The Darjeeling Limited

Tali: The Darjeeling Limited centres around three brothers who travel through India in search of their often-disappearing mother a year after their fathers death. The Darjeeling Limited is perhaps one of Wes Anderson's most Wes-Andersony movies. The music, the cinematography, the regular cast and familiar scenes of fucked up yet incredible intimate families all all here. However, none of these things feel repetitive or forced - everything fits exactly into its place and everything feels just so right and natural. Jason Schwartz, Owen Wilson and Adrien Brody all work incredibly well together. A wonderful film--including the introductory short film, Hotel Chevalier. 88/100

Leo: This was a classic Wes Anderon movie. I do feel like I wouldn't get it if I hadn't seen most of his movies already, but fortunately I did, and I enjoyed it very much. It has all of the usual Wes Anderson stuff, the zooms and panning as well as the methodological movements and dialogue. The actors were great, and had lots of clever little tidbits that made their stories interesting. It was a well-done enjoyable, clever-funny movie that we come to expect from Wes Anderson, and definitely a worthwhile watch. Leometer: 80/100.

The Godfather

Tali: The Godfather, the American gangster-crime drama that catapulted Francis Ford Coppola's career, is a movie that Leo had been bugging me to watch for a long time. I think everyone on the planet had seen it before I finally did. And what can I say - the movie is so much more than a typical shoot-em-up movie wrought with ethnic stereotypes. The story of family, of power and resilience, sets this film apart and puts it at the top of the heap. The Godfather is considered to be one of the greatest films in the history of motion pictures. I don't know if I would go that far--but, I would certainly say that it was very, very good. However, maybe it was the fact that we watched it so late in the evening, or maybe I remember it more fondly than when I was watching it, but I also felt that I didn't quite get the appeal (which resonates with me now all of this time later). 75/100

Leo: I first saw this movie when I was around the age of 10. It has been one of my favourites ever since. Everything is so subtly done except the things that aren't - namely the deaths. Everything is just so mind blowing, the plot twists, the dialogue, its just so carefully sculpted into one of the best movies (if not the best) of all time. The acting makes this movie what it is. The plot and of are certainly of the highest quality, but Al Pacino and co. make this movie nuts. The transformation from an army-type to becoming a mob-boss was carefully portrayed. The iconic Godfather voice is referenced in so many things and I fear if I don't give this the highest Leometer I have ever given, it would be "disrespecting the family". Leometer: 98/100.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Tali: Captain America TWS is the second installment of the Captain America series in the Marvel Universe. Taking place in sequence with the other character movies (in the aftermath of the Avengers film), Cap/Steve Rogers (hubba hubba) is trying to find his place in the modern world--when something goes wrong with S.H.I.E.L.D. and all bets are completely off. I can honestly say that I have never been more blind-sided by a film (and I won't be spoiling it for you here), and it left me absolutely speechless in the best way possible. Coupled with the tie-in of the Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. TV series, this is perhaps the most unbelievable and exciting Marvel movie yet. Leo and I haven't stopped talking about it even a week later! 90/100.

Leo: Marvel constantly breaks down any ceilings put in place for the "superhero" genre and it's really exciting to be part of the "age of the super hero movie" when they turn out like this. This movie not only blows your mind with plot twists that make your head want to explode, but it has incredible action sequences and great performances by the supporting cast (Samuel L. and Scarlett Johansson ("hubba hubba")). The movie was not only good in its own right but it created one of the most craziest weeks in terms of TV/Movie I have ever seen and it is still not over. The sky is the limit and I just cannot wait for the next movies to build on this. Marvel is selling a story to me and I am completely invested in it. 95/100.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Tali: The Grand Budapest Hotel is the latest Wes Anderson flick, featuring some old casting favorites and some brilliant new choices. The story follows a hotel concierge and his lobby boy, as they try to plan a brilliant escape and redemption for the concierge (who is falsely accused of murder). This is perhaps Anderson's darkest, or most adult film, but don't let that deter you in any way. It is just as visually stunning, excruciatingly, meticulously detailed and incredibly enjoyable as all of his other films - and than some. Every character is likeable, the one-liners are memorable. One of the best films in a long time. 90/100.

Leo: In an interview, Saoirse Ronan (plays Agatha in the movie) said "It was amazing. It was literally like stepping into a world that you know can only be created by one man". And that really expresses what it's like to watch all of Wes Anderson's movies. I would say this movie is a Wes Anderson movie for Wes Anderson fans. Some people will not get it (those poor fools), but if you do, you will love it. I would actually say this story itself was more interesting than his other movies because there was a bit of a nostalgic element and incredible cast (usual cast plus all stars like Ralph Fiennes). It was also a bit more graphic than usual which is always exciting. 93/100.

Frozen

Tali: We were a little late to the Frozen party - nearly everyone we spoke to had already seen this latest Disney flick about two sisters, loosely based off The Snow Queen. I definitely enjoyed this film. It has a pretty simple premise and the hero and complicated characters are both girls, which is a rarity in Disney movies so that was refreshing to see. While this movie is certainly charming, it has almost entirely been reduced to John Travolta's notorious fuck-up and it's title song (which is simply too annoying for words). Looking back on this film (we watched it weeks ago), it was certainly good but no where near as amazing and memorable as lots of other people think it was. Brave was better. 70/100.

Leo: Frozen was a typical Disney movie in that it had a very clear plot for all ages to understand and appreciate. It was filled with lots of Disney magic and was a spectacle to watch. While I generally prefer all Dreamworks movies to (recent) Disney movies, this movie definitely stuck to its strengths, which is the musical element. In addition, there was a very positive part of this movie that could often be overlooked because the end result is the same, but I thought it was very important when Kristoff is running to save Anna, and Anna decides to save Elsa. The concept of not being saved by a love interest (specifically a dude) is very new for Disney and hopefully more things change in this regard so that we are not watching the same movies over and over again. With this theme, obviously the movie is going to be compared to Brave. I think both movies definitely stuck to their guns, Brave had a stronger story with more laughs (ie. the brothers) but as much as I hate it for being stuck in my head for over two weeks, "Let it go" is basically an instant classic Disney song and elevated the movie to a higher ground. Leometer: 82/100.