A Beautiful Mind

Tali: A Beautiful Mind is the incredible real-life story of John Nash, a physicist and Nobel Laureate who struggles with Schizophrenia throughout most of his adult life. I have to admit - reading the Wikipedia entry before writing this entry has made me question some things about this film (in particular the discrepancies surrounding Nash's use of medications as a means of therapy), but I highly recommend that you do NOT read the entry and instead watch the film with an open mind (a beautiful one, even). The film is done very well, allowing the audience to both want the best for Nash, yet finding yourself increasingly concerned by his erratic behavior throughout the film. Slow to start but if you don't cry at the end you have no heart. Period.

Leo: I have to admit that I did not suspect the schizophrenia until it was a little more explicit --SPOILER-- though I actually did notice the girl staying the same age before it was mentioned --END SPOILER--. This made the movie an equal amount of a mind fuck as it was an excellent story. It was funny, sad, and it actually made you feel good at the end. I have been really interesting in Game Theory since I learned about it about 2 years before seeing this film, so to learn about John Nash's story was a real treat. Even though some things may have been exaggerated or misinformed, this movie was incredible and got the point across and no one can argue with that. I put this movie off for a while since I disliked Russel Crowe so much after Master and Commander, but that was clearly a mistake. This movie is incredible.

Moonrise Kingdom

Tali: Moonrise Kingdom is the latest by acclaimed filmmaker Wes Anderson. The movie follows two young teens as they run away together on a small island, and all of the mischief and chaos that surrounds him. I have fallen completely head-over-heels in love with this film; There is so much I can say about this film I don't even know where to begin. Wes Anderson's movies always have a very beautiful feel to them - every frame is like a photograph, all of the music is carefully and perfectly selected, and the depth of the characters adds to the aesthetic beauty of the film. That aside, the story is brilliantly executed, a perfect balance of hilarity and sadness, and an amazing message. Simply divine.

Leo: Moonrise Kingdom is one of those movies that feels like a children's film but simply is not. It takes all of the usual restrictions out of a children's film and replaces them with even more exciting perspectives. The way the movie was filmed basically summarizes all of the movies Wes Anderson has done. The zooming in and out to take the awkward scenes to a new level is typical of Wes Anderson. The story is feel-good and at the same time interesting and really fun to watch. One of the best movies I've seen in a long time. Please see it.