The perfectly planned lies of the psychopath Amy Hull suggests a sense of insecurities for a wife that has a decent life, but she does not realize it. Most wives in films immediately start conflict. There are many characters from David Fincher films that are similar to Amy Hull. In this movie, it is Rosamund Pike as the psychopath wife. Creative demented, with over-exaggerated feelings, she is dangerous and no doubt wants her husband Nick Hull (Ben Affleck) to suffer.

The adaptations of Fincher have been what captivated me by his mystery flicks. I know that he had the author Gillian Flynn adapted her novel into a screenplay for Fincher. However, Flynn made a small change with the ending of the screenplay compared to the novel. The screenplay has a different ending in order for the readers of the novel to keep interested in the film adaptation. Also, it is a way to prevent spoilers.

The plot: it is the fifth wedding anniversary for Nick and Amy. All of a sudden, Amy has gone missing. The authorities and the rise of the media can cause Nick’s reputation to be negative. Nick has lies, deceits, and unexplained behavior with everyone assuming that Nick killed his wife.

The plot had my full attention. Before “Gone Girl” opened I watched his two previous films before “Gone Girl.” They were “The Social Network” and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” Fincher has great cinematography with both of these movies as he does with “Gone Girl.” His cinematography creates a sense of darkness, yet it is extremely inviting.

The puzzle to Amy’s disappearance is contorted. The evidence of Amy vanishing does not add up to if Nick is a killer or not. Apparently, there is no body for proof that Nick killed her.

Authorities find many clues realizing that Nick and Amy have had relationship problems. Most of it comes down to their insufficient funds, Amy’s diary (which contains information that is monstrous and bizarre), and just the fact that Nick is oblivious to what Amy does when she has down time.

The missing comes down to two more people involved in regards to Nick and Amy. Tyler Perry and Neil Patrick Harris. Perry is Tanner Bolt (a lawyer for Nick), and Harris is Desi Collings (someone that was in a relationship with Amy at one point). With Bolt’s help of Nick’s situation, Colling’s is a shady man who is on Amy’s side and will not reveal much to Nick the past where he once dated Amy. These two characters (Bolt and Collings) can lead to truths that are ugly.

Overall, “Gone Girl” was tremendous. It was spellbinding, inviting, I did not want the movie to end. The premise is chilling and you will be desperate to find out the truth of Amy’s disappearance. Four stars.

With Craig Johnson’s “The Skeleton Twins,” I do not know how to describe this film. Heartfelt and dramatic, may sound proper; for a brother and sister that struggle to stay close. Both siblings have messed up; the brother and sister chooses aggravating aspects to use as something to pick on each other with. In the end, I see this as something common, I remember times where my sister and I had disagreements, and we still do from time to time, but we’re still close as always.

I walked in thinking that this movie would be a comedy, but it is the complete opposite of that. It is a major melodrama. What it does have though…is funny actors. First, Bill Hader is wonderful, he lights up the film. Kristen Wigg as the female lead has never been better. Luke Wilson is quirky as his own self, but plays the part well. Finally, Ty Burrell is great, even though he is just a supporting role. Most of these actors are known for comedies, even though “The Skeleton Twins” is a drama, all of the actors are spectacle.

The film focuses on the life of two twins Maggie and Milo (Wigg and Hader) after ten years of being out of touch. Coincidentally, they both attempt suicide on the same day. This mistake on them leads them to reunite and figure out what has caused the drama in their life to occur. When the twins spend a few days together, they come to realize that to continue with better lives is to establish their own relationship together as brother and sister.

What I loved about this movie is that I can relate to it. All siblings have these moments of struggling to get along. Regardless of how much siblings love or hate each other, Maggie and Milo have some serious issues. You cannot help but become involved in what causes them to admit to their struggles.

Finally, I love how in this film, that it is touching. Without spoiling it, there are a variety of times where you think that Maggie and Milo are going to be like best pals. they do in a few instances, and that brings you to the joyful world of Maggie and Milo.

“The Skeleton Twins” is a dark comedy with some laughs, but is melancholy. If you want an honest film about the life of siblings, this is no doubt the right one.

Being a fan of Jason Bateman (primarily because of his hit show “Arrested Development”), I saw “This Is Where I Leave You” and had mixed emotions as I walked out of the theatre. The film is advertised as a comedy, and with complete honesty its not a comedy. It has some laughing moments but is a dark comedy. Which means it has funny portions but then later towards the climax there is no happy resolution. To be honest that works for me because it is nice to see Bateman and the other big name celebrity Tina Fey do a film that is actually serious instead of the goal being to make people laugh.

The movie has many evidence of why the family is dysfunctional. There are four grown siblings and they are Judd Altman (Bateman), Wendy Altman (Fey), Philip Altman (Adam Driver), and Paul Altman (Corey Stoll). All of them have their own issues in their adult life and all of a sudden their father dies. For a week, they need to live under the same roof together in honor of their father. They are forced to by their quirky mother Hilary Altman (Jane Fonda).

As said earlier, all of the siblings have their own issues. These siblings all together for a week leads to tons of other confrontational matters that just shows how life goes with family sometimes. The confrontations will make you want to keep your attention on the movie and not want to turn back.

What I did actually enjoy about this movie is that it is heartfelt. We all face our challenges with our families. Regardless of out of control matters can get in our lives, The Altman’s are probably the most disoriented family you will watch. You will laugh at some of their encounters and cry with some of their encounters.

Finally, the film has decent acting. I like how all of the characters did not break character and kept the tone of the film to be serious. There are numerous times when you think that something good is going to happen, but then later it is generally something negative. That is what keeps your attention to the fullest.

Overall, it is basically a drama with a mix of problems but funny moments rolled up into one. If you want a film that is serious, “This Is Where I Leave You” is worth a viewing. I did not love it. I enjoyed it, but I am up and down about watching it again.

Two and a half stars.