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.

The Book of Life

Tali: The Book of Life tells the story of a Mexican town, its quirky and loveable inhabitants, and the Mexican folklore and spirits who keep everything moving. I was hesitant to see this movie at first--I don't even really know why--but I'm glad I did. The team behind this movie is so incredible passionate about not just filmmaking, but also Mexican culture and history; even though there were moments of mainstream sensibilities in it (such as the use of pop songs), it still stay true to its roots. And, aside from that, it was just a cute kids movie, with little piggies and funny little quips and great one-liners. Monolo forever! 81/100.

Leo: Guillermo del Toro is one of my all time favourite directors, so this movie was instantly on my radar. He is known for his weird (like, very very weird) stylized characters and fantastical creatures, without slacking on the plot. This movie did not disappoint. While the story was fairly simple in relation to his other movies, it was after all, a kids movie. There were enough one-liners and "intentionally" cheesy moments that gave enough to laugh about and the characters were archetypes but usually with a twist. All in all, if you're a fan of Mexican culture and music and want it to be delivered in an action-packed visually spectacular way, you should see this movie. JOAQIIIIIIN! Leometer: 85/100.

The Hundred-Foot Journey

Tali: The Hundred-Foot Journey tells the story of two competing restaurants - one French classic, the other classic Indian - with a love story sub-plot. Leo and I went to see this with his family--we had never anticipated seeing a film that appeared so bland, despite the potential for some seriously good visuals. In fact, the film can be best summed up by The Wrap's Alonso Duralde: “The Hundred-Foot Journey” is a surprisingly bland slumgullion of food porn and emotional manipulation, filtered through the middlebrow sensibilities.. [...] It delivers the kind of sentimental sledgehammering I found myself willing to forgive — the presence of Helen Mirren goes a long way in that regard — but once the story goes off on a pointless tangent, the whole soufflé collapses. So, if you're not taking your 80 year old baba, stay at home. 50/100.

Leo: I immediately compared this movie to Chef and in that regard it severely lacked the necessary spice (or insert any other cooking pun) to keep it entertaining enough or to get me invested in the characters. The food looked good, but it wasn't focused on the food or what went into the preparation of the food or even what went into the training before the preparation of the food. While cheese was often lacking in the cooking, it was emphasized in the dialogue. That being said, Helen Mirren is always great and the father was also a well-developed and interesting character. It was definitely a feel-good movie and made you want to follow your dreams, and possibly eat some pigeon. Leometer: 55/100.

PS - It's our 100th entry! Woohoo!

Gone Girl

Tali: Gone Girl is a psychodrama based off of the novel of the same name, which looks at the disappearance of Ben Affleck's (Nick Dunne's) wife Amy. This film was totally not at all what I was expecting. I don't want to give away the punchline for you, but let's just say I spent a good chunk of the movie with my jaw dropped to the floor. Leo and I just looked at each other completely stunned at the end, unable to speak. Rosamund Pike has stepped up her game since An Education and The World's End, and her performance as Amy gave me chills for days. If you're looking for a deeper analysis (that comes with some spoilers), there have been some pretty good critiques so far, that I will only discuss with you if you have seen the film. All in all, 90/100.

Leo: When I walked into Gone Girl, I thought I could say with some certainty what was going to happen. Just basing the plot off of the ads, it was bound to be a story of "whodunnit" but this was far more complex. Ben Affleck and his shlong were quite well-placed in the movie. He plays the sometimes smart/sometimes a blithering idiot husband with perfection, and I actually mean this in a nice way. His star power did not overshadow the movies plot or the performance of Rosamund Pike. Speaking of Rosamund Pike, well, her performance made it hard to speak at all. She was absolutely perfect. I had no idea she had that talent in her and hopefully we see much more of those sometimes psychopathic/sometimes lovable and smart aspects she brought out so well. As for critiques, I think Fincher should shrugg them off. The main topics and narratives of the movie stood out for me - and it seems it would be really hard to ignore them. That being said, this is not a great date movie (I'm scared). Leometer 89/100.