Avengers: Age of Ultron

Tali: Age of  Ultron is the much-anticipated sequel to the first Avengers movie and the next chapter of Marvel lore. The plot is simply too big to describe (maybe Leo can take a stab at it), but it includes a million characters, several subplots and a ton of jokes and puns. I enjoyed this darker, more adult follow up to the first film, and I'm always anxious to explore that these folks look like/do without S.H.I.E.L.D. My biggest criticm (*spoiler*) stems from what appears to be the most forced love subplot in recent memory, and a particular piece of language that makes even the most badass female characters a hot mess (I'd love to discuss more but I don't want to take up too much space--come at me, bro!). Despite that criticism, I am excited for the series of sequels and new characters and films that are already in the works (still holding my breath for a stand-alone Black Widow movie, though). 87/100.

Leo: This is the exactly the movie I was expecting and exited for, meaning I was very happy with it but it didn't have the same mind-blowing awesomeness as the first one (because of the novelty, most likely) even if the actual action sequences were better. The darker nature of the movie showed how dynamic Joss Whedon and the cast, because it still retained a bit of the light-hearted funny parts. Furthermore, it simply adds to the ever-expanding Marvel universe. It's one of those movies you need to see as a fan, or need to see as someone who wants to get the full experience of the marvel universe. My only criticism is that Scarlett Johansson didn't actually "sing" the lullaby because she has a great voice :). Leometer: 89/100.

Big Hero 6

Tali: I was very hesitant to see Big Hero 6 - it won Best Animated Feature at the Oscars this year, but something about it just didn't appeal me (though obviously I caved). Big Hero 6 tells the story of a young boy and his unlikely partner in crime - a large marshmallow robot caregiver named Baymax. While Baymax was totally cute and endearing, the film was very choppy and didn't have the same kind of cohesion as some other recent animated films (such as How to Train Your Dragon, which draws the most obvious parallel). Definately enjoyable to watch (mostly because of how big and loveable Baymax is), but I wouldn't consider it a must-see (unless you really love cartoons). 83/100.

Leo: Despite my saltiness from the Oscars, I did love this movie. The animation was well-done and it was very much a spectacle. While I'd say the two main characters, especially Baymax, were comparable to Hiccup and Toothless (from How to Train Your Dragon) in terms of the hilarity, adorableness, and inspiring story arcs, I do not think the rest of the movie was at that level. The world in which HTTYD creates even from just the first movie was far more established. There was context and it made the movie feel more complete. Furthermore, the supporting characters in this movie were pretty lackluster compared to every character in HTTYD. Overall, awesome movie and I hope there is a sequel that gives more of a complete view of the world. Leometer: 88/100.

Citizenfour

Tali: Citizenfour is the documentary which tells the absolutely mind-blowing story of Edward Snowden, the whistleblower who blew the lid off the NSA. While I was fairly familiar with Snowden's story, the film still drew me in and surprised me even further. The documentary is subtle, yet packs a powerful punch. A must-watch for many reasons: a) Citizenfour won Best Documentary Feature at the Oscars; b) the NSA revellations and WikiLeaks are two of the biggest and most important things to have happened in the last 5 years; c) Glen Greenwald's entrancing use of the Portuguese language. 87/100.

Leo: I'm not a huge fan of documentaries, but this one is a must-see. Edward Snowden is a very controversial character and the movie paints and while I mostly found myself agreeing with all of his thoughts, I'm not sure the method was the best. Either way, he is a controversial hero of the generation and this Documentary tells his story in a almost political-thriller kind of way. Leometer: 85/100.

Kingsman: The Secret Service

Tali: Kingsman tells the story of Eggsy (for real), a thug who--thanks to the always polite and handsome Colin Firth--gets invited to try out for the most exclusive spy club in the world. This film surprised me a lot: it had a good, reliable British sense of humour, Samuel L. Jackson as a lisping villain, and just the right amount of action and blood. It also gave us one of the cutest scenes to ever happen in an action movie! All in all a good date night movie. I do have to say though, the ending frame of this film totally made it end on a sour note. 82/100.

Leo: This was exactly what I needed after the Oscar season. I have been a big Matthew Vaughn fan for a while, and anything with Samuel L. and Colin Firth is a recipe for success. It was funny, bloody good action (pun intended cuz bloody is literal too). I felt like I just watched what would happen if Tarantino directed a James Bond film. Sure, they could have limited the violence and nudity and not offended people (cough Tali cough), but you know what, "it ain't that kind of movie, bruv".  Leometer: 89/100.

Oscars 2015 In Review/Summary

Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role - J.K. Simmons
Picks: Leo - J.K. Simmons. Tali - Edward Norton.

Leo: This didn't surprise me too much because of the range he showed in the movie. I do think there were better more genuine actors in the category, but award season was most definitely on his tempo.
Tali: I wonder what was Norton's excuse... WAS HE RUSHING OR DRAGGING?!?!?