MOVIE BLOG
~"Everything I learned, I learned from the movies." - Audrey Hepburn~
I can honestly say that without film, without the stories that have impacted me and that I hold so dear to my heart, I would not be the person I am today. I truly think the right movies can shape lives. Whether they lift you up, make you cry, make you angry, or make you excited, the fact that they can make an audience feel anything at all is just plain magic. To be able to widen people's horizons through film, to enter their minds and then stay there is a gift. Sometimes a shot or a single frame will make me literally catch my breath. The right movie can make me feel nostalgic for things that I’ve never even experienced -- unless maybe in a different lifetime. It’s as if certain aspects of film can transcend all levels of the human condition, and it’s something I think my whole life, that I’ve wanted to be a part of. Below are a list of some of my favorite movies. In a way, you are getting to know me through the films and stories that have shaped me. What a beautiful way to get to know someone.
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CaTCH ME IF YOu CAN
Based on a true story, this movie tells the story of Frank Abagnale Jr., who in the sixties between the ages of 15 and 21 conned his way to over a million dollars - by faking checks. He assumed under 8 identities, including a pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer. Carl Hanratty, the FBI agent assigned to Frank's case tracks him for years on end, only to discover that Frank might not be such a bad guy after all. A wonderful genre breaking movie that is both chase and drama, suspense and heartfelt; A beautiful movie of action, romance, mystery, emotion, and a fantastic ending (not to spoil it) this is definitely in my top 10.
Starring: Leonardo Dicaprio, Tom Hanks, Amy Adams
Directed By: Steven Spielberg
Running Time: 141 minutes
THE BREAKFAST CLUB
This one kinda goes without saying, the epitome of classic 80's movies, this would pave the way for many more to come. Nevertheless it is obviously worth including. When 5 unlikely high school students all get detention on the same Saturday morning, they have trouble getting along. Insults and even some punches are thrown, until eventually the students learn to put their differences aside. The realize that when you take way all the labels, we are more alike than we are different. A realistic, but heartfelt movie that is timeless - um yes please.
Starring: Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson
Directed by: John Hughes
Running Time: 97 minutes
SHUTTER ISLAND
A haunting psychological thriller will leave you thinking for days. Taking place in 1954, federal marshal Teddy Daniels and his new partner Chuck Aule arrive on Shutter Island, a treatment facility outside of Boston for the criminally insane, to search for an escaped murderess - but they get there to find something isn't right. People are lying and leaving out something important - and only Teddy knows it. As stakes get higher and Teddy begins to feel like he's losing his mind a twist you won't see coming will leave you speechless for years. One of my favorite genres with amazing acting and a story you truly have to pay attention to.
Starring: Leonardo Dicaprio, Mark Ruffalo
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Running time: 138 minutes
THE NOTEBOOK
A classic in the realms of romance and chick-flicks. This list would not be complete without this movie. Truly moving and takes you straight to the root of love, loss, and love again. The movie tells the love story of Noah and Allie in the 1940s. They have to overcome society, Allie's parents, and even a comfortable future to be together. The story is told through a story book - though possibly a memory. Beautifully told and beautifully comes full circle, the Notebook is the quintessential tearjerker. Based on the book by Nicholas Sparks, everyone should enjoy this movie.
Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling
Directed by: Nick Cassavetes
Running time: 124 minutes
The Perks of being a wallflower
Charlie, a boy beginning high school, has some demons haunting him. He's been through a lot more than the average teenager - and doesn't even know about some of it yet. Charlie meets two unlikely friends, Patrick and Sam, two quirky and fun-loving seniors who welcome him with open arms - no questions asked. As Charlie and the people he loves navigate the water of high school: drugs, sex, music, friendship, angst, belonging, car rides, and heartbreak, they learn countless lessons and most importantly, they find the love they deserve. Beautifully shot, written, adapted, and acted, this is the perfect movie to resonate with anyone who is growing up.
Starring: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller
Directed by: Stephen Chbosky
Running time: 103 minutes
The Sixth Sense
A psychological thriller meets horror with a legendary storyline put together makes one of my favorite movies of all time. Malcolm Crowe, child psychologist, is specialized in dealing with very troubled and disturbed youth. Cole Sear, a nine year old whose case is similiar to a man who attempted to murder Crowe, is no exception. As Crowe digs deeper into Cole's case and helping him realize his full potential, he slowly is seeing his own life slip away. An amazing movie and a couple scares that will leave you in awe forever - definitely worth the watch.
Starring: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment
Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan
Running time: 107 minutes
Me and Earl and the Dying girl
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, is an almost perfect adaptation of the book. The film tells the story of Greg Gaines, his best friend Earl (although he never explicitly says "friend") and the dying girl Rachel, who he only befriends because his mom wants him to. Equally hilarious as it is touching - never will you laugh so hard and cry so hard at a single movie. This movie is profound and a diamond in the rough. It doesn't try hard to sugar coat or gloss over issues or make a lesson out of something. Whatever the movie does though, is more than enough. Without a doubt this is in my top 10.
Starring: Olivia Cooke, Thomas Mann, RJ Cyler
Directed by: Alfonso Gomez-Rejon
Running time: 104 minutes
The outsiders
The outsiders
In a classic coming of age tale, Ponyboy, along with his ragtag group of friends and brothers the Greasers, learn lessons the hard way. Through great directing, acting, and breakout roles for many of this century's greatest actors, the movie is a beautiful and heartbreaking reflection on loss of innocence and growing up. One of my favorite films of the 80's, your hearts will go out to every character. Whether it be sweet, young Johnny, fiery and rebellious Dally, handsome Sodapop, or funny Two-Bit, you will find yourself on a journey with each one of them, Stay gold Ponyboy.
Starring: C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio, Tom Cruise
Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
Running time: 114 minutes
Lady Bird
In perhaps my favorite coming of age tale of all time, self-proclaimed "Lady-Bird" must navigate adolescence, friends, boys and her relationship with her mother. With stellar acting and writing, this movie will tug at your heartstrings and take you back in time to the early 2000s. With amazing newcomers such as the hilarious Beanie Feldstein and the dreamy Timothee Chalamet, as well as breathtaking performances from seasoned vets like Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf, this is a dream of movie. Presented like a memory, the movie is both nostalgic and heartwarming. Greta Gerwig at her best.
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Lucas Hedges
Directed by: Greta Gerwig
Running time: 95 minutes
Before Sunrise
A beautiful and moving love story follows Jesse and Celine, from America and France, respectively, who meet on a train and embark on a night of adventure and scintillating, profound conversation. With more emphasis on poignant writing than plot, this film quite literally took my breath away. Following two strangers and their leap to lovers, the movie is incredibly philosophical and memorable. The characters are as relatable as they are wise and thoughtful This stunning film is likely to make you believe in not only love at first sight, but also in the power of true emotional and intellectual intimacy.
Starring: Ethan Hawk, Julie Delpy
Directed by: Richard Linklater
Running time: 105 minutes
Lost in Translation
Lost in Translation is a stunning and heart-wrenching film that follows two lost souls and their search for meaningful connection. Against the backdrop of an awe-inspiring, (although for the two American protagonists, quite alienating) Japan, the story follows a washed up actor and a young, forgotten wife as they meet and unite in their shared pain. With incredible cinematography and performances, and a consistently melancholy, yet hopeful tone, this film is a masterpiece.
Starring: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson
Directed by: Sofia Coppola
Running time: 102 minutes
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless mind
A psychedelic and enchanting film takes on the age-old question: is it better to love and lost than to never have loved at all? Following the compelling, and beautifully portrayed, Clementine and Joel, the movie takes a non-linear and dream-like approach at presenting their love-story and its eventual unravelling. After their painful break-up, Clementine ops to have all memories of their relationship erased and Joel soon follows suit. With intricate plotting and award-worthy performances, this film is as meaningful as it is stunning.
Starring: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Mark Ruffalo
Directed by: Michael Gondry
Running time: 110 minutes
Frances Ha
A beautiful adult coming of age story about a lost young woman and her search for fulfillment, Frances Ha is likely to pull on heartstrings and bring a smile to your face. Equally humorous and meaningful, this was a movie that immediately felt like coming home. Both comforting and lighthearted, the film is complete with incredibly well-written dialogue and a compelling performances. The beginning of the power team that is Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, this is a must watch.
Starring: Greta Gerwig, Adam Driver
Directed by: Noah Baumbach
Running time: 95 minutes
The Godfather
Known as arguably the best film of all time, The Godfather is an absolute must watch. Complete with stellar performances, a gripping storyline, and beautiful, ahead of its time filmmaking, this celebration of family, loyalty, and Italian culture is a masterpiece. Don Corleone, the kingpin of a large and successful mafia family must soon pass down the keys to the kingdom. Although his son Michael has done everything he can to escape the family business, he will soon find that some things are written in stone. Incredibly written and acted, it is worth noting that this is my Sicilian father's all time favorite movie.
Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Diane Keaton
Directed by: Frances Ford Coppola
Running time: 175 minutes