For the Artsy Type - Inside Llewyn Davis

I had the fortunate opportunity to attend an advanced screening of the Coen brothers latest project, Inside Llewyn Davis. This film officially comes out December 20. If you are a Coen brothers fan, then you'll love this one. If not, be prepared for a different viewing experience from all those blockbusters.

Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) is a young struggling folk singer in 1961 Greenwich Village, dealing with every possible life crisis. From unexpected pregnancies and the death of his musical partner  to an inability to find work and losing a cat, Davis just can't seem to catch a break. I found myself wanting him to overcome it all as he went to great lengths to fix his and others' problems, sometimes with success, but mostly with mixed results.

What I loved most about it was the acting, especially during the scenes of Davis' performances. Isaac (also from action flicks such as Sucker Punch) makes me root for his character, even though he is really a moody, stubborn, lazy artist. I must also applaud Carey Mulligan, playing temperamental Jean, who played pissed off really well. John Goodman and Justin Timberlake are a couple other faces you will recognize.

The music in this film is absolutely beautiful, though. Probably the best soundtrack I've heard from a film in a very long time. Of course it's folk music, but the scenes where Davis performs his work is just breathtaking. He plays his whole song in the scene, which seems a bit long-winded. But I was entranced and followed him into his own world where I could see he really felt something behind each lyric. If you don't see the movie, at least give the soundtrack a listen.

Even though I have only seen a couple of the duo's projects, I immediate sensed picked up on their usual bag of tricks - long periods of no dialogue, dry humor, and a vague plot line - right away. Their cinematography is gorgeous throughout the film. But the Coen duo usually films in a more artistic style, away from the Hollywood blockbuster formula.

So I reiterate that this film will take more patience to grasp and understand than the other holiday movies coming out. But that is not necessarily a bad thing.

About Time: Feel Good Movie of My Year

Hello, fellow "Moobie" fans! Need a pick-me-up kind of film? About Time, starring Domhall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams, is the film you need.

I agreed to see this film as part of my roommates' bonding night, thinking it would be a cheesy Rom/Com to compliment our girls' night out. But this film transforms that lovey-dovey formula into a two-hour life lesson and heart-string jerker.

The film follows the life of lanky, awkward, yet endearing Tim (Gleeson) in his pursuit for a girlfriend. As if he was not awkward enough, his dad also reveals the family secret that all the men have the ability to travel back in time and relive moments of their lives. Sounds vague, but trust me, there are rules and consequences to this power, and they actually make sense.

This secret gives Tim the empowerment he needs to pursue the love of his life, Mary (McAdams). Mary is equally awkward and endearing, easily embarrassed but flattered by Tim's romantic inclinations. I couldn't help but love their chemistry and awkward, but hilarious, moments. You could tell they were truly equals meant to be together, and everyone in the theater was rooting for them.

About Time is much more than love story. The dry British humor and awkwardness--I keep using this word, but it's oh so appropriate here--makes up some of the funniest moments, like when Tim sleeps with Mary for the first time and travels back several times to impress her more and more each time in bed. I am a fan of British humor, but I am aware that is not everyone's cup of tea.

But the movie's impact lies in its emotional moments. Tim is able to revisit times in his life, using his super power, but has to make tough choices for himself and his loved ones. Even though I would like to travel back in time, Tim reminded me that changing certain moments does not always make life better. And then I thought of the moments and people in my life I skimmed over or did not appreciate as much as I should have. Life is messy, but Tim and Mary show that all those times, good or bad, are special. You are definitely going to leave this film asking yourself a few questions about your own life and happiness.

I left the theater with a joyful tear in my eye, feeling ready to take on life's craziness. If you are going to see this, ready the tissues, not for any sad tears, but happy ones :')