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.