Her
This Spike Jonze written, directed, and produced film is on the top of my list for a reason. Now stay with me here while I describe the plot. We’re looking at a science fiction-romantic-comedy-drama-hybrid film. The story takes place in the future when Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) falls in love with his operating system (Scarlett Johansson). Although I’m biased, this film is a must see. If the eccentric plot doesn’t hook you, I’ve have something else up my sleeve. Three words: Arcade Fire score. You heard me. The musical and lyrical geniuses known as Arcade Fire composed almost all of the music you hear in the film. Familiar with “Supersymmetry” from Arcade Fire’s newest album Reflektor? Of course you are (See: Her’s second trailer released with said song). It was initially written for Her and then adapted for their album. But enough about them….for now. Though it may be bizarre sounding, Her is unlike any story you have seen or heard in the very best way. It’s up for a numerous amount of awards, rightfully so. If you’re not convinced yet (yes, I’m back here again) listen to the Arcade Fire composed tune called “Song On The Beach” that just may elicit happy (or sad) tears.
The Wolf of Wall Street
If you’re looking for purposeful misogyny, drugs, and nudity, this Martin Scorsese film is waiting patiently for you. Loosely based on Jordan Belfort’s life, it tells the tale of a morally ambiguous stockbroker who runs into fraud and corruption on Wall Street. Before I say any more, let me inform you that this film is long. So consider yourself warned. I didn’t warn my friends of this when I convinced them to go with me, and they were not too happy about that length. But the movie is so fast paced that it does not even come close to feeling like it. But beyond that we have a Leonardo DiCaprio in his absolute finest alongside sidekick Jonah Hill with impeccably white teeth and on point tortoise shell glasses. Definitely recommended.
Frozen
I’m pretty sure Disney should sponsor me by the amount of times I’ve written about their movies, in particular this one, Frozen. Frozen tells the tale of two sisters, Elsa and Ana and their tumultuous relationship throughout the film. Elsa’s icy powers have trapped the entire kingdom in eternal winter and Ana heads off to save her and the kingdom. In addition, we have the beautiful vocal stylings of Idina Menzel, who will be performing the nominated tune “Let it Go” at the Oscars. This film is Disney done right in more ways than one.
Nebraska
In this black and white film, Alexander Payne takes us on a journey with Woody Grant (Bruce Dern) who convinces his son to take him to Lincoln, Nebraska to collect his 1 million dollars that he is convinced he won in a magazine sweepstakes. Somehow Payne made this movie both poetic and comedic, proving more so why you should see it.
American Hustle
I thought about just solely putting a picture of Jennifer Lawrence in that skin tight white dress as a convincer to see this movie. Because we all know that would work. The cast is a great lineup with: Bradely Cooper, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, and of course Jennifer Lawrence. It tells the tale of two con artists forced by an FBI agent to set up an elaborate plan exploiting corrupt politicians. In a Jennifer Lawrence fashion, she plays an unpredictable and rambunctious wife of Christian Bale’s character. And she does it phenomenally.