Stanislaus

An enjoyable short screened before Big Hero 6, in which a dog tries to bring his owner and his ex-girlfriend together in his own way, even though at the beginning the relationship didn't seem to suit him very well. In short, a story about canine but also human love (not only for food), in which compromises must sometimes be made.

After the Oscars, I couldn't miss the Big Hero 6, so I headed to the cinema to see if the golden statue had landed in the right hands. Personally, I would have handed the Academy Award to How to Train Your Dragon 2, but Big Hero 6 is also an above average film that is both funny poignant and action-packed, something that many of today's animated films that are only aimed at younger audiences sadly lack. I liked the animation and the idea of an Asian version of San Francisco, which also had its own charm. Baymax the robot is an incredibly cute character who won me over right away, as did the other characters in the gang of young scientists. All in all, a quality and well-made animated film that perhaps pushes the envelope a bit too much at times in terms of lessons for the young ones, but it still impressed me a lot and is deserving of the rating.

An absolutely breathtaking drama telling the story of a woman who gradually loses everything she ever had due to an insidious disease. It stands primarily on a very well-written screenplay and a truly amazing performance by Julianne Moore, who manages to take the whole film for herself and the golden statue belongs to her rightfully. Throughout the film we follow a highly erudite woman and her family as they have to deal with Alzheimer's disease, which doesn't choose, but only takes, until one is left a soulless shell with no clue about the world around them. Still Alice is an acting masterclass from one amazing actress and a very compelling look at a disease that is very relevant today. It is a film that is made with remarkable sensitivity, in which the serious scenes are meant to be serious and not sentimental. In short, for the first time in a while a truly well-made and modestly conceived dramatic film that definitely deserves attention and appreciation.

An average and unremarkable American popcorn action film, based on stunning visual effects and a flat script, it doesn't offend, but it doesn't amaze either. Taylor Kitsch unfortunately doesn't handle the lead role well at all, failing to be expressive in any way (like in John Carter), but thankfully this is smoothed over by the acting of Liam Neeson and Alexander Skarsgård. In short, a film that really only stands out because of how mediocre and formulaic it ultimately is.

What We Do in the Shadows is a somewhat alternative horror comedy with a documentary style, in which we get a glimpse into the lives of supernatural creatures such as vampires and werewolves. Not a bad idea, but the film probably missed me as the target audience or I don't have the right sense of humour. Despite the many imaginative scenes I couldn't help feeling bored, which is a bit unpleasant for such a short film, and somehow I found the actions of the actors more awkward than funny at times, which was probably the point, but I just wasn't amused. In short, for me, a completely average film that has something going for it, but which I was unfortunately unable to appreciate.

The horror comedy Vamps lured me to the name of director Amy Heckerling and the participation of Alicia Silverstone, who have already worked together on the great comedy Clueless. This film, however, was definitely not up to the quality of their previous collaboration. Although there were a few imaginative scenes, the overall impression was bland and it wasn't even significantly funny, which is a bit of a problem with comedy. In short, a film that belongs more in the below-average barrel, which is a shame, considering the casting of my favourite Sigourney Weaver.

Mad Money could be described simply as a laid-back American comedy with a likeable cast, where you don't have to think too much. The story is not very original, but it is unobtrusive and not as silly as the vast majority of US comedies that follow a template. In short, a film that is average in all respects, but I can still recommend it for viewing.

Oblivion had a lot of potential in the context of sci-fi films set in the future, but I can't help feeling that it could have been made and conceived in a better and more attractive way, which would have made me think about the film even days after watching it, as was the case with Edge of Tomorrow or District 9. I'm not saying it's a bad film, but rather an average one that didn't engage me enough to give it a higher rating. In short, in the final analysis, an unremarkable film that's perfect for a free evening of some unpretentious relaxation.

The funniest characters from Madagascar finally got a feature film and they serve a decent spectacle packed with both wit and proper action. The chase scene in Venice is the one that sticks in my mind the most, it was absolutely perfect, the ultimate in action and humour, and there’s also the perfect scene with the Bavarian dance in "Lederhosen", which amused me as a Germanist all the more. The second rescue team, which included other polar animals, didn't impress much but didn't offend me either. In short, a good animated film with the guardians of good facing a powerful enemy with a smile on their faces and a proper slap on the back.

Monsters University lacks the effect and impact of the first film, it is still an above-average piece in today's animated production, which does not lack funny and touching scenes, a number of bizarre characters and lines that can entertain even adults. In short, a film for a pleasant afternoon, where you can switch off, but at the same time it is not some infantile brainwashing.