Opening is a bit muddled but settles into a grim slice-of-life “try to leave out our final days in peace” drama. Ending is bad and cheap.

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

Mystery with elements of a horror-thriller framed in a fairy tale–like story. Nothing bad. Just flat. Plotting and themes are a bit clumsy.

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.

Chicago, IL – Crime is reportedly dropping in some cities in the US. Some argue that leftist-run cities are simply not reporting the...

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

Not a bad effort but nothing special. Could have used other fairy tales since there are over 200 to choose from.

Ninja family vs rival clan. Nicely shot. A few points regarding characters and conflict can be better, but intriguing and entertaining.

Decent pacing but derivative. Needs more convincing firefights. Solid performances mask the cheesiness. Still entertaining and funny.

Mecha-noir set in a domed city. Interesting premise but too ambitious. Somewhat unfocused and themes insufficiently explored.

Nothing particularly original but good pacing, production and performances. Overall, both films are still solid and enjoyable.

Comedy tries too hard, mostly failing. Autopilot plotting. Characters are too simply written initially but are fuller in the second half.

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

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

Nothing brilliant, nor does it need to be. Tries to be cool. Season 1 is not bad. Season 2’s plotting and pacing issues are more apparent.

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

Typical contemporary horror fiction in many respects but with well-written twisted dark/black comedy.

Despite being a time-loop story with a little clumsy structuring and cheesy montages, it is still a moderately enjoyable horror film.

Despite needing more action and attention to a few details, it is still a sufficiently satisfying revenge action-thriller.

Not a bad revenge film about a young woman going after those responsible for her best friend’s death.