Blue Jasmine – It’s been way too long since I’ve seen a good Woody Allen film. I forgot how many feels I could have all at once. I was happy, sad, irritated and wowed by the incredible performances all at the same time. Kate Blanchett’s monologue in the opening scene is downright amazing. Then, watching her subsequent explanation of the everyday insanity that you see is fascinating and soul crushing. I agree with Nevena’s review that Allen masterfully (of course, he’s Woody freakin’ Allen) combines the over-the-top with depressing realism. I really loved this movie.

Gravity – I admit it, I was a doubter: I didn’t think Sandra Bullock could play a dramatic role well. I knew Alfonso Curan would make something great, and there really is no one better than Clooney to play a “so cool he takes death in stride” type character. I agree with Lauren it’s an experience almost more than a movie. The continuous shots are sweet and I would say this is career best work for Sandra Bullock.

Pacific Rim – I didn’t want to see this movie. I thought it was going to be a dumb monsters versus robots thing – which is awesome if you’re a 12 year old boy. But it does the fun joy ride of a fight thing so well, the Transformers movies should just go home and cry to themselves. It also reads like a movie that is intended for a global audience instead of a US one – which is a really refreshing change. And it uses the co-pilot thing as a way to make the personal growth part of this genre movie integral to the fighting instead of a subplot – so bonus points. It’s such an absurd premise that the movie really seemed to go “I know, it’s a portal in the sea… deal with it, we’re going to skip over the explanation so we can punch monsters in the face.”

The Wolf of Wall Street –  Not gonna lie, I just saw this last night. Leo has been a favorite of mine for a long time, and he’s seems to be making a career out playing rich degenerates. But he’s SOOOO good at it. I’ve never liked Jonah Hill so much. Leo does some of the best physical comedy I’ve seen (maybe best ever).

Frozen – Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell as Disney princesses. ‘Nuff said. Ok, and some of the best music since Mulan. AND it’s a feminist Disney Princess movie where love at first sight is not magical (it’s kinda dumb instead), the best part of love is the love between two sisters. I even liked the stupid snowman – and I don’t like Mushu or Iago or Flounder (I usually hate the cute sidekick)… I’m dying. This is my favorite movie of the year. Really.

REALLY AWESOME other films I don’t have much to say about. 

The World’s End – This was one of the first movies I saw after getting back into MA after my mom’s passing. It took me a while to laugh, but I couldn’t help it. This movie was having such a good time doing its own thing without being up its own ass in its mythology that I couldn’t help have fun