Palo Alto

Director: Gia Coppola Writers: Gia Coppola, James Franco Stars: Emma Roberts (April), Nat Wolff (Fred), Jack Kilmer (Teddy), Val Kilmer (Stewart), Chris Messina (Mitch) Palo Alto is based on a book of the same name written by James Franco and released in 2010. Whereas the book was a collection of separate short stories, the movie tells a more cohesive story of a group of teens as they interact with one another. The main focus of the film is April, a shy and virginal soccer star. There's a mutual interest between her and Teddy, but both are too shy to do anything. Instead, she receives advances from her older soccer coach and teacher, Mr. B (Franco). Teddy, meanwhile, spends much of his time with Fred, who is impulsive and dangerous; though Teddy has to deal with his own legal issues. Fred spends his own time away from Teddy cavorting with, and ultimately embarrassing Emily (Zoe Levin), the girl who's become the school slut. While neither is great, the film greatly improves upon some of the weaknesses in the book. It tones down the shock value (a bit) and feels more cohesive.

Mini soundtrack:

Devonté Hynes - "Palo Alto"
Blood Orange - "You're Not Good Enough"

This Is the End

Directors: Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen Writers: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Jason Stone Stars: James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Emma Watson, Rihanna This Is the End takes place in a slightly-altered version of the world that we currently live in. James Franco, played by himself, is hosting an epic party with some of the hottest young celebrities (i.e. Rihanna, Emma Watson, Mindy Kaling, Channing Tatum) in attendance. During the festivities, the party-goers notice a disturbance outside and venture to see what's going on. As you could guess, it's the end of the world and a massive hole opens in Franco's yard, swallowing most of the guests. The people left are those you see in the poster. They must cope with a lack of resources, a thieving Emma Watson, a horny demon and, most of all, each other. While, on the surface, it seems kind of corny, it's actually a very well-done film and one that I greatly enjoyed (despite James Franco's presence).

Mini soundtrack:

Pulp - "Disco 2000"
Cults - "Go Outside"
of Montreal - "Spiteful Intervention"