The Hunger Games: Mockingjay-Part 1

Tali: Mockingjay Pt.1 is the beginning of the end of this young adult love-triangle dystopian narrative. Taking place only a short while after the 2nd movie (and the 75th annual Hunger Games), this movie follows Katniss as she struggles with immense PTSD while she rises to prominence within the impending revolutionary movement. While this film at times certainly felt like a "part 1," there were so many scenes and images (Peeta's final interview with Ceasar, for instance) that elevate this film way beyond its intended audience and purpose. I still cannot believe that this was intended for a younger audience - the themes and the stories are truly superb and JLaw is as flawless as always. The most important question to ask yourself at the end of this film is why the fuck do we have to wait so long for Part 2??? 87/100.

Leo: After the last movie, I was sufficiently sold on this (book) "trilogy". While this movie had some hiccups getting started, once it approached the mid-point, it was every bit a complicated high-tech, high-stakes sci-fi spy movie that had me on the edge of my seat. My few complaints are kind of annoying, but whatever. SPOILERS: I did not understand why Peeta had his wits about him when he saw Katniss on the screen if he had supposedly been brainwashed unless it takes a very very short time. I also did not get why they didn't do it to the other victors they captured. In any event, the performances by Josh Hutcherson (or whatever the hell his name is) and Jennifer Lawrence were beyond what you would expect in a blockbuster like this. Philip Seymour Hoffman was his usual brilliant self. He brought the perfect amount gross sleaziness of politics into what we thought were the "good guys" and made them, at times, morally indefensible which is why I liked the complicated storyline so much in this movie. While the last movie reached an insane peak, at least in my opinion, this one still comes close. It is a must see movie, if only to see what happens next. Leometer: 84/100.

Frank

Tali: Leo and I have been waiting to see Frank for a very long time, and I was super excited that we finally found it last weekend. Frank tells the story of a tortured, weird yet brilliant musical genius named Frank (played by Michael Fassbender). As you can tell from the poster, Frank wears a giant paper-mache head all of the time. While exploring the bands creative process and rise to notoriety, this film is one of the most refreshing and original I've seen in a long time. I was totally captivated throughout and completely fell for Frank. I think if you can get your hands on this movie, you will too. And pretty soon, everyone is going to be walking around, trying to figure out how to make their very own head. 90/100.

Leo: I was definitely expecting Frank to be similar to what it was except for the music, which I realized during the movie that the music wasn't the point. At it roots, Frank is about coping and it was a very original take on that subject. My only critique is the narrative. The main character was not likable. He was annoying and there was never a point in the movie where I wanted him to succeed. All of the character's music was pretty bad too. Despite that, Frank had great performances by Michael Fassbender (who had to speak german and it was very very Inglourious Basterds) and Maggie Gyllenhaal as well as the supporting cast. It seems pretty warm in one of those things, I don't think I could pull it off. Leometer: 85/100.