Captain America: The Winter Solider (2014)

So, Steve Rogers comes back after being frozen in ice, to a completely new, modern world where he faces adjustment, the prospect of dating, and battling with a new enemy of course. The cast continues to set the standards high with both Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson effortlessly playing their parts as Captain America and Black Widow. Similarly, Anthony Mackie as Falcon is introduced, bouncing off Chris without any bother. The plot itself is, expectantly, not quite as good as the first, at times feeling slightly rushed, however it's pretty similar to the expected standard of recent Marvel movies, being easy enough to watch and relate to on a basic level.

Divergent (2014)

After hearing a lot of good things about this series, with a fair few 'Hunger Games' comparisons, I thought I'd give it a go, starting with the books, which I really enjoyed. Knowing that no movie can ever compare to the book, they gave it a pretty good shot. Shailene Woodley has been going from strength to strength with her choices and is a perfect fit for Tris, mastering her Divergent personality. It's a shame however to see some of the deleted scenes that failed to make it, particularly Peter's revenge scene.

In general, it's preferable to read any book before watching the film, however, I think to really grasp an understanding of the film and to enjoy it, its pretty much vital to have read the book. I think that without, it's difficult to appreciate each character.

It's a series worth reading, and hopefully with the first film laying down the basics, the next four films will similarly be worth the watch, and can make up for the lack of detail explored.

Her

When I first heard what this film was about a while back, essentially a man falling in love with a computer, even despite other people's high recommendations and positive reviews, I instinctively lowered my expectation and put myself off seeing it until now. I'm so thrilled that I finally worked up the courage to watch it though, as not only has it proven to be entertaining, earning itself a few laughs, but more importantly, an emotionally captivating experience. There is little else you need to know about the plot of the film, other than that it is set in the future, where technology has advanced to the point at which it can develop beyond its creators.

Joaquin Phoenix portrays Theodore, a soon to be divorced writer, and does an amazing job at drawing the audience in to actually feel the emotional roller coaster he goes through. On top of this, the cinematography is beautifully captured and whilst, admittedly, the plot is not for everyone, the engineering behind it all genuinely makes it worthy of seeing.

In Your Eyes

In your eyes is a film about two individuals, leading different lives that develop the ability to speak to one another as well as see, hear and smell what the other is experiencing. That said, it is a unique indie film that holds a lot of talent. Both Zoe Kazan and Michael Stahl-David do an incredible job at making this film almost believable and create a genuine connection.

The ending to a certain extent is slightly rushed in comparison to the rest of the film, however overall this does not spoil the romantic feel of the film which proves to be a different, easy to watch and brilliantly executed film.

The To Do List

Set in the 90's this is a comical teen, slightly cheesy and predictable romance film. The film revolves around Brandy, who believes that she needs to have more sexual experience before going to college, and so decides to write a list of 'things' to 'do' and complete it before she leaves.

There are several awkward scenes, especially if you're watching with other people, but that being said, it is a genuinely funny film and differs from from the more modern forms of comedy with its classic wit. Although, it does come across as a film that is appreciated for the era more so than its content.

The Fault in Our Stars

This adaptation from John Green's book tells the story of a young girl with cancer who is forced to attend a support group where she meets Augustus Walters. Whilst being a tragic romance story, the important message it attempts to get across,  particularly to teenagers, is that despite imminent death, we should value life.

It's a film that had me on the edge of tears pretty much throughout although did slightly fail to deliver towards the end. There are significant parts missing from the book, such as the personal life and past relationships of Augustus and not enough screen time of his best friend. Despite this, and considering that it is impossible to fit a book into a film, this adaptation has been one of the best I've seen in a long time. It manages to capture the emotional journey of Hazel whilst touching on the often delicate subject of cancer.

The Kings of Summer

This is a super cute coming of age film about two best friends, and another random boy named Biaggio thrown it, who decide to leave their homes to live out in the woods after building their own house.

It's got an awesome message for youths, that things don't always work out the way you imagine them, and how it's important to accept that sometimes, but it does so with a pretty witty script. It portrays young teenage boys well and is one of those easy-going, lazy sunday films, that definitely cheered my day up.