8 1/2

8 1/2

7 out of 10

Enthralling in its visuals, fascinating in its complexity, and occasionally infuriating in its obscurity, Fellini's surreal masterpiece 8 1/2 is not particularly accessible but is ultimately incredibly rewarding for those who can truly invest themselves.

Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising

Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising

5 out of 10

While some of the gags land successfully, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising fails due to an overall lack of substance. Despite featuring promising commentary surrounding sexism and rape culture at its beginning, any worthwhile message gets lost in contradictory jokes about"Tumblr Feminists", forced exposition, and thin scripting. Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising is a brainless, occasionally hilarious comedy. Nothing more, nothing less.

Where to Invade Next

Where to Invade Next

7 out of 10

Where to Invade Next, the newest film from Michael Moore, is poignant and polarizing, once again showcasing Moore's liberal ideas, snarky commentary, and considerable talent as a documentary film maker. 

Halloween II (H2)

Halloween II (H2)

0.5 out of 10

Halloween II, sequel to the subpar Halloween (2007), is so savagely violent and poorly made that I simply could not sit through it. As a avid American filmgoer, I have become desensitized to violence... But the senseless sawing through flesh is simply not something I was willing to see... Granted you can't really "see" a large portion of this movie due to the poor, amateur lighting... Seriously, this looks like something that would be uploaded to YouTube by some bored high school horror fans. While Halloween II is truly unpleasant, it still wasn't as bad as 50 Shades of Black, the standard for a zero out of ten and thus receives half a point.

Note: I could only sit through 25 minutes of this movie. While some may argue it is impossible to rate a movie without seeing it in full, I would say that if the beginning of the movie is so awful as to make me refuse to continue, that speaks volumes to its quality.

Verdict: 0.5/10

Halloween (2007)

Halloween (2007)

2.5 out of 10

John Carpenter's horror classic gets a subpar remake in Halloween (2007). To the film's credit, it isn't just a blood soaked carbon copy. However, the changes to the story, namely the addition of a lengthy Michael Meyers backstory, are a detriment to the film, robbing the boogeyman of the mystery behind the mask but failing to build any sort of sympathy, leaving me to wonder: why is this movie a thing? Take the useless additions to the story, add script with laughable inconsistencies, soak it in blood and film it through the unsteady lens of a Rob Zombie movie and you have Halloween (2007).

Halloween

Halloween

7 out of 10

John Carpenter's seminal horror classic Halloween is a masterpiece of slow build tension but does not withstand the test of time. While it features one of my favorite scores to ever accompany a movie and is refreshing in its lack of gore, what originally made this movie so fresh has since been copied many times by lesser films, the result being a classic that feels unoriginal when it is, in fact, THE original.

I Smile Back

I Smile Back

7 out of 10

I Smile Back is not without its flaws, but thanks to a jaw dropping performance by Sarah Silverman in a serious role, it is effectively able to showcase the hidden dependence and depression lying beneath the facade of domesticity. Those expecting Silverman's brand of laughs will likely be disappointed and shocked by the unsettling nature of the film, but it's disturbing nature is undoubtably a testament to its quality.

Bachelorette

Bachelorette

4.5 out of 10

Despite a few laughs and entertaining moments, Bachelorette fails due to startlingly inept exploration of social issues and a cast of unlikeable characters that fail to grow by the end of the film, adding up an uninspired and completely forgettable movie.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

8 out 10

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns is a loyal, panel by panel adaptation of Frank Miller's iconic graphic novel. The complex story and exploration of moral quandaries through the eyes of the caped crusader are brought to life with a talented voice cast and solid animation. It's fair to say Batman: The Dark Knight Returns does its source material justice and is a must-see for any true Batman fanatic. 

Heathers

Heathers

5.5 out 10

Seminal as it may be, the stylized satire that permeates the moral vacuum that is Heathers is deeply disturbing. While its message is cutting, the viewing experience as a whole is largely unpleasant and will only inspire laughs in the more twisted moviegoer.