The Theory of Everything

What I liked:

• Eddie Redmayne is perfect in this role.  He's the one to beat for the Oscar.  My only concern is that he might not be as popular as the other nominees and therefore might not get the votes...he better start schmoozing.
• Felicity Jones is wonderful.  She too should get a Oscar nomination.  This girl's star is on the rise.
• The story is so interesting, partly because it is true.  It also shows the human side of people.  Flaws and all.
• Hair, makeup, wardrobe,...it's all great.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

What I liked:

• It has the same great cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Sam Clafin, Elizabeth Banks, Jena Malone, Stanley Tucci, and Jeffrey Wright.
• The new blood is just as good: Julianne Moore, Mahershala Ali, Natalie Dormer, Evan Ross, Elden Jenson, and Sarita Choudhury.
• It's as entertaining as the previous films.

What I didn't like:

• Why can't Katniss be a strong, independent woman who can see the bigger picture?  Why is she just a pawn?
• RIP PSH.
• Why is this a Part 1?  I mean, I know why...it makes them more money.  It's just very annoying.

Grade: B-

Horrible Bosses 2

What I liked:

• Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, and Charlie Day have great chemistry together.
• It's interesting to see Jennifer Aniston in a role like this.
• Chris Pine is a great addition to the cast.  He seemed really into it.
• Christoph Waltz!
• Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, Jonathan Banks, Lindsay Sloane, and Keegan-Michael Key also star.

Whiplash

What I liked:

• If J.K. Simmons doesn't get award nominations, I would be disappointed.
• Wouldn't be surprised if Miles Teller also received some nominations.
• Simmons and Teller are mesmerizing on screen.
• Paul Reiser!
• Obviously, the music is fantastic.
• The characters develop before your eyes.
• It's intense.

Rosewater

What I liked:

• Jon Stewart wrote the screenplay and directed it.  Yes, that Jon Stewart.
• Gael Garcia Bernal is wonderful.  
• It also stars Dimitri Leonidas, Haluk Bilginer, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Golshifteh Farahani, Claire Foy and Nasser Faris.
• It's based on the true story of Maziar Bahari.
• It takes an interesting look at the way technology/the internet play a role modern warfare.
• It showcases the importance of hope and freedom.

Laggies

What I liked:

• The story is relatable in the sense that a lot of people don't know what they should be doing with their lives.
• What's not to love about Keira Knightley, Chloe Grace Moretz or Sam Rockwell?
• The supporting cast includes Mark Webber, Ellie Kemper, Jeff Garlin, Gretchen Mol, Daniel Zovatto and Kaitlyn Dever.
• It has a good soundtrack.
• Best worst first dance ever?

Interstellar

What I liked:

• It was co-written and directed by Christopher Nolan.
• It is beautifully directed, choreographed, and shot.
• Matthew McConaughey is wonderful.
• Mackenzie Foy is adorable.
• The supporting cast is outstanding: John Lithgow, Timothée Chalamet, David Oyelowo, Bill Irwin, Anne Hathaway, David Gyasi, Michael Caine, Wes Bentley and Jessica Chastain.
• There are two other great supporting cast members but I think it is better that you are surprised when seeing them then finding out about them here.
• Hans Zimmer put together an amazing score. With that being said, the moments of compete silence were just as powerful.
• It is an interesting story.

Happy Birthday YHG!

The Young Hollywood Guide is four years old today!