Interstellar

Tali: I don't know if I can sum this up in one sentence like I normally do, but here we go: Interstellar is, in essence, about how space travel is just as mind expanding, powerful and important as deep, eternal love (there, I said it). What can I say? This fim was JAM PACKED - from start to finish I barely exhaled. A truly thrilling and exhillerating ride, Interstellar tells many stories and has many different philosophies and and ideas. Though it certainly has its faults, Interstellar is a movie that is hard to forget. With all that being said, there is just something about it that it misses, and for that reason (and without giving you any spoilers), I can sense that it won't be a huge award season contender. 85/100.

Leo: After finally getting out to see this movie, all I can say is that I'm glad. Christopher Nolan has this way with movies that he almost always makes you think in a spectacularly entertaining way. This movie had so many, almost too many, interesting-but-dangerous topics to delve into. The one obviously crazy topic is the science. I appreciate that Nolan did the best he could to make it plausible and when he couldn't make it plausible, he at least made it cool. I also thought it was smart of him to sort of "glaze over" those details of the science that made you suspend disbelief (no spoilers required - you know what I'm talking about). There was no dwelling on those scenes. The real science on the other hand is really cool. If you're unfamiliar with dimensions and shit, here's a cool video on imagining 10 dimensions (no spoilers or anything to the film). The time-relativity and age-gaps are always going to make heart wrenching scenes between family and friends who aged differently due to space. I will say, I do understand how some people would not totally love this movie because it's intellectual reach is immensely high and it sort of cops out before it gets there. That being said, if you're interested in the science, that thought probably won't even be on your mind. Not quite as good as Inception, but still one of Nolan's great movies. Leometer: 87/100.

P.S. I stopped reading that list of faults at #1 since it implies the only way to have beer is with wheat. What kind of sad life does the person who wrote that list live if they've only heard of wheat beer??
P.S.S. I lied, #20 is legit.

Birdman

Tali: Birdman tells the story of Riggan Thomson, a washed up Hollywood actor who tries to reinvent himself as a serious Broadway artist. Though the film is about 'fame' and 'reinvention/reincarnation', there is something much more universal at stake here. In addition to being an incredible feat of cinematography genius, Birdman somehow manages to be a movie about the peoples deepest insecurities and fears. There is something about this movie that just makes you say YES, even though I can't quite put my finger on it. Emma Stone and even Edward Norton are great in this. An overall delight to watch and definately a contender at this upcoming awards season. 89/100

Leo: This was one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. I knew I was going to like it when the first line of the movie had the word "balls" in it (spoiler alert?). The stylistic direction of Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu (yea I googled how to spell that) acted as a canvas for Michael Keaton as the brush. Keaton showed his ability to become one of many characters, such as a superhero, struggling manager, actor, and depressed father / husband. However, when considering his experience as an actor so far, it's not so surprising that he was able to pull it off so well. Maybe he was going through a struggle represented by this movie as wanting to shake the image of Batman? Probably not, but whatever.  When actors act as actors in a film, there may be certain imperfections required and that was definitely shown in this movie by Keaton as well Ed Norton. And spoiler alert, but Keaton does whip out his Batman voice and I appreciated that. Emma Stone played a convincing character that was definitely far-removed from her comfort zone of "generic likeable girl" to somewhat of a fuck-up. I am definitely rooting for this movie so far, and at the very least Michael Keaton deserves some recognition for it. Leometer: 96/100.

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.