Best Movies of 2015 : Part I

Best Pictures of 2015

Straight Outta Compton

I got something to say... Straight Outta Compton was a triumph.

Mad Max: Fury Road

Mad Max felt like an independent blockbuster. It was the best ride I took this entire year. This film was spectacular.

Inside Out

Pixar outdid themselves with this heartwarming instant classic.

Spotlight On

Tangerine

Gritty with career making performances. 

Clouds of Sils Maria

I just adore European films. They're understated and allow their actors to shine in them.  The scenery in this film was breathtaking. 

Three Flicks to Rent

1. Edge of Tomorrow

A hilarious sci-fi adventure that will leave you on the edge of your seat. It really should be renamed the Edge of Awesome.
2. Obvious Child

A sweet, honest and daring romantic comedy. Jenny Slate is a revelation.

3. Snowpiercer

Absolutely brilliant. It's a thrilling and bittersweet adventure. The whole film is a fantastic metaphor about humanity. 

Speed Ratings

I thought it would be a cute idea to give lightning fast film reviews. It is kind of like speed dating version film critiquing. I have seen a few movies over the past month.

22 Jump Street
Not as funny as the original. The movie is saved by the excellent facial expressions of Ice Cube and the chemistry between Tatum and Hill. Verdict: Skip This

Maleficent
Visually stunning. Angelina Jolie is a force of nature as the titled character. It was a refreshing and darker take on a classic tale. Verdict: Must See

X-Men: Days of Future Past
I had high expectations and this film delivered. It was everything a summer blockbuster should be-funny, smart and action packed. The best film of the summer so far. Verdict: Must See

Neighbors
Funny and smart. Verdict: Must see

Belle

 Powerful and beautiful. One of the best movies of the year. Verdict: Must see

The Way Way Back
Heartwarming. Absolutely brilliant. Verdict: Rent this

April at the Movies

Rent This: Captain Phillips

Heart-stopping thriller filled with powerful performances. How Tom Hanks did not get nominated for Oscar is beyond me. Barkhad Abdi gives a mesmerizing performance. This film was outstanding.

Skip This: Man of Steel

One hot-ass mess.

Catch This: The Grand Budapest Hotel

A delightful masterpiece

Catch This: Captain America: The Winter Solider

A smart, funny, action- packed thrill ride. 

Weekend

Starring: Chris New and Tom Cullen
Written and Directed by: Andrew Haigh
Rating: 5/5 Unicorns

What was suppose to be only a drunken one-night stand evolves into something more, something new and completely unexpected.  Weekend is the enchanting second feature by Andrew Haigh that follows two men fall slowly for one another over the course of a weekend.

When it comes to love stories, I am always a skeptic. The majority of love stories always follow the same formula. Boy- meets- girl, boy- loses- girl and then boy- gets- girl back. Boring!!! They are extremely predictable and the script is full of cheesy lines. I am always groaning and having a gag reflex. What I loved about Weekend was the authenticity of the film. It was extremely honest and intimate. Throughout the film I felt like I was a fly on the wall, a true intruder. I really loved the direction choices that Andrew Haigh made.There were several shots that are done through a mirror, as if you were watching the characters in the mirror. Those shots were my favorite because I felt like a nosy bystander. Then there were shots that followed the actors as if you were someone walking right behind them. It was just beautifully filmed. Weekend was also one of the best written films I have ever seen. I would give anything to read the actual script. There was a naturalness to the dialogue as if the film was completely improvised.

Another key to the magic of Weekend are the two leads, Tom Cullen and Chris New. Their chemistry was out of this world. You really believed that they were falling for each other. Their individual performances was nothing short of breathtaking. Tom Cullen was mesmerizing as Russell.You could not keep your eyes off him which is a true testament to Tom's talent. Russell is a bit of a wallflower who is little uncomfortable in his own skin. He is unassuming, bit removed from his surroundings but you have a sense that is looking for a place to call a home. When you learn about his back-story, you really appreciate the acting choices Tom makes. He was just brilliant as Russell, one of my favorite acting performances of all time. I loved Chris's portrayal of the confident and opinionated Glen. Underneath all of that assertiveness you have inkling that Glen desperately wants to be liked but has closed himself emotionally. It was comical watching Glen's walls breaking down because he was trying so hard to play it cool. I loved how both characters were complicated and flawed. What I loved most was how they each were the missing links of themselves. This movie was just flawless.

I wouldn't call Weekend a gay movie. Obviously, the two characters are gay men but just labeling Weekend as a gay movie it feels like you are writing it off. It is an incredibly acted film with an impeccable script. This movie restores my faith in the romantic film genre. It is possible for a film to be romantic, funny, heart-warming and refreshing. In little under two hours, Weekend entered my heart and became my favorite movie of all time. This is a remarkable feat considering I am a bit of a cynic.

Cheat Sheet: September Edition

Rent This: Now You See Me

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Melanie Laurent, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine
Directed by: Louis Leterrier
Written by: Ed Solomon, Boaz Yakin and Edward Ricourt
Rating: 4/5 Unicorns

Now You See Me was probably one of the most original films that came out over the summer. It was a fun, sexy and clever action flick. It will keep you guessing every step of the way.

Rent This: World War Z

Starring: Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos and Daniella Kertesz
Directed by: Marc Forster
Written by: Matthew Michael Carnahan, Drew Goddard and Damon Lindelof
Rating: 4.5/5 Unicorns

World War Z is a heart- stopping thrill ride. You will be on the edge of your seat from start to finish. I absolutely loved watching this smart zombie film. If there is ever a zombie Apocalypse, I hope it is not anything like this because I would not last five seconds in that world.

Catch This: Prisoners

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard, Melissa Leo and Paul Dano
Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
Written by: Aaron Guzikowski
Rating: 4.5/5 Unicorns

Prisoners follows the story of two families desperate plight to find their missing daughters. This film is a riveting thriller packed with astounding performances. You will have to watch it twice just to get the facts straight. Prisoners is the first great film of the fall, do yourself a favor and check it out. 

In Case of a Raining Day

I don't know about your heck of the woods but over here in the Garden State it was raining cats and dogs. It got me thinking, what a perfect day to watch a movie. If you ever get stuck in a rain storm I have some picks to get you through them.
1. The Intouchables

I loved this movie. It was funny and extremely heartfelt. Make sure to bring you tissues, you eyes will well up by the end.

2. The House I Live In

I admit that this is not light film for a raining day but you will not find a more educational documentary than this. A must see but you will be pissed.

3. The Conjuring

If you a brave enough to face the elements, check out this film at your local cinemas. One of the best films that came out this year. One of the best horror films to come out in a long time. I was scared sh**less.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Cheat Sheet

If you love my top three picks post then you are in for a treat. Here is my first cheat sheet. A list of films to catch at your local cinemas and films to rent from home. Let me know of any films that are worthy of the cheat sheet.
Rent This:

• The Impossible

This movie is a cinematic feat. I was crying within ten minutes of watching the film. Naomi Watts was incredible in this film, her performance was criminally overlooked during award season. She should have picked up at least one award for her memorizing performance. who played her son gave a spectacular performance. What a wonderful film. Just remember to keep your Kleenexes handy.

• Wreck-It Ralph

One of the most original computer animated films I have ever seen. This movie made me feel warm and fuzzy. 

• Seven Psychopaths

I just loved this movie. The dialogue was sharp and the characters were fascinating. It will definitely become a cult hit.

Watch this:

• Iron Man 3

The perfect conclusion to a great trilogy. It's a rollicking good time. We have a great villain, which always makes a great action flick.  Robert Downey Jr is the perfect Tony Stark. We get to see more layers of Iron Man and its fantastic. One of the highlights for me was Pepper Potts. Now that is one kick-ass chick.

• 42

This movie is an emotional roller-coaster.  There will be moments that make you hate humanity but most of time you feel incredible about the strength of this man. You will laugh and you will cry. Hands down the best sports movie since Remember the Titans. 

My Top Three Picks

Rent This: Skyfall

Skyfall was the highest grossing Bond film ever and after watching it over the weekend I understand why. Another smart action film with a lot of heart. Javier Bardem was a fantastic villain and Daniel Craig is one bad-ass Bond. I thoroughly enjoyed how kick-ass Naomie Harris and Dame Judi Dench were.  

Rent This: End of Watch

End of Watch is shot in a documentary style and it takes a few minutes to get adjusted to that. That said End of Watch was one of the best films that came out last year. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena give arguably one of the best performances of their careers. I just loved their bromance and people should be lucky to have a friendship like that. It is a tear-jerking so make sure to keep tissues handy.

Catch This: Warm Bodies

If Warm Bodies is still playing at your local cinema, make sure to check it out. Probably one of the most original romantic comedies I have ever seen. It was hilarious and had a few scares.

My Picks of the Week

This past week I have had the privilege of seeing two great movies. One was a feel good comedy and the other was a cinematic masterpiece. My picks of the week are Pitch Perfect and A Separation.


Pitch Perfect

Starring: Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Rebel Wilson, Alexis Knapp, Ester Dean and Hana Mae Lee

Director: Jason Moore

Writers: Kay Cannon

Ratings: 4/5 Unicorns

Beca(Anna Kendrick) is an aspiring DJ  who joins the Barden Bellas- the collegiate all-girls acapella group. They are training to beat the reigning champions Treble Makers in the national acapella contest. The Bellas are consisted of some interesting characters. Lily( Hana Mae Lee) and Fat Amy( Rebel Wilson) will have you in hysterics. My love for Rebel Wilson knows no bounds. I have been a fan of hers ever since her scene stealing performance in Bridesmaids. After this movie, you will be hearing a lot more about Rebel. I found Pitch Perfect to be refreshing and hilarious.  The acapella routines left me giddy with joy especially the Treble Makers. The reason I did not give this film a perfect score was because of the character Cynthia Rose (Ester Dean). Since when has homophobia been a punch line? I just wished that they had made her character fully rounded. I thought Ester Dean did give a stellar performance. Aside from this mishap this film is one rocking good time. 

A Separation

Starring: Peyman Moadi, Leila Hatami, Sareh Bayat and Sarina Farhadi

Written and Directed by: Asghar Farhadi

Ratings: 5/5 Unicorns

I am not exaggerating when I state that A Separation is a cinematic masterpiece. Hands down the best film that came out last year and one of the best films of the 21st century. Throughout the film I just wanted to know the truth. I was completely breathless. The acting in this film was top notch. No wonder this film took the Best Foreign Film at this years Oscars. Outstanding! This is a movie that is a must see. 

3 in 1: Top Three Picks

1. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

I absolutely adored the first installment in the Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes series. I was not too sure what to expect in the sequel. The verdict is in and A Game of Shadows is a hit. There was a lot of subtext in the first film, this film was full on text and I was in heaven. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law deliver in this hilarious thrill ride. You really have to have incredible chemistry to portray a love/hate relationship to perfection. Their interactions will leave you in stiches. The film is worth watching to see Holmes arguing about the unnaturalness of riding a horse. He opts for a pony instead. It is a ridiculous scenario but still believable at the same time. Noomi Rapace is a fantastic addition to the franchise.  Overall this sequel is a must see.
2. Warrior

I really thought that I had written about Warrior before but I came to the sad realization that is not the case. Warrior is one of those gems that runs away with your heart. Warrior is set against the backdrop of the violent mixed martial arts combat competition. This film follows two estranged brothers preparation for the competition. Nick Nolte may have been nominated for an an Academy Award but Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton give outstanding performances. You find yourself rooting for these two completely different characters. You want them to make it to the end but you know only one will win the championship. What an emotional roller coaster, not on the masochistic level as War Horse but  so heart wrenching.

3. Billy Elliot

Love is not a strong enough word to describe how I feel about Billy Elliot. What a beautiful masterpiece. Hands down one of the best films ever made. Until this day I get misty-eyed watching the final scene. Some people may dream about their sons being a Football player, I dream about having my own Billy Elliot.  I dream of crying as my son does a perfect pirouette. I was fortunate to watch the Australian  play production of Billy Elliot. It only added to my love for the film, that it was able to translate beautifully onto stage. If you have yet to watch Billy Elliot, make sure that you do. If you have watched it before, there is no harm in watching it again.

War Horse

Starring: Jeremy Irvine, Peter Mullan, Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Tom Hiddleston, Benedict Cumberbatch, David Kross, Niels Arestrup
Director: Steven Spielberg
Written by: Lee Hall and Richard Curtis
Rating: 5/5 Unicorns



War Horse is based on the children novel by Michael Morpurgo which was later adapted successfully to stage. War Horse is set during the First World War I and begins with the beautiful friendship between a horse named Joey and Albert Narracot( Jeremy Irvine), the young boy who raises and trains Joey. When Albert's Father(Peter Mullan) sells Joey to the British Calvary in order to maintain their farm, the film follows the remarkable journey of Joey and all those whom come in contact with him during the war. 


War Horse was one of the films that came out last year that I really wanted to see. It was a film that I knew would not be good for me to watch around people. I once made the mistake of watching Tsotsi on the airplane, I do apologize to the people around me. I am sure I sounded like a drowning cat trying to muffle my cries. From the trailers of War Horse I was already getting misty eyed, so I knew this was no film to watch at the cinema. I am going to breakdown the emotions that come with watching War Horse. Once the movie begins  you will find yourself  in love with Joey and the relationship he establishes with Albert. When it was time for Joey to ploy the land, my cheeks were stained. By the quarter mark of the film you will be crying under a table with a bottle of wine. By the middle of the film, full on sobbing in shower mode. By the time the movie ends, you will find yourself crawled up in fetal position not being able to cope with all the emotions you are feeling. It was an emotional marathon trying to get through War Horse. I am not trying to discourage you from seeing War Horse, it was one of the most breathtaking films I have seen in recent memory. The cinematography in War Horse was spellbinding and the art direction was spectacular. The score was enchanting and acting was superb. This film had classic Spielberg feel which I absolutely adored.

A good bonus about War Horse is the wonderful Tom Hiddleston, who is absolutely lovely as Captain Nicholls. I think I actually clapped when he came on screen. Am I turning into a fangirl? I think he already has too many of them without me putting myself onto the list. Captain Nicholls is the man the Narracots sell Joey to. He promises to take special care of him. I won't delve much more because one of his last scenes had me crying under a table with a bottle of wine. Benedict Cumberbatch played the Major Jamie Stewart in the same division as Captain Nicholls. It was out of the world seeing them as screen partners. The great thing  about Major Jamie Stewart is that he had a horse named Topthorn who becomes Joey's big brother. I will not talk much more about Topthorn because when I do I find myself crawling on the floor. My final verdict on War Horse is a film not to be missed. Just remember to bring a box of tissues with you. You have to be emotionally prepared to handle the beast of emotions that come flying out you.

Rent or Skip

Rent This: Another Earth

I cannot stress how beautiful this film was. It is not exciting or thrilling but a heartbreaking tale about healing after a tragedy against the backdrop of the recent discovery of another planet the exact replica of Earth. 

Rent This: We Need to Talk About Kevin

This film displays the nature vs. nurture debate brilliantly. Are monsters created or are they born? Tilda Swinton is fabulous in this uneasy drama. 

Rent This: Red State

Terrifying, hilarious and  unexpected. Definitely not a film for those who are easily offended.   

Skip This: Snow White and the Huntsman

I was really looking forward to watching this movie ever since I first saw the trailer. Unfortunately it did not live up to my expectations. It is not terrible but it is not epic either, it's just okay. Charlize Theron was amazing in this film. Kristen Stewart really did hold her own and was believable as the re-imagined Snow White. Chris Hemsworth was fantastic as usual. I suggest you catch it when it is available for rental.