The Ides of March

Tali: Ides of March (IoM) was a very exciting and captivating political drama. I was thrilled and intrigued by the casting and I was not at all disappointed. I’m not one to pick up on when a plot twist will occur (re: gullible) and the Machiavellian aspects to the storyline, coupled with the realism and relevance of an electoral campaign made for an excellent film. Tip of the hat to Ryan Gosling for growing up to be something so much more than Breaker High. It takes amazing acting chops to sympathize with someone whose job is to find the flaws in others and to make themselves (or their candidate) come out on top. When I was sitting in the theatre and the credits started rolling, I literally sat there in disbelief – I wanted MORE! I did not want it to end! But really, Clooney and Gosling could be in any film together and I would watch it for hours. J

Leo: The Ides of March had a pretty simple premise that we’ve seen so many times. The movie wasn’t particularly well done, but it was very safe and successful at being what it was. It had a good amount of twists (however predictable) and depicted politics as they are (or we are supposed to think that). The acting is what really drives this movie. Obviously every girl wants to see a movie with Ryan Gosling and George Clooney, so it also has that going for it. See it if the Muppets is sold out.

P.S. Tali' reviews aren't that much longer than mine, the picture just makes it look longer.....

My Week With Marilyn / The Prince and the Showgirl

Tali: My Week with Marilyn (MWWM) is a well very done biopic on perhaps the most famous actress of cinematic history. Although it only explores a snippet of her life (the filming of “The Prince and the Showgirl”), the script and the setting is crafted well enough that the viewer becomes engulfed into the melancholic drama of Marilyn Monroe’s life. Monroe’s personal pain and suffering depicted in the film allows us to humanize the star and to empathize with her; yet the allure of her beauty and stardom are eminent in this film - which still leaves much to be desired regarding her own personal lore. Michelle Williams deserves an Oscar for her performance, hands-down. As a big fan of Monroe’s films, it was amazing to see Williams transform into the icon without turning the film into a parody or cheap imitation.

Leo: My week with Marilyn was a surprisingly enjoyable film for me. It is not my preferred genre, but I mean how can you not want to see a movie where Emma Watson is playing the second hottest girl in the movie? Plot-wise, the concept is not all that appealing neither is the storyline. It’s basically about a guy that almost has an affair with Marilyn, which is almost a big deal. However, it still is very well done. Michelle Williams gives off an aura as Marilyn as if she actually was her which drove the movie. It would have probably been a much better movie with the "main" character as a slightly less important side character with Marilyn as the main focus. Not going to lie, was kind of hoping for some sort of scene involving Emma Watson or Michelle Williams....you know....not wearing clothes .....or both (no, the swimming part doesn't count). No harm in hoping. Don't tell Tali.

Added bonus! The Prince and the Show Girl!

Tali: The Prince and the Showgirl (PATSG) is a 1957 film, which also serves as the background of MWWM.  Marilyn Monroe and Sir Lawrence Olivier shine in this period piece set in England in 1911. Throughout her career, Monroe was usually cast as the ‘dumb blonde’ archetype with little room for character growth or personal development as an actor. It was quite refreshing to see her in the role of Elsie Marina – a woman who finally has personal agency and self-awareness in her relationships with men and within the world at large. Marilyn still uses her sexuality and prowess to her advantage throughout the film (have you seen that dress?!?), but it appears for the first time she was granted a character with a head on her shoulders. Very entertaining and funny film, I would say this was Monroe’s best performance.

Fun Fact: the original set for PATSG was left untouched for years, only to be reused as the set for MWWM.

Moneyball

Tali: I have to admit that the only reason I saw this film was because it was nominated for Best Picture at the 2012 Oscars. I did not want to see a film that was based around sports and math (my two least favorite things). Needless to say I watched the film with an open mind. And honestly.. I wasn't that impressed. Jonah Hill is nominated for Best Supporting Actor (say what?!) and he falls flat for most of the film.. despite the fact that his characters genious is what propels the Oakland Atheletics baseball team into the limelight and MLB history. If you're expecting a feel good underdog story, look elsewhere.

Leo: I hate baseball but I also hated facebook and still loved "The Social Network". In the same way, I really liked Moneyball. It's incredible to see what pure intelligence can accomplish in an (arguably...) athletic game of sports. I honestly don't have much to say about it other than that. It was a great feel good movie. The acting wasn't "amazing". Nothing was really "amazing" except for the premise, which I already covered. I think it's what got the movie nominated, I hope it has some success. But not too much.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

Tali: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (GWTDT) is perhaps one of the best films I’ve seen in a long time. The American version of the Swedish novel series (I hear) is one of the best book-to-film adaptations in present day cinema (in terms of accuracy). The film follows Mikeal and Lisabeth as they uncover the mysteries surrounding a missing girl and the haunting reality that follows her family, and ultimately them. Rooney Mara is actually terrifying – how one could pull off her redemption scene in the movie at her age (leaving Leo fearful of tattoos for life) is beyond me. Admittedly, I am disappointed with the development of the relationship between Mikeal and Lisabeth – it appeared fake and forced for Hollywood. Nevertheless, the relationship holds water with regard to the plot which made for a very interesting and interpretive ending. I’m very excited for the rest of the series.

Leo:  The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was an excellent story, premise, production, and performance. They did all of the scenes on the line of “too inappropriate for a theater” which is either exciting or really hard to watch, depending what is going on in that specific scene. Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig are excellent, and the story keeps you guessing until the very end (if you merely focus on the plot). Suspenseful and fast-paced, this movie was definitely able to keep my mind from wondering to any other topic. I’d recommend this movie to anyone who isn’t too afraid to see something disturbing but also exciting.

The Muppets

Tali: The Muppets is the latest film in a franchise that stretches for decades. With all of the hype and promotion of the movie leading up to its release, some critics were nervous that as a distributor, Disney would have significant influence over the Muppet story and characteristics. However, as a fan of the Muppets as a kid, I can honestly say that Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzy and everyone else were exactly how I remembered them to be. That being said, this was definitely not a kids movie – the message may be for everyone but the jokes and satire would definitely fly over the heads of anyone who cannot tie their own shoe laces (there isn’t an app for that?). The AMAZING songs and celebrity cameos made this film very cheeky and almost hokey – but not too cheesy. The perfect pick me up and smile all day long movie. I’d say the Muppets is the best feel-good film since Toy Story 3.

Leo: The Muppets had to be the most fun movie to watch. I was smiling from start to finish. I’m not sure if I can even write too much more about this, but this movie is a must-see. Amy Adams and Jason Segal are a great couple; Jason Segal is a great guy, Amy Adams is a great gal / also hot / also smart (fun fact). The cameos were all quite funny and well-used but not over-used. The songs were incredible; I was singing “Life’s a happy song” for about a month after I saw this movie. Go see it if you haven’t.

Iron Lady (Tali)

Iron Lady is a biopic about Margaret Thatcher, former Conservative Prime Minister of Great Britain (the longest running AND the first female PM). The film only takes place over the course of a few days but what we discover about Thatcher resonates throughout her lifetime. From humble beginnings to her rise and thirst for power there is no doubt that although I disagree strongly with this woman's politics and approach to governing, she ultimately comes off as strong-willed, determined and intent (men would refer to this as being a 'bitch'). The film definitely sets out to appeal to American's movie-goers in that there is more of a focus on a woman's rise up the political ladder, as oppose to her financial cut-backs and societal despair that she created in office. There is some upset in England presently over the Meryl Streep portrayal (she's American) but she nails this one on the head without any hesitation. And really, can you think of anyone more talented to play a woman as tough as nails as Thatcher was?

Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows

Tali: Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows (SHGOS) is the second instalment in Guy Ritchie’s franchise of the classic series. The film has elements that are classic to Ritchie and do not stray far from his distinct style, nor the clear-cut style of the first Sherlock Holmes film: very intricate cinematography with emphasis on the sweat and blood and raw physical pain in the action sequences leave little to the imagination except the desire to watch more. I am not a fan of action movies, unless they have a smart storyline and cleverness about them, which SHGOS definitely has. Robert Downey Jr. And Jude Law make an excellent team and a delight to watch. My only complaint was the absence of Rachel McAdams (whoops spoiler), but her replacement was also was very entertaining and her gypsy element/storyline added to the traditional English spectacle – just wish she was more involved in the mystery solving herself.

Leo: Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows was basically made for people like me. I love witty, intense, and plot driven action movies. A movie that can make me shit myself out of excitement, laughter, and plot twists is a definite winner in my eyes; it shows what movies are really about. When Sherlock is setting up to physically attack an opponent, it is one of the coolest parts of any movie. I also admire that the movie doesn't take itself too seriously, it even mocks itself when things go awry in comical or a surprising manner. For example, when Sherlock plans an elaborate way of dispatching an assassin, his new gypsy friend simply stabs him with her knife. A surprisingly impressive part of the movie, is the acting. Robert Downy Jr. and Jude Law are a hilarious pair; I’d argue the best duo in the last couple years. This is one of my favourite movies from last year.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 1+2

Tali: Admittedly, I have never read a Harry Potter book. Alas, I made with Leo an agreement to watch all 8 of the HP films in order (he was stoked). I had to say, I grew to love the series and it was really exciting to see the main 3 (Radcliffe, Watson and Grint) all grow up alongside and apart of their characters. Obviously the nature of the films grew darker as the actors/characters became older. For me, the Harry Potter story is very gloomy and should be told in a manner that expresses the reality of a mystical orphan with the weight of an alternate world on his shoulders. I was blown away with both parts 1+2 of the Deathly Hallows. Having never read the series, I had the advantage (in comparison to the other nerds movie goers) in which I did not know what was going to happen. Featuring the most epic battle scene of the summer (of the year?) this film dazzled and surprised me with every twist and turn (and I literally could not have predicted/come up with a better ending).

Leo: Harry Potter 7, parts one and two were both excellent movies but completely different at the same time. While part one was majorly a set up for part two, it still captured a lot of emotion and the storyline was sound and it made sense for a split regardless of what people say about it being a money grab. The second part of this film was probably the best movie of last year. It made you laugh, cry, and cheer all at the same time, which is quite hard to do and not many movies do it. And Emma Watson is probably the hottest witch in the history of any movie.

There Will Be Blood

Tali: There Will Be Blood (TWBB) is 2007 historical drama centered on a corrupt and greedy oil tycoon at the turn of the 20^th century. Whenever Daniel Day Lewis is the star, you know you’re about to watch an amazing film (except for ‘Nine’.. yeesh). Although slow moving at first, the story of a man’s rise to wealth and prosperity is tainted with the same murkiness and toxicity that makes this story so interesting and captivating. Watching the oil well explode and burn and leak for days reminded me of the impact that the tar sands are having in Northern Alberta and really put that issue into perspective for me; wealth and royalty for the few, despair and hardship for the many. The last scene – the famous bowling alley scene – is perhaps the best scene of the movie filled with all of the best quotes (available somewhere on youtube). All in all a very fascinating film that makes you forget that you’ve been sitting for three hours. 

Leo: "I drink your [motherfucking] milkshake". Yea this was a great movie, but what really sets it apart is the last scene. It has the perfect mixture of power and comedy from its sheer absurdness. The dialogue in the movie is exceptional and really carries the films plain and simple plot. The dialogue in terms of writing and acting, that is. Daniel Day Lewis is obviously an incredible actor and this is one of his best performances. I wouldn't watch the whole movie again, but I've watched that last scene at least four or five times since I saw it last June. Overall, it wasn't quite one of my favourites, but very good and worth watching for anyone who enjoys a quality movie.

Boogie Nights (Tali)

Boogie Nights follows the career of Porn Star Dirk Diggler (Mark Wallberg) in 1970's California. Although a lot of the films scenes are hilarious and raunchy, there is something deeply disturbing and dramatic about the life and times of these pornographers, which brings the film up from trashy sex-com to something more significant and meaningful. This ensemble cast film features excellent performances from all of its actors, no matter how small their roles. Shout out to Phillip Seymour Hoffman for his precious facial expressions and for being behind Diggler through thick and thin.Would suggest this film to anyone with a good sense of humour AND a heart. Do not watch with your mom.

PS - Yes, you do in fact get to see Marky Mark's Funky Bunch.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Tali: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (TTSS) is an espionage film on limited release. I know a good political drama when I see one and this film definitely delivered an interesting and exciting narrative. Although it started off slow, the historical elements and realism in the film made it very believable – I almost forgot that what’s-his-name is in the Dark Knight. TTSS delivered exactly what one would expect from a British crime/period drama. The film relies on long scenes featuring lots of important dialogue. This left Leo and I mildly confused throughout the film – there were moments where we felt lost (because so much was going on) and when we felt ‘caught up’ we would get dumped with another plot twist that also left us a little... rattled (and we consider ourselves ‘professional’ movie-goers). Still, the film was very intriguing and I kept wanting to watch Colin Firth.

Leo: TTSS looked like it was going to be a type of James Bond movie with more intellectually satisfying content as opposed to awesome action sequences. It was almost exactly that, but it didn't have enough to give it a real suspenseful atmosphere. I'm usually the one who catches some plot point that no one else does in movies, but I felt like I was missing something during the plot and focused more on what I missed than what was happening. The side story with Tom Hardy seemed awkwardly placed but added a pretty cool simple storyline that was quite interesting as well. My review in 4 words: could have been better.

Introduction

Hello everyone.

We are big movie fans. We wanted to find a cool and interesting way to stay connected while Leo attends school abroad (no, Skype isn't enough). Since we both love watching movies together so much, we decided to give blogging a try. Sometimes we will review movies that we have both seen and sometimes we will review movies that only one of us have seen while the other refuses to watch it or went to see it with friends instead of with me.....

Enjoy.

PS: you can follow Tali on Twitter @Tali_Sitsch
PPS: you can follow Leo @ fuck twitter I don't do that shit