EvilPhoEniX

Why is this even happening? Gary Dauberman makes his debut in the 3rd entry in the Conjuring Universe and it's the weakest link, much like this year's La Llorona. Nothing happens for an hour and once the creatures start coming to life in the final third, it's at least watchable, but there's no atmosphere or thrills to speak of. It was filmed in an almost made-for-TV way and I hardly enjoyed it at all. 40%.

German director Fatih Akin (In the Fade) gives us a portrait of a violent, woman-hating serial killer on the rampage in 1970s Hamburg. Jonas Dassler is perfect in the role, and the transformation of a likable young man into a sleazy madman thanks to some great make-up is impressive. The film is very authentic, filmed in a retro style and takes place either in an apartment or in a local dive bar where you won't like anyone at all, because the dregs of society of the time will be there. The protagonist kills a total of four women, but the murders are out of frame, so rather than gratuitous violence the director presents psychological pressure and maintains a certain rawness and dirtiness with the setting and the storage of the corpses in the apartment. I was hoping for something a little more gritty, but still, for fans of serial killers, this is a must-see. 65%.

Anne Hathaway steals the show again after Ocean’s 8, she is obviously good in these roles, and the funny Rebel Wilson is a nice second. The film may not bring anything new to the table (Will Smith's Focus, for example, is much better), but it's enough for a dull afternoon. The surprising twist at the end was quite good. 60%.

This year's series cannonade continues and we have another hit that wipes its ass with all the comic and superhero movies. The Boys is an awesome dystopia that presents an original world of superheroes who don't care that much about people and don’t mind dead bodies. Karl Urban as the mercenary who despises superheroes is perfect (his wisecracks and Oscar-worthy acting), the same goes for Homelander (Antony Starr from Banshee plays the arrogant "Superman" with grace). The rest of the heroes, Starlight, A-train, Queen Maeve, the Deep and Black Noir, are rather bland. The series has great pacing, well dosed twists and turns, apt black humour, solid action, shocking violence with juicy gore, impressive visuals, and also an engaging story with an excellent finale that lures in the second season beyond belief. An eight-hour ride as it should be and a must for all superhero fans and those who don't love them. 90%

Weaker than the first one, but that was to be expected. I was originally hoping that the tale would focus on the evil vet as the bogeyman of all pets, it could have worked great on that level, but it goes down a rather uninteresting path, albeit one that is good enough for kids. The humour is significantly less and I noticed fewer interesting details than in the first film. All in all a disappointment, but it's good for killing an afternoon. 60%

Euphoria is a very good decadent series that portrays high-school in the most lighthearted yet unadulterated light. The series has been incredibly successful and it will be one of this year's top 5. Each episode focuses on one character from the school and the opening 10 minutes are always the highlights of the entire series. It addresses the issues of drugs, the problems of today's digital age and teenagers. The sex scenes remind many times of porn, and believe me, even R-rated movies don't have as much courage as Euphoria. Most of the characters are very likeable, and after almost every episode you end up feeling that you don't really want a child. Solid, realistic, depressing, hallucinogenic, gritty, and erotic. All this with an amazing soundtrack, lush visuals, awesome acting performances and solid dialogue. 85%.

André Øvre has done it again and after The Autopsy of Jane Doe he serves another solid horror film that will not be missing in this year's TOP 5. It's a kind of children's adventure set in the 70s on Halloween. The kids find a book in an abandoned house that starts writing stories that immediately become reality. At times it en reminded me of Final Destination. No link in the story is weak, but each has its own thing and a perfect central evil (wonderful practical effects!!), plus a decently dense atmosphere that thrills, chills and at times scares. I was sweating like a gymnast at the end and that hasn't happened in a long time. The kids are quite likable, the visuals are solid, the pace is very fast and the film doesn't get boring. there hasn't been a pure horror entertainment like this in cinemas yet this year. For me, a great satisfaction and as an appetizer before It: Chapter 2 I couldn't get anything better. 80%

A fresh summer French comedy with the popular Christian Clavier. While it's noticeable that the quality isn't as high as it used to be, and Ibiza in particular is aimed more at 30 year olds and up, it's still a very classy diversion set in a wild scene of drugs, electronic music and seductive half-naked women. Some of the jokes are funny and Clavier is traditionally solid. 65%.

The Russians don't mess around with war films and I like how they maintain a decent quality every time. Sobibor presents us with the greatest revolt and escape from a concentration camp in history and it's a blast to watch. The atmosphere of the filthy concentration camp is nicely captured, and the revolt itself is done in a slasher style, with a group of Jews deciding to take out the Nazis one by one, and in some places in a pretty gnarly way, until it becomes one of the best gore scenes of the year. Gritty, suspenseful, historically appealing and brisk. 80%

A decent action ride from the aspiring Taiwanese. The protagonist is kidnapped by a bank robber, with whom he eventually starts to cooperate and they decide to take revenge on their underworld boss together. It's shot Korean style and there are some decent fights. The visuals are stylish, the protagonists are likeable, and the action isn't breathtaking, but it's definitely enjoyable. A pleasant surprise. 70%.