This is slowly becoming a monthly feature... I have dishonoured everyone.

Man of Steel

Directed by 300 helm-er Zack Snyder, the yet-again-rebooted Superman movie helped breathe new fresh air into the franchise, with plenty of action many were hoping for (and is mandatory) in any Superman film. And as I said in my Iron Man 3 review, who doesn't love a good change in comic mythology? Special praise must also be reserved for the good range of supporting cast (Amy Adams, Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner and Michael Shannon in particular) ever-reliable Hans Zimmer (Inception), who composed the epic movie soundtrack. Here's hoping the Batman vs Superman sequel will be just as good.

Monsters University

Who doesn't love Monster's Inc's Mike and Sulley? While it was great to explore the origin of our favourite monsters' not-so-friendly beginnings and some decent returning characters (wouldn't help to flesh out teenage Randall more), the lack of Boo doesn't complete the nostalgia feeling from the 2001 original. Also, the story of the underdogs in the university competition  is a rather predictable and unoriginal vibe, similar to the earlier like a Dreamworks movies (conversely, Dreamwork's current crop of releases feels a lot like the old Pixar... tragic).

World War Z

This movie had everything going against it... overblown budget, scripting problems, and a heap of production difficulties, but the finished product helped squash any of those fears. Beginning with the panic at Philadelphia (filmed surprisingly in Glasgow, Scotland), all the way to the rather out-of-place finale in the W.H.O. facility, this movie was fast paced (so were the zombies) and excitingly engrossing throughout. A solid horror/survival flick... and did we mention this movie starred Brad Pitt?  

The Heat

We all loved Melissa McCarthy's character in 2011's Bridesmaid, but her second lead role in 2013 has yet to show us why we adored her in the first place, as the film is hampered down by a generic storyline and a boring McCarthy character (why is Hollywood giving her another hillbilly-ish role?). Teaming up with the ever reliable Sandra Bullock in this all-female buddy cop film, both stars still managed to deliver a funny performance which puts it up as one of the better comedies of the summer, and a definite step up from the disappointing Hangover 3 and the bigger disappointment in Identity Thief).

Despicable Me 2

Sorry to say, but this movie was rather disappointing considering how good the first one was. Despite Gru being the main man from the original, the clear focus here was definitely (and obviously I must add) towards his mutated corn minions. This focus has however sacrificed the storyline in favour of something predictable (who could the villain be?) and at times rather annoying. But why would anyone want to watch a Despicable Me movie without the Minions?

Pacific Rim

If you're part of either the male/robot-lover/basically everyone demographic, then I don't see a reason as to how you wouldn't like this flick. Blessed with gorgeous CGI, interesting array of characters (Charlie Day and Ron Perlman stealing the show with the movie's comedic side) and an excellent soundtrack (the theme song is enough to give one the goosebumps), this movie is best experienced in a cinema hall. That being said, the middle parts of the movie (the ones without the robots, obviously) was a drag and really bogged down what is otherwise an excellent action spectacle.

The World's End

Edgar Wright reunites with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost to end the massively successful Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy, but this movie couldn't live up to the hype... only because the previous collaborations were legendary stuff. With an expanded cast (Martin Freeman as the O-man and a surprise cameo by Pierce Brosnan) while maintaining British setting and humour, this movie might be difficult to be appreciated by those not familiar with their pass efforts and the jokes. Though not as good as Wright's previous Cornetto effort Hot Fuzz, The World's End is still a joy to watch, especially with every repeat viewings. The best movie of 2013, personally.

Red 2

I liked RED. A lot. It was funny and charming at the same time, and this sequel seems to sway towards the same direction with more characters (that Korean dude from GI Joe Retaliation,! Hannibal Lecter! or Odin if you're younger) and a worldwide setting. However, a weak storyline and a clearly uninterested Bruce Willis could only be salvaged from a great comedic performance from John Malkovich and Mary-Louise Parker. P.S. This is also the third movie in the list featuring Bruce Willis... 2013 overkill.

R.I.P.D.

If you're the fan of the comic books, I'm sorry to say that Hollywood has robbed you :(

After sitting through it, I wasn't really sure what movie it's trying to be, is it a cross between ripoff of a Men in Black film (with a horrible plot and forgettable leads), or is it trying to be a buddy cop film with supernatural beings (also Men in Black)? And gosh, what in the world did they do CGI Kevin Bacon? Coming from the director of the original RED, I expected better from this mess of a movie.

The Wolverine

This was surprisingly nice. Based on the Marvel comics arc, the movie sees Hugh Jackman visiting Japan to hack and slash...... ninjas! Effects are a way bigger step up from X-Men Origins (them claws...), and the storyline is good, apart from some pretty useless side side characters. Watch out for the epic bullet train scene! And be sure to stay back during the credits for a teaser to the next X-Men installment! After the brilliant First Class, it looks like 20th Century Fox is bringing the franchise towards the right direction with The Wolverine, in particular after the double duds of X-Men 3 and Origins.