Entourage

Entourage

3 out of 10

Filmed in a beautifully sunny Los Angeles and lighthearted, possibly to a fault, Entourage is a movie that will not please anyone except hardcore fans of the show. It's dialogue is clunky and inauthentic, the performances are stunted because of it, and the mass quantities of pointless celebrity cameos is exhausting, adding up to a subpar movie.

The Final Girls

The Final Girls

8 out of 10

Equal parts slasher thrills, meta humor, and surprisingly tender moments, The Final Girls is a wildly creative satire of 80's slashers that is nothing short of awesome.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

7.5 out of 10

By far the darkest of the series, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 showcases the more brutal aspects of war in a subdued fashion that is digestible for younger audiences and brings the series to a satisfying close. Jennifer Lawrence gives her best Katniss performance and viewers should enjoy seeing the final moves of the political play for control of Panem and despite an annoyingly messy resolution, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 is one of the more solid installments in the series.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

1 out of 10

While Zack Snyder's direction remains as ascetically pleasing as ever, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is nothing more than an offensively awful cash grab. 10% visually striking but entirely unexciting action, 90% melodramatic, pseudo-intellectual, shockingly inept dialogue and 100% wasted potential, this movie manages to be grim and brooding while carrying zero emotional resonance. Arguably the biggest disappointment since The Phantom Menace, Batman v Superman is a painful viewing experience and inspires fear for the future of the DC universe.

(500) Days of Summer

(500) Days of Summer

10 out of 10

Refreshing, unconventional, hilarious, and heartbreaking, (500) Days of Summer is a rare example of a near perfect film. Viewers will love exploring Summer's various complexities in a beautifully filmed San Diego. The filmmaking techniques are quirky, the technique of nonlinear story telling is effective, and the soundtrack is amazing, amounting to a delightful viewing experience.

Neighbors

Neighbors

4 out of 10

While my peers and critics alike have hailed Neighbors as "so funny", in reality, Neighbors is a raunchy, hard-R comedy that is overhyped, underwhelming, and mildly amusing at best.

Space Jam

Space Jam

2 out of 10

With an underdeveloped premise and dated animation, Space Jam is a vaguely nostalgic, shoddily assembled mess. The sheer hyperactivity of film overwhelms as colorful gags are shoved down the viewers throat in frightening quantity. While I appreciate the brief moments of self-awareness, Space Jam is simply not as good as it seemed when I was 4 and will likely inspire eye rolling and exhaustion from your anyone who watches it today.

West Side Story

West Side Story

7.5 out of 10

West Side Story is a lively and colorful retelling of Shakespeare's classic story of ill-fated lovers from different backgrounds. While its story isn't the most original, the memorable music and expert choreography earn this film a place among the classics and remain a prime example of seamless stage to screen translation.

The Night Before

The Night Before

5.5 out of 10

Although I have grown weary of Seth Rogen's drug fueled antics, The Night Before manages to mine some hearty laughs out of its familiar premise, even if it largely squanders its emotional potential, the dialogue at the emotional climax failing I pack an emotional punch. Alas, watching Seth Rogen get high is still marginally entertaining.

Sleeping With Other People

Sleeping With Other People

7 out of 10

While it conforms to a lot of genre clichés in the last 20 minutes and isn't nearly as funny as it thinks it is, Sleeping With Other People does manage success thanks to candid and realistic discussion of sex, genuine moments, and an unnecessary dance number to boot!

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid

6.5 out of 10

The Little Mermaid is not the most complex of the Disney collection and may leave mature viewers feeling unfulfilled, but its catchy tunes and bright animation will have the children dancing with joy. It's a perfectly passable and enjoyable children's movie, but after seeing it once, you can just pop it in the player for the children and go on with your day.

Human Nature

Human Nature

3 out 10

While it is just as bizarre as the rest of Charlie Kaufman's work, Human Nature carries with it a mere fraction of the emotional resonance, humor, social commentary, and narrative complexity, cementing itself as one of the weaker entries in Kaufman's filmography.

Aladdin

Aladdin

8 out of 10

With Broadway caliber music and laugh out loud moments, largely thanks to Robin Williams as Genie, Aladdin is a family flick that is a cut above the rest and is fun for all ages.

Still Alice

Still Alice

9.5 out of 10

Thanks to a beautifully convincing performance by Julianne Moore, Still Alice examines the heart-breaking realities of living and loving with Alzheimer's. Guaranteed to tug at the heartstrings of any human with a heart, Still Alice brings the horrific disease to life in an effective, graceful, and dignified manner. A character driven drama that shouldn't be missed.

The Thing (1982)

The Thing

8 out of 10

With some of the most grotesque practical effects in recent memory, John Carpenter's The Thing is a suspenseful, claustrophobic, gory, paranoia-inducing creature feature that withstands the test of time.

Sisters

Sisters

6 out of 10

While its jokes are largely hit or miss, the undeniable chemistry between Tina Fey and Amy Poehler saves this geriatric Project X from being a disaster like Baby Mama and is, in fact, occasionally hilarious.

Baby Mama

Baby Mama

4 out of 10

Squandering the comedic prowess of Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, Baby Mama is the comedic power couple's jump to the big screen that can only be described as disappointing.

Irrational Man

Irrational Man

3 out of 10

While the luster of Woody Allen's direction is ever present, Irrational Man suffers from fuzzy character motivations and uncharacteristically inept story telling techniques, passive exposition often conveying information regarding unseen conflict. With one-dimensional, uninteresting characters and packed with unnecessary narration, Irrational Man fails to effectively navigate the moral quandaries of the philosophical minefield and leave any substantial impact.

Cloverfield

Cloverfield

7 out of 10

Although the horrifically jerky camera work will give every viewer whiplash, Cloverfield effectively utilizes its found footage format to create a suitably scary and grim creature-feature that leaves the viewer with a lot of questions and no answers.

M*A*S*H

M*A*S*H

1.5 out of 10

The antics of the 4077th MASH feel politically insensitive in today's world, the result being a meandering narrative and offensive jokes adding up to an all around awful viewing experience.

Titanic

Titanic

9 out of 10

Syrupy and melodramatic as it may be, Titanic is the prime example of blockbuster filmmaking done right. Half love story and half big-budget disaster movie, Titanic has something for everyone. The characters are genuine and their chemistry is palpable, effectively building a connection with the audience. The carnage is intense, the big budget being utilized to its full potential. It may not be the most original, but Titanic is pulse-pounding while still managing to tug on the heartstrings and is a epic love story that will never cease to entertain.

The Stanford Prison Experiment

The Stanford Prison Experiment

6.5 out of 10

As The Stanford Prison Experiment progresses and a dark side humanity is exposed, viewers can do nothing but watch in terror. While it is powerful acted and tastefully directed, the disturbing nature of this slow moving thriller may repel some viewers. Those who do decide to volunteer to watch this film may not find their attention captured, the film being fascinating and interesting but not entertaining.

The Godfather

The Godfather

6.5 out of 10

While it isn't as compelling as its should be given its fame, The Godfather features great performances and is an important landmark in film history. Yes, it's most iconic scenes feature violence that was extreme for the time, however, The Godfather was the first movie to feature a morally corrupt protagonist that doesn't get punished at the end of the film. This bold move allowed films to explore the grey areas of morality and paved the way for modern cinema, solidifying itself as an iconic and essential film, even if it may not captivate modern audiences.

Pulp Fiction

Pulp Fiction

8.5 out of 10

Although it completely loses me in the second act, Pulp Fiction features some of the most iconic scenes in modern movie history. Stylistically pleasing and expertly written, it is a zany cinematic masterpiece that is sure to please viewers... Even though it does get WAY too weird in the basement of that pawn shop.

The Silence of the Lambs

The Silence of the Lambs

7.5 out of 10

Featuring a legendary performance by Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter, The Silence of the Lambs is a deeply disturbing thriller that will make your skin crawl (while we are discussing skin, if you have any extra skin lying around... for whatever reason... send it to Buffalo Bill. I hear he needs it for a little arts and crafts project). Overall, thanks to stellar performances and understated direction, The Silence of the Lambs will unsettle and haunt you long after the credits roll.

Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump

3 out of 10

Slightly offensive, emotionally manipulative, and relying on a painful series of plot conveniences to drive the movie forward, Forrest Gump is a obscenely overrated movie that is, in reality, subpar at best.

The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz

9 out of 10

While I have, after countless viewings, grown weary of Dorothy's incessant complaining, The Wizard of Oz remains an absolutely timeless classic. Children and adults alike will never cease to be enchanted by this endearing technicolor masterpiece.

Taxi Driver

Taxi Driver

8.5 out of 10

Taxi Driver is the chilling and compelling tale of an insomniac taxi driver's descent into insanity. Possibly Scorsese's best film and arguably DiNero's most iconic role, this is a film that delves into the grimy underbelly of 1970's New York through the eyes of a moralistic but morally ambiguous loner. The result is fascinating and while you may not always like what you see, when the credit roll, you'll be glad you saw it.

The Good Dinosaur

The Good Dinosaur

7 out of 10

While its character animation pales in comparison to the gorgeous and meticulously detailed landscapes, The Good Dinosaur has no trouble making you care for its protagonists. While its plot is stunningly simple and, at times, feels like The Revenant for children, The Good Dinosaur is a movie that the kids will love and the parents won't hate.

Ricki and the Flash

Ricki and the Flash

7 out of 10

While its unoriginal and formulaic in nearly every way, Ricki and the Flash effectively mines the family unit for toothless drama and is an enjoyably inoffensive, if unremarkable, movie. You've seen it done a million times before, but you'll probably enjoy it the million and first time too.

Star Wars

Star Wars

7 out of 10

While its narrative is simplistic and the effects look dated, Star Wars will remain an enchanting and entertaining space adventure until the end of time. Anyone who has, by some bizarre series of events, not seen Star Wars will probably not become a convert, their opinion being formed without nostalgia's influence. Those who grew up with Star Wars will find it as enjoyable as ever.

Youth

Youth

4 out of 10

While it is an absolute feast for the eyes, Youth fails to convey the insight required to secure a place in my long term memory. While it does pack a minor emotional punch in its final act, it simply doesn't make the connection for which it strove. However, I must say; watching wrinkled, unhappy intellectuals talk about their unhappiness never looked so visually appealing. Undeniably well-made but disappointing hollow, Youth is a viewing experience I intend to leave in the past.

To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird

4 out of 10

Much like the novel that inspired it, To Kill a Mockingbird failed to personally resonate and thus collapses, the basis of its narrative being the concept of compassion. While my score is low and sure to evoke the ire of many, remember that film criticism is subjective and that if a film fails to resonate, it can rarely achieve more than mediocrity. In my particular case, To Kill a Mockingbird failed. Regardless, I admire the film as a classic.

Psycho

Psycho

9 out of 10

Psycho is a masterpiece that still holds up, effectively making us fear the darkest recesses of our own psyches. Instrumental in the development of the slasher genre and pushing the boundaries of censorship, it is truly a historic film. Furthermore, to Psycho's credit, anything that can make us fear shower curtains, even 50 years after its initial release, clearly did something right.

Ant-Man

Ant-Man

6 out of 10

While Ant-Man lacks the pulse pounding action found in the best of Marvel's oeuvre, instead feeling more comical than anything, it is nonetheless an entertaining comic-book adaptation for one of Marvel's lamest superheroes.

The Maltese Falcon

The Maltese Falcon

6 out of 10

Although undoubtably dated, The Maltese Falcon remains a pinnacle of classic noir, showcasing the moral ambiguity of crime and deftly manipulating viewer's loyalties. While a mainstream audience may not find much to love, The Maltese Falcon should be considered essential viewing any film fanatics looking to delve into the history of cinema.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

9 out of 10

Its scenes of violence against women some of the most brutal I have ever sat through, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is an expertly-crafted, slow-burn mystery that will delight and disturb viewers who can manage to survive the film's lengthy runtime and sadistic violence. Further enhanced by David Fincher's strong direction and Rooney Mara's incredibly dedicated performance, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is absolutely riveting.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

2 out of 10

While I can understand why children enjoy it and I recognize it as an important piece of film history and as a technical achievement in 1937, watching Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs for the first time in 2016, I can confidently say I hated it. From its syrupy sweetness to its annoying music, this classic of children's cinema is beautifully animated but painfully unamusing.

Y tu mamá también

Y tu mamá también

7 out of 10

While American filmgoers have seen no shortage of raunchy teenage road trip comedies, Y tu mamá también is a Mexican alternative that surpasses its American counterparts in both emotional complexity and eroticism. While it does, at times, feel a bit too explicit, it is nonetheless an effective coming-of-age movie that handles the concept of sexual exploration with no reservations.

The Secret in Their Eyes (El secreto de sus ojos)

The Secret in Their Eyes (El secreto de sus ojos)

6 out of 10

Although mismarketed as a murder mystery, The Secret in Their Eyes (El secreto de sus ojos) is a quietly compelling thriller about the failure of the Argentinian justice system in the conviction of a criminal. Although it isn't the most exciting film on the shelf, The Secret in Their Eyes succeeds thanks to solid direction and a committed cast.

Vertigo

Vertigo

8 out of 10

Deeply unsettling and unpredictable in the best way, while some will call it cheesy, Vertigo is a film proving Hitchcock worthy of his title as Master of Suspense.

Pan's Labyrinth (El laberinto del fauno)

Pan's Labyrinth (El laberinto del fauno)

8.5 out of 10

Filled with grotesque creatures and showcasing an even more grotesque side of humanity, Pan's Labyrinth (El laberinto del fauno) is dark fable for adults that is nothing short of engrossing.

Little Boy

Little Boy

3 out of 10

While it is competently directed and not as overtly offensive as I had expected, the unfortunate reality is Little Boy fails in almost every other department and is nothing more than a manipulative faith-based film steeped in melodrama.

Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids

8 out of 10

Vulgar and hilarious, Bridesmaids is a proper showcase for some of the funniest women working in Hollywood today. This "Hard-R" raunchfest can be described as nothing less than uproarious. Whatever it lacks in emotional depth, it makes up for in spades with laughs.

The Divergent Series: Insurgent

The Divergent Series: Insurgent

4.5 out of 10

Insurgent is a large step backwards for the Divergent series. Sequels are often thinly scripted and sure enough, character's motivations became obscenely inconsistent and things became predictable to the point of frustration. The expectation is that an increase in action and impressive visuals will compensate for the thinner script, a possibly misguided assumption employed by many sequels. Unfortunately, even the visuals are poorly done at times. As Insurgent falls flat in multiple categories, I can't help but roll my eyes and await the next installment with trepidation.

Zootopia

Zootopia

8 out of 10

Boasting stunningly beautiful animation and a talent voice cast, Zootopia is both charmingly funny and surprisingly thrilling, featuring a fun mystery driving the plot. The writing is sharp, the gags are silly, and the underlying message feels timely, ensuring that Zootopia will delight kids and mature viewers alike.

Divergent

Divergent

6.5 out of 10

In the densely populated YA genre, Divergent stands apart from the crowd. Filled with genuinely interesting characters and impressive visuals, viewers will enjoy immersing themselves in Divergent's world and exploring the political machinations of the faction system that runs this particular dystopia. The film certainly has some issues, the pacing making a majority of the film feel like a "getting to know you exercise" but to the film's credit, it's never horribly boring. The film is at its best when walking us through the political world and fails horribly when it focuses on Tris' personal life. The obligatory YA romance is truly cringe inducing and feels trivial in the shadow of impending political upheaval. Regardless, I was wooed enough to commit to the rest of the franchise.

Easy A

Easy A

8 out 10

In an attempt to satirize the topic of sex in high school and using The Scarlet Letter as source material, Easy A functions on the outdated double standard that while men can sleep around, women are expected to remain pure and chaste lest they be ostracized. While the resultant world feels bizarrely out-of-touch, the never-ending stream of witticisms from the lovable Emma Stone ensure Easy A never falls flat and is even, at times, hilarious.

Hot Pursuit

Hot Pursuit

2 out of 10

Unoriginal, unfunny, and offensive to women in nearly every way, Hot Pursuit is a comedy starring two women that has clearly been written by men... Stupid, unintelligent men. Hot Pursuit gets 2 points for the jokes that were mildly amusing, as few and far between as they may be.

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials

5.5 out of 10

With all the trappings of a sequel, including more fast-paced, high-budget action sequences, Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials manages to improve upon its lackluster predecessor. The Hunger Games wannabe seems to have taken a page out of 28 Days Later, pitting our one-dimensional set of protagonists against zombie-like creatures rather than the half-robot spider things found in The Maze. The result is mindlessly entertaining, even if it is painfully predictable and suffers from a frustrating refusal to kill off any of its core characters, the result of which being detrimental to the film's ability to effectively build tension.