Darts & Flowers

An intense and overdue portrait of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, masterfully acted by the entire cast and skillfully written by Justin Breece and Dustin Lance Black. Produced by Higher Ground, Barack and Michelle Obama's production company. Mark: 8 / 10

Let's start saying that it's a pretty intriguing movie, but Emerald Fennell did way better with Promising Young Woman. A somewhat predictable storyline, but with a tremendous cast (Keoghan, Pike and Oliver above the rest). Mark: 7.5 / 10

The story and subject development aren't such a groundbreaking innovation, but the cast and the rhythm are more than enough to make this fifth (and final) installment of the Indy saga thoroughly enjoyable. Mark: 7 / 10

Mine will probably be a lone voice, but I didn't appreciate at all this cinematic rendition loosely based on Agatha Christie's novel, both in terms of story and, alas, of cast. Mark: 5 / 10

Based on Rumaan Alam's novel of the same name and produced by Michelle and Barack Obama, this apocalyptic psychological thriller sprinkled with witty sarcasm can boast a great cast and an intriguing story. Definitely worth watching. Mark: 7.5 / 10

A romantic comedy that perfectly suits the Xmas holidays: a good cast (Chambers, Najimy and Macfarlane above the rest), a pretty enjoyable script and an overall nice vibe. Mark: 6.5 / 10

A sort of docufilm (or mockumentary) about the ending of one of the most popular Italian celebrity wedding: nothing more than an extended gossipy interview. As we say in Italy, pure fried air. Mark: nj / 10

Strongly supported by media and incredibly successful at the box-office, Paola Cortellesi's directorial debut is a remarkable portrait of Rome's post war rebirth from an harassed woman's point of view. The movie itself is probably a must-see, though with some naiveties and questionable choices. Mark: 7.5 / 10

A terrific cast, a very interestingly written, fact-based, subject, an amazing recreation of the US during the mid-eighties. The agreement that changed the relationship between business and sports, according to the talented Affleck's point of view. Mark: 8 / 10

Very loosely based on the 1985 event, it's an enjoyable comedy (not a thriller or a horror movie) where the stoned beast is a sort of excuse to face different subjects, all seasoned with hilarious sarcasm. Mark: 7 / 10

An English-language Spanish animated feature that is weakly entertaining and retraces a vast amount of stereotypes of this genre. It could be missed without hesitation. Mark: 5 / 10

Praised by critics and adored by audiences, this second chapter of the spin-off saga dedicated to the booted cat, in my opinion, is nothing more than a sluggish and tamed cartoon. What a waste of time. Mark: 5 / 10

At last. Twenty-three years after its release, I succeeded in watching this masterpiece. My body's still shivering for the involvement and emotions I experienced during this artwork. Directing, acting, costumes, cinematography, subject and all the rest: everything is absolutely breathtaking. And then there's the music, that incredibly moving theme by Shigeru Umebayashi, one of the most intense and beautiful scores I've heard in my entire life. Mark: 9.5 / 10

Since I've finished watching all Pixar feature films, my personal rankings are mandatory! 1 - WALL-E 2 - TOY STORY 3 3 - FINDING NEMO 4 - UP 5 - INSIDE OUT 6 - A BUG'S LIFE 7 - MONSTERS, INC. 8 - TOY STORY 9 - COCO 10 - RATATOUILLE 11 - TOY STORY 2 12 - SOUL 13 - THE INCREDIBLES 14 - TOY STORY 4 15 - BRAVE 16 - LUCA 17 - INCREDIBLES 2 18 - THE GOOD DINOSAUR 19 - TURNING RED 20 - CARS 21 - LIGHTYEAR 22 - ONWARD 23 - FINDING DORY 24 - MONSTERS UNIVERSITY 25 - CARS 2 26 - ELEMENTAL 27 - CARS 3

I strongly hope that this was the last chapter of this Pixar saga, since it added absolutely nothing to the first two. What leaves me almost speechless is the insistence in reproposing again and again the same themes with slightly different storylines. A disappointment. Period. Mark: 5 / 10

It took me twelve years to finish watching this movie, being part of my quest of seeing every single Pixar feature film. All I can say is that, in my opinion, it's a scarcely acceptable sequel, and the idea of putting Mater at the center of the story raises more than a doubt. Mark: 5.5 / 10

The savage humans move on four legs. The anthropomorphic dinosaurs speak and farm. An unlikely friendship. An incredible journey. An enjoyable and moving story. Mark: 7 / 10

Here and there some critics wrote this could be considered Pixar's worst feature film ever: I guess I could agree. In my opinion, in fact, it lacks interest and empathy, and it's basically a mish-mash of movies and/or cartoon already released. Mark: 5 / 10

The live action remake of the 1989 cartoon is after all agreeable, with a good cast (especially Jonah Hauer-King, playing prince Eric) and an impressive technical support. The new songs, on the contrary, don't add anything to the core of the movie, and are easily forgettable. Mark: 6.5 / 10

Based on the acclaimed novel of the same name, it's a funny, sweet and fairy-tale gay rom-com with a wonderful cast and some really hilarious moments. Not a masterpiece, though. Mark: 7 / 10

A poignant, nostalgic, bittersweet, moving queer romance that could be considered a must see for the interesting subject and the two leading actors, delivering powerful performances. Mark: 7.5 / 10

A nice (and nothing more) third instalment of the (so far) trilogy dedicated to the most unlikely Marvel heroes. Some good new ideas, a lot of already seen material. Mark: 6 / 10

An understated, intense portrayal of a depressed man having to face an innatural, tragic loss and a possible chance of being a father again. Casey Affleck delivers an awesome performance, but the development of the story leaves more than a doubt. Mark: 7 / 10

The sad thing about this enjoyable gay rom-com is that it bombed at the box office: unfortunately, even in 2023, people are not ready to face an unconventional love story. What a shame. Mark: 7 / 10

An old-fashioned, feel-good fairytale led by a great Lesley Manville. Definitely to see if you want to escape from reality and... dream. Mark: 7 / 10

A pretty enjoyable movie, with a good cast, that in my opinion was inexplicably super-praised by critics worldwide. In fact, though being quite entertaining, it's unrealistic and too glossy. Mark: 6.5 / 10

Pretty enjoyable sequel to the 2016 movie of the same name, it has its climax in the final part, while the first hour is somewhat repetitive and tiring. Mark: 6.5 / 10

Written, produced and directed by the talented Jordan Peele, this movie could recall the genius of Spielberg, though Peele's imprint resounds loud and clear throughout the whole movie. In my humble opinion, however, there are several aspects left unexplained or simply unclear. Mark: 7 / 10

Based on the acclaimed novel by Delia Owens, it's overall an enjoyable product, but it seems pretty clear that the story and subject adapter struggled to find a way to properly transpose the book on the screen. Mark: 6.5 / 10

Overall, it could be labeled as a nice movie, but a good cast and a great cinematography by the legendary Roger Deakins can't save the story and subject, that end up being pretty scattered and unfocused. Mark: 7 / 10

This 2021 documentary film is an inspiring portrait of the fabulous, resilient Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, spanning from the Ike & Tina Revue to the extremely romantic love story with Erwin Bach. Mark: 8 / 10

Winner of the David di Donatello for Best Picture, this adaptation from Paolo Cognetti's novel of the same name can boast a magnificent cast (Borghi is simply awesome), a great cinematography and a pretty good direction. The (unfortunately big) issue resides in the weak, fragmented script, that leads the audience to frown more than once. Mark: 7.5 / 10

A strong movie that reproduces the (in)famous Argentine "Juicio a las Juntas", ending de facto the gruesome period of desaparecidos. Great cast, convincing script. Mark: 7.5 / 10

Brilliantly, beautifully devastating. A truly heartbreaking, harrowing subject that the talented Dhont chose to face through the experience of two tweenagers. You won't easily forget about this picture. Mark: 8 / 10

Based on Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece "Ikiru" (the Japanese word for to live or to exist), this remake is adapted in a more than suitable way and is masterfully crafted and acted. Bill Nighy, in its gentle and understated performance, is simply great. Mark: 8 / 10

Here are my personal predictions and favorites of the six main categories concerning the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony, taking place on March 12th. BEST PICTURE Will win: Everything Everywhere All at Once Should win:  Tár BEST DIRECTOR Will win: Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert (Everything Everywhere All at Once) Should win: Todd Field ( Tár ) BEST ACTOR Will win:  Austin Butler (Elvis) Should win: Brendan Fraser (The Whale) BEST ACTRESS Will win: Michelle Yeoh (E verything Everywhere All at Once) Should win: Cate Blanchett ( Tár ) BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Will win: Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once) Should win: Brendan Gleeson (The Banshees of Inisherin) BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Will win: Angela Bassett (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever) Should win: Hong Chau (The Whale)

A (sometimes) exhilarating but somewhat hollow satire dealing with fashion, richness, politics, social differences and discrimination. Nothing new, but everything is polished enough to probably please a certain kind of audience. An interesting product, though. Mark: 7 / 10

Written by the author of the play of the same name, it deals with guilt, sorrow and redemption in a sort of cathartic way, though a bit rhetorical in the second half. The cast is awesome, and Brendan Fraser delivers a lifetime performance. Mark: 7.5 / 10

Tiring, annoying and definitely boring. The main issue here is the director and screenwriter, that doesn't even prove himself a good cast director. Ana de Armas, on the contrary, is absolutely great in the depiction of one of the most iconic cinematic figures of all time. Mark: 5 / 10

The production is Swedish, but the rest is Georgian, from the locations to the cast. A brave and reckless movie about the growing awareness of being gay in a very homophobic country. Not particularly original but strong and very well directed. Mark: 7 / 10

A subtle, understated, deep coming-of-age drama, more intense and desperate than everyone may think and state. The chemistry between Paul Mescal and the young Frankie Corio is astonishing. Mark: 7.5 / 10

This third effort by the acclaimed director Todd Field ("In the Bedroom", "Little Children") is definitely an artwork, in the more intrinsic meaning of the word itself: nuanced conversations, personal interpretations and (abuse of) power are its trademarks. And Cate Blanchett delivers an out-of-this-world performance (as usual). Mark: 8.5 / 10

Critically acclaimed and universally praised by worldwide audiences, this long awaited sequel marks the highest grossing movie with Tom Cruise. In my opinion, it's better than the first chapter, but it lingers in an updated version of itself and nothing more. Mark: 6.5 / 10

From the author of the phenomenal "Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri", another intense portrait of the complexity of human nature. The cast is breathtakingly good and the subject is both fascinating and disturbing. Mark: 8 / 10

Inhumanity. Awareness. Loneliness. Alienation. Fate. Fourteen nominations to the BAFTAs and nine to the Oscars, all well deserved. Felix Kammerer, the actor playing the main character, is phenomenal. And the technical setup is awesome. A great movie. Mark: 8 / 10

A wonderful Spanish thriller that deserves more attention and recognition. From the brilliant cast to the ingenious script written by the director himself, it instantly brought me back to "The Usual Suspects". Mark: 8.5 / 10

Acoustically and visually hectic and restless, tremendously funny, confusing and exhausting, a never before seen mix of genres, this product can't leave you unresponsive. And the cast is simply extraordinary, with a more than awesome Michelle Yeoh that grabs the spotlight in every single frame. Mark: 8 / 10

The main issue of this second chapter is the script: frayed and pretty boring. The cast is quite good, though some characters are played by "junior" actors/actresses. The technical aspect is, as you can expect, top notch. In the end, quite a disappointment. Mark: 5.5 / 10

A decent action comedy, with a good cast and some interesting ideas. Nothing more, though. Mark: 6 / 10

Based on Elena Ferrante's novel of the same name ("La figlia oscura" in Italian), it's an involving and masterfully acted (Jessie Buckley is awesome) psychological drama. The setting has been changed from Italy to Greece. Mark: 8 / 10

Haute cuisine, mystery, suspence, social complaint and folly. A witty black comedy with thriller hints, very well directed by Mark Mylod and masterfully performed by the whole cast. Mark: 8 / 10

Not completely, but pretty much against the tide. This time I'm going that way. Apart from Teller and Simmons' performances, in fact, in my opinion the plot lacks believability and originality, and the story ends up being annoyingly hollow. I can state I can't consider myself a fan of Chazelle. Mark: 6.5 / 10

Based on Emma Donoghue's novel. Faith, miracles, atonement, firmness: these are the themes that the story unfolds, sometimes with questionable choices. But the setting and above all the cast are absolutely perfect. Mark: 7.5 / 10

The most politically correct in terms of inclusion, this Disney feature is visually awesome, but in terms of storytelling doesn't offer anything we've already seen. Mark: 6 / 10

Not a single glimpse of originality in this final chapter of the Jurassic saga, but a couple of tears for the reunion of the casts from both franchises. Exclusively for fans. Mark: 5 / 10