Moderately dark and comical. Both the black comedy and action are very measured. Solid film in every respect with decent pacing.

Nothing special, the premise is maybe a little forced, but still a decent side story.

Implausible plot progression. Constant action with decent cast and performances can’t save it.

Predictable. Lacks action. Lacks tension. Disappointing no matter how much one loves Jessica Alba.

Tight action-comedy. It is a bit silly but it’s meant to be. Nicely lit and shot.

Starts strongly enough. Relies on the cast to hold it together. Final act could use better writing and way better execution. Meh.

Solid character-driven work that is not cringe. Visually superb.

Opening tries too hard. Unnecessarily feminist when a good actress is playing the lead role. Silly but surprisingly entertaining.

Hollywood, CA – In the hopes of scoring big at the box office this summer, Hollywood producers are hoping that the fourth installment of...

A few minor problems but otherwise another solid film by Shinkai.

The heroes play farmer in the first half, then get into a shootout with imperial forces in the second. Cheesy and clumsy like Part One.

Another simple monster-fest as expected. Kong needs to take out a titan with Godzilla’s help who goes around collecting power-ups.

German alternative-history pseudo-documentary film that is amusing without trivializing the subject or turning it into cheesy fear porn.

Amusing and fun series. Each episode can use more structure and take the satire further.

Fantasy coming-of-age drama set in a town that is stuck in time. Unfocused and under-developed. But looks very good. Worth viewing.

Fairy tale–inspired crime comedy. Not bad but under-developed and fails to move on after hitting its beats so it loses energy.

A rebel’s cheesy recruitment drive against evil imperial forces. Not totally cringe but only because I don’t expect much from Hack Snyder.

Tries to be some sort of action-thriller but fails. Too many conveniences and inconsistencies. Can skip.

Tries to be the “cute young woman assassin taking on the yakuza” action-comedy. Tries too hard to look cool. And fails. Messy plotting.

There are quite a few clones and derivatives of Taken since its release in 2008. Here are 35 mini-reviews.

It is not an action fest but rather a character-driven film. Looks good and well-produced. Korean film or not, can be tightened a bit.