Movie Review Monday

It's beginning to look a lot like Oscar season (aka one of my favorite times of the year)!

 As such, I've seen some legit movies lately and thought I'd share my reviews with you: 

Argo

• Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
• Brief Synopsis: Based on true events, Argo chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis. On November 4, 1979, militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. But, in the midst of the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador. Knowing it is only a matter of time before the six are found out and likely killed, a CIA "exfiltration" specialist named Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) comes up with a risky plan to get them safely out of the country. A plan so incredible, it could only happen in the movies.
• My thoughts:  This is an absolute MUST SEE. (And I'm not just saying that because it's Warner Bros.) Incredibly done from top to bottom. Intensely suspenseful, superbly written/acted, natural comic relief, and overall just a GREAT film. I worked at the premiere a couple weeks ago where Ben Affleck (producer/director/star of the film) did a lovely intro, and I saw the Academy screening of it this weekend where he and the screenwriter Chris Terrio did a Q&A afterwards (which of course made me like the movie even more.) Based on the RAVE reviews (and the Academy members giving it a standing ovation at the screening), I predict MULTIPLE Oscars for this one. See itttt.  
• Do I Want To See It Again: Yes!   

The Master

• Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
• Brief Synopsis: A Naval veteran arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future - until he is tantalized by The Cause and its charismatic leader.
• My thoughts: This beautifully shot film that's not officially about Scientology (but is definitely about Scientology) gives a gripping, rare look inside that movement.  It was eye-opening and definitely one that you'll be thinking about days after watching it.  Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman are practically shoo-ins for acting nominations for their excellent performances. 
• Do I Want To See It Again: No (but I have a friend who loves it so much, he's already seen it 3 times). 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

• Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
• Brief Synopsis: Based on the best-selling novel by Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a modern classic that captures the dizzying highs and crushing lows of growing up. A moving tale of love, loss, fear and hope-and the unforgettable friends that help us through life.
• My thoughts: This was GREAT. I haven't read the book, but the friend I went with has read it and she loved the movie too. Great performances, lovable characters, relatable storylines, wonderful soundtrack. Two thumbs way up. 
• Do I Want To See It Again: Yesss! Who wants to go with me? 

Looper

• Rating on Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
• Brief Synopsis: In the futuristic action thriller Looper, time travel will be invented - but it will be illegal and only available on the black market. When the mob wants to get rid of someone, they will send their target 30 years into the past, where a "looper" - a hired gun, like Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) - is waiting to mop up. Joe is getting rich and life is good... until the day the mob decides to "close the loop," sending back Joe's future self (Bruce Willis) for assassination. 
• My thoughts: Very original and interesting- you'll definitely be thinking about afterwards and eager to discuss theories with your friends. I am an extreme wimp when it comes to shooting, blood and pretty much violence of any kind, so I had to cover my eyes for a large portion of the film, but I was fortunately still able to follow the storyline. I also spent half the time wondering why Joseph Gordon-Levitt looked so weird- definitely not his usual super attractive self- but then I realized it's because they had to make his face look like Bruce Willis (who plays the 30 years older version of JGL).
• Do I Want To See It Again: Maybe. I'd still cover my eyes half the time, but it would be interesting to see it again with the new theories I've discussed and thought about since my initial viewing. 

What's the best you've seen lately?  The next movie I really want to see: Pitch Perfect.  Who wants to come with?  Holla. 

xoxo, 

Annie.