Nate Bjork

I was born November 15, 1979, eleven days after the US Embassy in Iran was captured and hostages were taken. My mom wrote this down in my baby book in the “current events” section. It’s kind of neat to put period pieces like Argo into context like that.

Argo is a really intense and really exciting movie. I highly recommend it. I can’t speak to how historically accurate the story is but I suspect we will see this movie played in high school social studies classes and the students won’t even be bored. It’s a really interesting and exciting way to tell a story. My only complaint was that during the end credits they showed pictures actors in the movie next to pictures of the actual people the actors represented, as if to say, “see? See? We even made them look the same! Give us an Oscar nomination for costumes and make-up!” The costumes, makeup, and hair were really good, by the way. Everyone looked like they smelled of B.O. and cigarettes, which is how I assume everyone smelled in 1979/1980.

If you like Glee or Twilight, you will love this movie. I wasn’t that interested in the character dynamics but the music was awesome. I’m one of those guys who watches Drumline cause the marching band stuff is cool. This movie has really cool acapella covers of good songs and they do some interesting mash-ups. Mash-ups are always cool cause they’re a really simple device that never fails to impress my dumb brain. Anna Kendrick is in this and she’s adorable and her boobs look good. Adam Devine basically plays his character from Workaholics, but I like that character.

You know how sometimes reviews will say, “Fun for the whole family,” but when you, as a grown up, go to the movie, you are bored shitless and feel pandered to by the occasional reference your kid didn’t get? Well, this is not that movie.  It was funny (for everyone), clever (for everyone), super-duper cool looking (for everyone) and downright awesome.  The animation is unlike anything you’ve ever seen (similar to Nightmare Before Christmas, but different) and you can tell it was a labor of love. See it in 3D and pay attention to the voices!

Guest review by Sadie Broillet

If you are a fan of the original then you probably won’t like this re-boot because this is an actual good movie. It’s not silly, there are no pasta robots nor does Dredd ever take off his helmet.  It is an over the top action film but they do it right. The antagonists are ridiculously ruthless. It has great editing, super slick visual effects and really good sound.  I’m not a fan of 3D but in this movie it’s pretty spectacular. It’s gritty, raw and explosive. The only downside is the movie eventually ends and you don’t get to see anymore crazy action. I will definitely watch this one again.

Guest review by Trent Sellers

This movie is a must-watch for any of  the following people: 1) People who like to laugh, 2) People who are interested in how professional stand-up comedians make their start, 3) comedy nerds who will recognize the comedians who do cameos, 4) people who are smart, 5) NPR listeners, 6) everyone else.

You are required to see this movie. I think it’s in only 90 theaters in the country. I drove 4 hours round-trip and spent $15 on a ticket for this movie. It was worth it.

Any action movie is made more suspenseful when you make the hero responsible for the lives of the “helpless.” This is why the first season of 24 was the best. Put Liam Neeson in a position where his life is in danger? Suspenseful. Put Liam Neeson in a position where innocent bystanders are in danger? More so. This movie tops that: Liam Neeson must protect and save his ex-wife and his daughter, two characters who’ve been established to the audience as likeable and sympathetic characters. This movie is no Citizen Kane but that’s a good thing. This movie kicks ass. Also: Maggie Grace in a bikini.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis star in this science fiction adventure. It’s a time travel movie and usually these movies can easily be confusing. This movie lays out the rules clearly and sticks with them. A very accessible movie. Props to the make-up team who made JGL look like a young Bruce Willis.

This is a badass movie that has balls. Also, it made me cry. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena are tremendous in a movie that shows what true brotherhood is like. Also, lots of killing and explosions. Anna Kendrick is hot and fun in this.

This is a good movie. Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman act well in a movie that is smarter than what I usually watch.