Spring Breakers (2013) *

Spring Breakers is as hollow and shallow as the hedonistic culture it tries to portray. I cannot share with you the second half of the film, as at that point I felt like I had seen enough and left the movie theater.

Downton Abbey (UK, 2010-2013) *****

What makes Downton Abbey stand out, is a combination of excellent storyline -- writing that feels authentic yet fitted for our time, strong believable fictional characters that play against real historical events, delightful credible acting with a list of actors too long to mention, superb production design value, appealing musical score and much more. It scores high in every possible category of TV production. But even more so, Downton Abbey is both humanistic in its themes and characters, as well as answering a fascination many viewers have with the life of the aristocracy.

Rise of the Guardians (2012) ** | K: *****

The review of Rise of the Guardians is utterly different if coming from an adult, or from a child's perspective; if it was a really good film, that should not have been the case, but being its anything but a great movie, it is. If your kids want to see this flick, there is no harm in it. Just get it on DVD and find yourself something else better to do.

Cloud Atlas (2012) **

Have you ever sunk your teeth into a piece of cake that looked visually delicious, only to discover it has no real substance? Generally speaking, this would describe the Cloud Atlas experience, another empty Wachowskis (formerly known as the Wachowski Brothers) extravaganza. Some audiences felt there is more substance to Cloud Atlas than meets the eye on first seeing the film. I would recommend you try reading the novel instead.

Four Days in May (Russia, 2011) ***

Set at the end of WWII, Four Days in May, a war drama directed by Achim von Borries to the work of Dmitry Faust, tells a story of high morals, involving a price of life and death. If one puts aside the politics and the shaken credibility of the story, Four Days in May is a touching human drama. The film suffers from some pacing issues and feels, at times, as a showcase for acting. But it does have an interesting core story and enough tension to make for an engaging film.

Best in Show (2000) ****

Best in Show is an amusing commentary on human relations with their dogs, as well as with each other. It is not a film everyone will enjoy as it’s employs a very different style of comedy. Still, if you are ready for an absurd and sincere look at the human mirror, this film is a blast.