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.