mrkbingham

A dry look at what (semi-)eternal life would be like. Death is approached with a laughable lightness in this dark comedy. The acting is solid but the writing really makes this film a must-see. It's a reminder that even if you are a non-human, you can still suffer from the daily doldrum of the human condition. But the most refreshing moral is that even two groups who vehemently hate one another can get along if they've got a common bond. Sometimes that bond's name is Stu.

83 _46%

Coherence (2013) - Rated 29 Jan 2015

The direction of this movie is more than my psyche can handle. There is so much to keep track of, that it's almost naseau-inducing. But the beauty of this film is that it did not cause me to vomit - but drew me ever closer to the screen. The acting is so-so and the camera work ebbs and flows. But the physical acting from some of the cast are well beyond what is expected. It's a weird and thoroughly enjoyable ride. But above all, the idea of the movie never gets beyond itself.

80 _32%

Obvious Child (2014) - Rated 29 Jan 2015

It's really a story of how complicated life has become. It is a subtle film of protest - that you can have it all. The message of the film is too neatly packaged for me to buy into. But aside from the all-too-perfect bow that this film ends with, the acting depicts the real struggle of how complicated our decisions in life can be. The scripting is loose and meanders at times, but all to show that the things we all perceive to be obvious should not always be assumed as such.

86 _62%

The Theory of Everything (2014) - Rated 29 Jan 2015

An emotional look at what could have been a very tragic life. Instead, the story manages to inspire amidst complications left-and-right. A tight script in combination with quick direction and editing leaves this film feeling like a seamless documentary of a life. Of course, Eddie Redmayne falls apart on screen with such perfection you forget he's actually trying. The film ends with a cold sigh, but perhaps, that's not so far off from what Hawking would want.

83 _46%

The One I Love (2014) - Rated 29 Jan 2015

A dizzying film - not due to any science fiction, but because of the parts that hit home the most. When we love, we take a leap of faith: that through loving we will truly get to know someone else. But relationships go through stressful and unknown times; this hits that hard. Certainly Duplass's best role to date, meeting the great heights of Moss. The ending is quick and abrupt, but so goes life. Together, their chemistry is wanting, but a great look at relationships nonetheless.

70 _14%

Neighbors (2014) - Rated 29 Jan 2015

Standard turn-your-brain-off Nicholas Stoller film. It's an enjoyable ride looking at the revelry of college years and mourning the loss-of-youth. However, the direction of the party scenes are likely to bring back every viewer to their party days. Ultimately, the film carries no weight other than to say 'college is fun and the real world sucks'. And sometimes we live next to someone who looks like they're having more fun. But, like most cases, the fun here is short lived.

82 _42%

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) - Rated 29 Jan 2015

At face value, another super-hero blockbuster. But the reflexive (and self-deprecating) writing make this film stand out - it is unafraid to look at its own absurdity. The tale is a classic outsider-becomes-the-hero, but that outsider, and his pals, have much much more depth than one would expect. Astonishing editing makes this movie one to appreciate and admire. And for anyone who can catch it - the soundtrack is a mixtape that everyone would have loved to receive.

89 _76%

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) - Rated 28 Jan 2015

A technically superb film. Not only is this film ever-so-carefully constructed, but it is also his most visually striking film yet. The cast is superb - and the performances here do not disappoint! It is a tale of great weight, told in a light-hearted manner - which makes it an absolute delight. Anderson always provides the most wonderful entertainment, but has rarely tried to shout. In this film, I fear that he shouts only in modern-day slang that falls on deaf ears out of our context.

89 _76%

Force Majeure (2014) - Rated 26 Jan 2015

A close look at the fragility of a marriage. When one small event takes place, a lifetime's work can unravel. The acting stands out - but that is not to say that the camera work, direction and scripting should be forgotten - and of course, the haunting score that is delicately drizzled throughout! Too honest to be considered a satire - but it's a film that will hit at the deepest fears we all have about our relationships. And like those who 'have it all' - turns out they're just like us.

80 _32%

The Drop (2014) - Rated 26 Jan 2015

A cold-hearted film about rough life in Brooklyn. James Gandolfini does not disappoint in his performance as a washed-up gangster. The surprise in this film is Tom Hardy's ability to play a subdued role. His lines are spoken almost without being noticed - and as the lead role, this quietness sets the tone for the film. The script has a few twists worth remembering, but most of the what the film says about life in crime-filled neighborhoods has been said before.