Known actors: Kate Winslet, Hugo Weaving and Liam Hemsworth.
• Setting: 1950s rural Australia.
• Style: It's going back to where you came from to show off mixed with the discovering the past.
• Pacing: A very human scale. You slowly get more and more interested until by the end you're completely engrossed.
• Intro: Excellent patchwork of scenes until you get the proper introduction.
• Story: This is more than just a homecoming, there are several secrets to discover and the script is full of surprises and very unusual turns. Incredible emotional realism.
• Ending: Fitting. Excellent. Loved it.
• Dialogs: Build with great care.
• Characters: Great depth and color. The leading man is the only present stereotype.
• Acting: Powerful. Loved Kate Winslet, but was really impressed by Hugo Weaving.
• Visuals: Beautiful and complex, full of details.
• Costumes: Incredible. Loved them.
• Afterthoughts: Great movie. Extremely satisfied with my choice. I recommend it to everyone. I can't believe it took it a year to get from Australia to our theaters.

The Fundamentals of Caring — As sweet touching comedy about some serious stuff — 8*/10

• Overall: A sweet, touching, funny and unexpected Netflix original that lightly goes where humanity's drama waits.
• Who is it for? Anyone wanting to watch something very humane with a touch of comedy.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2452386/
• Known actors: Craig Roberts, Paul Rudd and Selena Gomez.
• Cameos: Bobby Cannavale.
• Setting: Simple.
• Intro: It feels like a massive weight is dropped on you, but it gives exactly the right feel the flick.
• Story: No heavy drama, just really twisted jokes and many funny character moments. Many unexpected turns, a few predictable ones.
• Epilogue: Short and funny.
• Dialogs: Very witty, funny and well built. This is one of its major strengths.
• Characters: Nice depth and extremely well developed.
• Acting: Great, almost flawless.
• Afterthoughts: I was pleasantly surprised, had been nicely entertained and was satisfied with my choice.

Corpse Bride — A beautiful and creepy stop animation film by Tim Burton — 8*/10

• Overall: Enchanting, in a creepy way. Touching romantic story. Could have done without the singing.
• Who is it for? For fantasy lovers, Burton fans and anyone looking for a creepy love story or some good stop animation.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0121164/
• Known actors: Helena Bonham Carter, Johnny Depp, Tracey Ullman and Christopher Lee.
• Style: Very Tim Burton.
• Pacing: Quick and to the point, it is short after all, especially if you don't take into account the songs.
• Intro: Annoying singing.
• Story: There lies a hidden intrigue within this fantastic touching love story based on a very simple premise.
• Ending: An interesting little twist in how it happened, even if the end result was generally predictable.
• Dialogs: Neat.
• Characters: Quite fantastic, well made and thoroughly thought out.
• Acting: Solid.
• Visuals: Beautiful.
• Music: Haunting and perfect, by Danny Elfman. The singing was totally unnecessary.

L'audition — Un drame doux et touchant qui vous captivera avec aise — 8*/10

Un excellent premier film en tant qu'écrivain-réalisateur pour l'acteur Luc Picard. C'est peut-être un drame, mais ce n'est pas le genre violent psychologiquement ou autrement. Chaque scène est apportée avec soins et une certaine tendresse. Les personnages et les évènements sont réalistes, bien portés et ils soutiennent l'attention avec aise. Vous serez touchés et attristés, mais sans voir votre coeur exploser. Vous rirez même à quelques reprises.

Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460401/

Brave — Have a great time watching this animation for all — 8*/10

• Overall: A great story that will be easily appreciated by adults and enjoyed by children.
• Who is it for? Anyone who wishes for a good entertainment. Highly recommend.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1217209/
• Known actors: Emma Thompson.
• Setting: Old Scottish highlands.
• Style: A small (in reach) epic fantasy story.
• Pacing: Perfect.
• Intro: Good presentation even if the basis of the plot is a tired old subject.
• Story: Full of details with a great fantastic story. Lots of action, many laughs, a bit of silliness and touching at times.
• Ending: Action driven and gripping. Some of it is predictable.
• Epilogue: Funny.
• Dialogs: Good, but most expressions, especially those of the lords, are just too modern, if not obviously so.
• Characters: Well thought out, if a bit simple.
• Acting: Solid.
• Visuals: Breathtaking. High definition is a must to appreciate.

Swiss Army Man — It's like being on the psychotropic substance — 8*/10

• Overall: Completely offbeat, weird, surreal and silly, verging on the psychotic.
• Who is it for? Not everyone. If you want to experiment something different, this might be for you.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4034354/
• Known actors: Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe.
• Style: The adventure of a delusional mind with silly almost juvenile humor and a sad context.
• Pacing: Slow.
• Intro: Right into it, almost brutal, which leaves a lot of space for the main body.
• Story: Plenty of silly moments mixed with the search for deeper understanding. It's light and heavy at the same time. It's definitely gripping.
• Ending: Disappointing. Although what is happening is solid, logical and very well made, the production value isn't there to maintain the high quality we're used from the beginning. It makes us lose confidence in the movie and stop our suspense of disbelief. That is very unfortunate, because the rest was excellent. It's probably just a bad decision between the story versus the means to make it happen. Maybe a different route should have been taken.
• Dialogs: Amazing.
• Characters: The main two are just superb and psychologically deep. There shouldn't have been any others. I like movies with just one or two characters, even three or a handful, but there's a point where it becomes too many to have a cozy enough cast and so few that it looks cheap.
• Acting: Perfect as far as the main characters are concerned. Incredible performances. The others are just not up to the task, maybe not given enough material to work with. I don't know. The contrast is harsh. I liked the little girl, though.
• Visuals: Incredible. They easily maintain our mind in the state where it's supposed to be.

Finding Dory — Excellent funny adventure that punctures our credulity — 8*/10

• Overall: Very entertaining, beautiful and well-made. Not as good as the first one with a lot of gimmicks to make the scenario work.
• Setting: Lots of details. Colorful.
• Style: Comical adventure with a strong sentimental undertone.
• Pacing: Rather quick, but not overly so.
• Intro: Very interesting and touching. It's nice to get a good background story.
• Story: Full of life and wild escapades. However, it's not as good as the first one (read my review here). Not because it's more of the same since it did innovate somewhat, but rather because the most actions were stretching our credulity. While you could believe in the original that what's happening might be possible, it's not true anymore. That breaks the mold.
• Ending: A bit over the top.
• Epilogue: Nice. Stay until the end of the credit for more.
• Dialogs: Snappy and funny.
• Characters: Excellent choices. Nicely evolved, well developed and with a few crazy new ones. However, Marlin's persona is a bit weaker in this chapter.
• Acting: Solid.
• Known actors: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Diane Keaton and Eugene Levy.
• Cameos: Sigourney Weaver and Bill Hader.
• Visuals: Beautiful.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2277860/
• Who is it for? Anyone, kids and adults. As an adult, better if you've seen the first one.

Me Before You — A great romantic flick — 8*/10

• Story: Sweet, touching, inspiring, interesting, captivating, funny, quirky. When it comes to romance, it has it all, even a touch of realism, if a very small one, within that almost fairy tale.
• Setting: Rich. Very rich.
• Ending: Solid, if you don't take into consideration the epilogue.
• Epilogue: Superfluous. Had to give the average viewer something sweet.
• Dialogs: Witty, interesting.
• Characters: Well built and nicely felt, if somewhat simple.
• Acting: Solid.
• Known actors: Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin and Charles Dance.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2674426/
• Entertainment value: Very good.
• Who is it for? Those looking for a romance with a few tears.

Into the Forest — A very different and personal look at the end of civilization — 9*/10

• Story: Captivating. Realistic emotional reactions and sequence of events. Sweet, with bits of intense drama that do not overwhelm the film. Several unusual turns. Always presenting differently what we see commonly.
• Setting: A tiny bit into the future. Not your average family.
• Style: It doesn't get stuck on any event or little things, it's about exploring a different way of experiencing that scenario.
• Pacing: Excellent mood building. Long term progression.
• Ending: Perfect. Just perfect.
• Epilogue: None. Not trying to buy into the masses.
• Dialogs: Great.
• Characters: Sound and extremely well developed. Great depth and some complexity.
• Acting: Amazing.
• Known actors: Ellen Page and Evan Rachel Wood.
• Visuals: Beautiful, breathtaking at times.
• Sound: Great soundscape.
• Synopsis & information:http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2625810/
• Entertainment value: Great, if you like movies about the mood.
• Who is it for? A must see, but not a crowd pleaser.

Concussion — The talent of Ridley Scott and Will Smith shining — 8*/10

• Story: Only the brilliance of Ridley Scott could possibly make it that interesting. The details are interesting and the technical aspects are done perfectly, but it is by no means thrill ride. There's a limit to what one can do with this story without distorting it.
• Setting: An incredible discovery of major importance for football and any other contact sport.
• Style: Like other historical or biographical flick, this one is simple and without any punch.
• Pacing: Solid.
• Dialogs: Excellent.
• Characters: You really get to know them well and they are well developed.
• Acting: I think this is one of the major reasons for this movie to be this good.
• Known actors: Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks, Paul Reiser and Luke Wilson.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3322364/
• Entertainment value: Very good.
• Who is it for? Scott and Smith fans or those looking for something quiet, yet relevant and are interesting in seeing this case with human faces.

Les intouchables — Un film cérébral absolument touchant et attachant — 10*/10

Impossible de ne pas aimer à moins d'être allergique aux sentiments et à l'humour. Vous allez immanquablement rire et vous ne pourrez faire autrement qu'être touché. L'humour intellectuel de la rue à la rescousse du fatalisme, de la déprime et de l'isolation.

Les prises de vue sont incroyablement belles tant au niveau du cadrage que de la lumière et des décors. Des acteurs parfaits pour leur rôle, des personnages d'une grande profondeur ainsi que des dialogues délectables et naturels bien qu'ils aient la perfection du construit. À voir absolument.

Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1675434/

Jenny's Wedding — It's all about relationships and opening your eyes — 8*/10

• Story: A sweet story that's all about family relationships. A few laughs are in store with a few very touching tears. No catastrophic drama. No sex. And it's not really about lesbians. It's just a strong emotional story about opening your eyes and, ultimately, your heart.
• Style: Very realistic reactions. A touchy subject cut with a very subtle edge of humor.
• Pacing: Smooth and unhurried, but neither is it slow, it's just right.
• Ending: Not surprising, but extremely well done.
• Dialogs: Tightly constructed and filled with all the correct words making the dialogs solid if not exactly what we would be able to articulate while in the middle of the same situation.
• Characters: Nice depth to the two sisters and the parents. The others are much more shallow. It's a big contrast that fortunately doesn't create a real problem.
• Acting: Excellent for the most part.
• Known actors: Katherine Heigl, Tom Wilkinson, Alexis Bledel and Sam McMurray.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3289712/
• Entertainment value: Solid.
• Who is it for? Those looking for a movie about emotional relationships or family ties.

Reign Over Me — An excellent drama that has its lighter moments — 9*/10

• Story: Captivating, touching, sometimes sad, sometimes funny, but always great. It's a drama that's not always trying to crush you with sadness or catastrophes. Full of great ideas.
• Setting: The usual New York upper class.
• Style: Very frank, realistic and human.
• Ending: Well done.
• Dialogs: Excellent.
• Characters: Well developed, realistic, easy to understand and empathize with.
• Acting: Superb. Definitively a very strong point.
• Known actors: Adam Sandler (easily his best role ever), Don Cheadle, Jada Pinkett Smith, Liv Tyler, Saffron Burrows, Donald Sutherland, Mike Binder and Jonathan Banks.
• Music: Great.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0490204/
• Entertainment value: Very good.
• Who is it for? Those looking for a human sized drama that's still an entertaining story and has some lighter moments.