Happy Christmas: Movie Review

A look at the line between immaturity and maturity with charming characters.

Happy Christmas is an oddly mature look at immature people as they approach a happy time in people’s lives – Christmas. Kelly (Melanie Lynskey) and Jeff (Joe Swanberg) is a happily married couple with a young baby. Jeff’s younger sister, Jenny (Anna Kendrick), just went through a break-up and is coming to stay with them in Chicago. She isn’t particularly happy, but she does have a certain happy-go-lucky nature to her.		2014 Directed by: Joe Swanberg Screenplay by: Joe Swanberg Starring: Anna Kendrick, Melanie Lynskey

Let's Be Cops: Movie Review

Funnier pretending to be cops than actually being cops.

After they confuse a masquerade party for a costume party, Ryan (Jake Johnson) and Justin (Damon Wayans Jr) realize that fun can be had when dressed up as cops and they decide, Let’s Be Cops. They are two 30-year-old guys who are struggling with their place in life whether they realize it or not (Justin does, Ryan does not) so pretending to be cops is a great way to pass some time. Pretending is the best part and neither the film nor its lead guys know when to stop.		2014 Directed by: Luke Greenfield Screenplay by: Luke Greenfield, Nicholas Thomas Starring: Jake Johnson, Damon Wayans Jr.

Begin Again: Movie Review

Straddles the line between indie and Hollywood well; delivering a feel-good, enjoyable story.

Begin Again features a young, formerly idealistic singer-songwriter ready to abandon her dream in New York City and an older, completely cynical indie music exec ready to abandon the abandonment of his dream. Keira Knightley plays singer-songwriter Greta, alone in New York City after her boyfriend made it big and abandoned her. Mark Ruffalo plays Dan, in the midst of drinking his life and career away just for the fun of it.		2013 Directed by: John Carney Screenplay by: John Carney Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Keira Knightley