Movie reviews of Niels Matthijs

Welcome to the Game is straight-up genre fare, a puzzling power struggle between two camps, dressed up nicely and executed with the proper amount of flair. Review

Despite my reservations about the wonky aspect ratio, this turned out to be an accomplished film that stands out in just about every area that matters, from styling to performances to pacing, everything is polished to perfection. Review

If you're like me and you love this type of quirky, detail and wit-driven narration it's a real boon, as few films seem to get this formula right. Review

It's a strong film that offers a different take on the classic drama niche, but unless you're fully aware of these differences the impact may be minimal. Still, the lovely cinematography, some very fine performances, and a series of fun little twists make certain that Thorns of Love will go down relatively easily for most people. Review

It's a bold, inventive, and provoking film, sporting superb performances and a lush presentation, adding to rather than stealing from the work of geniuses that came before her. Review

Krazy House is a delightful descent into madness, starting out as a goofy spoof of the 90s US sitcom while continuously adding more juicy genre fun and a wicked sense of humor to create a mad genre experiment. Review

Doing a zombie outbreak as a one-shot endeavor was a smart choice and thanks to the excellent execution MadS turned into a film that does its premise proud. Review

The performances are great, the cinematography is inviting, the score is pleasant and the drama is potent, all signaling the budding talent of a young director. Review

Shipei Wen's direction is confident, the presentation is lavish and the central performances are strong, turning this into a veritable delight. Review

It's a string of impressive performances and an unwavering commitment to handling its delicate themes that sets this film apart, just come prepared if you're easily triggered. Review

Great performances, a stylishly gritty presentation, pleasant befuddlement, and plenty to chew on once the credits start rolling. The Box Man has it all, just make sure you heed the film's warning/mantra. Review

When the cinematography is splendid, the score is tailored to perfection and the performances are exceptional, you know you're getting a lovely film from Iwai. Review

The impressive animation is the film's clearest selling point, but the intriguing fantasy premise and the smart reveal of the plot help ground the experience. Review

The maximalist styling and the breakneck pace aren't going to be for everyone. They're right up my alley though, and I wish more directors would have the creative freedom to do what Li does. Review

The superb performances, the stylish presentation, and the perfect balance of plot and character focus make this one of the better contemporary Japanese dramas. Review

The maximalist presentation, the vast array of quirky ideas and moments, and the flashy action scenes all add up to make a vastly entertaining film. Review

The film is short and to the point, Iwai creates a lush and vibrant atmosphere, the performances are strong and the central concept is emotionally poignant as well as extremely cinematic. Review

This is straight-up genre fare, but it's elevated by a polished presentation, confident and self-aware performances, and a mean and malicious sense of humor. Review

From the End of the World is a superb urban fantasy, sporting stylish cinematography, nice lore, and some solid performances, but it's more toned down compared to Kiriya's previous efforts. Review

It's an overwhelming sensory experience, sporting insane visuals, and a splendid score, bringing to life an elaborate and complex story that warrants multiple watches. Review

Wonderful World End is one of the many Japanese dramas dealing with adolescents, but it manages to stand out thanks to its original setting, its unpredictable plot, and its youthful presentation. It offers a nice twist on the traditional Japanese drama, without turning the genre on its head. Review

The setup of the plot is smart, the styling is a bit edgier, the performances are strong and the way everything unfolds propels you through the first half of the film. Review

Daaaaaali! is a fitting and refreshing ode to one of the biggest painters of the 20th century, and it's every bit as madcap as the man's paintings. Review

Kowloon finally gets the film it deserves, sporting a great cast, a distinctive score, and some dazzling action scenes, layered on top of a sprawling crime epic. With two more films planned down the line, Walled In has become a rare instance of a movie series where I'm looking forward to the sequels. Review