"Me Before You" Review (***)

Sam Claflin and Emilia Clarke star in "Me Before You."

Director Thea Sharrock's film adaptation of Jojo Moye's 2012 best-selling novel doesn't quite meet the expectations that its textual counterpart set. The simultaneous depth and quirk that filled up every inch of the novel's two primary characters, Louisa and Will, didn't translate between the two mediums. Where the novel was round, the film was flat, and truly it's as simple as that. That's my primary critique. It's not a bad movie, it's really not. Jojo Moyes adapted her own work and included just enough to capture the essence of the plot and also created characters substantial enough to carry the weight—both emotional and physical—of the story. Despite the disparity between the two mediums, however, it's unarguable that this movie will be a 2016 hit. Sam Claflin as the handsome but ruthless quadriplegic Will Traynor, and Emilia Clarke as the effervescent, hopelessly-optimistic caretaker are perfect. They're mesmerizing on screen, and the chemistry could spark a fire even on the mistiest of nights. They're stunning and they make their acting, particularly the emotionally straining scenes, effortless and right. They're genuine and endearing. Additionally, Emilia Clark has, uncontestably, the most expressive eyebrows in Hollywood.

Georgia Film Critics Association Announces 2015 Nominees

"Mad Max: Fury Road" and "Sicario" lead the pack; "Ex Machina," "Room," "Spotlight" land multiple nominations.

The Georgia Film Critics Association turns 5-years-old this year and has released the nominees for the last year in film. "Mad Max: Fury Road" leads the pack with 7 nominations. "Sicario" landed 6, with "Spotlight" and "Room" each getting 5. "Carol," "Ex Machina" and "The Martian" all earned 4 nominations.

Some surprises include "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" landing a sole nomination for Best Picture, "The End of the Tour" being honored for Jason Segel and Adapted Screenplay, director Ryan Coogler landing a Best Director nod without "Creed" getting nominated for Best Picture and Rose Byrne showing up in the Best Supporting Actress race for "Spy."

Documentary nominee "The Look of Silence" was also nominated for Best Foreign Film. A voting tie results in the GAFCA's first ever list of 7 nominees for Best Actress. Steven Spielberg's "Bridge of Spies" earned 3 nominations, as did "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

Georgia-lensed "Furious 7" was nominated for Best Original Song. The Oglethorpe Award for Excellence in Georgia Cinema will be announced with the winners list on Friday. A shortlist of considered films is expected to be released as well.

Several of these films were found on the Georgia film festival circuit this year. "Frame by Frame," "I'll See You in My Dreams," and "Love & Mercy" all played at the Atlanta Film Festival. "45 Years," "Amy," "Anomalisa," "Best of Enemies," "Brooklyn," "Frame by Frame," "The Hunting Ground," "Room," "Son of Saul," "Spotlight" and "Youth" all played at the Savannah Film Festival. Additionally, "Frame by Frame" played at the Macon Film Festival.

Winners will be announced on Friday, January 8th. Check out the full list of nominees after the jump.

The Goods: 20 Should-Be Oscar Contenders from 2015

The year is over. A lot of films have come and gone, but a few managed to stick in our heads for perhaps longer than we expected. Will these titles and their stars pop-up on the Academy's list in a couple weeks? Probably not, but maybe they should! 

We have compiled 20 should-be contenders this awards season. Some of them might surprise you! Who do you think should be in the conversation? Check out our list and leave a comment.

Review: "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" (****½)

Thomas Mann and Olivia Cooke star in "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl."

An adaptation of the same-titled novel by Jesse Andrews, “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” is about a self-aware and 'gopher-faced' (his words, not mine) high school senior named Greg (Thomas Mann) who is forced, per his mother’s request, to hang out with Rachel (Olivia Cooke), a classmate who could barely be called an acquaintance, once she’s been diagnosed with cancer. And the result of that first, initial, forced hang-out is… well, it’s magic. And Alfonso Gomez-Rejon’s direction is risky and wild and perfectly on point. He creates a world you want to live in and characters you want to believe in.