The Lego Movie: everything is awesome

It is often the case that movie's get over-hyped.  I've been fooled many a times, and with all the press this got, I just assumed someone did a good job marketing a ridiculous child's movie.  And then the rotten tomato score came out.  And I must say, I was very appreciative of this movie.  Though I found all the bright colors and flying Lego pieces over-stimulating, the story was highly original.  And kinda meta... very legit.  The story centers on an average Joe who becomes extraordinary in a world of lemmings (and the Justice League apparently) and has a great message that both parents and children can enjoy.  And really does make you want to get out the ol' Lego set and build something.  Dan Lin, this was a very good look... though, it was perfectly fine in 2-D.

Silver Linings Playbook: worth it

I feel like this film was this year's "Little Miss Sunshine."  Not to "overhype" it (like with "Little Miss Sunshine"), it was surprisingly quite funny: original and quirky with a great cast.  Though it focuses on Bradley Cooper's recuperation from a mental breakdown, it is full of crazy people.  Pretty much everyone.  As everyone finds a way to "cope" with their idiosyncrasies, or in some cases completely ignore, you truly feel for these characters.  The way in which you become invested and root for wins on the little things, like get through the day, is worth noting.  Many a times I watch films like this completely disinterested and when I get into one, especially when the main character also hates Ernest Hemingway as must as I do, it is time to celebrate.
Verdict: must see (buzzworthy)

Life of Pi: beautifully inspiring

Put a tiger and a bio-luminescent whale in a trailer, and I'm sold.  Add some beautiful sunsets and sunrises and the most stunning ship sinking since the "Titanic," and I'm content.  And add a whopping dollop of religious discovery and I'm intrigued.  For a boy who was named after a pool instead of a mathematical constant, he sure can tell a good story.  So, after having the senses dazzled in 3D and watching a fascinating display of animal instinct for survival, I was very pleased with Ang Lee's work.  My intrigue had little to do with the actual story and all to do with the aesthetics   It was an enchanted journey that was a bit too long (I can only look at a placid ocean, a tiger, and an emaciated boy for so long), but was an intriguing story of faith and perseverance.

Verdict: if it fits your fancy (buzzworthy)

Wreck-it Ralph: pretty good

When Alan Horn came to visit one of my classes this year, one of the movies he gave a resounding endorsement was Wreck-It Ralph.  While not my favorite animated film of recent years, it was pretty clever.  While we get to appreciate the fish-out-of-water feeling that Ralph tries to combat (and the lengths he goes through to fit in), it takes some fairly dark turns for a movie mostly set in an arcade version of "Candyland."  And it is because of these deviations from a traditional bubble-gum kids movie that it is a good movie for a grown-up who just wants to see a wholesome yet interesting story.  Additionally, Pixar/Disney (but mainly, Pixar) does a fantastic job of not only personifying mundane objects but also romanticizing the forgotten.  From Toy Story to Wall-E, there is the overt reminder that "old" does not mean irrelevant and should not be discarded as such.  Wreck-It Ralph is no exception.
Verdict: Good choice (worth it)

Pitch Perfect: hilariously grand

I loved this movie.  I saw it like 2 months ago, but since it is still in theaters, I figured it's still relevant.  It is one of the few movies ever to be gifted as a DVD and still be in theaters.  And I get its appeal: it's a really funny movie, even though it's a story that has been told a thousand times.  There is the young misfit with great talent being brought into a team where its leader has something to prove.   Picture "Bring It On" (the original) but with only 1 black person and change out cheerleading with acapella.  What I think makes this movie exceptional is how it doesn't even attempt to be substantial.  Like, at all.  It is purely superficial fun that everyone can enjoy, from teenagers to grownups.
Verdict: Check it out (go for it)

Looper: fantastically intense

I dare say this is one of the top 5 movies released this year.  It is a wonderfully inventive storyline, where the writer strikes a fine balance between plot development and the science.  Based on a premise that mercenaries in the present kill criminals (...and themselves evenually) from the future, the mechanics of it all are inessential  to the rest of the story.  It almost morphs into a "what can I change in the past to prevent the hellish future I just came from?"- Terminator type story, but way more engaging to watch.  After it ended, I noticed an acute pain in my shoulders-- from being hunched and tense for the previous 2 hours.With dazzling special effects (there is a scene in the living room of the farmhouse that was amazing!), and simple humor, I highly highly recommend.
Verdict: totally worth it (Buzzworthy)

Brave: more than cute

I'm a little late on this one, but I am pleased that I got a chance to see it during what will propbably be its last week in theaters.  The trailer left much to be desired, but I could not ignore the positive reviews, and am happy to report it did not do the film justice (whoever cut that 1:20 spot might need rethink his or her career path).  While it does center around a spritely redhead with a resolve not to be married off, it is far more substantive.  It is a touching story of family and fate, even with a little bit of fist-fight. Similar to how Finding Nemo served up a lesson for both father and son, Pixar has done it again, swapping a Scottish mother-daughter duo for the father and son clownfish. 
Verdict: if you can find it in a theater near you (go for it)

Men In Black 3: total fan

So, I do not remember, nor do I care to, MIB2.  It was overly silly (with those chain-smokin' Cheech-roaches) and just left a bad taste overall.  However, I am a fan of learning organizations and it seems like the addition of Etan Cohen made this Mulligan a fantastic film.  Without requiring much knowledge of the previous installments, you could enjoy the J/K relationship and its evolution throughout the movie.  Not too long, it gives you enough of the mystery upfront to keep you engaged until its resolution at the end ("oh, that's how all those pieces fit together").  Additionally the acknowledgements to its 60's backdrop were a nice touch (similar to a Zach Morris cellphone being indicative of the 90's). With a summer chart topper on the soundtrack, all in all, I'm a fan.
Verdict: Enjoyable summer blockbuster (Go for it!) 

The Hunger Games: well done

So, I first will caveat: I have not read the book; it goes against my "no expectation" viewing process.  I actually went to see this movie based on the trailer alone (before it was hyped to have the largest opening weekend gross of all time).  As someone who did not recognize "may the odds be ever in your favor," I had no idea what the objective of the games actually were.  All in all, it was engaging, giving just enough context to understand what's important and fast moving enough to not be bored.  I did not expect the primitive nature of children battling to the death so it was clearly more intense than I thought it would be.  Nonetheless, it's a compelling story that is more than about children's games; it's about the rules that keep a diverse society in delicate balance.
Verdict: totally worth it (go now)

Hugo: an ingenuous throwback

There was a time in which movies were pure fantasy; they were neither a mimic of reality nor a deeply moving creation.  It was about true movie magic-- which I never understood or appreciated.  But this season's sweep of wistful cinematic reflections has been enlightening to the young'uns of today, and Hugo is no exception.  Centered on an orphaned boy, Hugo is a story about purpose and dreams.  While there are some situational moments of eccentricity, whether it be comical or dramatic, and it moved a bit slow, the overall elements of chimera were integrated in a way that wasn't hokey but captivating.  I only wish I had the option to see it in 2D (the 3D add-on was completely useless).
Verdict: Buzzworthy (do it)

The Artist: fantastically charming

It's hard not to have high expectations given its 10 Oscar nominations.  And even with the built-in expectations inherent in that, I still came out impressed by the movie.   And this goes beyond the fact that it managed to tell a story without words, never mind primary colors (... I am a sucker for technicolor). With just the right notes of music and a sly smile from a Frenchman, I was thoroughly engrossed in every scene.  Comical yet realistically emotional, this silent film reminds me of what a compelling story can communicate to an audience, without the need for the excessive add-ons we have become accustomed to these days.  Engaging and delightful, this film is for anyone who can use 2 hours to escape from their lives and enjoy some good ol' fashion entertainment.
Verdict: A must see (Buzzworthy)

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: conformingly raw

If you haven't read the book, I highly recommend because it may be easier to brace for what's coming, when you know what you're looking for.  I appreciate how closely the film was adapted, given its strong violence-against-women theme.  Though it is harder to handle in film than in a book (with a lack of imagination and an ability to skip pages), the underlying mystery was just as captivating.  And Rooney Mara was as awesome and maladjusted as I expected Lisbeth to be on the screen.
Verdict: It's the holiday's sensation (see it!)

Harry Potter 7: Fantastic. Period.

Because there have been some artistic liberties taken with the Harry Potter series over the last decade, leaving out valuable and memorable connections between characters that validate the roles they play, I decided not to re-read the 7^th book.  Smart move.  Watching free of biases, I appreciated the story itself and the accompanying visuals.  To reiterate, really stunning effects.  I'm not sure if it followed the book to the letter (or fully explained when it half-heartedly did), but that was irrelevant to the story it told.  It definitely did the series justice, with enough action and story to truly make it an epic conclusion.

Verdict: Buzzworthy (Go for it!)

Midnight in Paris: nostalgically adorable

Not going to lie, I'm not the biggest fan of Woody Allen.  I like intellectual banter as much as the next person, but it often overpowers the storylines, and makes them impossible to relate to.  However, this fantastic tale of a young couple in Paris picks the prenuptial jitters and runs with it.  Of course there is the needed pedantic antagonist, but his role has been reduced to a mild irritation.  The story still rewards the well-read (of which I am not), but not enough to overpower the story.  All in all, it is a great movie about love... the love of a life fullfilled, a love to share it with, and the love of the magic of Paris.
Verdict: Put it on the to-do list (Buzzworthy)

A Good Man: Frustrating and engaging

I can’t dance...not really anyways.  One of my bucket list items is to develop a craft: drawing, dance, jewelry making, welding… the oboe.  The biggest obstacle from me currently is my utter lack of transforming an idea into something that invokes emotion and is aesthetically pleasing.  That’s why I find this film so fascinating as it follows a radically individualistic persona, Bill T Jones, through his entire creative process.  From an idea about the heroism of Abe Lincoln, to an inspiring dance piece portraying race and politics, this film highlights all of the frustrations of genius bearing its gift tro the world.  Though I don’t think I personally would have gotten the production if I had gone to see it blind, I appreciate the opportunity to peer behind the curtain and into the heart of its creator.

Verdict: If you ever wanted to understand a creative better (Do it)

Soul of Sand: Silly fun

I hate overly dramatic films, mainly because I have little tolerance for emotions.  I can barely deal with the tensions and misunderstandings of my own life, why would I pay to subject myself to the self-destructive and irrational behaviors of others?  Well, I have learned that there is something to be said for style.  The style in which Soul of Sand was overly dramatized, the embodiment of the casts, the stupidity of young love, mixed with a relatively hoaky storyline, made the film a joy to partake in.  Irrespective of if it’s the Indian approach to a film, I tip my hat to this film.  It may have been ridiculous, but it ended up in the “guilty pleasure” camp rather than “I want my life back.”

Verdict: don’t know how, but do it if you can (see it)

Limitless: Exhilarating fun

The superpower of intelligence?  Fantastic!  It’s about time we’ve glamorized the awesomeness of the mind rather the destructive force of the brawn.  Though in this case it may or may not be from drug abuse, I’m just going to look the other way.  Baby steps.  The thing I found most interesting about this movie is how Bradley’s character exists above the law.  There are a bunch of shady things he does that he gets away with, and this toying with amorality adds a zippy twist to the film, for which I will overlook the films shortcomings.  Because, echoed in the ending message, it’s totally worth it if you can save humanity as an outcome…or is it?

Verdict: Buzzworthy (see it)

Inside Job: partially informative

I was a bit delayed in seeing this one, but it was definitely worth it.  Though it definitely has some personal biases flowing through the narration, it does a good job of breaking down a ridiculously convoluted process like the sub-prime mortgage market into a simple powerpoint flowchart.  It highlights the systemic issues with our capital markets today, and while I don't agree with all of the implied solutions, it definitely gets me thinking in the right direction.  For instance, maybe it is wrong to idealize wealth as status and coast at your job, as you could wind up a very rich criminal in the end.  Then again, I am about to start my HBS experience in the fall...
Verdict: It'll make you a better person... (do it)

The Fighter: Good Look

I think this film would be more appropriately titled The Fighters, as it showcases the battles both of the brothers have to face but hey, that’s just semantics.  This is solid character story about two lives daring to be extraordinary… either chemically induced or otherwise.  The movie is full of the traditional ups and downs of overcoming any and all obstacles, including an overprotective and kind of crazy family.  There may have been some times in the film where I had no idea where it was going, but it got there eventually, which is all that matters. You definitely leave with that warm feeling of happiness. 

Verdict: Enjoy the ride (go for it)

Exit through the Gift Shop: Ironically funny

I definitely use the term “funny” loosely.  This film opens up the awesome (… and totally illegal) world of street art.  Following some of the most infamous artists, like Shepard Fairey, this film takes a peek into the newest trend in the art community.  From traditional and tacky graffiti to actually amazing and profound pieces, this film takes you through it all, ultimately landing on the rise of a truly untalented artist.  The way the general public then interacts with the resulting art, is both enlightening and terrifying, like a clown mirror.  Most people truly are a bunch of mindless droids. Though I must say, I liked the work too...

Verdict: An absolute MUST (See it)