Movie top list: 451 to 475

"Spectral isn't the blow-out hit Netflix needs to convert the masses, nor is it the classy arthouse hit that it needs to attract a more hardcore film fan audience."

"The Chrysalis is pure genre cinema. It operates on textbook mechanics and follows an all too familiar path, but the execution is flawless while Chu-ji Qiu demonstrates his skills as a director."

"Tadanobu Asano shows he has a knack for combining cinematography and music to create warm, wholesome, and mysterious films, though they're not the most accessible ones."

"Zebraman 2 is not all that easy to recommend. Depending on what you expect or demand from a sequel, it's either a missed opportunity or a definite improvement over the first film."

"Batman Ninja features sprawling animation, an amazing art style and some wacky action, making it a blast from start to finish."

"Quirky characters, smart ideas and plenty of creativity make for a fun, surprising and fast-paced comedy with enough charm and heart to keep everything glued together."

"Titane is a powerhouse feature, made with a bold signature, confidently blending genre and drama elements while tackling contemporary issues in the best of cinematic ways."

"Lu over the Wall is the perfect blend of Yuasa and Miyazaki. A film that feels creative and original, but is also sweet, warm and comfortable at the same time."

"The Blue Danube's blend of bone-dry comedy and everyday absurdities is presented with the necessary flair and conviction to make this an exceptional experience."

"If you're looking for something weird, original, and funny, fully dedicated to its genre and aiming to surprise from start to finish, look no further than Mad Cats."

"It's an exhilarating experience, a visual rollercoaster in the best sense of the word, but also a painful reminder of the unrealized potential that has bogged down US animation for the past 25 years."

"Maybe the soundtrack could've been a little better, maybe the visuals appear a little empty at times, but that's just nit-picking."

"Satoshi Miki made a great pastiche of the genre's weakest elements, resulting in a comedy that might be smarter and slyer than it is laugh-out-loud funny."

"A film that combines a myriad of crazy ideas and styles, blending black comedy, musical and claymation as if it was the most normal thing in the world. To Miike's credit, he makes it all work."

"A Chinese Odyssey is entertainment in its purest form. The comedy is hilarious, the pacing is excruciating, the film rolls from one memorable scene to the next and the level of variation is exemplary."

"The economic running time, the use of superb athletes, the visual imagination and the overall first-grade production values make Tai Chi Zero one of the more entertaining films of 2012."

"The way he brings everything together though is quite unique, not in the least for a Chinese film maker. The result is a thorougly entertaining film that amuses, dazzles and delights."

"Iron Monkey is a film that doesn't disappoint. There's enough creativity, silliness and genuine love for the genre to keep me coming back for more."

"One Day is above all a stylish romance, with some supernatural touches thrown in for good measure. It's a beautiful film, wonderfully executed and growing more engrossing with each passing minute."

"The Continent isn't very original or earth-shattering. It's funnier than I would've guessed, but that's mainly because Chinese films rarely combine drama and comedy in a very balanced way."

"I'm Flash isn't going to become one of Toyoda's best loved films, but it surely is a great experience that is unique to the skills of the director."

"Domino is loud, bold and in your face, but it's also fun and entertaining while staying clear from Hollywood's usual pitfalls."

"A fun, brave, and creative film that manages to surprise on every level, mixing a unique universe with spectacular performances and stylistic prowess."

"With this film he returns to his core style, picking things up right where he left off back in 2004. Strong acting, an intriguing plot and a warm, dreamy atmosphere make this an easy recommend."

"A smart, funny and original film that charms all the way through. The direction is steadfast, the film looks gorgeous, sports a neat soundtrack and has a billion little touches that inspire joy."