Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs is a biopic directed by Danny Boyle starring Michael Fassbender as the title character, with Kate Winslet by his side as head of marketing Joanna Hoffman, the cast being rounded up by Seth Rogen and Jeff Daniels among others. The movie is divided into three big scenes presenting tensional moments backstage before three major product launches, inviting the audience to take a peek at Steve Jobs' intriguing personality and the people surrounding him. 

I have to say this is a really good movie! I love the fact that the filmmakers used different styles of shooting to portray each period of time, namely 16mm for 1984, 35mm for 1988 and digital for 1998, a smart idea to show the passing of time. Moreover, I like the symmetry and simplicity of using three major locations for most of the movie.

Although there is not much action, the tension builds up every scene due to powerful performances from the actors and good screenwriting. The dialogue is smart and interesting, really letting us get a glimpse of what was going on in the mind behind Apple. Michael Fassbender was amazing in this role, he successfully managed to portray a character who can be hated but pitied at the same time for the way he treats those around him. He knows his worth and he never lets those around him forget about it, pushing them aside at the same time. Kate Winslet was also really good in her role of advisor, coworker, moral support and confident of Steve, who has been besides him the whole time.

All in all, I enjoyed this movie more that I thought I would, mainly because of the choice of presenting the story, relying on emotionally charged sequences before important product launches during his career, as well as smart dialogue and powerful performances. 

The diary of a teenage girl

The diary of a teenage girl, written and directed by Marielle Heller is a refreshing coming of age movie based in the 70s about a 15 year old girl at the edge of womanhood, discovering her sexuality by firstly getting involved with her mother's boyfriend, starring Bel Powley, Alexander Skarskard and Kristen Wiig. I was really looking forward to see this movie, as I've seen critics praise it, but it actually exceeded my expectations. It targets a smart young audience, but it does not limit itself to that.

Bel Powley's character, Minnie is the main focus, however the two other supporting actors steal the spotlight in their own way. At first, Minnie comes off as a naive teenager whose main purpose is to feel that she is wanted by a man. She gets involved in a toxic relationship with her mother's young boyfriend behind her back, confusing his hedonistic desires for her with love, only to find out that life is not as easy as she thought it would be. Her mother is of no help either, as she is absent and blind to what her daughter is going through, while being busy denying her age by partying and doing drugs (which I think can be understandable for that decade). Alexander Skarsgard's character, Monroe is a vulnerable, sad man who manipulates both of them for his own pleasure, regardless of the consequences. In the end, the coming of age theme serves its purpose, as Minnie comes to her own mature understanding of the world, after a series of troubling events.

I like how the movie avoids the cliches present in this genre of movies and is able to stand on its own feet, with original ideas and well rounded characters. The plot is interesting and the cinematography is beautiful, giving a sense of nostalgia throughout the whole movie. The soundtrack is mostly absent, however this is not a problem, because it works like that just fine. The acting is really good and Bel Powley manages to create a good chemistry with all the characters.

Also, the movie has some cool quotes which really stuck with me like the following two:

"Everything is so loveless and mediocre"

"I always thought I wanted to be exactly like my mom. But she thinks she needs a man to be happy. I don't."

Sisters

Sisters is a comedy movie directed by Jason Moore, both produced and starring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as (you guessed it) sisters who reunite after hearing that their parents decided to sell their childhood house and decide to throw one last party there.

I love this duo of Amy and Tina so much, from their series in which they starred (Parks and rec.; 30 rock), to their hilarious jokes while hosting the Golden Globes twice in a row and both their books (Bossypants by Tina and Yes please by Amy). The two of them have amazing chemistry together and are super funny.

The movie was really fun to watch, I really enjoyed it, with many laughs and a cool supporting cast. It doesn't have a profound, deep life message or anything like that, but you gotta watch it for the acting, jokes and chemistry of the two leading ladies. The characters portrayed by them are a little bit one dimensional, as Fey is the cool party animal who had a lot of fun in collage but now is a mess and Poehler is the opposite, the helpful, not so popular in collage sister who now has a good career and stability, but this actually works for the film, as you don't need too much backstory, it's not that kind of movie.

The first act I would say is better than the second one, because in the second part, the movie gets a little bit to crazy, with gratuitous vulgarity and exaggerated jokes.

All in all, I would recommend this movie because you shouldn't miss a film in which both of them act together, it's a treat with many smart funny jokes and witty remarks.