Philomena

Tali: Philomena is based upon the true story (sensing a theme here with these Oscar nominations this year) about an Irish lady, who with the help of a disgraced English journalist, set out to once and for all find her long lost son, which she has been attempting to do unsuccessfully for 50 years.I had my reservations about this movie at first, but honestly I cannot even remember why. Judi Dench, as always, is outstanding. The story itself is very touching and captivating and sweet. The central (and true) backstory of the Irish nuns is also very interesting, and Philomena's unwavering commitment to his Catholicism bares attention as well. I would say Judi is a contender, for sure. 87/100.

Leo: I'll admit that I did not want to see this movie until the Oscars came out but I was pleasantly surprised. This movie was funny and witty while also being sad and powerful. There is not much else to say about this film. Judi Dench is amazing (did you know she's blind?) and carries the film. Steve Coogan was also great. I really think his character was one of the most important parts of the film for the story because it acted as a sort of link between the audience and Philomena. Audience sympathized with him - when he got mad, we got mad. It was really well-done and was a very easy movie to watch. 89/100.

Dallas Buyers Club

Tali: Dallas Buyers Club is the true-life story of Ron Woodroof, a drunken cowboy who gets diagnosed with AIDs at the height of the crisis on the 1980's. He eventually starts a drug smuggling ring in an attempt to have alternative HIV/AIDs treatment medications reach a wider audience. It is important to note, that Ron was not a champion of the LGBT community - throughout the movie (and in real life, allegedly), Ron remained fairly homophobic and transphobic, and it's clear that he only went into the drug smuggling business for selfish reasons. However, this movie tugs on your heart strings and is truly inspiring. It also reminds us just how important finding a cure for this disease is for our and future generations. Matthew McConaughey is at his absolute best. Jared Leto was also great, though I believe that reputation should be given where reputation is due, and his role most certainly should have gone to a real trans actor. Definitely a must-see and definitely a contender this awards season. 86/100.

Leo: This is one of the Oscar movies that I actually did want to see, namely because I'm a huge fan of this "new" Matthew McConaughey who all of the sudden decided that he's not a surfer dude anymore and is an incredible actor. He does not disappoint. He sells this role incredibly well and makes you actually like the character, even though he's homophobic. Jared Leto was also incredible. I would not be surprised for Dallas Buyers Club to sweep the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor categories. The movie itself is very good, but not in the sense that I'd want to see it again or consider it a top contender. The story was....predictable but not really strong enough to have me care too much. The cause and the actors made this movie what it is. 81/100.

Captain Phillips

Tali: Captian Phillips explores the real-life tale of a cargo ship travelling through the Horn of Africa, at which point it becomes hijacked by Somali Pirates. Admittedly, I was initially weary of this film - I am not a Tom Hanks fan (in his later years) and there was something about this film that I was not excited about. How can I sit through a movie when I know full well what it going to happen the whole time? The first portion of the movie was quite slow.. but eventually, once the crew of amazing Somali actors hopped onto the ship, the pace picked up and the stakes were raised. It definitely exceeded my expectations, but it was certainly not the best (or top 5.. or top 10) movie of the year. 65/100.

Leo: If you see this movie because you like Paul Greengrass films, namely the Bourne series, you will be.....satisfied? I liked this movie and as much as I think Tom Hanks is great, he was basically being Tom Hanks for the first 85% of the movie. I found myself saying "ok Tom Hanks" a lot during the film. However, I do think the direction of the movie was good enough to earn this movie a nomination. Knowing what happens to the Captain doesn't really detract from the insane suspense at the end of the movie. That last 30 minutes of the movie alone really makes this movie worth seeing. However, not enough to be considered a top contender for best picture. Make another Bourne movie though plz. 67/100.

Her

Tali: Her is a science fiction-romantic dramedy hybrid about a man named Theodore - who, as you likely already know, falls in love with his (highly advanced) operating system named Samantha. I have to say - there was something about this film that made me feel feels I haven't felt in cinema in a very long time. The story is wildly captivating, enjoyable, and freakishly relatable. Despite some peoples squeamishness regarding the subject matter, please do not be fooled - Her is the best love story of the year, and Spike Jonze hit it out of the park in a way I can only hope Leo will describe better than I can. Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johasson and even Amy Adams are all exceptional in their roles - and it's a huge shame that Scarlett was recently snubbed her for performance. 90/100.

Leo: This movie really unites the aspects of Sci-Fi and romance such that fans of each genre won't feel out of place. This movie reintroduced me to some concepts and ideas from the Hyperion books and that added a level of nostalgia to the film as well. The acting was some of the best I have seen. Everyone was amazing, particularly Joaquin Phoenix who is one of the most underrated actors of all time and deserves much more recognition (didn't win for The Master....how?). Scarlett Johansson was the PERFECT cast for this role. She has an incredible voice and personality  that you can't help but be both physically and emotionally attracted to...even if she's just a voice. That very fact is what keeps this movie grounded and relatable and is something that no one really talks about (ie. award shows can suck an operating system dick). I recommend this movie to everyone, it's really an excellent film for (almost) all audiences - as long as you have a soul. Leometer: 95/100.

Mud

Tali: Mud is a Southern drama about two young boys who befriend a fugitive in an attempt to connect him with his lost lover and regain his freedom. I had heard (from Leo) that this was THE BEST movie of all time (or something to that effect) and finally got around to watching it. And while I was certainly impressed by Matthew McConaughey not being cast in his typical 'dude' roles, there was something about this movie that just made me feel... meh. The pacing was slow (even for me), and I just felt no sense of urgency or a connection to the characters in the way that others had. Mud certainly is an anti-hero, but I didn't feel that the story was exciting or intriguing enough to make the film as a whole likeable. 65/100.

Leo: This movie was like a more conventional version of Beast of the Southern Wild. It had the sense of wonder but the story was more plot oriented and the twists were very good. The theme of the movie was showcasing how "love" progressed, disappeared, and returned to each character. It had its moments, too, when it was funny. I see how Tali would dislike this move a bit - it portrays all of the women as, well, not the nicest individuals, though I think that those roles are realistic in this film. The kid actors were incredible, the main character is going to be a big deal within the next decade, calling it right now. It wasn't the "best" movie I have seen, but definitely in the top 5 I've seen this year. Leometer: 88/100.