The Descendants

Matt King (George Clooney) is a father of two difficult children who live on the islands of Hawaii. The youngest, Scottie(Amara Miller) is 10 year old with a bad attitude. The oldest, Alex (Shailene Woodley) is a defiant 17 year old who constantly parties and refuses to follow the rules. Matt has a hard time connecting with his kids and has always left the parenting  to his wife, Elizabeth. This all changes when Elizabeth gets into an accident and falls into a coma. After much time in the hospital, Matt is informed that Elizabeth will never wakeup. When Matt tells Alex, she reveals that her mother was having an affair with another man. Matt's first reaction is to find the man and seek revenge. The film ultimately captures the difficulties of dealing with family issues and death.

The Descendants is raw, real, and heart breaking. George Clooney's performance was extremely interesting. He was able to really depict what a father would go through if put in this complex situation. He is angry, sad, vengeful, and confused all at the same time. He makes the character likeable and particularly relatable. The girls do a fabulous job as well. Woodley and Miller's reaction to their mother's death is devastating. An audience of all ages is capable of  feeling the hardship that each character has to face throughout this film. The movie also incorporates the environment and culture of Hawaii in a creative way. We see incredible shots of Hawaiian land and we realize that Hawaii isn't just a vacation spot. The soundtrack also reflects the culture of Hawaiian people. Ultimately, the experience is very enlightening. The Descendants is an academy award winner because each performance is real. I would highly recommend this film to anyone seeking a movie that is heartfelt and genuine.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire was one of the best action movies I've seen in a very long time. I really didn't like the first Hunger Games movie. I felt like the script and the acting was incredibly dry. Overall I thought the film failed to capture the captivating story of the Hunger Games in general. Naturally, I thought the second movie would be just as bad. I decided to give it try anyway because it got great reviews and had a different director. I was blown away. Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen) was fabulous. I was specifically disappointed with her performance in the first movie. She made an amazing comeback.  Josh Hutcherson (Peeta Mellark) also made a great comeback. I had trouble connecting with his character throughout the first movie; however, in Catching Fire I could really relate to him because he had a strong display of emotions. I actually didn't read any of the Hunger Games books but I could still follow the movie very well. Since I had no idea what was going to happen it made the film even more exciting. 

I'm not going to give a long synopsis like usual for anyone who hasn't read the books. Going into the theater without knowing  a lot of background information makes the movie extremely fun to watch.  A quick summary is that Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are being tracked by the government after they won the first Hunger Games. Katniss Everdeen has become the ultimate target because of her rebellious actions.  The battle for survival by the people of earth has become overwhelming and everyone is seeking a solution. This movie is a must see of 2013. The cinematography is breathtaking, the acting is Oscar worthy, and the film is relatable.

Django Unchained

Django Unchained takes place two years before the Civil War in the South. This film is about a slave, Django (Jamie Foxx), who is given the opportunity to acquire freedom. The movie begins with Django helplessly traveling with his brutal slave owner. As they walk through the cold woods the group runs into a bounty hunter, Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz), who is seeking Django's assistance. After Schultz helps Django escape, he makes a propostion. If Django helps him kill the dangerous Brittle Brothers, then Schultz will reward him with freedom. Django also asks Schultz to help him find his wife who he lost many years before. Schultz despises slavery and happily accepts Django's request. Although these men are skillful and intelligent, they face various challenges that are nearly impossible to overcome. Can they kill the Brittle Brothers? Do they find Django's wife? Can they defeat all the threatening slave owners who resent Schultz's behavior? Will this team make it out alive?

Django Unchained is an action packed American western film directed by Quentin Tarantino. The unforgettable acting, writing, and cinematography within this film is extremely entertaining to say the least. Christoph Waltz, Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel L. Jackson, and Kerry Washington play complex characters that bring the film to life. I was very impressed with every single main character's performance. Quentin Tarantino movies always have a unique premise to them. In Django, he successfully adds humor, gore, and drama into a movie about a slave's struggle. Viewers laugh, cry, and wince as the story of Django unfolds. The most impressive aspect of this film, besides the cinematography, is Christoph Waltz's performance. After I saw this film, I realized that he is, unquestionably, my favorite actor. His body language and tone throughout this production is flawless. His entire body and personality morphs into his character. It always seems like a completely effortless task for him. Waltz doesn't play a part, he is his part. 

Dallas Buyers Club

Last night I saw Dallas Buyers Club, an American biographical drama film. This movie takes place in Dallas, Texas when the HIV epidemic hits its peak. This true story is based off Ron Woodroof's (Matthew McConaughey) battle to overcome HIV. The film introduces Ron as a an out of control homophobic who is addicted to drugs, partying, and getting into trouble. Ron is diagnosed with HIV after he visits the hospital because of a minor injury at work. When the doctors predict he has merely 30 days to live, Ron begins to take the only FDA-approved drug (AZT) to treat his illness. Unfortunately, like most patients with HIV who took this drug, he almost dies because of its side effects.  Ron realizes that the only way he will survive is if he finds other remedies. He begins to smuggle anti-viral medications from all over the world in order to treat himself. Other AIDS patients begin to ask Ron for his effective drugs. In result, with the help of a fellow AIDS patient Rayon (Jared Leto), Ron forms the Dallas Buyers Club. Members pay money to receive an endless amount of helpful drugs. With many buyers clubs forming, the FDA and pharmaceutical companies quickly take action to stop the "illegal" drug flow. This creates another battle that Ron and his club members are forced to face.  

The acting in this film is absolutely incredible. Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto are truly versatile performers that will do anything in order to portray a character correctly. To play a believable AIDS patient, both actors lost an overwhelming amount of weight for each role. These actors appear to be extremely malnourished which adds to the reality of the film. In addition, Jared Leto's depiction of a transgender was finominal and Matthew McConaughey has never been better. I will not be surprised if McConaughey or Leto get nominated for an Oscar. 

Jared Leto

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Matthew McConaughey

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Frances HA

Frances Ha is a fabulous film directed by Noah Baumbach. This movie takes viewers on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Frances (Greta Gerwig)  is  as a vivacious, silly, and fun loving girl that quickly plummets into a deep depression. Frances is a struggling apprentice with a dance company in Brooklyn. Although her financial situation is awful, she finds solace in spending time with her roommate, Sophie (Mickey Summer). Their friendship seems to be unbreakable. They forget their problems when they're together which makes them a truly perfect pair. The movie hits a turning point when Sophie is offered an opportunity she can't refuse. This influences her to leave the apartment that bonded the two girls together. Frances immediately loses all hope and happiness without her best friend.  Her situation becomes worse as time passes. She is constantly forced to move to smaller apartments because the company does not promote her. In addition, she fails to find the right guy countless times. She is left alone with her thoughts and worries which is her ultimate internal conflict.  As she attempts to be a defined individual for the first time, Frances is tested in every aspect of her life.                                                                                                                              

    Frances Ha is extremely relatable to anyone who is going to a period of growth or change. We are all confused about who we are at one point in time. Frances is a perfect example of how to get back up when we hit rock bottom. The most significant part of this film is the fact that it is shot in black and white. There are many awkward, clever, and hilarious moments throughout the production. Although the film is silly and cute, the lack of color reminds the audience that Frances is not fully satisfied with life. This successfully portrays France's inner troubles and flaws. The film is creatively shot and I would recommend it to anyone who appreciates good cinematography. Frances Ha is a highly relatable, quirky film that is easy to fall in love with. 

Moonrise Kingdom

The film Moonrise Kingdom travels through the minds of several young children. As an adult, it's often difficult to truly understand a child's way of thinking. We call them immature and foolish when they handle their issues incorrectly. We tend to obstruct their paths when they don't want to follow the rules. Their complaints or personal problems are constantly viewed as nothing but overreactions. Yes, children are inexperienced. The young will always need guidance by the wise and security from their elders; however, we must recognize the strengths that only a pure child can encompass. Adults minds are frequently clouded by the wrongs of society. It is not difficult to find an adult who is scarred from a dark past. The past can provoke an individual to steal, lie, and commit crimes that seem almost impossible to the majority. A young child begins with a clean slate and an open mind. When analyzing their ways of thinking it is truly remarkable. Without a care in the world they are truly unstoppable. They are capable of feeling love and hate without influences. They act on impulse and feel invincible because they have less worries. The film Moonrise Kingdom follows a young boy and girl falling in love while dealing with the corrupt adults surrounding them.

The adults of the New England island called New Penzance are extremely flawed and have the power to destroy the young couple's growth. The boy Sam Shakusky (Jared Gilman) is an orphan who is passed from household to household. The girl Suzy Bishop (Kara Hayward) has an unfaithful mother and a father who is incapable of fixing the household issues. Each twelve year old feels unhappy with the life they were born into. Their solution to this madness is running away. Naturally, the community is flustered by the disappearance of the children. Sam's Khaki Scout troop dives into a fierce search and Suzy's parents frantically scan the island. To go further would give away the film. The complexity and symbolism that is shown throughout Moonrise Kingdom is absolutely incredible. We are forced to compare the logic of an adult and the logic of a child. We eventually find that we all tend to underestimate the young and should strive to live life without being influenced by others. This film will make you think and smile because it is funny, inventive, and quite brilliant.   

The Way, Way Back

Duncan is a shy, quiet, awkward 14-year-old boy who has yet to find his niche. When his mother Pam forces him to go on a family vacation with her controlling boyfriend Trent (Steve Carell), Duncan finds himself stuck. He has a hard time fitting in with the kids in the small Cape Cod town they travel to. In addition, Duncan is constantly harassed by Trent. He emotionally abuses him on a daily basis and his mother does nothing to stop him. Finally, on another lonely morning, Duncan discovers a bike and decides to go on a long ride. He eventually finds a water park and slyly enters through the staff gate. He runs into a familiar face, Owen, who invites him in and offers him a job at the Water Wizz water park. Owen treats Duncan like a son throughout the film.  Eventually Duncan becomes comfortable in his skin with the help of the Water Wizz staff. With his new found confidence, Duncan finally attacks the problems in his life. He confronts Trent's obnoxious menacing behavior despite the potential consequences. Duncan is reborn.  

The most surprising and intriguing aspect of this film is Steve Carell's performance. We know Carell from The Office, Anchorman, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Get Smart, Dinner for Schmucks, and many other productions. Carell is a master of comedy. He has perfected every comedic technique throughout his many career opportunities. In each film or show he has successfully brought viewers to tears of laughter without hesitation. Although Carell is known for his brilliance in comedy, his performance in The Way, Way Back is far from funny. He plays a controlling, intimidating, impolite, malevolent character who attempts to tear a family apart. This performance proves how incredibly diverse Carell's acting abilities are. I would recommend The Way, Way Back to anyone who enjoys Steve Carrell. Although this film is far from a traditional comedy, any fan would genuinely appreciate Carell's performance. An actor's talent is defined by how diverse he or she can be throughout a myriad of performances. Steve Carell is an example of a truly talented actor. 

50/50

What would you do if you had a 50% chance of surviving an illness? Would you change your way of living? Would you make impulsive decisions? Would you give up? Adam Learner (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a vigilant 27-year-old journalist that strains to live a clean lifestyle. He exercises often, avoids alcohol, and never smokes in order to be as healthy as possible. In addition, he refuses to drive a car because of the potential threat of getting into an accident. Although Adam does everything in his power to stay safe, he is diagnosed with a rare cancer that gives him only a 50% chance of living. His life is slowly torn apart because of his illness. His girlfriend Rachael (Bryce Dallas Howard) becomes distant, his best friend Kyle (Seth Rogen) does not know how to handle the situation, and his therapist (Anna Kendrick) is inexperienced. As he deals with chemo and constant stress, Adam’s initial morals and lifestyle are tested. He is forced to make vital decisions that will change his life forever.

On the surface this film seems to be overwhelmingly depressing with no possible outlet. Although cancer is no joke, this film uses humor to tell Adams's story. As Seth Rogen’s character attempts to help  Learner, he makes mistakes, says the wrong things, and provides the audience with some comic relief. For instance, Kyle makes Adam use his cancer as a mechanism to get girls. It is done in such a playful harmless way that the audience immediately falls in love with the two friends. The script is well thought out and forces viewers to experience a constant roller coaster of emotions. In addition, Joseph Gordon-Levitt never fails to impress. His performance is absolutely mesmerizing. I would call this film a truly brilliant comedic drama.