Welcome to Cinema Cocoa! Thank you for visiting my humble site!

I have a new review of old and new films alike fairly regularly 😀 Plus there are “banter” posts; these are less frequent, but are editorials about a subject or theory I have found particularly interesting.

I love my movies, from growing up in a family of film lovers, most of my knowledge and opinions were born from simply watching films. While I may not have a degree in film journalism or film making, I have been reviewing films since 2009 and have accumulated a lot of knowledge about movies and trivia about production. I am an avid fan of modern cinema, but will always respect and watch the classics!

Fed up of people ranting and raging, or being biased towards films? I try to provide a balanced and fair opinion in a variety of genres. I am a writer, so I often focus my reviews on the script, screenplay, characters and story over technical aspects. Not that I am completely ignorant of film making!

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Here is the Cinema Cocoa rating system of Cups of Hot Coco!

(Like all rating systems, results are always subject to change over time!)

It is an exceptional film, highly recommended for everyone to watch
i.e. Skyfall, Room, Nightcrawler, Modern Times

A film that is definitely worth watching, maybe had one element (casting, CGI, soundtrack, pacing etc) out of place
i.e Project Hail Mary, Dredd, Arrival

While maybe lacking in certain areas, perhaps generic or predicatble, this film is still far above the rest and should be appreciated. Solid effort.
i.e. Companion, Rocky, Weapons

Above the average. The film is likely highly regarded by many but perhaps lacks a special something to elevate it for me. A very good experience nonetheless
i.e. Interstellar, Disney’s Frozen, Send Help

A decent film, somewhat crippled by a larger issue, or perhaps has badly dated. Not to be seen as a bad film, but likely works as a time filler rather than an immersive experience
i.e. The Bride!, Batman Forever, Monsters University

Middle of the road. This film lacks as much as it gives; for any particularly good moments there are rushed, broken or plain bad ones
i.e. Bourne Legacy, World War Z, TRON: Ares

You probably don’t need to watch this film, but there’s perhaps a singular element that really stands out; a performance or… gratuitous motivations. Probably not worth the time
i.e. Mercy (2026), Cars 2, Hostel

An experience beyond saving; likely only salvaged by semi-decent effects or thematic device. Or maybe its just really funny to laugh at.
i.e. Maleficent, Until Dawn, Gods of Egypt

Don’t even bother. This film will likely ruin your soul and make you feel terrible for giving it your time or money. Or it is a great film to watch while drunk or high.
i.e. Terminator Genisys, Flight Risk, Oldboy (2013)

Why? Just… why?

i.e. The Room, XXX2: State of the Union, Nine Lives