The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part I

The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Pt I
Directed by Francis Lawrence
Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson
My Opinion: It's a good ride!

I can’t say I’m particularly impressed with The Hunger Games movies, but I have found myself looking forward to the annual red box release. I stopped reading the books after the first, yet I’m as intrigued by Jennifer Lawrence as I am by Katniss’s plight.

Mocking Jay lacks a solid structure, and is more of a chapter than it is it’s own story. Regardless, I was enthralled. Catching Fire, with all its thrilling darkness, might still be my favorite, but I’m once again anxious for the next installment.

The Theory of Everything

The Theory of Everything
Directed by James Marsh
Starring Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones,
My Opinion: mushy and boring, but great performances

I stopped writing on this blog for a long time because each of my reviews read like broken records. Yet after seeing The Theory of Everything, I feel the need to re-express my grievances over the films that are perpetually oozing out of Hollywood.

Why is every film tailored for a simple-minded audience? Are we so stupid that we can’t comprehend a script that doesn’t swivel around an affair? Surely I am exaggerating, but the fact is we have a film that chronicles the life one of the most brilliant men in history, and it’s rather stupid. After seeing this film, I’m left with little more than the impression of wonderful performances. Our glimpse into Hawking’s life seems less factual then embellished and decorated with dramatic occurrences.

The Theory of Everything gives us little of Hawking’s own mind, of his struggle, of the developments of his theories – a retelling that offers little examination. It’s my fault for wanting an updated film as profound as My Left Foot, but it’s Hollywood who has done a disservice to Stephen Hawking. If it wasn’t for the stunning performances and the subject manner, I’m not sure there’d be a reason to see this film.

Obvious Child

Obvious Child
Directed by Gillian Robespierre
Starring Jenny Slate, Gabby Hoffman, Jake Lacy
My Opinion: Grounded in realism, heartfelt, brilliantly witty.

It's not often that I watch a romantic comedy gleefully. While Obvious Child is undoubtedly in that category, I hadn't heard of it until last I was home and my father handed me the Netflix envelope. "I've been saving this one for you," he said. As of late, my favorite films star strong women, sometimes American and others not, who fighting against the vulnerability that the harsh world demands of them until finally exposing themselves to their reality and ultimately prevailing, in the words of the pop goddess, "stronger than yesterday." In Obvious Child, Donna Stern (Jenny Slate) is like a young Liz Lemon, just a tad more comfortable in her own skin and getting laid more. 

Donna is a comedian, who spends her days working at a doomed bookstore and her nights opening the door to her personal life for a crowd of strangers at a comedy club. Her jokes are raw and crude: my favorite being the opening sequences which she describes day old underwear as something that looks like it has army crawled out of a tub of cream cheese. Fed up with the nightly exposé on their relationship, Donna's boyfriend dumps her. Soon, Donna finds herself pregnant from a one-night-stand and jobless, the walls of adulthood closing in to suffocate her

Obvious Child stands out from the plethora of mediocrity that descended on theaters in 2014. It's intelligent and wry, yet brash and wholly realistic. Without exposing the touching ending, I'll only share that it is essentially the adult's antithesis to Juno without a precious soundtrack. Hollywood needs more strong female leads like Slate if it's going to survive in the modern age. Feminists are watching movies too.

Inside Llewyn Davis

Inside Llewyn Davis
Directer by Joel & Ethan Coen
Starring: Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman
My Opinion: Brilliantly grim

Llewyn Davis is a folk singer, struggling to get his career back on track after the tragic loss of his partner. Charmingly set in 1961, just before Bob Dylan and Peter, Paul and Mary met their fame, the film follows Llewyn as he stumbles over his stagnant career.

Garnished with the Coen's signature sardonic humor and studded with a colorful cast of characters, Llewyn Davis is not without it's charms. But it's probably the most depressing movie that I've seen this year. In fact, as you sit back and let it all sink in, it will only weigh heavier. It's not one of those so-depressing-you-want-to-die movies, like how I imagined Sophie's Choice though I've never seen it, rather it's swift and delightful with a giddy and addictive soundtrack and gorgeous gray-toned cinematography. Some people are going to dislike Llewyn as a person, while others will adore him. Regardless, the character is absolutely fascinating and the story is worth your attention.

American Hustle

Brilliant conman Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) partners with equally intelligent ex-stripper Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) in love and crime. During the day, the duo sell empty investments and stolen art. At night, Irving returns to Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence), his beautiful time bomb of a wife, and Danny, his adopted son. Eventually, Irving and Sydney are busted by a FBI agent, Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper), who pushes them into entrapping a slew of politicians and mobsters in order to make a name for himself. This new world is filled with enchanting dangers that may have the con-couple in over their heads. Based on a true American scandal.

American Hustle
Directed by David O Russell
Starring Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence
My Opinion: funny and morally confusing. What's not to like?

This movie is fantastic. It's hilarious, vibrant, fast-paced and aglow with the incredibly talented ensemble. While each actor paints a bold and detailed picture of their respective character, it's hard not to favorite Jennifer Lawrence. The movie is hers.

The most fascinating element of the movie is the dynamic between good and evil ornamented with fifty shades of gray. Aside from Stoddard Thorsen, DiMaso's level headed boss (Louis C.K.) there are is no cemented moral standing. Irving, Sydney and the others are all doing what they feel that they need to in order to survive. Some would say that all of the characters are downright despicable, but how they still manage to remain so likable is beyond me.

I will close by reminding you that I really did not like Silver Linings Playbook. This film shares the same director and two of the leads, but the content is radically different. Rather than a film that involves Bradley Cooper whining during its entirety, this one presents an array of politically and sexually charged conflicts laced with deceit and savvy. I dig it.

Blackfish

BlackfishDirected by Gabriela Cowperthwaite 
My Opinion: mesmerizing

Black Fish tells the story of Tilikum, a male killer whale who has killed several people during his years in captivity. The film compiles emotional interviews and shocking footage that chronicles the blemished history of sea world, the cruel life of an orca in captivity and the stories behind the trainers who lost their lives.

This is one of those highly-critical documentaries that surfs the wave of liberal ideology and stirs up the nation. As it forms its poignant argument, the film fascinates with insight into what we know about orca's and how much remains a mystery. The highly-informative film moves very quickly, with the pacing of a psychological thriller rather than a documentary. The most harrowing moments involve a former whale-hunter's traumatized recollection of capturing calves forty years ago. Tilikum's own story isn't easy to watch either.

Unfortunately, Blackfish is about as black and white as the whales themselves. I think that the lack of opposition hurt the film, but with Sea World's refusal to grant any interviews, what could they have done? This is Sea World's letter in response to the documentary. I find it rather vague and wish they could speak on the specific points raised by this film, especially in regards to the human lives that have been taken.

Overall, this film is informative and engrossing. You'll be happy you saw it.

Drinking Buddies

Buddies Luke and Kate work alongside each other at Revolution Brewery in Chicago, specifically the Logan Square neighborhood (can I get a shout from my homies?). The two have an intimate relationship made up of beer-fueled discussions and familiar flirtations. You would think they were an item that just has a weird brother-sister thing going on, but no: the two are simply drinking buddies and nothing more. Their fiery chemistry is contained by their own romantic relationships, but as the plot moves forward the obstacles seem to sway.

Drinking Buddies
Directed by Joe Swanberg
Starring: Olivia Wilde Jake Johnson, Anna Kendrick
My Opinion: a 95 minute trip to blue balls town

I'm not sure if I've ever seen a movie that is so sexual frustrating. In a frame of mind normally reserved for suspense, I found myself wanting to scream, "Just fuck already!" Yet, at the same time, there was something captivating about their stasis. Each had their own way of expressing their repressed feelings, which adds up to a series of uncomfortable moments. Just saying, skinny dipping on a beach with you "drinking buddy"? With all that sexy moonlight, cool water and nakedness, you might as well be having sex.

Beyond the mild anxiety I experienced, the film itself is so-so. The script is standing on wobbly legs and the direction follows a "snippet of life" style of narrative that lacks a focused plot. It mostly kept my attention, while straining at times, but wasn't all that cohesive at the end of the day. It seems to really lean on Olivia Wilde and Anna Kendrick. I wouldn't watch it again, but if you're looking for the most awkward date movie of the year, this is it.

World War Z

World War Z
Starring: Brad Pitt
Directed by Marc Forster
My Opinion: Scary, swift and fun.

There is nothing more terrifying and gripping than fast zombies. While an overwhelming population of zombies is always scary, even a mob of the sluggish ones can be knocked out with as little as a baseball bat so long as you got a strong wall behind you. But when they run, the virus can spread like wildfire. The element of speed is exactly what made 28 Days Later so terrifying and what gives World War Z a similar edge.

World War Z follows Gerry Lane, the world's only hope for salvation. Gerry leaves his wife and daughters behind, stepping into the depths of infested civilization as he searches for an answer. The film immediately zooms into the center of a budding apocalypse - a chilling yet sexy endeavor with the presence of a scruffy and heroic Brad Pitt.

This movie is awesome but rather trivial, typical of any zombie film especially such with a ridiculous budget. Anyway, while there are certainly shortfalls, I don't think any film has ever raised my heart rate this much. I almost cried at one point. It's a good time.

The Conjuring

The Perron family, one loving couple with five daughters, moves into a quiet country house on a lake. The domestic bliss screeches to a halt when the bubbling paranormal activity erupts, forcing the family to enlist the help of demon-fighting power couple, Ed and Loraine Warren.

It's been a very long time since I've seen a quality horror film. We've all gotten used to the cheap thrill that enters and leaves a theater faster than Charlie Sheen on a hooker. Any horrors that have stood out tend to nestle into the comedy genre. The Conjuring is a spooky draft of fresh air.

The Conjuring
Starring: Vera Farmiga,Patrick Wilson, Lili Tyler
Directed by James Wan
My Opinion: Do it, and do it now
while it's still in theaters

It's hard to pin down what's so terrifying about this film. Sound design balances on the less-is-more notion. The camera stalks the happenings in the house at an even pace, never showing you too much at once. The acting is perfectly grounded, completely absent of the cringe-worthy acting of most modern horrors.

Directer James Wan essentially holds your hand in a clammy death grip throughout the film, guiding you to the darkest corners in the house that he has created. Not only does Wan's film conjure pure terror from the viewer - the kind of terror that makes the audience actually scream - but his film is beautiful.

Indeed, this movie is nearly flawless. The only problem? There is no actual conjuring, but it's a small quibble for a movie like this.

"Spring Breakers" Review

Four girls desperate to join their peers on spring break rob and rough house their way to paradise. It's all fun and games until things get a little too real.

Springbreakers
Starring: Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, James Franco
Directed by Harmony Korine
My Opinion: Fun but sloppy

Disney stars explode out of their good girl shells in this raunchy art house film from Harmony Korine. With all the creative genius behind it, this film had some bad ass potential. Unfortunately, Springbreakers suffers from a shaky script and a general lack of direction.

Ribbons of  boobs, drugs and violence run through the film - it's plenty entertaining. However, the gentle glide that usual orders Korine's artful dialogue is actually very stiff here. While James Franco nails his scumbag character, Vanessa Hudgens paints an irritating picture of a crazed college girl. By the end of the film, Hudgens and Ashley Benson were interchangeable broken records.

It seems like the film starts out on a mission, then it parties too hard and forgets what it was supposed to do. Perhaps writer/director Harmony Korine has fallen a little from the gritty realism that was Gummo and is relying a little too much on drugs and boobies. Not that I'm really complaining, but let's hope Korine's next piece is a little more solid.

Review of "This is the End"

The apocalypse happens while old buddies, Seth Rogen and Jay Baruchel are at James Franco's banging party. Chaos and hilarity ensue.

This is the End
Starring: Jay Baruchel, Seth Rogen, James Franco
Directed by Evan Goldberg
My Opinion: The perfect summer treat

If you let down your guard a bit, this film is amazing. I laughed the entire time and even trembled a bit. I'm not going to lie, those demons are scary as shit. It's the type of comedy that gives you that fuzzy feeling from laughing for two hours. If the crude but golden comedy don't get you, a special surprise at the end will make it all worthwhile. I suggest toting along a healthy buzz and some good friends.

There are many apocalypse films out there and many more sure to come, but This is the End stands out.

"Lola Versus" Review

When Lola's fiancee unexpectedly dumps her, her life is turned upside down. Despite the support from her friends and family, Lola's broken heart leads her tumbling towards rock bottom.

Lola Versus
Starring Greta Gerwig, Joel Kinnaman, Zoe Lister Jones
Directed by Daryl Wein
My Opinion: a hidden gem

Lola Versus is an impassioned, witty telling of a female at a critical juncture. The dialogue is quick, sharp and entirely hilarious. The characters are lovable and quirky, but complex. In short, Lola Versus is everything that I was expecting out of Girls. I'm not sure why the film received such negative reviews - I was in love with every moment. Greta Gerwig carries her character with broad, sensitive shoulders. You watch her collapse into a flailing and at times despicable heap. Her struggles are hysterical, pathetic and familiar all at once. The film exposes the downfall of romantic preoccupation and highlights the importance of discovering oneself - a message which speaks to audiences across generations.

The ending might edge a bit to close to corny sentimentality, but it still works. My only true qualm with the film was it's estranged representations of race within the film. Like many indie flicks including Wein's hit 500 Days of Summer, the characters are all very white. There is one black bartender thrown into the mix. While he has a couple moments, he's generally absent until the very end where he awkwardly asserts himself as Lola's "black friend" during a terrible but touching birthday rap. This was either a disclaimer for using rap music or a neglectful, halfhearted attempt at self awareness over a lack of race relations. My inkling is that he is just another token character.

None the less, Lola Versus is an indie treat for my sore eyes. Perhaps it's so short that it doesn't have time to unravel, unlike the three hour snooze fests hogging theaters today. Whatever the reason, I highly recommend this one.

Horrible Horrors: 'Warm Bodies' and 'Mama'

I recently RedBoxed two horror movies that I was anxious to see: The zombie rom-com Warm Bodies and Mama, starring Jessica Chastain. While the opening scenes had me hooked, as the films progressed my eyes were left dazzled but somehow also bored. My expectations weren't very high for either: all I wanted was a few satisfying thrills and a fix for my blood craving. Neither film delivered.

Warm Bodies
Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, Analeigh Tipton
Directed by Jonathan Levine
My Opinion: Lame

 It seems as though the horror genre is succumbing to an array of special effects with only a blurry shadow of a story. Underdeveloped scripts are tossed into the hands of directors and producers with dollar signs for eyes and ka-ching sounds for heartbeats. That may be a little harsh, but just look at the paralyzed plot in Warm Bodies. The film opens with a brutal, stomach-turning attack on a Franco brother which was awesome. But soon, the inconsistencies are aplenty and the characters are driving an inexplicably functional abandoned car to nowhere. To be fair, I shut the film off early due to lack of patience, but it was dragging more than the zombies' feet.

I'm not sure why, but Mama kept me from throwing in the towel. Despite my boyfriends groaning protests, I was desperately hopeful for a comeback. Soon, the plot thins to water and the only thing that scared me was the thought that Mama would never end. Then the ending happened. I just don't understand how anything so stupid could drag on for so long. Surely the director is a sadist.

Mama
Starring: Jessica Chastain, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau,
Megan Charpentier
Directed by Andres Muschietti
My Opinion: Not worth the $1.20 on RedBox.

I hope the next batch of horror flicks proves me wrong, but it seems as the genre is just as processed and tasteless as American cheese. With the charming wit of Cabin in the Woods and the playful thrills of Evil Dead, you'd think I'm overreacting, but those are exceptions - few and far between. Time will only tell what the future holds for the genre - especially with the upcoming premiere of the Carrie remake, due out October of this year. I don't know about you, but the edge of my seat is absent.

"Silver Linings Playbook" Review

Pat Solitano, a divorcee desperate to get his wife back, moves back in with his overprotective parents. Pat's life becomes more complicated when he meets Tiffany, a mysterious widow searching for closure on her own.

Silver Linings Playbook
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert Deniro
Directed by David O. Russell
My Opinion: Overrated

As I check off the last of these must-see Best Picture nominees, I'm feeling continuously more disappointed. Silver Linings is little more than a frame for Jennifer Lawrence's performance. While she does a fantastic job, the film itself falls flat. It's as if the writers could not decide on the central conflict resulting in a collage of chaotic scenes filled with yelling. Furthermore, I somehow felt as if every line of dialogue was anticipated - as if I was reading a script still under the editor's eye.

The movie is fine - just another romantic comedy with a couple explosive moments of acting, but it's nothing special. The more Oscar films I watch the less I care about film.

"Les Miserables" Review

Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Miserables is a desperate tale of the human condition under immense amounts of suffering and despair. It is a beautifully shot film with blue hues and impeccable performances.

Les Misérables
Starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway
Directed by Tom HooperMy Opinion: Long but not miserable

Most of the performances are fantastic. The always-handsome Hugh Jackman's depiction of Jean Valjean is passionate one: a man weathered by a life of despair yet still hopeful to amend his life. Of course, Anne Hathaway's brief but memorable portrayal of Fontine, a fallen woman desperate enough to sell her own teeth for her child, was disturbing and entirely magnetic. I can't help but ask, however, why were there teeth still in her mouth after she sold her own? I don't think they had dentures then. Perhaps the producers decided that a toothless, bald and malnourished Anne Hathaway would be too grotesque for the public's eye. But the film is quick to obtain a raw grim presence, why stop short?
The feats established by Hathaway and Jackman, while remarkable, overshadow Russell Crowe's performance as the obsessive officer Javert. However, I was still impressed by Crowe: his role is an award-worthy display of terrible casting. Never in my life have I been so anxious for a suicide.
Performances aside, the adaption of Hugo's novel left me teary-eyed but confused about the happenings in the story. The film was so quick to display the performances, it seemed to rush the back story, making the film feel very long upfront. Towards the mid-point, the pieces begin to fall into place; however, the strong political climate is missing. Though the characters are all suffering from the cruel reality of 19th century France, there is very little description of the historical circumstances. I don't need a history lesson, but something that illustrates the political situation beyond a catchy lyric sung by hopeful young men and a single quick shootout would be beneficial.

Though Les Mis has one of the most lovely scores in musical history, I can't see anyone rushing to purchase the soundtrack for Hooper's film. The live singing was impressive and made for a particularly befitting realism, but it wasn't always beautiful. I'm not a musical fanatic and I found the musical style interesting but rather draining.
All in all, Les Mis is a beautiful but endless tale of human suffering. Though I'm glad I watched it, I don't think that I could have gone for the full ride in a theater. However. it's not a bad Red Box pick.

"End of Watch" Review

When Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal) decides to start filming his daily experiences as a member of the LAPD, he had no idea what he would capture. Brian and his partner/friend, Mike Zavala (Michael Peña), fall in far over there heads when their paths cross with a drug cartel.

End of Watch
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Peña, Anna Kendrick
Directed by David Ayer
Available on RedBox
My Opinion: Worth the ride.

I'm not sure why, but Bro-mances seem to make the sweetest movies. Even the rambunctiously obscene Ted has it's aw-inducing moments (my review here). Though End of Watch has a raw, hand-held approach to the buddy cop genre, the tear jerking moments are still aplenty. Anna Kendrick's always adorable presence as Taylor's interest of love doesn't exactly dampen the mood either.

As someone who has experienced motion sickness, I'm not a huge fan of the shaky cam, but End of Watch almost makes it work. There is always at least one character filming the action, however, there are also several angles and shots still shaky but without an agent to account for the style. It's not a big deal, but it is noticeable. Also, I did find myself chuckling during a few very ridiculous moments and I'm sure my reaction was not that which was intended. Overall though, End of Watch is gritty and entertaining ride throughout.

"Stoker" Review

Stocker follows India Stoker (Mia Wasikowska), an estranged high school senior who loses her father and best friend to a freak car accident on her 18th birthday. Evelyn (Nicole Kidman), India's distant and emotionally unstable mother, welcomes the support of Charles, her late husband’s distant brother -- whose existence is unfamiliar to India until he mysteriously appears at the wake wearing a light-colored suit -- into their home. As the haunting details about Charles surface, India's infatuation with him blossoms. 

Stoker
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman, Matthew Goode
Directed by Chan-Wook Park
My Opinion: Fuck Yeah

Chan-Wook Park's new horror is reminiscent of his past films, including Old Boy, Thirst, and Three Extremes, but it certainly leaps into a league of its own. Though Stoker was quickly criticized for having a "weak" script in comparison to Park's earlier work, this is not an opinion that I share. I am always looking for a high-quality script, but here Park chooses a visual method of storytelling. There are a few scenes that have hardly any dialogue at all, yet the vibrant, stylized cinematography controls the narrative, illustrating the portentous development of a troubled young adult. Park's scrupulous attention to detail fetishizes both incest and the cold heart of a killer, which makes the film all the more alluring and simultaneously creepy (for some). Park's work is utterly sopping in symbolism and I look forward to deciphering further upon my second viewing.

Aside from the dazzling film work, the performances are equally shiver-inducing. Kidman does an incredible job as a widower, desperate for love and affection. Kidman's execution alongside Wasikowska painted a dark but exposed portrayal of a pained mother-daughter relationship. On her own, Wasikowska artfully represents a dangerous young girl in a performance that very much reminded me of Catherine Deneuve in Roman Polanski's Repulsion.

A horror film that is artful and thoroughly meditated, Stoker crawls beneath your skin and leaves a lasting and beautiful impression. Bravo.

"Evil Dead" Review

Five teenagers travel to a cabin deep in the woods for a weekend getaway where they accidentally awaken the evil dead.

Evil Dead
Starring Jane Levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Lou Taylor Pucci
Directed by Fede Alvarez
My Opinion: This is some quality entertainment,
if you don't take it too seriously.

This update of Sam Raimi's beloved classic is surprisingly solid. Naturally, it doesn't quite reach the grotesquely lovable original, but it stands tall amidst recent, less successful remakes (Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Nightmare on Elmstreet). The film modifies but maintains several key moments for Raimi-fanatics (tree raping, anyone?). It also creates a back story behind the cabin and some of the visitors, but an explanation is pretty insignificant for a film with such a degree of ridiculousness.

Overall, Evil Dead is a pretty good modern horror flick: it has laughs and scares without dawdling in between. Don't take it too seriously and pair with a full theater and some alcohol - a brew and view would be ideal!

Review of "Argo"

Argo concerns a group of US diplomats who are trying to escape Iran and the hothead who rescues them.

Argo
Starring Ben Affleck, John Goodman, Bryan Cranston
Directed by Ben Affleck
My Opinion: Tastes like Lean Cuisine.

I've had no respect for the Oscars for some time, so I wasn't all that surprised when Argo was a generic popcorn movie. The film isn't bad, it's just very slow and boring. Had there been a little more action, a little more wit and a lot less waiting, I would have been more satisfied. However, like that of the other Best Picture nominations of 2013, the pacing is extremely slow. Argo lacks the artfulness of Lincoln and the thrills and controversy of Zero Dark Thirty. Perhaps staring at Affleck's dowdy face and pube beard threw me off, but I did not enjoy his movie. It's just kind of lame.

Review of "Admission"

In Admission, the life of Princeton admissions officer Portia Nathan is drug into disarray. Her live-in boyfriend dumps her for a Virginia Wolf scholar; meanwhile she might have just met the child whom she gave up for adoption 18 years ago. The child, named Jeremiah, wants to go to Princeton. Portia soon finds herself in the shoes of all parents with Princeton hopeful children, risking all she has left for her own blood.

Admission
Starring: Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Lily Tomlin
Directed by Paul Weitz
My Opinion: Really liked it,
but I can't speak for all.

In all honesty, I am quite possibly the worst person to review a movie starring Tina Fey because I'm in love with her. Exhibit A: I'm on my fourth go-around of Bossypants. Indeed, I squealed like Honey Boo Boo eating a stick of butter every time Fey came onto screen. But all obsessions aside, Tina Fey's performance is thoroughly emotional while maintaining her trademark comic bumbling. Surely drawing inspiration from her own maternal experiences, Fey illustrates Portia's shocked but stout motherly instincts. Though throughout my own life I have had a stronger maternal connection to grilled cheese sandwiches than the thought of having children, through Portia's reactions to the sudden existence of motherhood, I was able to develop a new understanding of this bond. The sacrifices she makes for Jeremiah are heart-wrenching and depict a raw, human urge to be needed. Though critics' opinions of the film vary greatly, most agree with me: Tina Fey delivers.

As a whole, Admission requires a more discerning eye. Many have criticized the film for its flat story line. I didn't really notice this while I was watching (probably because I was on the brink of crying from over excitement the whole time, but I do understand the flack). The entire plot focuses solely on Portia, but I enjoyed this "slice of life" style. There is something very humanizing about her experience and I felt myself becoming very invested: her relationship falls to pieces, her connection with her own mother is strained, her biological son might be back in her life, she's up for a large promotion - in short, her previously grounded life is spiraling out of her control. I've criticized films that don't have enough happening in them (Tiny Furniture), but Admission is different because it still has quite a bit of charm.

Although I will admit that Paul Rudd and Tina Fey lack chemistry, I think it actually works this way. Portia is in a desperate place, to which she's reacting. John (Paul Rudd's philanthropic character) is not the love of her life, but an option that makes sense in a certain time and place. Also, his son adores her. The typically movie-style romance is sacrificed for a grimmer but more realistic portrayal. I found it both refreshing and humanizing.

Admission is what it is and not everybody is going to like it. However, I did. I found Portia's ex-live-in-boyfriend and his new wife to be a very funny motif with great comedic timing. Furthermore, Portia's feminist bad-ass mother, Susannah, is hilarious. Don't go into this one expecting a fun romantic comedy, but rather a darker dramedy with ample laughs.