[7.75/10] Rise of the Guardians [3D] (2012)

Rise of the Guardians [3D] (2012)

Brief review: Based on William Joyce's book series "The Guardians of Childhood, "Rise of the Guardians" is DreamWorks' latest feature, which turns out to be of those animated flicks, that can be equally enjoyed by the kids and their parents, thanks to its solid story, high entertainment value, and eye-popping visuals. David Lindsay-Abaire's cleverly-adapted script mixes up mythological and fantasy elements with huge amount of wit and juvenile innocence, in order to provides us with an engaging storyline with never a dull moment, that is as kind-hearted and affecting, as its briskly-paced and action-packed. Moreover, the film's moral beliefs are so pure and sincere, it will make you feel like a happy kid, who still believes in Santa Claus, Easter Rabbit, Tooth Fairy, Sandman, and even Jack Frost. "Rise of the Guardians" is crafted with vivid imagination, and that shows through the vibrant animation, impressive use of color and remarkable attention to detail. That being said, some of the characters' design, particularly the human and the human-looking ones, isn't the slickest you'll ever see, simply because their faces look a bit waxy. The other characters, however, are beautifully-crafted, especially the Tooth Fairy and the baby fairies, which are the cutest little things you'll ever see. The use of 3D in this one is downright jaw-dropping, and arguably the best in any animated flick ever created. The voice acting is spot-on for the most part, breathing life into the lovable CGI characters.

Overall summary: Energetic, lively, imaginative, full of fresh ideas, and definitely worth-seeing in glorious 3D, "Rise of the Guardians" not only astounds with its vivid, colorful, and richly-crafted animation, but also has heart-warming morality and magicality, that will win you over.

[8.50/10] The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey [3D] (2012)

 The Hobbit:
An Unexpected Journey [3D] (2012)

Brief review: Unlike the "Lord of the Rings' films the first installment in the  new "Hobbit" trilogy is way more light-weighted, brighter in tone, and definitely not as action-packed as its three predecessors, as it focuses more on explaining us everything we don’t know and need to know in a humorous and relaxed way, rather than providing us with non-stop spectacle. The first half is reasonably slow-moving and lacking in action and vigor, spending all of its time on setting up the following “unexpected journey”, but as soon as the journey starts, the pacing picks up quickly, and continues to flow smoothly throughout, injecting a dose of needed energy into the storytelling. Peter Jackson once again has chosen the most breathtaking filming locations in the beautiful New Zealand, and that combined with the first-class CGI work leads to a spectacular visual result, the majesty of which will leave you in awe. The use of 3D is spot on, if not the best, but on certain scenes it’s incredibly effective, and makes you feel part of what’s happening on screen. Aside from some pacing issues here and there, Jackson’s direction is hard to fault really. As expected, he displays a tasteful visual flair, and remarkable attention to detail. Bilbo Baggins is played wonderfully by Martin Freeman, the dwarves are fun to watch, Ian McKellen returns with a bang as Gandalf, but it’s Andy Serkis as Gollum, that absolutely steals the show.

Overall summary: Sure, it lacks the grim feel, and refined complexity that turned "The Lord of the Rings" into such a classic, but "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is still a truly entertaining, visually-sumptuous and masterfully-crafted prequel, that will leave you satisfied.

Click on the screen shot above or THIS LINK, and check out the extended version of my "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" review, written exclusively for White Cat Magazine. Comments are very much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[9.25/10] Life of Pi [3D] (2012)

Life of Pi [3D] (2012)

Brief review: Based on the 2001 novel of the same name by Yann Martel, "Life of Pi" is the latest cinematic diamond from, arguably, the most versatile director in film history - Ang Lee. This fauna-dedicated story is touching, genuine, adventurous, full of life and truly absorbing from start to finish, and features one of the most engaging human/animal relationships ever put on film. Even though it's basically a fable, Ang Lee's powerful storytelling makes you believe every second of it. Yes, the film gets a bit too dramatic midway through, and the last minute story 'grounds' the otherwise magical experience quite quickly, but other then that, "Life of Pi" is an extraordinary fight for survival like no other. Ang Lee's refined direction features lots of diverse camera angles and impressively skillful camera work, and the special effects are flawless. The design of the animals, especially the Bengal tiger, is so amazing, you wouldn't recognize if those are CGI or actually real. The 3D is often sensational, and fully achieves its purpose to add an extra dimension to the visuals and make them look even more astonishing. There are also particular scenes, shot in a very artsy way, that will make your eyes pop out, particularly the stunning whale sequence. Suraj Sharma manages to carry the entire movie on his shoulders, thanks to his captivating and lively debut performance, and thoroughly charismatic character.

Overall summary:  Daring, captivating, beautifully-crafted, technically-brilliant, and completely extraordinary in every way, this nature-inspired gem of a film, "Life of Pi" is yet another winner from master of storytelling and visuals, Ang Lee, and one of this year's very, very best.

[8.00/10] Wreck-It Ralph [3D] (2012)

Wreck-It Ralph [3D] (2012)

Brief review: From "The Simpsons" TV series director, Rich Moore, "Wreck-it Ralph" is yet another winner from the esteemed Walt Disney Animation Studios, that can be easily enjoyed by all ages. What makes this gem of an animation as complex as it is, is the fact that it manages to be visually breathtaking, without compromising on the plot and character development. The unique and wonderfully-conceived story successfully pays homage to the classic arcade video games we all loved, and grew up with, hence, it brings back precious memories from our childhood. "Wreck-it Ralph" may be lively and playful, but it's not all about fun and games, as it has a softer, emotional side that teaches it's okay to be different, as well as a powerful moral message for children, about giving chance to misfits. The film also has a very charming and lovable, main character with quirky personality and big heart, that many kids can relate to, and an adorable and very memorable heroine. Visually, "Wreck-it Ralph" is absolutely stunning to look at. The largely experienced Disney animators once again demonstrate an almost explosive imagination, and cleverly and skillfully mix together different styles of animation, with the end result being a brilliant blend of old, new, classic and contemporary CG graphics, that are also bright and incredibly colorful. The 3D effects, while far from spectacular, add detail and depth to the imagery. 

Overall summary: Clever, thoroughly original, delightfully nostalgic, and emotionally heartfelt, "Wreck-it Ralph" is a smashing entertainment for children and adults alike, that not only dazzles with its vividly beautiful 3D imagery, but also has a surprising amount of heart and soul.

This review is also featured on TVFilmNews.com

[8.50/10] Dredd [3D] (2012)

 Dredd [3D]

Brief review: Based on the British comic strip "2000 AD", Pete Travis' latest feature, "Dredd" is also a much needed remake of the lame 1995 film, "Judge Dredd", starring Sylvester Stallone. Although conceptually similar to this year's martial arts phenomenon "The Raid: Redemption", "Dredd" differs significantly in terms feel, look, and overall effectiveness. The storyline is pretty straightforward, yet well-conceived, and the script itself is reasonably smart, filled with wit and satirical humor. Director Pete Travis manages to capture the tone and mood of the source material quite perfectly, delivering one of the most visually good-looking films of 2012 - the camera work is skillful, the futuristic Mega-City One is darkly glorious, the use of the murky tower-block setting is remarkable, and the CGIs are top-notch. The 3D works as well, adding lots of depth to the already stunning imagery. The 'Slo-Mo effect' scenes, shot in super slow motion, are true state-of-the-art, and the action scenes are so loud, brutal, well-staged, and eye-poppingly entertaining, they will blow up your mind. "Dredd 3D" is also brutally violent, but the violence itself is awesomely-stylized, featuring lots of torn flesh and blood splatter. Dredd, acted brilliantly by Karl Urban, is sarcastic, tough and uncompromising, Olivia Thirlby's sweet look contrasts with her character's fearlessness, and Lena Headey is mesmerizing as the harsh drug lord Ma-Ma.

Overall summary: Grim, gritty, gory, spectacularly violent and visually-striking, "Dredd 3D" not only surpasses vastly the original in every single aspect, but also ranks as one of the best remakes ever made, thanks to its finely-written script and absolutely outstanding execution. 

[5.50/10] Resident Evil: Retribution [3D] (2012)

Resident Evil: Retribution [3D] (2012)

Brief review: The fifth entry in the "Resident Evil" series starts off with a spectacular opening sequence, shot in both a reverse order and slow motion, but soon after that, it turns into the same old same fare we've seen, well, four times before. The paper-thin plot is basically an excuse for killing zombies, but the problem is there are not enough zombies in the movie, and that takes away from the fun. Paul W.S. Anderson, who also directed the 'original' movie and last year's "Aftelife" is well-known for his ability to shoot eye-candy action, featuring shattering glass, huge explosions, highly-stylized fighting and tons of slow-mo, and here, he does it with flair and style yet again. During the action scenes, he uses lots of cool tricks and flashy camera work, and successfully manages to provide the audience with a spectacle, that will please any action fan out there. However, the lack of actual plot constrains him to unnecessarily overextend most of the scenes in the movie, and that combined with the lack of proper cohesiveness, and neat pacing, make "Resident Evil: Retribution" feel a bit confusing, at times surprisingly dull, and generally all over the place. The use of 3D is unimpressive, yet far from terrible, and luckily, the CGIs and creature effects are spot-on. The gorgeous Milla Jovovich proves herself yet again as one helluva badass female action star, but sadly she doesn't really have much to work with.

Overall summary: Worse than "Aftelife", yet better than "Extinction", "Retribution" is a so-so installment in the "Resident Evil" franchise, that won't win any new fans, but will still be appreciated by those seeking for mindless entertainment, cool zombie kills, and frantic action.

[8.75/10] The Amazing Spider-Man [3D] (2012)

The Amazing Spider-Man [3D] (2012)

Brief review: Let's be clear - this ain't a remake of Sam Raimi's version from ten years ago, simply because Raimi didn't invent the story - Marvel did. Therefore, Webb's "The Amazing Spider-Man" should be considered a reboot, and as such, it takes the franchise to whole new heights. Yes, it comes way too soon and it's far from necessary, but the new director Marc Webb manages to refresh the series and put his own cool spin on it, in a way no one had expected. Аpart from the lack of originality, "The Amazing Spider-Man" is not only way slicker in execution and technically superior to the 2002's "Spider-Man", but also bigger, better, smarter, funnier and much more accomplished. Eat your heart out, Sam Raimi! Webb skilfully balances strong character development with thrillingly innovative action, and his uber-stylish direction features an exceptionally dynamic and diverse camera work that sets the energetic pace of the movie. The humorously witty script contrasts with the dark visuals, which are absolutely stunning, and the use of 3D is effective, without being overpowering. As Spider-Man, Andrew Garfield is much more engaging and sympathetic than Tobey Maguire, not to mention the incredible Emma Stone, who draws the viewer's attention every time she shows up on screen. Compared to Dr. Octopus from "Spider-Man 2", the Lizard is not as memorable, but is still a decent and worthy enough villain.

Overall summary: Although it comes only 10 years after the 'original', "The Amazing Spider-Man" not only does Marvel's original story justice, but surpasses Sam Raimi's version in terms of execution, visuals, acting, entertainment value, action and CGIs, as it's amazing indeed.

[7.00/10] Ice Age: Continental Drift [3D] (2012)

Ice Age: Continental Drift [3D] (2012)

Brief review: Blue Sky Studios continues to provide us with steadily solid sequels to the original "Ice Age" movie, which quickly became a world-wide favorite back in 2002. Now ten years later, the studio brings us "Continental Drift" - a worthy sequel that proves the series still has a lot of potential, despite its rather narrow premise. Being obviously set in the ice age, this franchise is limited by its own concept, which doesn't allow its creators to run their imagination wild, plot-wise. For that reason, "Ice Age 4" doesn't shine with much originality in terms of storytelling, but compensates that with high entertainment value, wittily written script, amusing characters and gorgeous visuals. The animation has definitely evolved since "Dawn of the Dinosaurs", becoming much more polished. Yes, the color palette lacks that in-your-face vividness, and the visuals aren't particularly vibrant, but considering the icy CGI surroundings, that's kind of understandable. Sadly, the 3D isn't that great, and barely elevates the visuals to another level. Our beloved protagonists Manny, Diego, and Sid are just as funny and likable as we remember them to be, but if you think Scrat steals the show yet again, you're wrong, because all the glory belongs to one newly introduced character - Sid's Granny. She brings the biggest laughs with her mega-cool, free-spirited attitude and funny looks, and in fact, saves the flick from being average.

Overall summary: Yes, it all feels overly familiar, but for a third sequel "Ice Age 4" offers enough wittiness, funny gags, eye-catching visuals and exciting action to stand out from its predecessors, plus, it features one of the funniest, most hilarious animated characters ever.

You can read an extended version of my "Ice Age: Continental Drift 3D" movie review over at White Cat Magazine. The brief version of it is also featured on the site TVFilmNews.com.

[6.75/10] StreetDance 2 [3D] (2012)

StreetDance 2 [3D] (2012)

Brief review: Forget about all the dance flicks you've watched so far, because this one is the real deal! UK's answer to the "Step Up" series, and this successful sequel in particular, tops everything you've seen in any dance movie, in terms of choreography, creativity and execution. "StreetDance 2" is not just another movie about hip-hop, as it boldly infuses Latin dancing in its routines to set itself apart from the bunch. You think Latin is boring? Well, think again, because this flick will change your mind completely. "StreetDance 2" may have the exact same issues most movies of this genre do - it's shallow, its plot feels fabricated, and the acting is sub-par - but who cares, since "StreetDance 2" is all about the dancing. The Latin routines are sexy, very passionate and beautifully choreographed, each and everyone of the hip-hop routines is inspired, hard-hitting and massively entertaining, and both combined lead to a spectacular result - a dance fusion that is not only creative, but also a pure joy to watch. "StreetDance 2" is also much more stylish than its predecessor in terms of execution. Duo Giwa & Pasquini's direction has become much more versatile, the use of lighting is amazing, the music score is exciting , the 3D works and the dance routines themselves are wonderfully-shot. The cast definitely dance better than they act, but the hot Sofia Boutella makes you overlook the flimsy performances.

Overall summary: It's contrived, superficial and basically plotless, but "StreetDance 2" makes up for that with jaw-dropping dance routines, innovative choreography, adrenaline pumping music score and attractive cast, and the end result is a hugely entertaining dance flick.

This review is also featured on TVFilmNews.com

[6.00/10] Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted [3D] (2012)

Madagascar 3:
Europe's Most Wanted [3D] (2012)

Brief review: While certainly a slight improvement over its average predecessor "Madagascar 2: Escape from Africa", Dreamwork's second sequel to 2005's crowd-pleaser has its flaws and lacks the punch that made the favorite original film so memorable. As disappointing as it may sound, "Europe's Most Wanted" contains very few good laughs, and it's not nearly as funny as its promising trailers suggested it to be. The script is well-written and moderately clever, but let's be honest - a couple of witty lines and clever jokes do not make a smart movie. On the other hand, the story is entertaining, tremendously adventurous, briskly paced and heartfelt, so there's zero boredom. The newly introduced characters are just as likable and adorable as our favorite animated protagonists, and the villain, Captain Chantel DuBois, lifts the movie to another level. At least visually, "Madagascar 3" hardly disappoints. While the execution is far from being super-slick and on-par with the best Dreamwork / Pixar animated features, the CG animation itself is bright, vivid and colorful, and with enough details and stunning CGI backdrops to leave a huge impression on the viewers. The breathtaking 'flying circus' sequence towards the end deserves a special mention, as it certainly has the 'wow factor'. The use of 3D in this particular scene is remarkable, and overall the 3D effects in this animated romp add to the visual experience.

Overall summary: It's entertaining, amusing, adventurous and at times delightfully witty, and the animation is crisp, but "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" is neither as smart nor as hilarious as it's supposed to be, and in fact, it's not particularly memorable nor very inventive.

This review is also featured on TVFilmNews.com

[9.00/10] Prometheus [3D] (2012)

Prometheus [3D] (2012)

Brief review: Scott's most talked-about movie in years, "Prometheus", can be considered a prequel to "Alien" as it's similar in style and has a last-minute connection with it, but it also works as a standalone piece, that deals with a completely different subject about discovering the origin of mankind. Even though "Prometheus" leaves more questions than it provides answers, it's still a constantly intriguing and quietly absorbing sci-fi horror with a taut, thoughtful and intelligent story, that grabs your interest and never lets go. There are some truly intense and frightening moments in it too, with the 'surgery' and 'engineer vs creature' scenes deserving a special mention. Even from the stunning opening sequence you could tell that "Prometheus" will be yet another strikingly-looking movie from Ridley Scott, who once again demonstrates his unique visual style and attention to detail. There's a certain sophistication about his direction, that makes the film gorgeous to look at, but in a subtle sort of way - the set design is imaginative, the cinematography is atmospheric, and the use of 3D is impressive. The cast is absolutely stellar. Noomi Rapace delivers an engaging performance as the clever and daring, yet fragile scientist, Elizabeth, Idris Elba is superb as the spaceship captain, Fassbender is perfectly-cast as the insensible android, and Ms. Theron draws the viewers' attention every time she shows up on screen.

Overall summary: Compelling, expertly-made and visually-stupendous, Ridley Scott's "Alien" prequel-esque "Prometheus" is an out-of-this-world cinematic experience, that lives up to the hype, thanks to the unlimited creativity and remarkable directing skills of its genius creator.

[9.75/10] The Avengers [3D] (2012)

The Avengers [3D] (2012)

Brief review: Sorry "The Dark Knight" fans, but Marvel's superhero gathering, "The Avengers" easily outshines every other entry into the popular genre. The effectiveness of the otherwise familiar story lies in the ideal balance of its script. Not only the script is smart, humorous and wonderfully-written, but it allows each of its many characters to develop equally and shine on their own. The pacing is quite brisk, yet slow when needed, but the movie never loses its steam and remains engrossing from start to finish. Technically, "The Avengers" delivers and then some. Whedon's direction is so stylish, diverse and accomplished, it's hard to belive that this is only his second feature film. Some of the scenes seem impossible to shoot, but at the same time they feel effortlessly-executed. There's one particular scene during the final battle (where the camera skillfully 'jumps' over from one Avengers member to the next, showing them kicking asses with style), that is so exciting and brilliantly-shot, it will literally blow you away. The rest of the action is first-rate as well, and the CGIs are astoundingly polished and pretty much flawless, apart from the 3D, which is good, but rather unnecessary. The cast is superb in their roles. Hemsworth, Evans, Ruffalo, Johansson and Renner all do a stellar job, but Robert Downey Jr. is the one that steals the show. Hiddleston also turns in a strong performance as the malicious villain, Loki.

Overall summary: Clever, amusing, perfectly-balanced, skillfully-shot and jaw-droppingly action-packed, "The Avengers" is the ultimate dream come true for every single fan of the genre, and arguably the best and most spectacularly entertaining superhero movie ever made.

Read (and comment on) the extended version of my "Avengers 3D" review, written exclusively for White Cat Magazine HERE.

[7.50/10] The Pirates! Band of Misfits [3D] (2012)

The Pirates!
Band of Misfits [3D] (2012)

Brief review: One of the creators of the unique and hilarious "Chicken Run", Peter Lord, along with "Flushed Away"'s head animator, Jeff Newitt, bring us yet another brilliantly-executed stop-motion animated film, produced and released by Aardman Animations, who also gave us the amazing "Wallace and Gromit in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit". The movie displays enough originality and creativity to save itself from being 'you typical pirate affair', and delivers many clever jokes for the adults as well as some silly but funny slapstick for the youngsters. What makes "Pirates!" even more enjoyable and entertaining is the adventurous nature of it, the superbly colorful characters, and last but not least, the ingeniously hilarious, yet inventive action scenes it proudly boasts. Clay animation is extremely difficult to execute and usually takes months, if not years, to put together, and both directors deserve credit for the remarkable job they've done on this truly stellar project. Visually and technically, "Band of Misfits" is quite astonishing and near flawless - the amount of detail is amazing, the clay work is pitch-perfect, and the colors are pastelly, yet vibrant and saturated. The competent use of 3D works in the film's favor and certainly adds depth to the already magnificent visuals. The voice casting is spot-on, with Hugh Grant being the absolute standout with his first-ever voice performance as Captain Pirate.

Overall summary: It lacks the genuine wit and quirky charm of "Chicken Run", but "The Pirates! Band of Misfits" is every bit as visually delightful as Aardman Studios' previous claymation flicks, and has enough fresh ideas, bright humor and whimsicality to shine on its own merits.

[6.00/10] Wrath of the Titans [3D] (2012)

Wrath of the Titans [3D] (2012)

Brief review: In spite of the atrocious use of 3D, cheesy CGIs and Leterrier's messy direction, 2010's "Clash of the Titans" was a flawed, but watchable fantasy flick, that had its moments of 'guilty pleasure'. Liebesman's sequel also fails to deliver an intelligible and engaging story, it takes itself too seriously, and its script is full of corny lines and cheesy dialogues, but in terms of visuals, action and even acting, "Wrath of the Titans" is definitely an improvement over its predecessor. The special and creature effects are executed with great precision and remarkable attention to detail, and the end result is often eye-popping. The seamless mix of practical set design and CGI scenery is flawless and the 3D is so slick and expertly-done, it feels like the film has been shot in 3D, and not post-converted. Thankfully, the action scenes are high-octane. The Chimera attack, the Cyclops fight and the final battle against Kronos are all dynamically-shot and very thrilling, at times even startling. Acting-wise, "Wrath of the Titans" is hit and miss. Worthington's lack of charisma works against him as usual, but at least he's not annoying to watch. Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes and Rosamund Pikedo do their best with the given material, Bill Nighy does a hilarious job as the nutty Hephaestus and Toby Kebbell steals the show with his amusingly stirring performance as Poseidon's dodgy demigod son, Agenor.

Overall summary: Far from great, yet slightly underrated probably due to the bad reputation of its predecessor, "Wrath of the Titans" provides a passable entertainment to those seeking for a 'no brainer' with great action scenes, effective use of 3D, and first class CGI work.

[7.25/10] Puss in Boots [3D] (2011)

Puss in Boots [3D] (2011)

QuickRating: The most memorable "Shrek" character finally got the solo spotlight it deserved. It ain't groundbreaking, but it still delivers what it promises - the animation is dazzling, the 3D adds to the already slick visuals, the jokes work and the plot is fun, engaging and exciting. Antonio Banderas does an amazing job voicing the title character, and the rest of the cast is great, but it's the hilarious 'Ooh cat' that remains the true highlight of the movie.

[6.50/10] John Carter [3D] (2012)

John Carter [3D] (2012)

Brief review: The director of "WALL-E" and "Finding Nemo", Andrew Stanton, makes his live-action debut with "John Carter" - an uneven, yet fairly effective sci-fi adventure that has as many flaws as virtues. While the first half of the film is too dragged out and full of boring moments, the second half is brisker and more entertaining to watch, and the cleverly-executed ending also makes up for the film's earlier shortcomings. The script isn't great, but it has nice touches of wit that compensate for the many pacing issues. Aside from the unnecessary 3D post conversion, that adds nothing to the visuals, "John Carter" is technically masterful on every other level. Set on Mars, but actually shot in Utah, the movie impresses mostly with its expansive scenery that consists of red rocky barren wilderness and dusty pink sky, flawless and flashy special effects, and glorious sets that make it a pure feast for the eyes. In terms of action though, "John Carter" is hardly spectacular. For a two-hour movie that consider itself epic, it doesn't offer enough action to deliver on its promise, and the action scenes themselves, while exciting and well-shot, are way too short. Taylor Kitsch turns in a memorable performance as the title character, Lynn Collins is gorgeous and convincing enough as Dejah, and the supporting cast does a pretty good job, with Mark Strong being the best of the bunch as the enigmatic villain Matai Shang.

Overall summary: It's far from epic, and it suffers from a rather dull first half, but "John Carter" is nevertheless a well-shot and visually-stunning sci-fi action flick that pleases with first-rate special effects, satisfactory performances and some thrilling, yet brief, action sequences.

[5.25/10] Journey 2: The Mysterious Island [3D] (2012)

Journey 2:
The Mysterious Island [3D] (2012)

Brief review: This sequel to 2008's "Journey to the Center of the Earth" provides some mindless entertainment and has a mildly witty script with a couple of clever jokes and funny dialogues in it, but sadly, it feels rushed and forced from the very beginning, the execution is sub-par, and Brad Peyton's direction leaves a lot to be desired. Also, for a kids' adventure, the movie offers enough entertaining and nicely-shot action scenes, but it's not necessarily action-packed, nor is very exciting to watch. At least, "Journey 2" is pretty to look at. The island's CGI scenery is colorful and nothing short of breathtaking, with a very unique flora that features lush plants, bright, peculiar flowers and oversized fruits, and an even more bizarre fauna consisting of dwarf elephants, enormous bees and gigantic lizards. That being said, some of the sets look a bit too fake and don't really blend well with the stunning CGI background. The special effects range from super-cheesy to very impressive, and the 3D, while far from spectacular, works in the film's favor most of the time. The acting is by no means great, but the cast compensates with charm and charisma. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is engaging and likable as usual, Michael Caine can do no wrong, Josh Hutcherson does an okay job as Sean, Luis Guzmán's over-the-top performance is kinda funny, but annoying at the same time, and Miss Vanessa Hudgens is mediocre at best.

Overall summary: Forced, brainless, and full of many plot holes, yet fairly enjoyable, "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island" offers a charming cast, some vivid, eye-candy visuals, passable 3D effects and amusing dialogues, but falls flat in terms of storytelling and execution.

[6.50/10] Underworld: Awakening [3D] (2012)

Underworld: Awakening [3D] (2012)

Brief review: The forth installment in the "Underworld" franchise has arrived, and while it doesn't break any new grounds, it still offers tons of great entertainment. It's hard to comment on the film's storyline, because "Awakening" is pretty much plotless, which also explains its ultra-short running time. That said, it has enough strengths to make up for the weak script. The gothic vibe is now replaced with a grim, futuristic tone that feels refreshing, and the trademark bluish tint of the cinematography is more saturated than ever before. The dazzling visuals contrast nicely with the dark post-apocalyptic setting, and together they create a stylish atmosphere that makes the film incredibly appealing, visually. There are certain scenes where the use of CGI is too obvious and a bit cheesy, however, the design of the Lycans is quite slick, and the special effects during the action scenes, and the 3D in particular, are impressive. Speaking of action scenes, those are incredibly well-shot and executed, and hands down, the highlight of the movie. "Awakening" is also pretty violent and graphic, but you can't help but enjoy the bloodbath on screen. Kate Beckinsale is back as Selene and she not only looks stunning, but she also brings an enviable physicality and coolness to her character. Theo James is quite stiff and often annoying to watch, but the adorable India Eisley does good as Selene's little daughter, Eve.

Overall summary: Way too short and really thin on plot, yet briskly-paced, spectacularly action-packed and visually-stylish, "Underworld: Awakening" is a step in the right direction compared to the previous disappointing and mediocre installment, "Rise of the Lycans".

[8.00/10] Arthur Christmas [3D] (2011)

Arthur Christmas [3D] (2011)

Brief review: Forget about the traditional Santa Claus and the old-fashioned way he delivers Christmas gifts to a billion kids all over the world in one night, because Sarah Smith's "Arthur Christmas" has a really cool and inventive contemporary spin to it, and will blow you away with its creativity, clever wittiness and fantastic CGI visuals. The script is original, funny, well-written and filled with smart jokes and tons of hilarious situations, but most importantly it has a heart, and that what makes the movie as touching as it's enjoyable. Smith successfully involves high-tech stuff such as computers, smart phones and other sort of cool gadgets used by Santa and his little helpers, but she also has respect for the traditional, throwing in the well-known vintage sledge and adorable deers, in order to honor the spirit of Christmas. The animation is crisp and clean, with vivid colors and some truly beautiful sequences, and the fantastic 3D effects give tremendous depth and detail at times. Each end every one of the characters is wonderfully-designed and full of life, and Santa's gloriously modern workshop, in particular, will leave you in awe. Sadly, I can't comment on the voice performances from the stellar cast involved, because I saw a dubbed version of the movie.

Overall summary: Witty, amusing, and splendidly-animated, "Arthur Christmas" is a modern take on Santa Claus and Christmas, that not only fascinates with its rich 3D visuals and colorful characters, but also delivers an emotional story and a powerful message for kids.

[8.75/10] The Adventures of Tintin [3D] (2011)

The Adventures of Tintin [3D] (2011)

Full review: Based on a series of Belgian comic books of the same name, created by Hergé, "The Adventures of Tintin" is the first animated film in Steven Spielberg's long and enormously successful career, and thanks to his experience and undeniable directing talent, his debut animated feature hardly disappoints. Spielberg once again does wonders, combining his directing versatility with the strength of an old school storytelling and contemporary 3D and CGI techniques, to deliver one of the most spectacular cinematic experiences of the year. Minor flaws aside, "The Adventures of Tintin" is everything an animated movie should be - it's entertaining, briskly-paced, absorbing, enjoyable, funny and charming, but most importantly, it has a great sense of adventure to it, something that most movies seem to be lacking these days. The story itself is exciting, unpredictable and brilliantly-executed, and the dialogues are smartly-written, and full of witty lines and clever jokes, that will make you either smile or laugh hard. That's right, there's never a dull moment in this movie, and that's something that both, those familiar with the material, and those who have never heard of Tintin before, will be pleased and happy with. Moreover, "The Adventures of Tintin" offers some of the best animation ever put on film, because here, the CGI work is an absolute technical marvel! The animation itself is so slick and beautifully-crafted, and the attention to detail in some shots is so impressive, it truly feels like you're watching a live-action movie. Some of the graphics are simply a work of art, with the rich and breathtaking CGI scenery of Bagghar being the visual highlight of this stunning-looking movie. The use of 3D is just as superb, and certainly adds depth to the already gorgeous visuals. Each and every one of the characters is as wonderfully-designed as enchanting, plus, their 'animated' movements are unbelievably smooth and realistically fluid. The voice work is also exceptional. Jamie Bell's voice has so much character, and his tone is so cheerful and lively, he breathes life into our charming protagonist effortlessly. The amazing Andy Serkis gives another stirring voice performance as Captain Haddock, Daniel Craig delivers as Red Rackhamand, and the always funny Pegg/Frost duo do an excellent job voicing the hilarious twin detectives Thomson and Thompson.

Overall summary: Adventurous, hugely enjoyable, utterly enthralling and stunningly-animated, this impressive first-ever animated film, directed by the mastermind Steven Spielberg, should have been called "The Amazing Adventures of Tintin", as it's absolutely extraordinary in every way, and undoubtedly, the best animated feature of 2011.