The Golden Apple Awards: The 2015 Season

    2015 seemed to be the year of big budgets and even bigger stars-- from the rise of Ultron, the swarming of raptors, and the flight of the Mockingjay-- we have seen the rise of the popcorn movie once again. All the more reason to hand off this Golden Apple to a now infamous comedy that was sorrowfully overlooked during the Golden Globes... I mean, seriously, who decided that The Martian was a comedy anyway? And, let me point out, it's our first time awarding an apple in this genre! But let's face it; this particular movie is a bit hard to ignore. We mean that in the best way possible, of course.
                                                           ~  Spoiler Alert! ~




And, the Golden Apple goes to...

Trainwreck

Release Date: July 17th

Rating: R

     As I once outlined in my summer preview, not enough can be said for how groundbreaking this rom-com really is. In true, Judd Apatow style (with a screenplay by Ms. Schumer herself), this comedic nugget offers a glimpse into the love lives of adults everywhere.... and it isn't pretty, folks. With a slight tinge of raunchiness, they prove that we may not be as sophisticated and mature as we sometimes think we are. Because, let's face it, life isn't made up of a bunch of Sex and the City-esque cliches. 

Neither is Amy Schumer for that matter! This potty-mouthed protagonist is every bit the wreck that the title implies. Yet, she provides all the observations about love (or sometimes the lack thereof) that many of us women save for our most intimate girlfriends. Sprinkle in a touch of Bill Hader's quirky charm, and we have the recipe for a romantic duo we didn't even know we needed! 

"I want to puke on us!"

Their so adorably well paired, in fact, that they reminded me of that one couple we all love to hate... come on, be honest, you know what I'm talking about. But still, this film pushed back against all the stereotypes that make rom-coms so annoyingly predictable; as evidenced by that one, big fight that has come to define the genre. I won't go into what was said or how the characters bridged that gap between their differences; leading to the inevitable happy ending. You really should just enjoy that little nugget for yourself. I promise you won't be disappointed. 

In a nutshell, this hilarious comedy brought the laughs in a big way; without sacrificing all the social commentary that we have come to expect from a Judd Apatow comedy... with a hearty dash of Amy Schumer! If you're looking for the anti rom-com, then don't miss this movie! However, be aware: it isn't for the faint of heart! 

A Throwback to Summer: The 2015 Movie Guide

     It's everyone's favorite time of year; as the smell of number two pencils and back-to-school commercials penetrate the mild days of August...ruining our summer buzz in the process. Let's face facts, muses, your days of freedom are officially numbered. If you don't believe me, head to Walmart. That neon arrow beckons.

     As these long days draw to a close, however, what a better way to combat the onslaught of torture than to relive this season's greatest hits? Below, you'll find 4 top summer films picked out by yours truly. Enjoy!
   

Jurassic World

Release Date: June 12th

Rating: PG-13

     I can't think of a better place to start than with this juggernaut of the Summer Movie world. It stomped it's way to the top of the heap, making a record breaking $208.8 million in it's first few days! However, bags of cash does not a good movie make. It pretty much followed the tried and true formula that made the original so breathtaking: big CGI dinosaurs? Check. Handsome leading man? Double check. Lots of running and screaming? Duh... I mean... triple check. No groundbreaking plot twists here. Although, this fangirl did have to admit: this flick did offer up a heavy dosage of nostalgia. This movie brought me back to my 7-year-old self who first stared in awe at the big screen as dinosaurs ruled the earth once again... and kick started my life long obsession with the world of cinema to begin with. Was it the best movie on this list? Not by a long shot. But damn... those Raptors were pretty bad ass. 

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Release Date: May 1st

Rating: PG-13

      This mega-hit-action-thrill-ride pretty much conquered the early summer box office. Literally falling just behind the above named dino-flick. Now, seeing as I did draft a review, I'll be brief. This latest installment was a huge improvement on it's 2012 predecessor, proving that not all sequels are complete crap. David Spader was delightful, as was Ultron by default. And the 3D was well done for a change (unlike the view-finder-esque stylings of Jurassic World). Yes, there was some controversy, highlighted by #WheresNatasha campaign. But, all in all, this sequel solidified it's ranking as a fun-loving joy ride of a film. 

Trainwreck

Release Date: July 17th

Rating: R

     Perhaps one of my favorite movies on this list, and a vehicle for Amy Schumer's career, not enough can be said for how groundbreaking this comedy truly is. Gone are the rom-com stereotypes of movies past. The solution: this wisecracking, often swearing, and heavy drinking protagonist. Is she the train wreck that the title suggests? Hell yes! But you'll love her none-the-less. Most likely for voicing all those love life rants that we're all too afraid to admit to in public. Director Judd Apatow perfectly melds hilarious raunchiness with real-life insights about how we grown ups interact-- not only with our sex partners, but with our family members and friends as well. If you're looking for the anti-romantic comedy, then Ms. Amy is your girl. But, be warned: this comedy is NOT for the faint of heart! 

Spy

Release Date: June 5th

Rating: R

     We girls have to stick together! That seems to be the overall message of this hilarious, and surprising comedic offering. Starring Melissa McCarthy as the often overlooked Susan Cooper; and a host of other familiar faces of Bridesmaids fame, it begins as just another slapstick comedy that brings the laughs in a big way. Probably one of the funniest movies on this list, it offers a female driven vehicle in a very male-dominated genre. With The Man From U.N.C.L.E being released later this week, this movie's observations on Bond-esque cinema will seriously make you snort soda out of your nose. Besides the humor, it was pretty awesome to see McCarthy kick some serious ass... in heels no less. Want to know more? Read my full review here.