The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Tali: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is the 2nd film in the Hobbit triology, which acts as a prequel series to the Lord of the Rings (that is a lot of Middle Earth). The film picks up essentially where the first one left off, and takes further on the journey to retrieve the precious Arkenstone from the dragon Smaug's lair (which is also former Dwarf territory). Though it sounds like I know what I am speaking of, this is because the Peter Jackson films in this series are pretty accessible to those less (un) familiar with the lore and legend of the Tolkein tales. Despite its extensive running time, the film entertains and keeps viewers interested. The return of Legolas? Perfect! Benedict Cumberbatch? Even better! However, as the lights turned on in the theatre, I couldn't help but want for the story to just friggin' END already - why on earth do we need a third movie??? 65/100.

Leo: I liked this movie while I was watching it for the first 2 hours or so but it DID get very long. It was so long to the point where I feel people forgot the really well-done action scenes, specifically when they were rolling down the river and the orcs were chasing them while they survived and Legolas was busy shooting arrows through like 12312301209 orcs at once. Awesome scene. The dragon was also incredible, but I felt like Peter Jackson was toying with me like Smaug was toying with Bilbo, because it lasted too long for it to end without anything really happening. This movie was entertaining but it still hasn't reached the bar set by LOTR and was very "middle-chapter". That being said, any story in middle earth is going to make me feel nostalgic and I will enjoy it. Leometer: 83/100.

Wreck-It Ralph

Tali: Wreck-It Ralph is the animated story of a bad guy seeking to become good, in the world of video arcade games. Leo had been pushing me to see this movie for a long time and I am glad that I finally got around to it. The movie is very cute - the puns, the gaming nostalgia, the romantic subplot. It was all very Disney but in a good way. Not much to write home about, but this is a kids movie after all. A feel good, cute movie for kids that adults can enjoy without feeling weird about it. 70/100.

Leo: I love this movie and I'm glad I'm actually older-than-intended for this movie's audience because I actually get to appreciate a lot of the jokes and subtle things put into this family movie. Every time I see the street fighter guys, sonic, or bowser I feel like digging up my n64 but then remember that I don't know where it is and that I don't even have those games anymore. This movie is really fun to watch and the plot twist is really well-done in this movie. You don't even think about it and then BOOM OMG WHY DIDN'T I SEE THAT COMING? ! ! ?! Leometer: 85/100.

The Wolf of Wall Street

Tali: The Wolf of Wall Street is the (essentially true) dark comedy from Martin Scorsese about Jordan Belfort, a stock broker who in the 1980's and 90's creates a larger than life firm that deals in larger than life...everything! There were a lot of moments in this film that I couldn't believe my eyes - the amount of drugs and sex in this movie was way more than I was expecting; I think this is exactly where Jonah Hill fit in perfectly (when he meets Margot Robbie's character for the first time at the party?!?!) and gave us a refreshing new look at everybody's all-time crush Leo. I don't think I am the only one on this, but there were a lot of moments in the movie that I did NOT laugh at, though in the theatre it sounded like I was the only one who couldn't find the humour (in AIDS jokes or the frequency of abelist language, as an example). The film was entertaining though I don't think it was the "best film of the year" as some people have touted. 80/100.

Leo: This movie was perfect for me with a fairly good understanding of stock-broking and how this whole thing works. The acting was amazing, Leo was incredible as always, Jonah Hill was even more surprisingly successful out of his usual roll (but not THAT far out (re: drugs)), and where the hell did they find Margot Robbie?? She was perfect for the part. If you are not politically correct, you won't understand most of the humour, if you are too politically correct, you won't find the humour amusing, but if you are the type that understands political correctness but still gives breathing room, you will be almost constantly laughing throughout the movie (and possibly feel guilty about some of it). My one complaint about this movie is the narrative. I understand that it's based on a book and his point of view, but I'm not sure if that was the absolute best way to do it because it leaves out a lot of details even if that's kind of "the point". Leometer: 92/100.

12 Years A Slave

Tali: 12 Years A Slave tells the incredible (true) story of Solomon Northup, a free man living in the North who is kidnapped and sold into slavery. While this movie was good, it was also certainly not good. There are a lot of scenes in this movie that made me uncomfortable. But that is obviously the idea - if you aren't sitting in the theatre squirming in your seat, perhaps you are missing the point. Compared to previous Hollywood narratives of American slavery, 12 Years A Slave makes us see things different: Solomon had previously experienced and lived in freedom, and that made us root and weep for him just that much harder. Lupita N'yongo and Michael Fassbender were both very incredible in their roles, too. 82/100.

**I feel it is particularly important that you head over to Bitch Magazine and scroll down to read what bell hooks and Melissa Harris Perry have to say about this film, coming from a perspective that Leo and I cannot emulate.

Leo: This movie was really well-done on all counts. My reservation probably has nothing to do with the quality of the film. It had everything that a white person could imagine would have happened in the years of slavery. That is, though, my only complaint. I'm a white person and I sort of feel myself feeling "good" or that I can empathize (I guess Jewish people can empathize if anyone....but I digress) with slaves and their families. But the truth is it sort of sickens me that people, including myself, think that they are somehow better people for seeing this movie. Reminds me of Kony 2012 and that dumb shit. Onto the actual movie though, it was incredible from every film related standpoint. All of the slaves were exceptional actors and Michael Fassbender in particular stood out as the best supporting. Leometer: 89/100.

American Hustle

Tali: American Hustle is the 1970's (crime) drama about the famous ABSCAM and the con artists involved. Every actor in this movie, from Christian Bale's bloated and balding exterior, to Jennifer Lawrence's pushy and unforgiving attitude, his movie is ultimately about how "everyone hustles to survive" (the poster tagline) which is just completely true. There is just something about these characters.. their complexity, their sadness, that just creates a believable and accessible story in an otherwise crazy and over the top scheme. Amy Adams is at the top of her game and I predict several statues in her future. And can we talk about the wardrobe for a second. AND AMY AND JENNIFER'S HAIR GAME?!?! HELLO!!!!! 90/100.

Leo: This movie was basically a masterpiece comedy because it was so much more than just a comedy. Christian Bale is a very likeable "large" jewish man even though he is a con artist. He is very easy to relate to and has common problems, or at least somewhat common (most people's problems dont include that they are stuck between Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Adams). Something about David O. Russel brings out Bradley Cooper's best acting abilities because he's also perfect in this movie. He goes from being likeable to being a greedy piece of shit curly haired nutsack in the best way possible. I think it was bold to play Amy Adams as the mistress vs a Jennifer Lawrence wife due to her being a little older and what not, but it worked out very well. Amy Adams stole the scene every time she did anything on the screen and it wasn't just her....(polite way to say it.....) physical attractiveness. My only complaint really was that Jennifer Lawrence wasn't in the movie enough. This is probably a frontrunner to win a shitload of Oscars and rightfully so, see this movie - you will undoubtedly like it. Leometer 93/100.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Tali: Catching Fire is the incredibly sequal to the first Hunger Games movie, the 2nd in a four-part film adaptation of the wildly popular young adult novel. The film picks up from the last one; we see Katniss and Peeta on their Victors tour after winning the 74th Hunger Games, the uprisings in the districts and the eventual 75th Hunger Games - which ends in the best fashion. This film has everything - a strong, complicated and captivating female protagonist, an interest and relevant storyline, hope for the future and cute guys who fight each other (you also have Stanley Tucci and Jeffrey Wright). In the last week or so since I saw the film, I have turned into quite the little fan with this movie. I still cannot believe that this story, the world with its mysticism and revolutionary message is targeted and overwhelmingly appreciated and values by teen girls and young women everywhere!! The widespread merchandising of this franchise is a little out of hand (and hugely ironic), but I can say with utmost certainty that you will LOVE this movie! 97/100.

Leo: First of all, when Tali says "a little fan" she means "full fangirl mode" because she reads stuff and talks about it all of the time. As for me, I liked this movie an embarrassing amount since I am not a young woman (as far as I know). Before I saw the first Hunger Games movie, I was expecting twilight tween etc sappy teenage girl whiny bullshit. I was very wrong. This series is absolutely brilliant so far. It follows the somewhat familiar (but always a favourite of mine) martyr vs higher-up evil authority figures and the take on it is very fresh. I don't know why it took so long for people to find a female protagonist that is actually likeable to all audiences. Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss is perfect. Katniss breaks all of the stereotypes by having a personality and wit while also being very headstrong. Katniss has the perfect balance of warm-heartedness that isn't overcome by her drive to survive. This movie has taken Katniss the next step forward. She is engulfed in a thought provoking story-line with a complicated and deep world around her and I honestly can't wait to see what happens next. See this movie if you even slightly enjoyed the first one (it's better) and you will wait in agony for the next installment with everyone else who hasn't read the books. Leometer: 95/100.

Thor: The Dark World

Tali: In the second installment of the Thor franchise (and the ever-expanding Marvel universe), we meet up with Thor, Loki and Jane and her team in a post-"New York" world. In this story, Thor is commissioned to recover and destroy the Aether, a powerful Asgardian energy source. What makes this Marvel film interesting, as compared to dozens of superhero movies that came before it, is the insane character development and repeatability that ensues in the stories, no matter how fantastical they become (Loki mourning his mothers death in the cell? Incredible!) Jane is obviously devastated in a too-girly way of her "break up" with Thor, though this portion of the storyline is thankfully squashed in some parts due to more pressing matters at hand. All in all a very entertaining and good movie to watch, but there was something missing, something I just can't quite put my finger on it, that left this movie certainly not as good as the first one. 80/100.

Leo: Before I say anything specific to this film, I do want to say that Marvel has, perhaps unintentionally, created one of the best systems of entertainment. No matter what happens (to an extent) in the movies, fans and non-fans alike have fallen in love with the Marvel universe rather than each specific story. They could have a rather decent movie still be a must-see simply due to the overarching plot. Not that Thor is one of those "decent" movies, it just certainly does not fulfill it's potential, but I guess I didn't care. The problem with it lies unexpectedly, with Natalie Portman and the character Jane Foster. She was just a wet rag damsel in this movie and though that hasn't been a theme in the avengers movies, I do not think it's something that's necessary. I wish they spent more time on Jane and Sif's somewhat competing relationship with Thor. Still, the movie's overarching plot was incredible. Loki saves this movie from mediocrity because if the characters immense depth and ability to not only fool Thor and his enemies, but to fool the audience too. Loki is in my opinion the best and most developed villain in a movie/series and is (ironically) currently carrying the Thor franchise. See this movie because you a) have to in order to understand the furthering of the Marvel universe plot and b) you will still like it. Leometer 73/100.

Don Jon

Tali: Don Jon is the writing/directorial debut of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who plays the title role in this sexy dramady. You know the drill - he's addicted to porn, he's dating Scarlett Johansson (who is hilarious in the role of Barbara, who is attempting to live out her own rom-com fantasies) and there is something about Julianne Moore (isn't there always - she's so great!). The movie has a lot of good things to say about porn, its relation to our sexuality and to sex itself... but I have to admit, I didn't find the movie as funny as everyone else! There were a lot of moments I felt to be incredibly stoic and at times very full of emotion and sincerity. Bitch Magazine does an excellent review of the film, though you should see it for yourself, don't think too hard or take yourself too seriously (my biggest problem) and enjoy! After you watch it though, sit back and reflect upon the humour and decipher the message behind it. 75-100.

Leo: Don Jon was a romcom that seemed to have its humour (apparently, read: above) aimed at a general "guy" audience rather than the traditional girly girl. I guess that is why I liked it so much? Or maybe it was just Scarlett Johansson (who's Jewish :D). This movie had a lot of references that you probably just don't understand unless you do typical "guy"-labeled things such (cough) as use those porn websites and the infamous "guys talking about girls" situation that girls probably don't understand or know exists. But I do, and admittedly, the jokes are more "funny because it's true", which would explain why some people may not find it funny. This movie also comes with a message at the end that's kind of sappy, but it isn't overkill and I appreciated the unconventionality of it. If you want to "convince" someone to see a "chick flick", see this movie and you'll end up enjoying it. Leometer: 84/100.

Man of Steel

Tali: Man of Steel is the latest movie about Superman. In this particular reboot of the familiar hero, we focus on his birth out in space, his upbringing on Earth, and his great power and destiny. I heard some lots of comic enthusiasts that they were disappointed with this movie, that what they saw was a "watered down" version of the mythology of Superman. For me (never much of a comic reader), I found this tale to be incredibly balanced between the realistic and the fantastical. There was just enough alien business going on (thanks to an amazing Michael Shannon) and enough relatable complexities that the whole thing was very very great and entertaining. If anything, Man of Steel introduced to us to one of the most gorgeous men in cinema right now.79/100.

Leo: I don't like to admit it, but I let the reviews influence my expectations of the movie. It's a good thing, then, that my expectations were greatly exceeded. There were lots of parts of the movie that I loved, and nothing that I didn't. First of all, the concept of not having kryptonite was very refreshing. I'm not at all dissing the classic storyline, but this seemed more.....real and actually kind of made sense. Jor-El, played by Russel Crowe, gave the movie an incredibly strong start and was great in his supporting role throughout the movie. I have a theory that a superhero movie can only be as good as its villain, and in this case Michael Shannon played a very believable and well-developed General Zod. I know everyone is drooling over how attractive Henry Cavil is, but Amy Adams can't be overlooked, and not just from the stand point that she is very pretty. She is one of the most dynamic actresses as she plays her roles incredibly convincingly and very well - she shrugged off the Louis' classic "damsel in distress" character and (with the help of Snyder and the team) created a much more powerful and interesting character. Ok, it was no Dark Knight or Avengers but it was definitely on the higher end of the spectrum. Leometer: 78/100.

Blue Jasmine

Tali: Blue Jasmine is Woody Allen's latest dramedy. It tells the story of Jasmine (Cate Blanchett), who after a messy series of events, goes to live with her sister Ginger in San Fransisco, and tries to piece her life back together. Like all of Allen's films, the dialogue is incredibly rich and exciting and deeply personal. Everything is perfectly in its place and excruciatingly calculated. No matter what, I always find some part of myself, no matter how big or how small, relating to at least one of the characters in Allen's films. Blanchett is brilliant in the title role, giving Jasmine humanity even when you find you may hate her phoney and uppity attitude. It was good to see Bobby Carnavale unleashing some of his Boardwalk Empire attitude in this movie (and his soft side, too), as well as the return of hunk Peter Saarsgard. NEW: Tali-meter - 89/100.

Leo: Cate Blachett is an absolute genius. After watching this movie I can't believe that all I really cared about of her previous movies was Lord of the Rings. She stole the show and really got every detail and emotion from every scenario perfect, even though she was dealing with a somewhat complex character. The dialogue with the supporting cast was also very well-done. This movie essentially just screams "well-done". My one problem with the movie was certain plot points. Lots of events that simply had to happen for the sake of advancing the story felt very forced. If you don't want to read a spoiler, don't read on. Specifically the part where Oggy just so happened to randomly walk by the exact store that Jasmine and Dwight were window shopping at (if you're picking out a ring, you're probably going to look inside the store????) - yes, the EXACT store out of hundreds, on that street corner, at that EXACT time, in a humungous city where they clearly live in different parts of town.....I think you get the point. That didn't take away too much from the movie considering the performances.New: Leometer - 85/100.

Once Upon a Time in Mexico

Tali: Once Upon a Time in Mexico is the third and final film of the El Mariachi films, and perhaps the most complex and interesting. In essence, the film is about El Mariachi (Antonio Banderas) getting recruited by Sheldon Sands (Johnny Depp) to do a special hit on this guy who killed his wife (Selma Hayek). Greatly inspired by the style of his friend Quentin Tarintino (perhaps you've heard of him?), the film's plot doesn't stay as concrete as you may think it does. The twists and turns keep this movie interesting where you think it may fall flat, and gives you more to think about and to digest from a typical drug/crime movie. Although I have previously enjoyed Willem Dafoe's performances, I don't know if he played a very convincing Mexican drug lord (perhaps he and Mickey Rourke should have switched parts).

Leo: It may be disturbing to some people that I consider this movie a 'childhood favourite', but I do. This movie was shown to me at a fairly young age by my famous Baba Jean. I instantly fell in love with the Rodriguez/Taratino genre (though they aren't the exact same...) and became incredibly willing to re-watch this movie at any time. The delivery of the lines, maybe I just get this from having seen it so many times, is my favourite part even when considering the action scenes and complexity of the plot. I don't know why I find it so clever when Johnny Depp says "fuck you", but it just makes me laugh and agree. The subtleties are, in my opinion, most enjoyable when surrounded by an incredibly unsubtle background that Rodriguez is famous for. I would recommend the El Mariachi movies to anyone who has the stomach for them.

The World's End

Tali: The World's End is a sci-fi comedy from the guys who brought you Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. It follows Gary King, an alcoholic low-life who tries to assemble his college buddies to compete a legendary pub crawl challenge. Though this is a British production, the comedy definitely crossed the pond and was outrageous for the entire movie. Like This Is the End, this movie plays upon the off-camera friendship of the actors involved and give them some opportunities to really just write for themselves. The plot twist and the out-of-left-field ending are completely absurd, but they work. This was one of the best movies this summer.. though I have to admit that I didn't like it as much as Leo did.

Leo: Yea, I sort of feel like this movie was written for people like me. They took the concept of "friends uniting for apocalypse comedy" (Shaun of the Dead-like concept) and made it more.....them. The one-liners, physical comedy, and just plain ridiculousness of the drunk bickering made me constantly laugh to the point where I was concerned I was going to pull something. If you're looking for a funny-o-meter, I would rank this movie slightly funnier than This is the End. It was absurd.

Tali's Top 10 - Summer 2013

While Leo was away at camp this summer I watched 11 movies; now I have ranked them here for you!

1. Behind the Candelabra
2. Reality Bites
3. The Bling Ring
4. The Master
5. Ghost World
6. This is 40
7. We're the Millers
8. To Rome With Love
9. Sylvia
10. Friends with Kids
11. Somewhere

Bonus: The top three (and only three) television series I watched this summer:

1. Parks and Recreation
2. Orange is the New Black
3. Top of the Lake

This Is the End

Tali: This Is The End is the latest comedy from writer/direct/star Seth Rogan (and his writing pal Evan Goldberg) about a group of celebrities trapped together in a house while the world is on the brink of Apocalypse. Playing hilarious fictionalized versions of themselves, these guys definitely know how to make an audience laugh - I was literally in stitches from the first "buddy" scene, where Jay and Seth unwind after his flight. I laughed from the beginning to the end - it is certainly one of the best comedies I have seen in a long time and I would recommend it to most people. Michael Cera steals every scene he is in, leading you to instantly think "sippy time" whenever you reach for a juicebox.

Leo: This movie was exactly what this comedic group of friends needed after various duds (ie. green hornet, oz, etc) throughout the years after their early on successes. They realized that THEY are funny more so then they are able to write clever jokes. The hilarious physical comedy with the hilarious banter within the group of friends was just, well, hilarious. I hate Michael Cera because he plays that same stupid character every movie but in the short while he was in this movie it was amazing. The Exorcism of Jonah Hill and the Pinapple Express 2 were brilliantly terrible and I laughed throughout the whole movie. I gotta go, though, it's sippy time.

(500) Days of Summer

Tali: 500 Days of Summer is the indie comedy starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel that has melted and warmed the hearts of lovey-dovey girls and mildly impressed boys everywhere. It tells the story of Tom, a greeting card writer (is there a sweeter job?) who instantly falls head over heels over Manic Pixie Dream Girl Summer, and the non-linear story that follows showcases the ins and outs, ups and downs of their relationship. I obviously fell in love with this film because of its simplistic nature, it's not-so-perfect take on love, the indie soundtrack, the one-liners from the incredible roaster of off-beat supporting characters. An overall pretty great rom-com that sets itself apart from the crowd and makes itself a worthy watch.

Leo: To preface, I almost always hate rom-coms(or "chick flicks"). There is no avoiding the fact that this was one. However, this was not that bad. This movie kept my interest in many ways that most rom-coms did not. The style of the movie (non-linear) was really interesting and actually made me think. I obviously kept track of what happened on what day and the order in which they happened and that somehow made me more invested in the story. Another aspect that kept me engaged is that Tom (Joseph G-L) is a very likeable character. He is easy to relate to, and its very hard to root against him. Zooey Deschanel was a perfect cast as Summer because she has that "pretty" look that just screams "Date me!" as opposed to just a physical feeling. I think I hate her for playing such a convincing terrible person. The movie was surprisingly depressing even though it had an excellent supporting cast and Mathew Gray Gubler's preference of a "Bodacious Rack". The fact that he met "Autumn" helped a little bit, but not enough. Still, was a pretty worthwhile watch if you have to watch a rom-com.

Fight Club

Tali: Fight Club tells the story of 'the everyman' (played by Edward Norton), his meeting up with Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) and their founding of a fight club. I had long avoided this movie for years because the big punch line was spoiled for me. I can honestly say that I wished I had avoided this film longer or entirely. The underlying narrative of the film, about the complexities of masculinity, the feminization of men in society and the pervasiveness of consumerism all left me incredible uncomfortable and at a lot of moments completely disgusted. I have a very little (to no) tolerance for the "Men's Rights"/sympathies which I found was something that the film was trying to illicit. Not to mention a lot of the fight scenes were pretty gruesome and hard to watch. Overall I was extremely disappointed.

Leo: I had picked this movie to show Tali as a "safe" option instead of "Once upon a time in Mexico" because it is more critically acclaimed and she never really "liked" watching Desperado (except for a few parts) when it was on TV. I guess it was a mistake..... Onto my review. I absolutely love this movie - it opened my eyes to so many things when I originally watched it (I was no more than 13 years old). It was depressing as well as inspiring at the same time and I feel it somewhat influenced my cynicism in my teen years because if its powerful anti-corporate/government/bureaucracy messages. Even though there is a huge plot twist that I know (from having seen this movie upwards of 6 times before) I still enjoy the subtleties that Fincher throws in such as the splicing of pictures and various references and clues to the plot that are essentially unnoticeable if you haven't seen the movie before. This was one of my favourite movies, but I should definitely start following the rules and stop talking about it (especially with Tali :P). 

Spring Movie Round-Up

We have been watching all kinds of movies over the last few months, but forgot to share our thoughts, opinions and profound wisdom with our readings (whoever and wherever you are). Behold, we have compiled nine sets of reviews for you to look at, examine and reflect upon at your earliest convenience.

Click "Read more" at the bottom of this post to move on to the reviews. And now, onto the reviews!!!

Oscar Predictions/Picks 2013!

Best picture:
Nominees - Amour, Argo, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Django Unchained, Les Miserables, Life of Pie, Silver Linings Playbook, Zero Dark Thirty
Tali - My heart says Zero Dark Thirty, but my mind and my gut says Argo.
Leo - Argo, I hope. I wouldn't mind BotSW or Amour winning though. But I could see Lincoln winning too, unfortunately.
WINNER - ARGO

 Best actor:
Nominees - Bradley Cooper, Daniel Day-Lewis, Hugh Jackman, Joaquin Phoenix, Denzel Washington
Tali - Daniel. Day. Lewis.
Leo - Obviously Daniel Day-Lewis.
WINNER - DANIEL DAY-LEWIS

Best supporting actor:
Nominees - Alan Arkin, Robert De Niro, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Tommy Lee Jones, Christoph Waltz
Tali - Robert De Niro, hands down.
Leo - Christoph Waltz, for a repeat of the last Tarantino movie nominated.
WINNER - CHRISTOPH WALTZ

Best actress:
Nominees - Jessica Chastain, Jennifer Lawrence, Emmanuelle Riva, Quvenzhane Wallis, Naomi Watts
Tali - As previously mentioned, Emmanuelle Riva delivered the year's best performance in all cinema.
Leo - I hope Emmanuelle Riva. I really do. But I think it's going to Jennifer Lawrence.
WINNER - JENNIFER LAWRENCE

Best supporting actress: 
Nominees - Amy Adams, Sally Field, Anne Hathaway, Helen Hunt, Jacki Weaver
Tali - Sally Field.
Leo - Hmmmm. Yea Sally Field.
WINNER - ANNE HATHAWAY

Best director: 
Nominees - Michael Haneke, Benh Zetlin, Ang Lee, Steven Spielberg, David O. Russell
Tali - Wes Anderson. Errr, I mean Ang Lee.
Leo - ^ Michael Haneke deserves it out of these people but I think it will go to Ang Lee but to change it up Steven Spielberg.
Winner - ANG LEE

Best animated film:
Nominees - Brave, Frankenweenie, ParaNorman, The Pirates! Band of Misfits, Wreck-It Ralph
Tali - Though it should go to ParaNorman, by money is on Brave.
Leo - Frankenweenie.
WINNER - BRAVE

Best original song:
Before My Time, Everybody Needs a Best Friend, Pi's Lullaby, Skyfall, Suddenly
Tali - SKYFALL.
Leo - Skyfall.
WINNER -SKYFALL

Leo - 5
Tali -  5 

Lincoln

Tali: Lincoln tells the incredibly triumphant story of former US president Abraham Lincoln and the journey towards passing the 13th amendment into the United States constitution, thus abolishing slavery (and perhaps ultimately ending the Civil War). Having known very little about American history, I went into this film with a completely open mind about it's content, but was still very weary about it's long and winded premise I heard from folks who had seen it. And trust me, there are a lot of scenes of old white guys sitting around talking politics. For me, some of that was really exciting, as I enjoy the nitty gritty of the political process! But there were, a lot of white people in a movie that is ultimately about black history (in some degree) and the political elements of the movie were watered down to create this Spielberg epic. Daniel Day Lewis is also as brilliant as always - there is no video footage of Lincoln, but if there was, it would be this movie. Such dedication and skill as an actor that cannot be put into words. He will win the Oscar tomorrow, the movie overall should not.

Leo: Surprisingly, I liked Lincoln. I usually don't love slow-paced history movies, but I was surprised that I liked this movie similar to the King's Speech, though nowhere near as much. The most fun part of the movie was honestly pointing out all of the various cast members that only I would know from the collection of shows and movies I watched recently. The most amusing one was the antagonist in the Bourne Ultimatum as the secretary, and it was fun to think of comedic / plausible cross-over (operation Blackbriar was a black-ops assassination branch of the government). Back on topic....the performance by Daniel Day-Lewis was perfect as expected. He is my pick to win the Oscar without even considering the rest. The whole movie was basically riding on this, and he delivered. Overall, not exciting, not overly entertaining or suspenseful, but interesting and very impressive performances.

Les Miserables

Tali: Les Miserables is a classic musical. You already know what it's about, I'm only going to tell you things that you need to know. For instance, if you don't know already, most of the singing was done live, which adds to the authenticity of the picture and creates a raw honesty not previously seen in movie musicals, and it fits so well with the setting of the film. There is almost no spoken dialogue (I didn't know this!), but that shouldn't deter you from watching - the songs are very engaging and the actors - especially the young ones - are emotionally captivating enough that you become connected to them and their stories. Though very entertaining and uplifting and romantic, I felt like I was missing something from the movie. This is not my favorite musical or style of musical, and perhaps because I was the last person on earth to see this movie, I got too caught up in the hype and missed out on Mis-mania, because I certainly wasn't getting it. I tip my hat to Hugh Jackman and the delicious intellectual revolutionaries!

Leo: Les Mis was an excellent story told in a very dramatic musical fashion. The live singing and no simply spoken words add to the entertainment value because it just further showcases the talent of the actors and singers involved. I think the most unappreciated star of this movie was the actress playing Éponine (brb looking up her name....case in point), Samantha Barks. She has an incredible voice and it fit so well with the tragic life of the character. Sasha Baron Cohen is hilarious as always and pairs incredibly well with Helena Bonham Carter to make a very comedic duo. Hugh Jackman, while not the most surprising or mind-blowing, was amazingly consistent and spectacular in his own right. He was the most convincing character in my opinion. I find it sort of flawed in terms of oscars for having movies like this in the same category as Amour, since one is obviously meant to be over dramatic (musical style) while one is meant to be real. I believe it is much more difficult to act "real" convincing than to over act, so I do not think Hugh Jackman or Anne Hathaway would really have earned the award if they win, however I think they did the best job within the guidelines of a musical performance. The one overall issue I had with the movie (semi-related with my previous point) was that it was too surreal for such a real story. They were speaking english in so many different accents....in France, not that I expected otherwise...I just found it kind of logically distracting. Everyone has to see this movie, the songs alone make it worthwhile.

Amour

Tali: Amour is a French language film which tells the incredible story of a couple who are coming to terms with the end of their time together. Although I cried throughout most of the film, you have to know that the connection between Anne and George is beyond any other on screen couple I can think of. The portrayal of a couple dealing with sickness and health is a very real and remarkable story. Emmanuelle Riva's performance as a stroke victim with declining health 100% deserves every award for acting EVER. Seriously. Not a spoiler, but the scene where they are singing is easily the best moment in cinema from this past year. Nominated for both Best Picture and Best Foreign Film, Amour captivates an audience across the globe, and with incredibly good reason. If you have the time to see it before the Oscar's (and even if you don't), this film is a must-see.

Leo: I really hope this film wins. It was so simple of a story but the feel is quite complicated. It gives you hope then takes it away. It gives you uncertainty then gives you closure, then puts you back into uncertainty. It balances all of these feelings quite impressively and the acting puts this movie as over the edge in terms of its impact. I have not read one intelligent negative review of this movie; they seem to be grasping for reasons why Haneke can't make an impactful film when he has clearly proven them wrong. The cold-real style of this movie adds to the feel of the movie. It brings it scarily close to home which clearly has some people very scared about it. I thought both of the actors deserve to win the academy award for their incredible performances in this film, but I'm not quite sure how it will pan out. See this movie, even if you don't cry you will definitely feel something.

Silver Linings Playbook

Tali: Silver Linings Playbook is a tragi-comedy about Pat and Tiffany, two lost souls with varying degrees of mental illness, both trying to work through their idiosyncrasies and make life possible. Their relationship and their struggles will certainly melt your heart. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence are both astonishing in their roles - to a lesser extent with JL, but BC simply blew my mind away (I already know JL was a bad ass). Those two could not have made a better pair! In fact, the entire cast, dealing with all of the complexities and the drama of their own illnesses/baggage made the story believable and likeable. I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed this movie! I highly suggest you see it with an open mind (and an open heart).

Leo: Tali and I disagree about whether or not this was a chick flick (after which I will call her a chick and flick her) but the important thing is that I thought it was very entertaining and well done. I really liked the story and how it had an element of realism within the conflict and it wasn't just forced problems to create a story for the audience to watch two people come together (like the majority of chick flicks). It was definitely funny and smart in that sense. In addition to this, the acting was incredible. Robert DeNiro was amazing as Bradley Cooper's father, and Bradley Cooper played an amazing protagonist that you may not expect out of him. His role was likeable even though he was clinically insane. Jennifer Lawrence was very believable in her role, I don't care about the age difference, it made sense. She executed the role of the "equally fucked up love interest" perfectly. I had a few problems with the plot though. SPOILERS: I did not like the way he figured out that Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) wrote the letters. I thought it was obvious at the start that she was writing the letters, but Pat (Bradley Cooper) clearly believed it was his ex-wife, so it seemed forced that she kept unintentionally repeating "if I was reading the signs". I also found it somewhat unrealistic that he went from clinically insane and obsessed about one woman and then BOOM in just a week or so he falls in love with another woman, even if that woman is Jennifer Lawrence. All in all, great movie. One of the best "date movies".

Beasts of the Southern Wild

Tali: Beasts of the Southern Wild tells the story of Hushpuppy, a head-strong young girl who lives in an isolated Gulf Coast community that is fraught with storms, strife and survivalism. Told with brilliant imagery and expressed through complex emotions, BOSW explores the passions of hardships of growing up too fast. There are so many good moments in this film, so many reasons to make you feel proud of strong female characters, of down-and-out communities banding together, and of "sticking it to the man" if you will. Quvenzhané Wallis is brilliant beyond her years and it will be exciting to see how her career goes from here. I don't think she is an Oscar contender, however - though her performance was pretty great (yes she was five when she filmed it), there is a lot to be said about the other characters in the film who bring complicated imperfections to life.  Unfortunately, feminist icon bell hooks has a lot of negative things to say about the film, which is clouding my judgement of it several weeks later.

Leo: I thought Beasts of the Southern Wild was an incredibly different type of film from what we're used to seeing at the oscars and it's only natural that some people don't know how to react. Like Tarantino movies, we are not used to seeing so politically off-beat movies. I personally think it is refreshing to see a movie that pulls no punches for political reasons. People are how they are and this movie at least feels like it is delivering us the unfiltered version of the world from the view of Hushpuppy, the small girl in which this movie is based around. It does not follow the basic plot scheme we are used to, being the rise, climax, then fall of action. It acts as more of a documentary in the sense that it feels as though we are getting a report about the way things are in the Bathtub. Even with this documentary-style narrative, there are so many amazing scenes in this movie, particularly with the dialogue and the acting. I don't know if it's right or not but it made me crave seafood (especially deep fried seafood). I'm hopeful that the movie robs Zero Dark Thirty of best picture because I don't even think the two compare in involvement.

Django Unchained

Tali: Django Unchained is the latest from writer/director Quentin Tarantino - so you know right off the hop, that amongst the blood and guts (and there is a TON of blood and guts), that you will be subjected to treated to three hours (!!!) of a revenge fantasy based on a historical and colonial subject. Though there is lots of violence, the spaghetti western genre allows for such parody to take place that for most of the movie, you are able to stare excitedly as violence ensues. Because of the parody, however, lots of people are concerned/upset/uppity regarding the historical background (which may or may not be fairly accurate) portrayed in this way. A complete 180 from Zero Dark Thirty (which is facing similar criticism), Django can be pulled off because people need their revenge fantasies, and people need it to be accessible. That being said, if you are looking for a very informed and important discussion on race, violence, power and cinematic theory in Django (which you should be), than I highly suggest you read the Feminist Wire.

Leo: This was an amazing movie. Tarantino is unmatched in creating movies that really hit their mark in terms of intention and entertainment in perfect balance. If you come into this movie thinking you are going to get an informed and historically accurate slave movie and then did not like the movie because of that, then I pity you. Tarantino is an artist who tells the truth through untruths. He shows how stupid racism is by parodying the KKK. He shows how terrible slavery is through graphic torture and the attitudes of the characters (whether it's accurate or not is irrelevant). And he shows how amazing it would be to get revenge on those sons of bitches who caused so much harm to so many innocent people. None of the things in this movie actually happened, yet you feel an underlying appreciation for the situation and a sense of justice when he kills all of those murderous slave-owners. Unlike Zero Dark Thirty, this movie does not start with a sweeping statement saying "this is based on a true story". Zero Dark Thirty's credibility lies on the truth of their facts and accuracy, however; Django's does not. Apart from the crazy story, the acting was incredible. It is a shame that all three of Sam Jackson, Leo Decaprio, and Christof Waltz will not get nominated and win, because all of their performances were amazing. See this movie.

Zero Dark Thirty

Tali: Zero Dark Thirty is a political drama that examines the nitty gritty of political bureaucracy and (aggressive) action taken in the years leading up to the finding/killing of Osama Bin Laden. I happened to really, really like this film. Independent of the politics surrounding it (if that's even possible), this was incredibly suspenseful and the acting was stupendous. LOTS has been been said about this movie's use of torture, whether the movie is partisan, etc etc. All you really need to know is that this film is well done - not only do I believe it to be a fairly accurate representation of the inner workings of the CIA, I felt it was done tastefully and and appropriately. AS A NOTE: If you really want to read about the CIA's use of torture (and how it gets covered up), I highly suggest you read Naomi Klein's The Shock Doctrine, as well as anything Amy Goodman has ever written. And then go see this movie.

Leo: Having heard a billion reviews before seeing the movie, I tried (and I think successfully) went in with a relatively open mind. The torture does not seem too ridiculous (though maybe the characters attitude towards torture can be seen as a little exaggerated). The acting was amazing and the first part of the movie was not as slow as I had expected it to be. I really enjoyed watching the movie and it succeeding in making you want Bin Laden to get caught for her if not for the country. The end of the movie, well, I just had too many problems with it to consider this "best picture-worthy" though I don't doubt its success has always been hinging on the politically driven Academy in the first place. The leading up to Bin Laden being shot was very suspenseful and well-done, however; the aftermath was, to put it simply, stupid. There was nothing else suspenseful that was going to happen with the film so it was so obviously desperately grasping for suspense. For example, the pilot blowing up the helicopter almost slipped! OH MY GOD HE ALMOST FELL 6 FEET THAT'S SO GRIPPING I CAN'T KEEP MY EYES OFF. Not only was it inconsequential but it was just so forced that it made the entire ending of the movie off-putting. To make it worse, they then fabricate another "almost" self-made disaster when they are going to blow up the helicopter as the other one comes. I also miss the gripping CIA-style pursuing scenes (though there was one) that are so common in this genre and make it exciting to watch. This was a good political thriller, I like the story and movie-styling better than The Hurt Locker, however it was missing the feeling and suspense. Still, amazing movie and Jessica Chastain is the next big thing.

Life of Pi

Tali: Life of Pi tells the incredible story of Pi, a young man who after a devastating shipwreck, becomes stranded on a lifeboat with a tiger (whose name is Richard Parker). Overall a pretty good movie! Leave it to director Ang Lee to take a movie with little to no dialogue and make a mesmerizing and visually stunning film (has anyone else seen Brokeback? Those mountains..!!). There seems to be a trend in Hollywood lately where movies are released where we know the ending already. In case you didn't know, this movie is based off of a popular novel (which I haven't read, so I cannot compare the two). This did not spoil the movie, however; there was just enough suspense and fantastical elements to keep you entwined in the story, wanting more.

Leo: I really enjoyed Life of Pi as a spectacle and intellectually pleasing movie. It was fun to watch the relationship grow between Richard Parker and Pi as they fought to survive (the elements and each other). The part with the middle-aged Pi and the author was kind of boring though it was kind of necessary. Ang Lee's movies are always epic in terms of visuals (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon most of all). I can't quite place why it wasn't my "favorite" movie, because it was an amazing movie that I have little criticism of, but there wasn't anything that really "hit" me hard enough to leave a significant mark even if it was very well done and executed. This is a must see.