Atomic Blonde — Be ready for a great spy action film — 10*/10

Great selection of 80s music, sometimes remixed. The best of the 80s fashion without any of its faux pas. Compact realistic (to a point) action. Amazingly entertaining and captivating story with only a few predictable elements, but themselves often twisted.

Charlize Theron, Sofia Boutella, James McAvoy, John Goodman and Eddie Marsan.

Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2406566/

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/

Underworld: Blood Wars — Good, but like some others it isn't very innovative — 6*/10

• Overall: After the first Underworld (read my review here), the others were really redundant. They keep talking about the same thing over and over again. It gets even a bit boring, but it's full of action.
• Who is it for? Those looking for more of the same are in luck.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3717252/
• Known actors: Kate Beckinsale.
• Style: Dark vampire-werewolf action.
• Pacing: Too quick. Too many of the things you need to assimilate are over in the blink of an eye. You have no time to really feel them.
• Intro: Being a follow-up chapter in a long list, you really need the background to understand the situation. Beyond that, it's dull.
• Story: Simple and very linear, but it does have a lot of content. Too much to be well processed given the editing. Loved the Northern coven idea, a definite high point.
• Ending: Well, it is what it is. On par with the story.
• Epilogue: Well, they had to open the door to the next chapter, hadn't they?
• Dialogs: Simple.
• Characters: Simple.
• Acting: Good, actually this is one of the two best aspects of this flick.
• Visuals: Pretty.
• Special Effects: This is the second thing that's any good.
• Costumes: Great.
• Afterthoughts: Could have been better. Could have been worst (and some of the other movies of the franchise have been). I wasn't too disappointed and I was entertained.

Underworld — A good dark vampire versus werewolves action film — 7*/10

• Overall: This is the kind of flick that's easy to like and be entertained by. Lots of good things, few weak ones.
• Who is it for? Anyone looking for some action, vampires or werewolves.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0320691/
• Known actors: Kate Beckinsale, Michael Sheen and Bill Nighy.
• Style: Dark vampire-werewolf action.
• Pacing: Quite fast with a few pauses. Very good.
• Intro: Good. Narrated monologue.
• Story: Lots of action, a nice little intrigue, some betrayals, a few reversals and romance. Everything you need to keep things interesting.
• Ending: Abrupt. Although it had been going on for a little while, the finishing touch kind of comes too easily.
• Epilogue: Short. A few words, a few images. Just right.
• Dialogs: Simple, but interesting.
• Characters: Well built, with nice complexities, but without enough depth.
• Acting: Surprisingly solid, although there are two exceptions. The character of Kraven is overplayed, I think, and the one of Michael Corvin is played too weakly, you can't really feel him.
• Visuals: Love the dark look. Grimy for the werewolves, sleek and chic for the vampires.
• Special Effects: Great, but you can see a few minor imperfections, now. It used to be amazing.
• Costumes: Great.
• Afterthoughts: Although it has a lot of strengths, with the exception of one actor, this film actually feels as good as it could have been and I'm not sure why. I think it's a combination of that actor, the characters and the ending.

The Dark Knight — The best Batman movie ever made to date — 9*/10

• Overall: For its grit and realism, it is definitely great work by Christopher Nolan. There are some genius things and a few weaker things. It's all about the Joker.
• Who is it for? Those looking for a psychotic realistic version of Gotham.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0468569/
• Known actors: Christian Bale, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman.
• Setting: DC Comics universe, in a realistic version.
• Style: Dark action superhero.
• Story: Very detailed and captivating with many successive plots. There are a few good risks that were taken, many action scenes, solid Joker moments. Realistic. Dark.
• Ending: Amazingly good, thanks to the Joker.
• Epilogue: It's not a waste of time and it's short.
• Dialogs: The Joker's are great, the rest, not so much.
• Characters: Here, the Joker is the top dog. The rest lack depth and usually fall into some form of stereotypes or other, especially the bad guys. Batman isn't so bad, but why do they have to make his voice so gravely all the time?
• Acting: My hat goes to the Joker, once again. A royal performance, the best since Nicholson (read my review here), maybe even better. Others are pretty solid too, no complaints here.
• Visuals: Realistic.
• Special Effects: Great.
• Afterthoughts: I saw it multiple times and still see the jewel, although personally, I don't like the stark realistic look and some of the stereotypes.

Morgan — A nice low key moody tense science-fiction film — 8*/10

• Overall: Interesting intrigue and suspense based sci-fi with a bit of action.
• Who is it for? Anyone looking for some low-key but tense sci-fi just a bit of violence.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4520364/
• Known actors: Kate Mara, Michelle Yeoh and Paul Giamatti.
• Cameos: Brian Cox.
• Setting: Isolated research center deep in the wood.
• Style: Moody, tense sci-fi.
• Intro: A shock, then the long quiet. Slightly unsettling. You get into the mood right away.
• Story: The science-fiction part is intellectual, because there are no visible signs of it. The mood is tense throughout. You don't know what's what and who's who. There's a palpable intrigue, but it's sort of hidden. There's violence, sometimes action. It's very moody.
• Ending: Great. Surprising. Loved it.
• Epilogue: It makes the movie. Perfect.
• Dialogs: Realistic, intense.
• Characters: Each character is extremely well developed and with nice depth. If we could feel them as much as we do, there would be no movie or it would be really bad. More over, there's no real presence of archetypes. Very well done.
• Acting: Excellent. Across the board.
• Visuals: Beautiful, haunting.
• Afterthoughts: Very satisfied. I thought for a while just as the conclusion was getting underway that it would fall apart and lose the mood it had built all along, but no. Really nice.

Interestingly enough, this flick passes the Bechdel test.

Fight Club — A crazy fucking psychological masterpiece — 10*/10

• Overall: This is very different from most of what you have seen before. It's a great mix of psychotic, fighting and socio-philosophical revolution.
• Who is it for? Everyone, unless you don't like violence or some blood.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0137523/
• Known actors: Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Helena Bonham Carter and Meat Loaf.
• Style: Violent psychological drama.
• Story: You get dragged in the dredge of this pathetic life and then up through the muck to finally stand in the shadow of mayhem and revolution. It's full of gripping events, confusing situations, fighting and psychotic behaviors.
• Ending: The big reveal is just as interesting the tenth time you see it as the first time, but the first time is quite the ride.
• Dialogs: Gripping, sincere.
• Characters: Incredibly well developed and extremely interesting.
• Acting: Astounding.
• Visuals: A sickly green which envelops you and sink you deep in the story. It's dirty. It's crude. It's perfect.
• Special Effects: The effects on the buildings at the end are getting a bit old, but by then, you don't care, because you're totally in it.
• Camera Work: Superb.

Casino — A violent mobster drama that's now a classic — 10*/10

• Overall: Tense, violent and excellent. One of the great movies by legendary director Martin Scorsese.
• Who is it for? Those looking for an intense crime drama.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112641/
• Known actors: Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci (his best performance ever) and James Woods.
• Setting: Rich criminals in Las Vegas.
• Style: Violent mobster drama.
• Pacing: Slow development but always captivating.
• Intro: Extensive, rich with details. You get completely immersed in the situation.
• Story: Unfolds in a dramatic way, with almost never a dull or happy moment.
• Ending: Everything goes to shit and folds up squarely.
• Epilogue: Interesting. Violent.
• Dialogs: Solid and extremely believable.
• Characters: Incredible depth.
• Acting: Superb. Perfect. Almost too perfect.
• Special Effects: The explosion is getting a little old, but still excellent.
• Costumes: Eye popping.

Braveheart — It captured the imagination then and it still does now — 9*/10

• Overall: Epic medieval story by actor-director Mel Gibson that will easily transport you. 
• Who is it for? Anyone wanting to watch a grandiose story. Short attention spans should abstain, because it is very long and develops slowly. It is also quite violent.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112573/
• Known actors: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, John Kavanagh, Brendan Gleeson and Tommy Flanagan.
• Cameos: Brian Cox.
• Setting: Grubby, dirty medieval England and Scotland.
• Style: Gritty sometimes gory folk hero war story with a side of romance. Lots of different elements make for a complete tale.
• Pacing: There are multiple culmination points and multiple paces to the storytelling which gathered together build a great narration. It is quite long, almost three hours.
• Intro: Slowly sets the tone and immerses us in the story.
• Story: It has a lot to tell and it takes its time to do it. Full of action, battles, angry Scots and some romance, it is no wonder it was such a success and it is still now a cultural reference.
• Ending: Gripping. Gut wrenching.
• Epilogue: Could have done without it, although it is pretty moving.
• Dialogs: Well rendered.
• Characters: They all have very palpable personality. As you get to know each of them, you get to understand each of them without a doubt.
• Acting: Superb.
• Visuals: Beautiful in a gritty way. The film is getting old and you can see it, but you can still appreciate the quality.
• Special Effects: Only a few disappointing mishaps that you usually only see on subsequent watch.
• Costumes: Excellent designs, very realistic.
• Score: Gripping, grandiose.

American Psycho — A murderer's violent trail, sure, but not just that — 7*/10

• Overall: Tense, violent and surprising. Not for a relax evening.
• Who is it for? Those looking for some psychological suspense and violence with a certain offbeat flair.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0144084/
• Known actors: Christian Bale (one of his best role), Reese Witherspoon and Willem Dafoe.
• Setting: Produced in 2000 it is done as a period piece of the late 80s within the circles of rich investment bankers and socialites.
• Style: It is part parody and critique of the era and social strata, part psychotic episode and sociopathic killing spree without explicit visuals.
• Pacing: Very controlled. Gradual.
• Intro: Slowly meshes the audience with the main characters. Smooth.
• Story: It grows bit by bits until it culminates, so the viewer gets used to what's happening. The mental state of the main character and its incremental disintegration is done with obvious care.
• Ending: Quite a shock and a bit confusing until it sinks in. It is what makes the movie.
• Dialogs: A master piece of saying nothing with so many words representing the superficiality of that type of person.
• Characters: Solid and well built.
• Acting: Incredibly on the spot.
• Visuals: Showing their age. Combine that with the fact that it's a period piece and part parody, it feels older than it is. It wasn't so bad when I first saw it, but now, 16 years later, it's a combination that’s flawed. It's still possible to appreciate it, though.

He Never Died — It's not slick, but this violent modern fantasy is fantastic — 9*/10

• Story: Great ideas. Absolutely and completely absorbing. The intrigue makes the whole movie. You keep asking yourself: "Who is he?" You're kept in murky waters as confusing events unfold. However, when you get the answer, what happens? Is it over? No, but then You just start wondering: "Where is this going? Why is this even happening?" Basically, you never stop wanting to know more. Simple and quick action scenes with a good punch. Plus, you even get to laugh some.
• Setting: Average city, below average citizens and criminals. Very few people all in all.
• Style: Dark, violent, gory, everyday modern fantasy. Quite surprising.
• Pacing: Slow to start, but it quickly grows sustained.
• Ending: An end that's not really an end is close to absolute genius not only because it's so unusual, but also because it's close to reality without being boring. I can only applaud.
• Dialogs: Superb. In a dark way, even funny.
• Characters: They don't have complex personalities, but they mingle, act and interact to form an almost perfect symphony. An incredible melange of sarcasm, incredulity and realistic reactions that form the core of this film. I loved the main character and the waitress, they made me laugh out loud.
• Acting: Right on the note. They keep the whole tone of the movie exactly where it's supposed to be. Can't ask for more.
• Known actors: Henry Rollins.
• Visuals: Dark. Gritty. Perfect.
• Special Effects: Nicely done, close to seamless. Nothing to be wowed about, though.
• Score: Great.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2386404/
• Entertainment value: Excellent, even if it's visibly a bit low budget.
• Who is it for? I'll admit it's not for everyone. However, everyone should give it a try if they don't mind violence, certainly anyone looking for something dark and refreshing in the fantasy movie world. 

Hardcore Henry — A simple story with a first person shooter perspective — 6*/10

• Story: Linear, going from one goal to another. Full of action and a few silly jokes. Violent. Gory at times.
• Style: First person shooter turned action sci-fi movie. It can make you kind of dizzy, but it will definitively put you very strongly in the skin of the hero. I got out of my seat and I took a few unsteady steps and it took something like haft a minute to get back to my own point of view.
• Pacing: Constant action.
• Ending: Interesting, if simple, with a dash of predictability.
• Dialogs: Uninventive, except for one character.
• Characters: Most are extremely simple, but one is kind of a excellent idea.
• Acting: Nothing to be amazed by, except for one.
• Known actors: Sharlto Copley (another crazy good performance for him).
• Cameos: Tim Roth.
• Special Effects: Good.
• Camera Work: That point of view is definitively unusual.
• Score: Good.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3072482/
• Entertainment value: Depends if you can stand the first person point of view.
• Who is it for? Those looking for something different or first person enthusiasts and Copley fans.

Triple 9 — Excellent and violent action crime flick with a weak ending — 7*/10

• Story: Completely captivating, high adrenaline flick with lots of details and a strong intrigue.
• Setting: There's no pity in this world, just varied interests, to the point where the good soul looks pathetic. It's gritty and dirty.
• Style: High octane violent action.
• Pacing: Fast with very few short breaks.
• Ending: It's a let down. Not as strong as the rest of the movie. The bedside little talk is weak. The sudden appearance nonsensical. What a disappointment.
• Dialogs: Strong.
• Characters: Solid, except for the Russians who are a bit pathetic, underdeveloped, almost caricatural.
• Acting: Great. Except, again, for the Russians.
• Known actors: Anthony Mackie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Norman Reedus, Woody Harrelson, Casey Affleck, Aaron Paul, Clifton Collins Jr. and Kate Winslet.
• Visuals: Strong.
• Special Effects: Very well done.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1712261/
• Entertainment value: High
• Who is it for? Those looking for action, intrigue and violence, but do not mind a weak ending. 

Deadpool — Fucking hilarious hero flick and powerful entertainment — 8*/10

• Story: A straight forward origin story with tons of wink to the hero genre. Lots of action and humour. I loved the rough rider romance until they got the bad news. Then, it changed too abruptly for my taste. More over, his investigation is just a series of repetition, although the change of costume is interesting. That being said, what's not to love about the rest?
• Style: Achronological with a humorous self-satirical narration by the main onscreen character directed straight at the viewer breaking the usual barrier between a movie and its audience. You gotta like the style, but even if you don't, it's funny as hell.
• Pacing: Fast with a few breaks that are still intense.
• Ending: Predictable, but the jokes helped.
• Dialogs: Extremely funny and very witty. Totally perfect.
• Characters: Simple, even as super heroes go.
• Acting: Great performance by the main characters. The others... meh.
• Known actors: Ryan Reynolds (excellent as the witty Deadpool), Morena Baccarin (she's just awesome!) and T.J. Miller.
• Special Effects: Not perfect, but still great.
• Music: Excellent choices, usually very funny ones.
• Score: Awesome, you're right in the action.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1431045/
• Entertainment value: Very, very high.
• Who is it for? Any one looking for action or fun and super hero fans.

The Revenant — A brilliant if harsh movie and a must see — 10*/10

• Scenario: Brutal and bloody, it's still an incredible film. The story keeps you riveted as the shit keeps piling up. The basic ideas are timeless, but this cinematic piece is unique. The end is superb, especially the last few seconds, no easy out. A brilliant masterpiece by Alejandro González Iñárritu, one more to add to his growing list.
• Known actors: Leonardo DiCaprio (once again, he shows what an incredible actor he is), Tom Hardy and Domhnall Gleeson.
• Visual & sound: The vistas will astound you, the soundtrack will plunge deep into its emotional ravine, the camera shots will make you live every moment as if you were there.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663202/
• Who is it for? A must see, not for sensible souls.

Turbo Kid — A gory B series movie you might like — 6*/10

• Scenario: Interesting concepts and setting, very gory at times with nice characters. The scenario is broken in a few places and it's a bit silly at time so it's difficult to size it up, but it's a nice entertainment, especially if you take the style into consideration. There's a surprise near the end that I really liked.
• Known actors: Michael Ironside.
• Visual & sound: Obviously low budget, but appreciable.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3672742/
• Who is it for? For those who want to see something different in the post-apocalyptic arena and don't mind low budget or gore.

Southpaw — A touching drama that will leave you stunned — 10*/10

• Scenario: A solid drama centered on family, with the boxing almost taking second stage. Realistic, riveting and touching. You won't be left cold, if not by the sentiments, then by the action. Close to a masterpiece.
• Known actors: Jake Gyllenhaal (another superb performance for him), Rachel McAdams (just perfect), Oona Laurence (excellent as the daughter), Forest Whitaker (one of his best performance) and 50 Cent.
• Visual & sound: Astounding, visually and musically.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1798684/
• Who is it for? Anyone looking for a great drama who doesn't mind violence, anyone looking for action who doesn't mind drama, and Gyllenhaal, McAdams or Whitaker fans.

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 Baytown Outlaws — Violence and mayhem in a nice package — 8*/10

• Scenario: I loved the mood of the flick. Tight novel action scenes with a real yet unrealistic approach. A little intrigue to tease us, nothing complicated. High entertainment value all around. The real negative points comes from the themed gangs, that was pushing it. The last gang fight was the lousy by all kinds of standards. Fortunately, it didn't end right there. The flick did pick up its vibe once again and we were able to ride it out nicely.
• Dialogs: Loved them. Funny, simple, straight to the point.
• Characters: The brothers are priceless. The rest are a bit weaker to the exception of the sheriff.
• Actors: Nice work from most cast members. They include Billy Bob Thornton, Eva Longoria, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Andre Braugher, Michael Rapaport and Zoë Bell.
• Photography: Great sets, decors and costumes.
• Sound: Nice music and score.
• Special effects: None.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1836944/
• Who is it for? Anyone looking for some violent action with a few laughs.

Watchmen — An amazing twist on the super hero theme — 10*/10

• Scenario: Totally different from your average super hero movie. Nice intrigue, great action, captivating from one end to the other, lots of details and a solid background story as well as a surprising alternate reality.
• Dialogs: Very interesting, at times complexe, with a nice ring of realism to them.
• Characters: Deep and extremely well built.
• Actors: Excellent work on the part of everyone. Cast members include Malin Akerman, Patrick Wilson, Matthew Goode and Carla Gugino.
• Photography: Solid.
• Sound: Amazingly good music and score.
• Special effects: Superb. You have to seek out imperfections to see them.
• Synopsis & information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0409459/
• Who is it for?  Anyone. Warning: this is a gritty sarcastic dark view of the world.