DETENTION A serial-killer goes on a rampage of murdering high school students. A smorgasbord of every teen movie ever made set in a high school horror story. That said, the visual and stylistic aspects are out of this world. Sadly, there is no clear mood so the audience is left uncertain as to what to feel. Unless you’re under the age of 25 and are media-obsessed and happen to like films that appear surface-cool (i.e. music videos) with one or two “heart-to-heart” moments force-fed into the script. Overall a fun and strange watch if you don’t take it too seriously, but not my cup of tea. 6.2/10
Pop-upView Separately

DETENTION

A serial-killer goes on a rampage of murdering high school students.

A smorgasbord of every teen movie ever made set in a high school horror story. That said, the visual and stylistic aspects are out of this world.

Sadly, there is no clear mood so the audience is left uncertain as to what to feel. Unless you’re under the age of 25 and are media-obsessed and happen to like films that appear surface-cool (i.e. music videos) with one or two “heart-to-heart” moments force-fed into the script.

Overall a fun and strange watch if you don’t take it too seriously, but not my cup of tea.

6.2/10

THE HUNGER GAMES In a dystopian world controlled by the Capitol, a girl must kill or be killed in the televised Hunger Games. The action, the score, the story, the relationships (personally wanted more but good!), mixing moments of intensity with ideas that are both profound are relevant, not too shabby. It’s a rock solid and well-produced homage to the books. Fans will have a hard time being disappointed as Jennifer Lawrence is a killer lead. I only wish it was longer! 7.8/10
Pop-upView Separately

THE HUNGER GAMES

In a dystopian world controlled by the Capitol, a girl must kill or be killed in the televised Hunger Games.

The action, the score, the story, the relationships (personally wanted more but good!), mixing moments of intensity with ideas that are both profound are relevant, not too shabby.

It’s a rock solid and well-produced homage to the books. Fans will have a hard time being disappointed as Jennifer Lawrence is a killer lead. I only wish it was longer!

7.8/10

JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOMEA man who lives at home follows signs that bring him closer to his destiny. Most of these characters are facing life/relationship problems, but Jason Segel brings a lovable, quirky dorkiness to a film that inevitably carries lots of heart. The premise only works if you go along for the ride, and it doesn’t hurt that the characters are likable [for the most part]. Part fun, part strange, it’s a down-to-earth world that becomes large because of its themes and ideas. Check it out! 7.3/10
View Separately

JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME

A man who lives at home follows signs that bring him closer to his destiny.

Most of these characters are facing life/relationship problems, but Jason Segel brings a lovable, quirky dorkiness to a film that inevitably carries lots of heart.

The premise only works if you go along for the ride, and it doesn’t hurt that the characters are likable [for the most part].

Part fun, part strange, it’s a down-to-earth world that becomes large because of its themes and ideas. Check it out!

7.3/10

CONTAGION International experts race to find the cure of a deadly disease. At times a bit sluggish, the story is compelling with some solid performances by Kate Winslet, Marion Cotillard, & Jude Law. Passable writing, although with so many subplots, many characters become unnecessary or lack depth. The ideas don’t stray far from similar films but it’s definitely entertaining with good production values. 7.3/10
Pop-upView Separately

CONTAGION

International experts race to find the cure of a deadly disease.

At times a bit sluggish, the story is compelling with some solid performances by Kate Winslet, Marion Cotillard, & Jude Law.

Passable writing, although with so many subplots, many characters become unnecessary or lack depth. The ideas don’t stray far from similar films but it’s definitely entertaining with good production values.

7.3/10

THIS IS ENGLANDIn 1983, a boy’s life is thrust into turmoil when he joins a gang.A dynamic and occasionally violent look at what it means to be a part of a social group while dealing with life’s political and social pressures.Unapologetic and intense, this one is chalk full of great, gut-wrenching performances that will keep you thinking.7.8/10
Pop-upView Separately

THIS IS ENGLAND

In 1983, a boy’s life is thrust into turmoil when he joins a gang.

A dynamic and occasionally violent look at what it means to be a part of a social group while dealing with life’s political and social pressures.

Unapologetic and intense, this one is chalk full of great, gut-wrenching performances that will keep you thinking.

7.8/10

BEGINNERS A man comes to terms with his parents’ marriage just as he meets a new love. A nicely paced, finely acted and well-told tale packed full of charm and fun character quirks. Socially it raises some interesting points on gender identity while cleverly juxtaposing two generations within a love story. I love the ease in which it switches from a light-mood to hinting at something deeper. 7.6/10
View Separately

BEGINNERS

A man comes to terms with his parents’ marriage just as he meets a new love.

A nicely paced, finely acted and well-told tale packed full of charm and fun character quirks.

Socially it raises some interesting points on gender identity while cleverly juxtaposing two generations within a love story.

I love the ease in which it switches from a light-mood to hinting at something deeper.

7.6/10

TREE OF LIFE The story focuses on a 1950s family and their three sons. An expansive, intimately drawn film that journeys through various stages of life. It’s nothing like you’ve ever seen and yet have seen, only in a different light. Luminous and astoundingly beautiful, the cinematography & music bring out the story & mood. If you let yourself go with it, it’s worth the time. Overall it’s a strange, beautiful and mysterious look at what it means to live and grow. 7.7/10
View Separately

TREE OF LIFE 

The story focuses on a 1950s family and their three sons. 

An expansive, intimately drawn film that journeys through various stages of life. It’s nothing like you’ve ever seen and yet have seen, only in a different light. 

Luminous and astoundingly beautiful, the cinematography & music bring out the story & mood. If you let yourself go with it, it’s worth the time. 

Overall it’s a strange, beautiful and mysterious look at what it means to live and grow. 

7.7/10

HOWLThought-provoking and visually pleasing, this pseudo-biopic invites us into the controversial world of Allen Ginsberg through vivid animation and poetic detours, adding layers, dimension and artistic flair to a film that, on the surface, appears to be a courtroom drama. It’s more literary/documentary-based than anything, and a good watch, different from your average film. The spoken poetry is a gateway into an experience of modern society overpowered by imagery. Worth checking out.7.2/10
Pop-upView Separately

HOWL

Thought-provoking and visually pleasing, this pseudo-biopic invites us into the controversial world of Allen Ginsberg through vivid animation and poetic detours, adding layers, dimension and artistic flair to a film that, on the surface, appears to be a courtroom drama. 

It’s more literary/documentary-based than anything, and a good watch, different from your average film. The spoken poetry is a gateway into an experience of modern society overpowered by imagery. Worth checking out.

7.2/10

SUBMARINE A coming-of-age story about a young man who navigates the world of first loves and parental drama. Refreshing and smart, this film is exactly what I love about indie films. Awesome soundtrack, excellent direction/story, cool editing, & great performances. Oliver Tate is one of the most bizarre, fascinating, & unique protagonists I’ve seen in a while! Funny, quirky, charming, sweet and a little wacky, definitely a must watch! 8/10
Pop-upView Separately

SUBMARINE

A coming-of-age story about a young man who navigates the world of first loves and parental drama.

Refreshing and smart, this film is exactly what I love about indie films.

Awesome soundtrack, excellent direction/story, cool editing, & great performances. Oliver Tate is one of the most bizarre, fascinating, & unique protagonists I’ve seen in a while!

Funny, quirky, charming, sweet and a little wacky, definitely a must watch!

8/10

JANE EYREA governess learns that her new employer harbors a dangerous secret.As strange and lovely as it is dark and mysterious. The unspoken subtlety and intensity these actors create is riveting! There’s not much I can nitpick. It’s all very well-made, from the cinematography to the directing, Cary Fukunaga orchestrates a fine film that simultaneously lifts you up and draws you into the darkness…Loved it.8.4/10
Pop-upView Separately

JANE EYRE

A governess learns that her new employer harbors a dangerous secret.

As strange and lovely as it is dark and mysterious. The unspoken subtlety and intensity these actors create is riveting! 

There’s not much I can nitpick. It’s all very well-made, from the cinematography to the directing, Cary Fukunaga orchestrates a fine film that simultaneously lifts you up and draws you into the darkness…

Loved it.

8.4/10