In the Blood (2014) - 4/5

This is a harrowing hostage rescue movie that flips the genre on its head and while firing on all cylinders. It has brutal interrogation scenes reminiscent of Man on Fire that show the lengths people are willing to go to save someone they love. The plot also kicks into gear at unexpected points, leaving the audience in tension and expecting the worst. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those who enjoy the genre this is an underrated gem.

Closest comparison: It’s like Rambo: Last Blood by way of Man on Fire.

Setting: Exotic Adventure
Plot: Hostage Rescue
Tone: Harrowing Action

Mortal Engines - 2/5

This is a young adult book turned into a movie, and it is a mess. The story is poorly written, leaving many plot points confused with unsatisfactory explanations. The acting is passable but bland, better only than the writing which is equally dull. The only interesting parts of the movie were one single character, and the visuals. The costuming and vehicle design did a great job of building a world for the charactes to inhabit, if only there were a story and three-dimensional characters to go with them.